UD: C11

Chapter: 11 | His were completely undiluted, and one hundred percent the genuine highly concentrated product.

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His were completely undiluted, and one hundred percent the genuine highly concentrated product.

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Chapter Pic

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Just as Li Zhi was about to reply, Lee Moli who as opposite of me; threw down an uncoloured Joker card to overpower the Ace played by Li You, interrupting him to say: "Why are you wasting time asking him? Li Tian, Huo Lan will be bringing a young lady over in a little while and we'll all be having lunch here. After that, you can go back home."}
Originally, my plan was to immediately go find Professor Song then rely on my outstanding acting skills to divulge Xiao Huaisu's marital status to her, but while holding the chocolates he had given me in my hands, I suddenly just... felt my heart soften. I also felt a bit sad. Why was I sad? It was because my Prince Charming had fallen so far from grace! I am sad—very sad! But if you were me, and you found out the man you've loved for all these years was actually a piece of scum with not an ounce of morality, wouldn't you shed tears for having come across such a fellow? However, I could fight back these tears of mine, and I would only be sad for a moment thanks to my unwavering resolve.

Just as Li Zhi was about to reply, Lee Moli who as opposite of me; threw down an uncoloured Joker card to overpower the Ace played by Li You, interrupting him to say: "Why are you wasting time asking him? Li Tian, Huo Lan will be bringing a young lady over in a little while and we'll all be having lunch here. After that, you can go back home."

_{—Did you tell Professor Song I was already married?}"What is it?"

—Did you tell Professor Song I was already married?

_{Li You gave me a poised look, inferring it wouldn't be a problem for her. She them motioned for me to come closer with a crooked. So I lowered my ear, to hear her whisper: "I have something to tell you."}
Due to this soft and sad heart beating in me, at that time, I did not expose his secret. So following a few days of hesitation, I decided to employ a more tactful method to expose his scummy behaviour. I came up with this in order to preserve the dignity of them both, but mainly because I wanted that woman to leave him in a dignified manner, and not at all because I had secret motives.

Li You gave me a poised look, inferring it wouldn't be a problem for her. She them motioned for me to come closer with a crooked. So I lowered my ear, to hear her whisper: "I have something to tell you."

_N/A
Having been stuck on this matter all morning, I finally drafted an exposé and emailed it to Professor Song. As for when she would dig through all those confessions sent to her by every Tom, Dick and Harry to discover this letter I penned, well, that matter will be left up to the heavens. It will determine when Xiao Huaisu will meet his just fate.

N/A

_{Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"}N/A

Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"

_{As announced, that afternoon Aunty Huo had arrived with a blind date candidate in tow. The young woman appeared respectable, yet her temperament seemed rather warm.}
After sending the email, I closed my phone then took a deep breath. I left the balcony to head back to the living room where those three were playing fight the landlord.

As announced, that afternoon Aunty Huo had arrived with a blind date candidate in tow. The young woman appeared respectable, yet her temperament seemed rather warm. If I hadn't met Xiao Huaisu earlier, then she would be the type of woman I would've fell for. While looking at the woman sitting on the sofa, I began wondering why I never did consider it. Why did I suddenly abandon soft and gentle women and start liking Xiao Huaisu?

_{Today it seems she brought over a woman to whom, for the first time ever, she didn't first bring up me being a single father out of wedlock or my raising a child on my own, even though I honestly didn't mind when she did.}"Xiao Huaisu, you let me go!" I raised my foot, trying to do a back kick to shake him off me, but he dodged my strike with ease. Why is he acting like this? This isn't like the Xiao Huaisu I knew. He then continued lambasting me: "You're a liar!" After which, he ferociously bit down on my nape.

Today it seems she brought over a woman to whom, for the first time ever, she didn't first bring up me being a single father out of wedlock or my raising a child on my own, even though I honestly didn't mind when she did.

_∽***∼
Seeing me come in, Li Zhi asked: "Have you thought over that thing I told you about last time?"

∽***∼

_{Seeing the contents of the message, my hand instinctively shook. It made me lose my grip on the phone, which then fell onto the carriage floor to give its life heroically for a righteous cause.}
My mind was still hung up on my flatlined romance, so after hearing Li Zhi speak, without thinking, I just spat out: "What thing?"

Seeing the contents of the message, my hand instinctively shook. It made me lose my grip on the phone, which then fell onto the carriage floor to give its life heroically for a righteous cause.

_{Li Zhi was at a loss for words, and Lee Moli remained silent.}
Just as Li Zhi was about to reply, Lee Moli who as opposite of me; threw down an uncoloured Joker card to overpower the Ace played by Li You, interrupting him to say: "Why are you wasting time asking him? Li Tian, Huo Lan will be bringing a young lady over in a little while and we'll all be having lunch here. After that, you can go back home."

