Lu Ling watched the two children playing not far away with a gentle gaze and a tone of earnest curiosity: “Ye Chen, I have a question, and it might be a bit presumptuous. With your capability and vision, you could easily find a job that society views as much more decent and successful. Why did you specifically choose your current lifestyle, such as delivering food?”
Ye Chen did not answer immediately. Following Lu Ling’s line of sight toward Ye Xi, who was playing, her gaze softened slightly, and after two quiet, silent moments, she spoke slowly with a remarkably peaceful tone: “In the eyes of outsiders, this is just an errand-running, manual labor job. But to me, it is a lifestyle I chose myself. It is my way of experiencing this world and accompanying my daughter as she grows up.”
She turned her head to look at Lu Ling with a clean, calm gaze, completely free of inferiority or awkwardness: “The greatest advantage of this job is freedom. Freedom of time means I can accompany Xi Xi to school activities and today’s camping trip at any moment. Freedom of location means I can run through every street in this city, getting familiar with every blade of grass and tree here, without being trapped in the cubicles of an office building every single day.”
“Moreover, I want Xi Xi to understand that jobs do not have noble or humble statuses. Earning money with your own hands is worthy of respect. She watches me go out to work every day, deal with all kinds of people, resolve various unexpected situations, and steadily deliver meals to people even on rainy days. These real-life experiences can never be taught by school textbooks.”
Ye Chen paused, a hint of soft warmth entering her tone: “More importantly, we have accumulated many exclusive memories. We have watched the pre-dawn wind and the late-night stars together, helped strangers find directions along the road, and chased after lost little cats and dogs. To others, this city is just a city; to us, it is a home full of stories everywhere.”
“Success as defined by others is status and decency, but what I want is peace of mind and the stability of having my family by my side. I chose the latter because I want to accompany her properly, watch her grow up slowly, and see the world together.”
Having said that, she glanced back at her daughter not far away, her mindset realistic, clear-headed, and completely devoid of anxiety: “I know that delivering food can give her a free and happy childhood, but it cannot guarantee her a hundred-percent secure future. I have also tried looking for more stable, decent jobs and other paths. But after weighing my options, while she is still young, I still want to spend more time with her. As for what the future holds, we will figure it out later.”
Lu Ling listened quietly and nodded gently.
Ye Chen’s lucidity and clarity made her genuinely admire her, while also making her start doubting her own parenting style for the very first time. She gently bit her lip and fell into deep thought, the shallow dimples on both sides of her cheeks fluctuating slightly with her train of thought.
Recovering her senses and looking at Ye Chen’s neat yet somewhat solitary back, she hesitated for a moment before asking out loud: “May I ask another presumptuous question… Are you raising your child alone?”
At that moment, Ye Chen was arranging meat skewers on the grill while the charcoal crackled. Without stopping her hands, she raised her eyes to look at Lu Ling and answered very directly: “Yes.”
She casually flipped a skewer, her tone as calm as if discussing everyday trivia: “I don’t like men, and Xi Xi is a test-tube baby.”
The water cup in Lu Ling’s hand jerked violently, almost splashing out half the water.
She had already mentally prepared herself, expecting to hear common answers like divorce or widowhood, and had even figured out how to respond gently, avoid the other person’s pain points, and anticipate that the other person might counter with “How about you?” After all, in high-society social circles, being a single mother is always a topic that requires careful avoidance or subtle probing. Yet she never expected Ye Chen to state something so private in such a straightforward, open manner.
Ye Chen’s candor was so direct and open that it made Lu Ling’s habitual speculation and cautiousness appear utterly redundant, leaving her inexplicably embarrassed.
However, Ye Chen made nothing of it, as if she had merely spoken casually about an ordinary triviality. She picked up a perfectly grilled meat skewer and handed it to Lu Ling: “Try it and see if it suits your taste.”
