Following Zhong Qing’s plan, Pei Mu stayed home to care for Xiao Yu while also keeping watch in case Xiao An returned unnoticed.
Pei Fu joined the search, visiting nearby neighbors to ask if they had seen him.
Once everything was arranged, Zhong Qing dashed straight to the neighborhood committee.
Ye Fang was startled to see Zhong Qing, sweat pouring down her face.
As the women’s affairs director, Ye Fang had known Zhong Qing’s personality before and hadn’t liked her much.
But after seeing what happened with her own sister, Ye Fang had begun to reconsider Zhong Qing.
Maybe her previous judgment had been unfair.
Now, she was willing to patiently get to know Zhong Qing again.
“Comrade Zhong Qing, what’s the matter? Take your time—whatever I can do to help, I will.”
Zhong Qing took a few gasping breaths before finally speaking.
“Xiao An is missing! Please help organize the neighborhood committee to search for him!”
She tried to think of everyone who could help.
Ye Fang, Ye Guxue, Lin Wenjuan, even the police… and the neighbors Pei Fu had asked—everyone started helping.
Never mind that Zhong Qing was usually disliked; who didn’t care for a child? No one could just stand by.
Despite so many people searching, the sun was nearly setting, and there was still no sign of Xiao An.
“We’ve looked everywhere. Where could he possibly have gone? It’s my fault—I shouldn’t have let him come look for you while you were talking to the teacher!” Lin Wenjuan regretted.
Zhong Qing shook her head, her voice hoarse and strained. “Sister Lin, this isn’t your fault.”
Lin Wenjuan was momentarily speechless.
She had known Zhong Qing for a long time but had never seen her so desperate.
This delicate young lady, who normally couldn’t stand hardship, now had bleeding feet but kept searching stubbornly, saying nothing.
“The sun’s almost down…” Lin Wenjuan fretted.
Zhong Qing’s thoughts were in turmoil.
They had searched the entire residential compound, returned home several times… where else could Xiao An have gone? Which places had she not checked? Where might he possibly be?
Countless questions crowded her mind, until a spark of possibility emerged from old memories.
“I know!”
Zhong Qing lifted her head sharply, her eyes shining, and dashed off in one direction.
Lin Wenjuan hesitated for a moment, instinctively wanting to follow.
But after hours of running, she couldn’t keep up and was gradually left behind, shouting, “Watch your step! Don’t fall!”
Meanwhile, Pei Yanshen had searched nearly everywhere, not even sparing the airport.
Still, there was no sign of Xiao An.
Just as Pei Yanshen was frantically searching, a young woman’s voice suddenly called out.
“Captain Pei, perhaps I can help find Xiao An!”
Pei Yanshen looked up sharply.
The newcomer was a young woman in a military hospital uniform.
Qiao Jiangyue explained, “I’m a doctor recently assigned to the military hospital. I met Xiao An during the children’s health check at the kindergarten and am familiar with him. When I heard he went missing, I thought I might be able to help.”
Pei Yanshen remembered now.
Xiao An had mentioned a doctor sister who treated him kindly. He had also instructed Xiao An not to trouble others.
Children at this age are indeed hard to handle.
“Dr. Qiao, right? Xiao An has mentioned you. Thank you for helping.”
…
Alone on a hilltop, Pei Leyan hugged his knees, silently watching the sun sink.
Being a year older than Xiao Yu, he saw and remembered more.
At the very beginning, their family had briefly experienced warmth.
Because of that, his reaction was so intense.
This hilltop was also where Zhong Qing had brought him before.
Zhong Qing, from Shanghai, had never seen such towering, endless mountains before coming to the northwest. Curious, she had brought Pei Leyan to look.
But Pei Leyan gradually realized Zhong Qing’s brief joy was because she never thought she would stay in the northwest permanently.
She never considered this home.
He had watched her grow increasingly sharp and resentful.
Now… his mother’s harsh words and indifference were slowly overtaking the memory of her early warmth.
“Xiao An!”
Seeing the small figure atop the hill, Zhong Qing’s heart pounded violently. She almost screamed in relief.
She cursed herself for not running faster.
Zhong Qing lunged forward and grabbed Pei Leyan, pulling him from the edge, holding him tightly, trembling with relief.
She didn’t dare think what might have happened if she were even a moment later.
Pei Leyan stared at the anxious Zhong Qing.
Those eyes, once full of resentment and coldness, now brimmed with pure worry and fear.
Mom had found him.
Mom remembered this place.
Zhong Qing anxiously checked him over, asking, “How did you get here? Are you hurt? Cold? Hungry?”
Pei Leyan suddenly snapped back, pushing her away. “Why are you even looking for me? Hypocrite!”
He had heard everything in the office.
She had refused to pay his school fees—how could she care now?
Zhong Qing tried to soothe him. “Xiao An, listen to me—”
But he interrupted.
“I know you never liked me or Xiao Yu. I know you’re going to divorce Dad!”
Sniffling, eyes red, he added:
“I’ve thought it over. I can quit school. My money will go to Xiao Yu. She relies on you so much—you can’t just abandon her!”
He had seen the only thing she had left before leaving home.
Though he couldn’t read all the words yet, he remembered the title.
He also found the same words in the library corner and asked others about it.
He knew that after a divorce, Mom and Dad would have no relation at all.
Mom must have come back for this reason.
Zhong Qing was stunned.
She knew Xiao An was mature for his age, but she hadn’t expected him to know so much.
“Xiao An,” Zhong Qing crouched to meet his eyes. “I’m not leaving. You and your sister will continue school as normal. I’ve taken care of the fees—you don’t need to worry.”
Impossible…
Pei Leyan couldn’t believe these words were coming from her mouth.
Seeing his doubtful gaze, Zhong Qing tried another approach, patiently guiding him. “You said I don’t like you. Would I need to lie to you?”
Maybe… that made sense.
Just as Pei Leyan hesitated, hurried footsteps sounded nearby.