Li Zhi was at a loss for words, and Lee Moli remained silent.

_{Hearing this, my next words were deliberate: "Where's your humanity?" While my next statement was directed at Lee Moli: "So you mean that girl was basically tricked by Aunty Huo into coming here, right?"}Surprisingly, he let out a laugh. Suddenly lifting his hand, taking advantage of me not paying attention, to grip my wrist tightly then pinning it behind my back, making me cry out painfully: "Ah! Ow ow ow ow ow! I was wrong, okay! I was wrong!"

Hearing this, my next words were deliberate: "Where's your humanity?" While my next statement was directed at Lee Moli: "So you mean that girl was basically tricked by Aunty Huo into coming here, right?"

_{Originally, my plan was to immediately go find Professor Song then rely on my outstanding acting skills to divulge Xiao Huaisu's marital status to her, but while holding the chocolates he had given me in my hands, I suddenly just..}
Haa... Once I return to my parent's house, I become a human with no rights.

Originally, my plan was to immediately go find Professor Song then rely on my outstanding acting skills to divulge Xiao Huaisu's marital status to her, but while holding the chocolates he had given me in my hands, I suddenly just... felt my heart soften. I also felt a bit sad. Why was I sad? It was because my Prince Charming had fallen so far from grace! I am sad—very sad! But if you were me, and you found out the man you've loved for all these years was actually a piece of scum with not an ounce of morality, wouldn't you shed tears for having come across such a fellow? However, I could fight back these tears of mine, and I would only be sad for a moment thanks to my unwavering resolve.

_{Hearing her, I deliberately put on a shocked and delighted expression, saying excitedly: "Really? Then please do. My apologies in advance for troubling you, Aunty Huo."}The three older folks then busied themselves in the kitchen; leaving Rourou and I alone as we sat facing one another. Being the host, I couldn't ignore my guest, so I offered her some of the chocolate and bonbons Lee Moli had prepared, saying: "Have some sweets."

Hearing her, I deliberately put on a shocked and delighted expression, saying excitedly: "Really? Then please do. My apologies in advance for troubling you, Aunty Huo."

_{After all this, who can dare say to me that life is tedious, or dull, huh? I immediately used the back of my hand to hit a honeycomb coal briquet. You have no idea how to be grateful. Do you have any idea how precious a peaceful life is? Do you?}
Lee Moli had spoken, so what else could Li Zhi say? Therefore the three of them continued to play fight the landlord, while I just continued drowning myself in sorrow.

After all this, who can dare say to me that life is tedious, or dull, huh? I immediately used the back of my hand to hit a honeycomb coal briquet. You have no idea how to be grateful. Do you have any idea how precious a peaceful life is? Do you?

_{It is said scamming dads scam dads, but as the one scammed, I only want to say, that the scammed sons of fathers also must not be few in number! It's very possible that the group of scammed fathers and the group of scammed sons are both equal!}
As announced, that afternoon Aunty Huo had arrived with a blind date candidate in tow. The young woman appeared respectable, yet her temperament seemed rather warm. If I hadn't met Xiao Huaisu earlier, then she would be the type of woman I would've fell for. While looking at the woman sitting on the sofa, I began wondering why I never did consider it. Why did I suddenly abandon soft and gentle women and start liking Xiao Huaisu?

It is said scamming dads scam dads, but as the one scammed, I only want to say, that the scammed sons of fathers also must not be few in number! It's very possible that the group of scammed fathers and the group of scammed sons are both equal!

_{I then asked asked her: "Your name is Rourou, right?"}
I thought about it more and more, yet couldn't come up with any clues. It just seems like there was a single thread reaching deep inside me to an unknown place, and when I laid eyes on him, my heart just couldn't stop itself from thumping frantically. I couldn't help it. It was simply beyond my control.

I then asked asked her: "Your name is Rourou, right?"

_{"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" {What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!}}Li Zhi jumped in to act as the mediator, saying: "You can't say it like that. If she was being intentionally deceived, would we have picked a Sunday to call you over?"

"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!

_{Anyway, after eating the breakfast Lee Moli prepared that morning, and following dropping Li You off at school, I took the bus back to A-University. And while on the way there, I got the following WeChat message from Xiao Huaisu:}
Before Aunty Huo and the young woman came in, Li You went into my bedroom alone. To be honest, I wanted to go to my room with her and watch The Calabash Brothers, Black Cat Detective, or whatever too. But just one look from my mother had forced me into sitting on the sofa, facing the young woman opposite me.