Only when her fingertips touched the warm bamboo stick did Lu Ling snap back to reality. Looking at Ye Chen’s calm and composed profile amidst the heat of the charcoal fire, a myriad of emotions washed over Lu Ling, including shock, admiration, and, more than anything, a deep touch from this ultimate authenticity. This woman lived a life that was simple, clear-headed, and incomparably strong.
Ye Chen continued grilling the skewers unhurriedly, occasionally raising her head to check on the safety of the two children. This seemingly ordinary camping trip gradually changed through their quiet observation and mutual closeness.
A shout came from not far away. The little girl was pulling a first-aid kit out of her small backpack, while Lu’er stood nearby, holding up a small finger that had been grazed.
“Mom!”
Seeing the familiar first-aid kit, a trace of doting smiles rippled in the corners of Ye Chen’s eyes as she bantered from afar: “Got scraped and bumped again? Don’t get worked up over small wounds, just pat a bit of saliva on it and it will be fine.”
Lu Ling burst out laughing on the spot. She truly did not expect that Ye Chen, who was normally calm, composed, and dependable in everything, could also have such a down-to-earth and somewhat cute side.
Xi Xi immediately retorted with an entirely serious expression: “Mom! Stop spouting unreliable theories! It’s not me who got hurt, Lu’er’s hand got scratched by grass!”
Hearing that Lu’er was injured, the joking smile vanished instantly from Ye Chen’s face, and she immediately stood up and walked over. Lu Ling hurried to follow as well.
Crouching down, she gently lifted Lu’er’s small hand to inspect it carefully. Xi Xi operated with exceptional familiarity, taking out an iodophor cotton swab herself to disinfect the wound, and earnestly applied a flower-patterned band-aid to her best friend, maintaining an orderly process throughout.
“Alright, it’s fine. Be a bit more careful when running and jumping next time.” Ye Chen’s tone softened significantly, carrying a natural gentleness meant to soothe.
Looking at her band-aided finger and gazing up at the gentle Ye Chen, Lu’er could no longer hide her overflowing fondness, saying in her sweet, childish voice: “I like Auntie Ye so much, and I really want you to be my mom.”
As soon as these words were uttered, Xi Xi instantly bristled, tightening her small face with absolute seriousness: “Lu’er! I treat you as my best friend and help you treat your wound, and yet you want to steal my mom!”
After saying that, she deliberately let out a tiny, soft huff.
Lu’er smiled sweetly and reasoned with utmost earnestness: “I’m not stealing her, because we can share! If my mom and your mom get together, then both of us will have two moms, which would be so wonderful!”
Hearing this, Xi Xi actually propped her chin in her hand and thought about it earnestly for two full seconds, her expression looking very much like that sounded quite reasonable.
Lu Ling, who happened to walk close by just in time to hear this childish remark, felt her cheeks burn instantly and her heartbeat lose its rhythm. She looked at Ye Chen awkwardly, wishing she could find a place to hide.
Ye Chen was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter, amused by the innocent idea of the two children as her shoulders trembled slightly. She reached out to gently ruffle the little ones’ heads, her gaze bright with amusement: “You two little ones aren’t even that big, yet you’re already learning to play matchmaker?”
Skillfully packing away the first-aid kit, she smoothly changed the subject to gracefully defuse the awkwardness: “Go wash your hands quickly, since the barbecue will get cold if we leave it any longer.”
Ye Chen’s calm and collected attitude made Lu Ling’s panic seem somewhat superfluous instead. Taking a deep breath to suppress the ripples in her heart, she gently instructed her daughter: “Listen to your aunt and go wash your hands quickly.”
The two children scampered gigantically toward the water’s edge, leaving only the two of them behind. Darting her eyes away, Lu Ling spoke with slight awkwardness: “The kids were just babbling nonsense, so please don’t take it to heart.”
