From the sobbing, fragmented words of the little one, Song Xinran learned the whole story of why he had run out.
"At home, I was obedient, didn't run around, was drawing." Song Yu originally spoke more logically compared to children his age, but after all, he was only three years old and had been frightened today, so his words were a bit jumbled.
But Song Xinran understood that he meant after they left, he had been well-behaved at home alone, not running around, and obediently drawing.
Ever since Song Xinran bought him books and picture books, Song Yu had shown great interest in them. Although he had just started learning to recognize characters with Song Xinran and knew only a few, he naturally couldn't read the books yet, but he loved flipping through them and especially enjoyed looking at the pictures with great relish.
Naturally, Song Yu also began drawing on his own.
When it came to drawing, Song Xinran didn't have much to teach him. Her drawing skills were still at an elementary school level—only able to draw a quarter of a red sun in the upper left corner of a drawing pad, simple rolling hills, a small house, a tree in front of the door, and a stick figure.
Although Song Yu was only three years old, he had an extremely rich imagination, and his drawings were diverse in content. He also loved drawing very much.
Song Xinran bought him a box of colored pencils, which Song Yu always treasured. Every time he colored, he did it gently, not wanting to dirty the tips of the markers.
After his mother and aunt left, Song Yu took out his treasured drawing pad and colored pencils, lying on the table by the window in his room to draw.
"Outside, there was someone selling little cakes, so many people…" Song Yu nestled in Song Xinran's arms, his eyes red from crying. He rubbed his eyes, his voice hoarse. "So many children were buying little cakes, the kind you only eat on birthdays."
His eyes ached slightly from the tears, but his face felt warm.
Song Yu had been focused on drawing when he heard the commotion outside the window and grew curious. Holding onto the stool, he slid down from it, ran to the window, stood on his tiptoes, and looked down.
It turned out there was an aunt pushing a cart selling little cakes. Several children, all around his age, were gathered around the cart, handing over money to buy the little cakes.
Song Yu saw the little cakes clearly—they were in paper cups, topped with a flower made of cream, with thick pink and yellow petals. They looked really delicious.
Song Yu twitched his nose, as if he could smell the sweet, milky fragrance of the little cakes. He swallowed his saliva, feeling a bit tempted.
He really wanted to eat a little cake too.
Song Yu had eaten a little cake before—it was when Cai Yang had a birthday, and his uncle bought a cake home.
When his uncle opened the lid, Song Yu stood nearby, staring intently. The cake was so beautiful, colorful, with many flowers on top.
Cai Yang, quick as lightning, reached out a finger and touched it, getting a dollop of cream on his index finger. He put it in his mouth and laughed happily, "So delicious!"
Song Yu had only seen this in cartoons. Unlike other children his age who were often greedy for treats, he couldn't help but want to taste a little, to see if the cake was as delicious as it looked in cartoons.
Cai Yang shouted excitedly, "I'm going to call my good friend over to see!"
Uncle stopped him: "Are you stupid? If you call others over, you have to share! The cake is so expensive, just eat it yourself!"
Cai Yang thought that made sense, but he was a child who loved showing off. Though it was a pity he couldn't brag to his good friends, Song Yu was still nearby. He turned his head and indeed saw Song Yu's longing gaze.
Picking up a bowl with a piece of cake, Cai Yang deliberately waved it in front of Song Yu: "This cake is so sweet. Do you want some?"
Song Yu swallowed hard, nodded slightly, and said in a small voice: "Yes."
Cai Yang burst into laughter, turning the bowl toward himself. He took a big bite, smearing cream all over his mouth: "I won't give you any! It's all mine!"
Song Yu pursed his lips tightly and ran stomping into the room, not wanting to see Cai Yang.
But Cai Yang, being mischievous, chased after Song Yu with the bowl in hand, licking the cake as he ran and laughing loudly: "The cake is so delicious! It's even sweeter and more fragrant than milk candy, so soft it melts in your mouth!"
Song Yu covered his ears and ran swiftly. Though he was small, he was a fast runner and almost managed to shake off Cai Yang.
But then there was a "thud" behind him, followed by Cai Yang's earth-shattering cries.
Song Yu froze for a moment and looked back. Cai Yang had tripped while chasing him, the bowl had shattered, and the cake was smashed into a messy lump. Cai Yang lay on the ground, wailing loudly.
