Chapter 49

When she drove away from the horse farm, Rong Ci had no idea where to go.

Chu Zilan and Yu Moxun had their own matters to attend to.

She wanted to return to the Rong household, but if Feng Jingxin wasn’t there, going alone would only worry Grandma…

As she thought this, she passed a wetland park and saw many couples camping with their children, or young people bringing their parents out to relax.

Seeing their loving marriages and harmonious families, Rong Ci’s eyes unconsciously revealed faint envy—and bitterness.

After driving a distance, Rong Ci suddenly pulled over by the roadside.

She picked up her phone, hesitated for a long while, then finally made a call.

When the call connected, she asked: “Director, hello, how is my mother doing now?”

An hour and a half later.

Yihe Sanatorium.

Rong Ci stood in the courtyard, staring at Rong Yingsheng, seated on a chair nearby—dull-eyed, emaciated, unrecognizable from the vibrant, beautiful woman she remembered from childhood. Even though she had long grown accustomed to this state, her heart still could not settle.

After a while, the director spoke softly: “Same as always. No change.”

Rong Yingsheng cannot interact with people from her past, or she will descend into another bout of madness.

Her mind is rare in its calmness; Rong Ci does not dare, and does not want, to disturb her.

After standing for a while, fearing Rong Yingsheng might notice her, she left the courtyard.

Only after walking farther did she speak to the director and the staff caring for Rong Yingsheng: “Thank you for taking care of my mother.”

“Miss Rong, you’re too kind. It’s our duty.”

Rong Ci gazed at Rong Yingsheng through the glass window for a while longer, placed down the books and supplies she had bought for her, then left the sanatorium.

She had left the sanatorium, but her heart remained heavy.

On the way back, as she passed the wetland park again, Rong Ci saw the sky filled with kites, turned the car around, and drove inside.

A gentle breeze brushed her face, the sunlight was perfect, and the scenery was pleasant.

But everyone had come in pairs; she stood alone, out of place.

She stood before a stall, wondering whether to buy a kite, when suddenly a small hand grasped her finger and tugged.

“Auntie.”

Rong Ci turned at the sound, surprised: “Shandan?”

Shandan nodded lightly, her small hand still holding Rong Ci’s finger.

“Shandan—”

He Zhangbai approached, saw Rong Ci, and fell silent. After a pause, he walked over: “You came here too?”

“Mm.”

“Did you bring Jingxin with you?”

Rong Ci lowered her gaze, speaking coolly: “No. I came alone.”

Hearing this, He Zhangbai seemed to understand something, and fell silent for a moment.

Rong Ci thought she and He Zhangbai weren’t close, and was about to leave, when Shandan looked up at her and said: “Auntie, let’s fly the kite together.”

Rong Ci refused: “No, Auntie has things to do.”

Shandan looked disappointed: “Oh…”

He Zhangbai said: “Come on, we’re only two people too.”

As if sensing her thoughts, he added: “I’ll just watch from afar. I won’t interfere. Think of me as just giving Shandan another playmate.”

Rong Ci truly liked Shandan.

And…

She really didn’t want to be alone right now.

Hearing this, she didn’t refuse.

She and Shandan picked out a kite together—a blue butterfly they both liked.

Rong Ci had flown kites many times before, when taking Feng Jingxin on outings.

She was quite experienced.

But this kite they bought was too large, and Shandan was still small; the two of them struggled to handle it.

He Zhangbai walked over and silently helped her.

The kite flew successfully, and both Rong Ci and Shandan burst into smiles.

Watching Rong Ci’s smile, He Zhangbai’s gaze darkened.

Rong Ci noticed his stare and asked, puzzled: “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Rong Ci didn’t press further. She took Shandan farther away; He Zhangbai stayed nearby, watching—true to his word, he didn’t join in.

When they grew tired of flying kites, Rong Ci and Shandan sat by the lake fishing, or crouched beside a vendor’s small pond watching the swimming fish, then scooped them up with tiny nets.

Soon it was noon.

He Zhangbai had only planned to take Shandan out for a walk; they hadn’t brought food like others. Now that it was lunchtime and Shandan was hungry, he suggested eating at a nearby small restaurant.

Rong Ci had relaxed for one or two hours; her mood had improved greatly, and she accepted He Zhangbai’s suggestion.

During the meal, Rong Ci mostly chatted with Shandan.

Seeing how happily they got along, He Zhangbai didn’t force himself into their conversation, but quietly moved the dishes they liked closer to them.

Rong Ci was absorbed in talking to Shandan and didn’t notice.

After a while, He Zhangbai’s phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, he told Rong Ci: “I’ll take this call.”

Rong Ci: “Okay.”

The call was from Qi Yuming.

He Zhangbai walked farther away before answering: “What is it?”

“Where are you? Have you eaten? A friend just sent me some fresh seafood—want to come over and have some? Tingshen and the others will be there too.”

He Zhangbai glanced at Rong Ci and Shandan, then replied coolly: “We’re eating. Maybe next time.”

“Any plans tonight? There’s a yacht party here. Tingshen and the others confirmed they’re coming. Why don’t you bring your little niece? We haven’t really met her yet—this would be a good chance to introduce her.”

He Zhangbai refused: “She’s shy. There’ll be too many people on the yacht. I’m afraid she’ll feel uncomfortable.”

“No problem—Jingxin will be there too. They’re the same age; they’ll get along fine.” Before he could refuse again, he added: “It’s settled. Seven o’clock. Don’t forget.”

With that, Qi Yuming hung up first.

He Zhangbai: “...”

After eating, Rong Ci and Shandan chased butterflies and rode bicycles until they were both exhausted.

Shandan fell asleep from tiredness.

Rong Ci also wanted to go home and rest, so she drove off.

He Zhangbai watched her car leave, then departed shortly after.

Soon after, Shandan woke up, didn’t see Rong Ci, and frowned: “Where’s Auntie?”

“She went home.”

Shandan looked disappointed: “Oh…”

At seven that evening, He Zhangbai boarded the yacht.

Feng Tingshen and the others had already arrived.

Seeing him, Qi Yuming waved over.

Spotting Shandan, Qi Yuming smiled first: “This must be the little Miss Shandan. Hello, little beauty—I’m Uncle Qi, a friend of your uncle’s…”

There were many people on the yacht; Shandan was indeed shy.

After Qi Yuming introduced himself, Lin Wu came over, holding Feng Jingxin’s hand.

He Zhangbai paused upon seeing them.

Hearing that Shandan was shy, Feng Jingxin finished her introduction, then extended her hand: “There are lots of children over there. Would you like to come play with me?”

Shandan glanced at He Zhangbai; after he nodded, she gathered her courage and followed Feng Jingxin.

Once the two children walked away, Qi Yuming grinned: “First time being a dad? How’s it feel?”

“Fine.”

His niece might be shy and reserved, but she was well-behaved—he didn’t find it hard to care for her.

Feng Tingshen handed him a glass of wine: “Have some?”