Anyway, after eating the breakfast Lee Moli prepared that morning, and following dropping Li You off at school, I took the bus back to A-University. And while on the way there, I got the following WeChat message from Xiao Huaisu:

_{Having been stuck on this matter all morning, I finally drafted an exposé and emailed it to Professor Song. As for when she would dig through all those confessions sent to her by every Tom, Dick and Harry to discover this letter I penned, well, that matter will be left up to the heavens. It will determine when Xiao Huaisu will meet his just fate.}
Aunty Huo was an earnest Aunty, always feeling that me raising my child on my own and not getting married before others would result in me being destined to a life of bachelordom, and so frequently compared me to her son. She started off by saying: "Tiantian is so good at everything, but a marriage match won't be easy with you raising a child on your own. So just take your time in getting to know one another, yeah? Think of it this way, Tiantian is doing everything so quickly. Soon you'll be graduating with qualifications from a renowned university, so finding a good job will be a given. You already have a child, now all you need is a wife, completely unlike my Zhang Dong, who only knows how to study hard since he was little. I tell him all the time not study so hard and to go chase after someone he likes, but that boy just tells me he simply wants to study seriously at school, and that he has no intention of getting mixed up in those messy situations. Ah, my Zhang Dong is just too stuffy, isn't he? Not one bit as lively as our Tiantian."

Having been stuck on this matter all morning, I finally drafted an exposé and emailed it to Professor Song. As for when she would dig through all those confessions sent to her by every Tom, Dick and Harry to discover this letter I penned, well, that matter will be left up to the heavens. It will determine when Xiao Huaisu will meet his just fate.

_{"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"}
Today it seems she brought over a woman to whom, for the first time ever, she didn't first bring up me being a single father out of wedlock or my raising a child on my own, even though I honestly didn't mind when she did.

"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"

_{After I was done speaking, I saw the disillusionment on their faces. Looking at me, the two realised I was serious, and decided to say nothing more. This move of theirs made me praise myself for my quick wit internally, as I figured this would make them quit pestering me for a little while at least. Haha.}
Lee Moli placed a cup of tea beside the woman, then another by Aunty Huo, replying: "If he can be at least half as well-behaved as Zhang Dong, I wouldn't have to worry so much."

After I was done speaking, I saw the disillusionment on their faces. Looking at me, the two realised I was serious, and decided to say nothing more. This move of theirs made me praise myself for my quick wit internally, as I figured this would make them quit pestering me for a little while at least. Haha.

_{Before Aunty Huo and the young woman came in, Li You went into my bedroom alone. To be honest, I wanted to go to my room with her and watch The Calabash Brothers, Black Cat Detective, or whatever too. But just one look from my mother had forced me into sitting on the sofa, facing the young woman opposite me.}I bolted up from my bed fiercely, instinctively rubbing my neck in the dark. I gasped violently, slowly coming to the realisation it had all been just a dream.

Before Aunty Huo and the young woman came in, Li You went into my bedroom alone. To be honest, I wanted to go to my room with her and watch The Calabash Brothers, Black Cat Detective, or whatever too. But just one look from my mother had forced me into sitting on the sofa, facing the young woman opposite me.

_{Hearing him ask this, my heart my heart leapt to the sky, as I then began to deny: "Nah, I just wanted to drink, and was afraid the old man would find out. If he knew I drank he'd beat the life outta me until I couldn't take care of myself, you know.}
Aunt Huo couldn't help but chuckle, echoing her sentiment: "My Zhang Dong really doesn't make me worry that much. He has even secured a company for his internship, and it's one of the top 500 corporations worldwide." The pride and satisfaction in her words couldn't be hidden.

Hearing him ask this, my heart my heart leapt to the sky, as I then began to deny: "Nah, I just wanted to drink, and was afraid the old man would find out. If he knew I drank he'd beat the life outta me until I couldn't take care of myself, you know. So I just ran to your place to drink a little—in secret. Weren't you happy to drink too? It was a surprise you got drunk before me." Mainly because while my drink was thinned out with equal parts water, his were completely undiluted and one hundred percent the genuine highly concentrated product.

_{Lee Moli stared at the phone in her hand, seeming to feel a bit guilty, before she looked to me the said: "Aunt Huo was the one who suggested we shouldn't tell the woman at first, and for her to naturally find out as you kept meeting one another."}
Lee Moli added: "Well, no wonder you looked so pleased recently. That kid's affairs are basically all set."

Lee Moli stared at the phone in her hand, seeming to feel a bit guilty, before she looked to me the said: "Aunt Huo was the one who suggested we shouldn't tell the woman at first, and for her to naturally find out as you kept meeting one another."