Uncle rushed over, picked Cai Yang up, and scolded: "Serves you right for running around! Just eat your food properly!"
Cai Yang cried and howled: "It's all Song Yu's fault! It's because he ran away!"
Uncle glanced over, strode to Song Yu, and smacked him on the bottom: "Why did you run? Are you happy now that you made your little brother fall?"
Then he comforted Cai Yang: "Don't cry. See, Dad hit him. He won't dare run anymore."
As he spoke, he stuffed a piece of cake into Cai Yang's mouth. Cai Yang, who had been crying vigorously, suddenly tasted sweetness and instinctively chewed. Wiping his tears, he gradually stopped crying.
Uncle brought Cai Yang another bowl with a large piece of cake. Cai Yang, still sniffling, ate it in big mouthfuls while glancing at Song Yu with a smug look: "You're not getting any!"
The cake wasn't big. Cai Yang alone ate half of it, Uncle had a piece, and the remaining piece was given to Aunt.
When Aunt returned and saw the cake, she realized they had already eaten. Scolding them, she divided a small portion for Song Yu.
At that time, Song Yu's bottom still hurt a little, but as he looked at the cake in his hand, the pain seemed to fade. He carefully dipped his finger in the cream to taste it—it was indeed sweet, just as Cai Yang had said, much, much tastier than milk candy!
But the cake was too small, gone after just a few bites. Song Yu licked his lips, took a sip of water, and as he swallowed, it felt as if he could still taste the sweet flavor of the cake.
Cake was a rare treat, only eaten on birthdays—and not his own, only on Cai Yang's birthdays.
Today wasn't anyone's birthday, but Song Yu had seen small cakes for sale. He wanted to eat one and also give some to his mother.
Besides, he had money now!
Hearing the noise outside the window, Song Yu clenched his small fists. He decided he would buy a small cake and go straight home.
He dashed to the cabinet, pulled open the bottom drawer, retrieved his piggy bank, carefully and tenderly extracted a one-yuan note, then hurried downstairs.
Although it was his first time shopping alone, Song Yu felt only slightly nervous. Having helped his mother set up their stall every day, he had watched numerous older kids buy Bobo Chicken and had unconsciously learned how to make purchases.
Arriving at the small cake cart, Song Yu handed over the one-yuan note: "Auntie, I'd like a small cake."
The cake vendor was a very young woman who smiled and asked, "Which one would you like, little one?"
Looking closely, Song Yu realized there were far more varieties of small cakes than he had seen from his window—many flower shapes and colors. After careful consideration, he pointed to one with pink petals: "I want this one, Auntie."
"Alright." The cake auntie handed him the paper cup with the cake and gave him fifty cents in change.
Clutching the small cake in both hands, Song Yu couldn't help but smile. Just as he was about to head home, other children called out to him.
"Are you new here? I've never seen you before." The one who stopped him was a little girl with ear-length bobbed hair, holding a toy gun.
Three other children stood beside her, all around the same age—two boys and one girl—all staring at Song Yu.
Song Yu grew slightly anxious, worried they might try to take his small cake.
Back in the village, many children loved snatching others' belongings, and Song Yu was often their target. Fortunately, he rarely had anything worth stealing, so they usually found nothing to take.
Pursing his lips, Song Yu hid the cake behind his back and tried to run home, but he was intercepted within a few steps.
"Comrades, block him!" At the girl's command, Song Yu found himself surrounded.
He was stunned—even the village children never obeyed Cai Yang this readily.
Song Yu quickly shielded the cake he had bought with fifty cents, watching the approaching girl while scanning his surroundings for an escape route.
After all, breaking out of encirclements was something Song Yu had plenty of practice with.
"Why are you running?" the girl asked.
Song Yu remained silent, though his eyes never stopped darting around.
"Whose child are you?"
Still no response from Song Yu.
"Can't you talk?" the girl asked curiously.
Song Yu maintained his silence.
Suddenly, his cheek was pinched.
He stared in shock as the little girl declared in a grown-up tone, "You're quite cute! You should play with us from now on!"
Song Yu's face flushed with a mix of anger and shyness. He had never played with children his own age before, except for Cai Yang…
But Cai Yang never really enjoyed playing with him—Cai Yang had many friends in the village.
Abandoning his careful search for an escape route, Song Yu turned to flee, but the children quickly gave chase.