Ye Chen turned her head to look at her, her gaze brushing lightly over Lu Ling’s slightly blushing ears. A fleeting trace of an extremely faint smile flashed across her eyes, so fast it was almost impossible to catch, while her tone remained plain and natural: “Kids just say things casually. It’s fine and quite cute.”
She paused, smoothly passing over the moment and adding: “The meat will get tough if we don’t eat it now, so eat up.”
She did not dwell on the joke nor deliberately tease her, quietly providing Lu Ling with a graceful way out.
Yet those few seconds of runaway heartbeats, burning cheeks, and Ye Chen’s rare, relaxed laughter had all quietly settled inside Lu Ling’s heart, taking root and sprouting in secret.
After lunch, the weather turned out to be just right. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting scattered, moving patches of light onto the ground.
Without letting everyone idle around, Ye Chen simply led Lu Ling and the two children to explore the surroundings, casually introducing various small wilderness survival facts.
Pointing at the flora and vegetation along the path, she told them which plants could be used for emergency water extraction and which ones must never be touched. Then, listening to the bird calls in the forest, she briefly distinguished the movements indicated by different birdsong.
These nature-oriented little facts were completely fresh to Lu’er, who had grown up in the city. The little girl’s eyes lit up with wonder as she realized that so many interesting details were hidden within nature.
Time flew by, and the sky slowly warmed into a darker hue, bathing the entire forest in a gentle orange glow.
Preparing to start a fire, Ye Chen bypassed a regular lighter and directly pulled out a professional outdoor magnesium rod.
“Watch closely.”
She said this to Lu’er, who had crowded over to watch curiously, and quickly scraped the magnesium rod with a small knife.
With a swift swish, fine, dazzling sparks instantly flared up, landing precisely on the tinder and igniting it steadily.
“Wow, so cool!” Lu’er could not help exclaiming with eyes full of envy.
Watching with great interest from the side, Lu Ling couldn’t help laughing: “Making a fire this way is actually quite interesting.”
As night fell completely, the bonfire in the center of the camp burned with a cozy warmth.
Pulling out a camping iron plate like a magician, Ye Chen preheated and flattened it, then placed the pre-marinated steaks with their beautiful snowflake marbling onto it.
Sizzle.
The fats boiled instantly, and an intense meaty aroma burst out, filling the entire campsite.
With practiced movements, she flipped the steaks unhurriedly and precisely controlled the heat, searing each side to a gorgeous, crispy finish that locked in the juices.
Once cooked and served onto warm plates, accompanied by refreshing fruit juice she had mixed on the spot using a portable cup, everyone praised the simple wild dinner repeatedly.
Holding her cup of juice with sparkling eyes, Lu’er exclaimed: “I never knew camping could have food this lavish and delicious!”
Dinner concluded, and the bonfire crackled merrily while the atmosphere grew exceptionally comfortable and relaxed.
Xi Xi brought over a wooden acoustic guitar, which Ye Chen casually took and held in her arms, gently plucking the strings to test the sound until a few clean, bright notes drifted out.
“Auntie Ye is amazing!” Lu’er whispered in admiration.
Lu Ling was also slightly stunned.
She had always assumed Ye Chen’s strength manifested purely in her life skills, manual dexterity, and calmness during crises, never expecting her to possess such a gentle, literary side.
Ye Chen and her daughter exchanged a smile, their fingertips descending to pluck a brisk, pleasant folk melody. Holding a tiny ukulele, Xi Xi obediently and harmoniously joined in the ensemble.
The firelight fell upon Ye Chen’s drooping eyelashes, diluting the cool aloofness she usually carried and making her whole demeanor indescribably gentle.
Lu’er swayed her body gently to the rhythm with pure, unadulterated joy.
Quietly watching Ye Chen’s plucking fingers, Lu Ling listened to the gentle guitar notes blending with the evening breeze and bird songs. The nerves that remained tightly strung year-round in the workplace and business world finally relaxed completely.