"You like chasing games? Then run and we'll chase you!" The girl's voice was brimming with excitement.
When it came to running, however, Song Yu never lost. Especially since moving to town, with daily meals containing meat and eggs, he had gained some weight and improved his physical condition. The pursuing children gradually fell behind.
"Alright, alright! I declare you the winner! Let's take a break!" The girl's panting voice came from not far behind him.
Song Yu stopped in his tracks, feeling a bit pleased upon hearing the mention of being first place—this was the first time he had ever won anything!
He turned around to look back. The little girl was panting, her eyes sparkling: "What other games do you want to play? Since you're new, you get to choose!"
The other children chimed in noisily: "You run so fast!"
"You'd definitely win first place at our kindergarten sports day!"
Song Yu could tell they meant no harm and were even praising him. His furrowed brow relaxed as he tilted his head to look at them, unsure of what to say.
Fortunately, the little girl leading the group stepped forward and asked him, "What's your name?"
"Yuanyuan, you forgot—he can't talk. He's mute!" a little girl behind her reminded.
"I'm not mute," Song Yu said softly.
All the children widened their eyes: "Ah, the mute can talk!"
"Silly, he's not mute!"
"If he's not mute, why didn't he speak earlier?"
But Yuanyuan didn't mind and was even happy: "That's great! Then you can play more games with us. What's your name? Where do you live?"
Song Yu glanced at them, feeling a bit uncomfortable in this situation, and replied softly yet earnestly, "My name is Song Yu. I live at my mom's house."
"My name is Xu Shuyuan!" said the leading little girl. "My nickname is Yuanyuan."
The other three introduced themselves noisily: "I'm Zhou Xue."
"I'm Zhang Xiaoda."
"I'm Zhang Xiaolang."
"Do you still want to play running games?" Yuanyuan asked.
By now, Song Yu understood—they hadn't wanted to take his things; they had wanted to play with him.
Song Yu's face flushed slightly. Back in the village, he had no close friends. The first time he saw Cai Yang leading this group running around and playing, he had thought about joining, but after being rejected, he never brought it up again, though he always felt a bit envious whenever he saw them.
Embarrassed to admit his misunderstanding, he racked his little brain for games they could play. Just as he was about to speak, he looked down and noticed the small cake he had been protecting was ruined—the flower on top had stuck to his clothes, staining the clean fabric with a pink blotch.
Song Yu pouted, wiping at his clothes with his hand. Not only did it not clean up, but the stained area spread, and his hand got dirty too.
Yuanyuan noticed and quickly called to her friends: "His clothes are dirty! Let's help him wash them clean!"
Song Yu looked at her curiously: "Can we wash them clean ourselves?"
Back in the countryside, Song Yu had scrubbed his own clothes, but since moving to town, his mom had been washing them for him, saying he was too young to do it properly.
Yuanyuan nodded firmly: "Of course! Whenever I get dirty, I wash my clothes myself before going home. My parents never scold me!"
Song Yu also wanted to clean his clothes before returning, so he nodded.
The group of children crowded around him as they headed elsewhere, chatting with Song Yu along the way. Song Yu answered each question seriously: "I came to town with my mom. I've been here…" He counted on his fingers but realized he couldn't keep track: "I've been here for a very, very long time."
As they talked, the four children brought Song Yu to a public sink. Yuanyuan turned on the faucet and splashed water on the stained part of his clothes: "Just scrub it, and it'll get clean."
Song Yu scrubbed vigorously. The padded jacket absorbed the water quickly once wet, making the fabric heavier, but the stain didn't come out. Instead, his hands became sticky.
Xiao Da rolled up his sleeves: "I'm strong, let me help you!"
He grabbed Song Yu's clothes and started scrubbing vigorously. Song Yu was pulled off balance, and Xiao Lang quickly steadied him.
Seeing Xiao Da clenching his jaw and putting all his strength into it, Song Yu hurriedly called out: "Stop washing!"
He was afraid his clothes would get ruined—Xiao Da was too strong. But as soon as he spoke, a button popped off and fell to the ground.
Song Yu stared in disbelief: "My clothes…"
Xiao Da quickly picked it up, looking flustered: "Take off your clothes and give them to me. I'll take them home for my mom to sew. She has a sewing machine and is really good at it."