Her heart felt soft, stirred by an indescribable, light, and subtle flutter that rippled outward with the melody.
The tune ended, and the lingering echoes gradually dissipated into the evening breeze. Lu’er clapped her small hands, her eyes shining with uncontainable adoration as her voice carried deep admiration: “Auntie Ye is so amazing.”
Smiling, Ye Chen ruffled her hair and placed the guitar on her lap. Xi Xi glanced at her mother, and upon receiving a nod from Ye Chen, stood up and said to Lu’er: “Come on, I’ll teach you how to set up a sleeping bag.”
With her eyes lighting up, Lu’er answered earnestly and expectantly: “Okay!”
She stood up, naturally and gently grabbed Lu Ling’s hand, and looked up: “Mom, you should come too.”
Lu Ling paused slightly before curving the corners of her mouth, holding her daughter’s hand and following the two children into the neighboring tent.
The warm yellow light turned on inside the tent as Xi Xi squatted on the moisture-proof mat, earnestly demonstrating to Lu’er: “First, lay the sleeping bag flat, align the bottom, and then use your palm to push slowly from bottom to top to gather the air inside so that the sleeping bag will fluff up and keep you warm when you sleep in it at night.”
Kneeling nearby and watching intently, Lu’er clumsily mimicked her movements and traced the motions: “Is this right?”
“Right, and then fold both sides in so the wind won’t leak through.”
Sitting at the tent entrance, Lu Ling watched Xi Xi’s earnest teaching posture, noting that though she herself was just a child, she taught with proper poise, patience, and meticulous care. A smile curved automatically at the corners of Lu Ling’s mouth, carrying a gentle warmth in her eyes. Without making a sound to interrupt, she watched quietly for a moment, then stood up gently, zipped up the tent flap, and turned back toward the bonfire.
Ye Chen was still sitting in the same spot, holding the guitar in her arms with her head lowered as her fingertips gently plucked the strings.
A clear, resonant melody flowed from her fingertips, carrying the unique charm of classical rhythm, exceptionally clear and touching in the quiet night. She played with deep absorption, her voice soft as if casually humming to herself, yet every rolling finger technique and vibrato was clean and crisp.
Lu Ling’s footsteps paused slightly.
(OS: This song…)
It was the interlude from “Song of the Pipa.” That melody, with which she had once been intimately familiar, now flowed undefended from Ye Chen’s fingertips like a gentle breeze, softly brushing into her ears. Standing in place, her fingertips curled involuntarily, and somewhere deep inside her heart felt lightly touched, stirring up concentric ripples. That melody summoned distant memories, specifically fuzzy fragments carrying warmth and light and shadow that quietly emerged in the night.
Remaining silent, she simply watched the person bowing her head to pluck the strings, and after several seconds, quietly stepped closer to sit down right beside her.
Lu Ling sat quietly without interrupting, simply listening as that familiar melody flowed between the bonfire and starlight. The firelight flickered across Ye Chen’s drooping eyelashes, subduing her usual sharpness and rendering her entire demeanor infinitely gentle.
As the final note fell, the lingering sound faded into the night. Raising her head, Ye Chen discovered that Lu Ling had already seated herself beside her at some point.
She paused slightly, then set the guitar down and pointed upward at the night sky, gesturing for Lu Ling to look up.
Following her gaze upward, Lu Ling was instantly stunned.
The night sky, far away from urban light pollution, was incomparably clean, blanketed densely with stars while the Milky Way spanned the entire dark night like a faint ribbon of light, both magnificent and serene. This was a sight she had never witnessed in the bustling downtown area.
Slowly pulling back her gaze, she directed her focus back to Ye Chen beside her. The other person was also quietly gazing at the starry sky, her profile rendered exceptionally soft by the starlight, her eyes clean and pure, brimming with relaxation and love for nature.
Watching her, the subtle flutter deep inside Lu Ling’s heart grew clearer and clearer.