Song Yu pressed his lips together, took the button, and his eyes reddened. This was a new shirt his mom had just bought him, and he had only worn it twice…
The other four children watched him uneasily, especially Xiao Da, who twisted his hands together. He clearly knew he had messed up but didn't know what to do.
Song Yu sniffled and put the button in his pocket: "I'm going home."
The four children quickly said: "We'll go with you!"
They were worried their new friend might be scared off and never play with them again!
Though Song Yu was upset, this was the first time he had friends. He nodded with tears in his eyes, but when he looked down and saw his flowerless cream cake, he felt even worse.
Yuanyuan said anxiously: "Don't cry."
Song Yu felt embarrassed to cry in front of his new friends and replied with a slight sob: "I'm not crying, my eyes just got wet."
"Do you want some cake?" Xiao Da quickly offered his own cake. "Here, have mine!"
Song Yu looked at the half-eaten cake with only part of the cream flower left and felt even sadder. He had spent fifty cents on his cake, and now the flower was gone before he could even taste it.
"Idiot!" Xiao Lang hit him. "There's your saliva all over it!"
"Take mine, I haven't eaten it yet," Xiao Lang offered.
Song Yu glanced at them. They wore matching clothes and looked very similar. He felt a bit confused but shook his head: "No, I want to give the cake to my mom."
Yuanyuan understood immediately: "So you bought the cake for your mom! The cake seller hasn't gone far yet—let's catch up!"
At her command, the children dashed off energetically.
Song Yu was still dazed when someone grabbed his arm and pulled him along.
But the next moment, his arm jerked downward—Xiao Da, who was holding him, hadn't noticed a rock underfoot. He tripped and fell flat on the ground. Fortunately, he was bundled up in thick clothes and only felt a sting in his hand. Just as he was about to cry out, he heard Song Yu, who had been pulled down with him, let out a soft sob. Xiao Da quickly swallowed his own cry.
Song Yu's eyes reddened as he watched the cake he had bought land across the street. His clothes, already damp, were now covered in dirt from the fall.
He stood up, staring at his empty hands, and this time, he couldn't hold back his tears.
"Cake lady, wait for me!" Yuanyuan shouted, running after the seller. She spent all her money to buy four cakes and shoved them all into Song Yu's hands. "Here, take them all. Don't cry—we'll play together again tomorrow!"
Song Yu blinked, receiving such a gift from a child for the first time. His tears receded, but he pushed it back, his voice childish: "No, I have money."
Mom said not to accept things from strangers.
He pulled out the remaining fifty cents from his pocket and bought another cake. This time, he protected it carefully. The other four children, seeing him like this, didn't dare to touch him.
"Does your mom like eating cake?" Yuanyuan asked.
Song Yu said: "Small cakes are delicious, but you can only eat them on birthdays."
"Is it your mom's birthday today?" Xiaoxue asked.
Song Yu shook his head: "I want to give it to mom."
Upon hearing this, Yuanyuan spoke in an adult-like tone: "You're such a good child."
It was the first time Song Yu had received such praise from a child his age. He felt both shy and strange: "I need to go home."
He felt like he had been out for a very, very long time.
Yuanyuan immediately asked: "Will you come out to play tomorrow?"
The other three also looked at him eagerly.
Song Yu felt somewhat happy inside. Although he had lost a button from his new clothes today and his first fifty-cent cake had been ruined, he had made friends. After thinking for a moment, he said: "I'll go home and ask my mom if I can come out."
Yuanyuan gazed at him reluctantly and suggested: "If your mom won't let you out, just roll on the ground and beg her."
Song Yu didn't respond. He would never do such a thing.
Carrying the small cake and escorted by his newly made friends, Song Yu returned home.
He had been quite happy initially, but upon arriving home, he only saw his aunt.
"Auntie," he called, "where's mom?"
But as soon as his aunt saw him, she fired off questions: "Where have you been? Why are you only coming back now? What's that in your hand? Do you know how worried your mom is? If you keep running off like this, your mom won't want you anymore!"
Song Yu froze on the spot, stupidly holding the small cake, his mind blank. Tears instantly fell.
The joy of making new friends vanished in an instant, replaced by overwhelming fear. His hands trembled until he saw his mom return, only then daring to cry out loud.
He would be obedient. He wouldn't run off anymore. He wouldn't go out tomorrow either, wouldn't play with his new friends. Mom mustn't not want him.
Hearing the child's sobs, Song Xinran's heart ached. She reached out to wipe the tears from his face: "Mom would never not want Xiao Yu. Did Xiao Yu forget? Mom went through great efforts, did so much to become Xiao Yu's mom. How could I possibly not want my baby?"
Song Yu's small hands circled her neck, his little face red from crying.
Song Xinran glanced at Song Xinwen, her eyes conveying disapproval. How could she say such things in front of the child?
Song Xinwen also felt flustered, unsure where she had gone wrong. At home, when Cai Yang made mistakes, she would clean up the mess while saying the same things.
Song Xinran stood up, holding the child who was still clinging to her and trembling, and walked toward the table: "Is this the cake Xiao Yu got for mom?"
Song Yu hummed in affirmation: "O-only on birthdays can you e-eat it. The cake."
A precious cake, which was why he had been so eager to buy one when he saw them being sold today.
Song Xinran said: "It looks really delicious. Can Xiao Yu give it to mom to try?"
Song Yu hummed in acknowledgment, extending both hands to lift the cake and present it before Song Xinran. She lowered her head to take a bite, instantly filling her mouth with the taste of vegetable cream.
The texture was cloyingly sweet and somewhat firm.
In her previous life, Song Xinran would never have eaten such a cake—mediocre in flavor and potentially harmful to health if consumed excessively.
Yet now, she only felt the sweetness slide down her throat, filling her chest with warmth and contentment.
"Thank you, Xiao Yu," she said. "For letting Mom taste such a delicious cake."
Song Yu smiled, his slightly swollen eyes crinkling at the corners, his voice hoarse: "It's really delicious."
This was the best thing he had ever eaten before, and he wanted his mother to try it.
Song Xinran held the child's soft body: "Did Xiao Yu make new friends today?"
Song Yu nodded, extending four fingers: "Four."
"Did Xiao Yu arrange to go out and play with them tomorrow?"
Remembering what his aunt had said, Song Yu quickly wrapped his arms around his mother's neck and shook his head: "I won't go out. I'll be good and stay home."
Song Xinran tenderly stroked his head: "Go out and play. Mom has made friends in town and will go out with them too. Mom wants Xiao Yu to have new friends as well."
"No matter where Xiao Yu goes or what he does, Mom will always want Xiao Yu."
Song Yu blinked his slightly sore eyes and softly hummed in acknowledgment.
"Mom will take Xiao Yu for a bath. Did it hurt when you fell today?" Song Xinran asked.
Song Yu shook his head: "I fell on Xiao Da. It didn't hurt me."
He pulled a button from his pocket and said in a small voice: "It fell off."
"It's okay," Song Xinran said gently. "Mom will sew the button back on and wash the clothes clean."
Song Yu handed her the button.
Song Xinran placed him in the bathtub and turned on the shower for hot water.
Song Yu stared at her without blinking. Song Xinran smiled: "What's wrong?"
She squeezed out shampoo, worked it into a lather in her hands, and applied it to Song Yu's head.
Song Yu's hair was dark and soft. Being well-behaved, he knew to close his eyes for hair washing to prevent soap from getting in them.
Seeing his head covered in fluffy white foam, somewhat resembling a little lamb, Song Xinran's voice carried a hint of laughter: "Mom is really happy."
Song Yu tilted his head slightly, eyes still tightly shut, but Song Xinran could understand his confusion from his movement and explained: "Mom is very happy that Xiao Yu has new friends."
In his childish voice, Song Yu said: "Even with new friends, I'll still play with Mom."
Song Xinran understood his meaning – even if he found friends, he wouldn't abandon his mother.
Song Xinran chuckled softly: "Thank you, Xiao Yu, for playing with Mom every day."
Song Yu's face flushed slightly, and he stopped talking with his eyes closed.
After bathing the child, Song Xinran took a shower herself. She had worked up a sweat running out to find Song Yu earlier. When she returned to the room, she found Song Yu clutching the corner of the blanket with both small hands, nervously watching the doorway. Only when he saw her enter did his gaze relax.
"Why aren't you sleeping yet?" Song Xinran said.
"Waiting for Mom."
Song Xinran knew he was still frightened from today. In the past, the original host had to leave the child in their hometown to earn money, and Cai Yongde often said irresponsible things in front of the child, causing Song Yu to feel very insecure. Even if she told Song Yu a hundred times that Mom would never abandon him, he still felt anxious inside.
Song Xinran lifted the blanket – the bed had already been warmed by Song Yu's body heat.
He gently leaned toward Song Xinran, his small hand fumbling under the blanket before timidly grasping her finger. He rested his head against her shoulder and became still.
Song Xinran softly hummed the melody of a lullaby. Song Yu closed his eyes. He had run quite a bit today and experienced significant emotional turmoil, so he was already very tired. He hadn't slept earlier only because she hadn't returned.
This time, he fell asleep within moments.
But Song Xinran remained awake. The room door was knocked softly, followed by Song Xinwen's hushed voice: "Xinran, are you asleep?"
"Not asleep, sis. Come in."
Song Xinwen carefully pushed the door open and entered, still remembering the look Song Xinran had given her earlier. She hesitated before speaking: "Xinran, did I say something wrong today?"
Song Xinran sighed and said directly: "Sis, don't say things like 'your mother doesn't want you' in front of children anymore. Xiao Yu was really scared."
Song Xinwen's lips moved as if she wanted to explain that she hadn't meant it personally against Song Yu.
Song Xinran seemed to understand what she was thinking: "Sis, I know you didn't have any ill intentions, but children are too young. Saying such things to them can have deep and serious consequences. This is one reason why many children grow up distant from their mothers."
Song Xinwen immediately became flustered: "Xinran, I…"
She had never imagined the consequences could be so severe. In rural areas, it wasn't just her family who threatened children this way – every household did it.
"Sis," Song Xinran said, "now that you know, that's what matters. Just don't say such things to Cai Yang either."
"Get some rest early, you must be tired after today."
Song Xinwen left looking utterly dejected. The whole way back, she kept wondering: Could those words really have such a big impact?
Could this be part of why Cai Yang was always disobedient at home?
That night, Song Xinwen tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep properly. She missed her own child.
Meanwhile, at the Cai household, Mother Cai asked Cai Yongde in disbelief: "Xinwen has been gone for half a month already?"
Cai Yongde looked utterly dejected, with dark stubble protruding from his chin and hair matted like strands of black rope. Though his clothes were relatively clean, he had completely lost his vitality.
Cai Yang sat nearby, his clothes wrinkled like pickled vegetables, the cuffs frayed and worn but unchanged. The originally chubby child had noticeably thinned. Hearing his grandmother's question, he blurted out: "Dad won't let Mom come back!"
Mother Cai slapped Cai Yongde's shoulder: "Look what you've done!"
Cai Yongde said irritably: "It's not that I won't let her come back! I went to ask her to return, but she refused!"
"When did you go ask her?" Mother Cai demanded.
Before Cai Yongde could answer, Cai Yang spoke first: "A long, long time ago! A whole year!"
Cai Yang hadn't started school yet and had no concept of days of the week or specific dates. He only knew it had been a very long time. In a child's mind, a year meant a very long time – it must have been a year.
Cai Yongde scolded: "What nonsense are you talking!"
Then he quickly muttered in a low voice: "On the tenth of this month."
Mother Cai calculated quickly and grew anxious: "Such an important matter and you didn't tell me? You've just been waiting at home doing nothing for over ten days? Do you want a divorce?"
Cai Yongde panicked: "I don't want a divorce!"
That thought had never crossed his mind: "I went to find her, but she refused to come back. What could I do…"
Cai Yongde muttered under his breath.
Mother Cai was furious: "You don't want a divorce, but you're not bringing her back either. I don't know what that pig brain of yours is thinking!"
Cai Yongde became displeased: "Why are you blaming me? It's not like I did nothing."
"Tell me in detail why Xinwen would run away from home! She's always been virtuous and managed the household well, and her parents are dead – why would she go to her sister's house?"
Only then did Cai Yongde explain in detail why Song Xinwen had left home.
As soon as she finished listening, Mother Cai slapped him again: "You really didn't use your brain! Xinwen only has Xinran as his younger sister now. Entrusting their child to your family shows how much trust they have in you, and they even give you four hundred in subsidies every month. Even if you're just putting on an act, you should make it convincing. Why did you have to say those things right in front of her sister? Forget Xinwen—even I wouldn't want to come back after hearing that!"
Cai Yongde wiped his face: "Then what should we do now?"
Mother Cai felt utterly exhausted. At her age, she still had to clean up her son's messes.
Cai Yang started crying and fussing beside them: "I want Mommy! I want Mommy!"
Usually, his father wouldn't allow him to cry at home. The moment he made a sound, the stick would come out, so Cai Yang never dared to throw a tantrum. But now, he had found his protector.
Mother Cai's heart ached for her grandson. Patting his back to comfort him, she said: "Don't cry, Yangyang. Grandma will bring your mommy back."
Cai Yongde said awkwardly: "She said she's not coming back."
Mother Cai glared at him: "Just because she said she won't come back, does that mean you can't go plead with her a few more times? Take Yangyang with you. What mother doesn't feel for her own child!"
Cai Yongde hesitated, afraid of being driven away again if he went back to town.
Mother Cai saw right through him: "You still don't want to swallow your pride and humble yourself?"
Cai Yongde stayed silent.
Mother Cai said: "Then have you seen any word from Xinwen these past few days? If you refuse to lower your head, just wait for her to run off for good."
Cai Yongde immediately said: "Mom, didn't you say she can't bear to leave the child?"
Mother Cai stared at him coldly without a word.
Cai Yongde scratched his head: "Fine, fine, I'll go! Alright?"
He was panicking inside. He had never considered divorce before—at most, he thought Song Xinwen would come back after waiting long enough. But Mother Cai's words today had truly shaken him.
No one in their village had ever gotten divorced. How humiliating it would be if he became the first! After all, their family had quite a reputation in the village—they were among the first to build a new house.
Mother Cai said: "If you go, you can't go with that attitude, or Xinwen will be even more determined not to return."
Cai Yongde resigned himself to the worst: "Then what do you want me to do?"
"Speak kindly to her, and apologize to her sister Xinran too. Don't be so petty in the future."
Cai Yongde: "Fine!"
"Grandma, I want to go find Mommy too!" Cai Yang said.
Mother Cai replied: "Of course. We'll take you with us. The moment your mom sees you, she'll hug you and cry, saying how much she missed you."
Cai Yang nodded, never having been so obedient before: "I've missed Mommy all along."
Meanwhile, at Xu Shuyuan's home:
As soon as Father Xu returned, he saw his wife eating cake and was surprised: "Weren't you saying you're on a diet? Why are you eating cake so late?"
Xu Ma gave him a reproachful look: "This cake was brought back by Yuanyuan."
Father Xu was astonished: "Yuanyuan brought something back for us today?"
He looked at the table, where two cupcakes and one empty wrapper remained.
Xu Ma's gaze softened: "Yes. As soon as she came back, she told me she was wishing me an early happy birthday and treating me to birthday cake. See, our daughter remembers my birthday is next month."
Father Xu didn't know what to say. He suspected their daughter probably didn't actually remember—otherwise why so early? Still, the fact that she had thought to bring back little cakes for her parents after going out to have fun today warmed his heart.
His daughter had always been the carefree type who loved going out to have fun without a worry. How had she suddenly turned into such a thoughtful little sweetheart today?
Father Xu took off his uniform and casually handed it over to be hung on the entryway coat rack. He entered the room to glance at his sleeping daughter, feeling even warmer in his heart, then came out and finished the remaining two cakes.
"So sweet! Anything my daughter brings is just different!" he exclaimed while eating.
Xu Ma said, "Yuanyuan came back in high spirits today. She said she made a new friend who bought cakes for her mother, so she bought some for us too. She even mentioned they’ll play together tomorrow."
Hearing this, Father Xu remarked, "This friend is worth keeping! Yuanyuan has become so considerate now—much better than the Zhang family’s twins, who are always running wild outside."
Xu Ma felt too embarrassed to speak up, thinking to herself, Everyone knows it’s our Yuanyuan who leads the other kids in causing mischief.
Father Xu continued, "Making the right friends is crucial for children. Not long ago, our station handled a case that happened precisely because someone fell in with the wrong crowd. As the saying goes, 'He who stays near vermilion gets stained red; he who stays near ink gets stained black.' You must have seen plenty of such examples at school…"
Knowing how he loved quoting classics, Xu Ma turned away to check on Yuanyuan in her room, unwilling to listen to more of his lecturing.