_{—Did you tell Professor Song I was already married?}"Li Tian, after we drank last night, did I... do anything to you?" Xiao Huaisu stood before me, holding his coat in his hands. His gaze was firmly fixed on me, but his expression was however very calm. His voice was indifferent as usual, but only his pupils gave off traces of uncertainty and doubt as the peered down at me.

—Did you tell Professor Song I was already married?

_{Surprisingly, he let out a laugh. Suddenly lifting his hand, taking advantage of me not paying attention, to grip my wrist tightly then pinning it behind my back, making me cry out painfully: "Ah! Ow ow ow ow ow! I was wrong, okay! I was wrong!"}"Huaisu-ge, I was just kidding, alright? Seriously!"

Surprisingly, he let out a laugh. Suddenly lifting his hand, taking advantage of me not paying attention, to grip my wrist tightly then pinning it behind my back, making me cry out painfully: "Ah! Ow ow ow ow ow! I was wrong, okay! I was wrong!"

_{Just because I can't braid properly, you're just going to toss me aside like that? As for the question of Li You's real mother, while stroking her hair gently, I replied: "Can you let me think it over some more and then we'll talk about it again?"}
Now, just as I mentioned earlier, Aunty Huo was a very earnest Aunty, so after hearing what Lee Moli said, she turned to me and asked with zeal: "Tiantian, have you found a company for your internship as yet? If you haven't found one, I can ask my Zhang Dong if his company is still recruiting people."

Just because I can't braid properly, you're just going to toss me aside like that? As for the question of Li You's real mother, while stroking her hair gently, I replied: "Can you let me think it over some more and then we'll talk about it again?"

_{Li You gave me a poised look, inferring it wouldn't be a problem for her. She them motioned for me to come closer with a crooked. So I lowered my ear, to hear her whisper: "I have something to tell you."}"What is it?"

Li You gave me a poised look, inferring it wouldn't be a problem for her. She them motioned for me to come closer with a crooked. So I lowered my ear, to hear her whisper: "I have something to tell you."

_{To which I replied with a laugh: "You all didn't tell her I'm a single father raising a kid, did you?"}Okay, I never expected Li You to ask this, but I still responded with a nod: "Probably." What were the odds of a woman not knowing how to braid?

To which I replied with a laugh: "You all didn't tell her I'm a single father raising a kid, did you?"

_{Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"}
Hearing her, I deliberately put on a shocked and delighted expression, saying excitedly: "Really? Then please do. My apologies in advance for troubling you, Aunty Huo."

Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"

_{Seeing the contents of the message, my hand instinctively shook. It made me lose my grip on the phone, which then fell onto the carriage floor to give its life heroically for a righteous cause.}She confirmed, then clarified: "My full name is Xu Rou."

Seeing the contents of the message, my hand instinctively shook. It made me lose my grip on the phone, which then fell onto the carriage floor to give its life heroically for a righteous cause.

_{After all this, who can dare say to me that life is tedious, or dull, huh? I immediately used the back of my hand to hit a honeycomb coal briquet. {You have no idea how to be grateful. Do you have any idea how precious a peaceful life is? Do you?}}After sending the email, I closed my phone then took a deep breath. I left the balcony to head back to the living room where those three were playing fight the landlord.

After all this, who can dare say to me that life is tedious, or dull, huh? I immediately used the back of my hand to hit a honeycomb coal briquet. You have no idea how to be grateful. Do you have any idea how precious a peaceful life is? Do you?

_{I then asked Li You: "Does that mean you don't have any objections?"}
After hearing my response, her tone changed real quick, as she then tactfully stated: "Oh... But I do need to mention that your chances will be slim. I heard that boy say his company does direct internal recruitments for the most part, and that only a few outstanding candidates from universities are chosen. So I think it'd be best for you to focus on local companies, Tiantian. Even though they may not be as good as my Zhang Dong's, you should try to find a place there to intern at first, then we'll talk about it again, okay? What do you think, Lee Moli?"

I then asked Li You: "Does that mean you don't have any objections?"

_{Aunt Huo couldn't help but chuckle, echoing her sentiment: "My Zhang Dong really doesn't make me worry that much. He has even secured a company for his internship, and it's one of the top 500 corporations worldwide." The pride and satisfaction in her words couldn't be hidden.}
Lee Moli put on a smile then changed the subject: "Alright, alright. How about we leave the young ones alone so they can chat. Tiantian, Rourou, just relax yourselves, don't act like strangers."

Aunt Huo couldn't help but chuckle, echoing her sentiment: "My Zhang Dong really doesn't make me worry that much. He has even secured a company for his internship, and it's one of the top 500 corporations worldwide." The pride and satisfaction in her words couldn't be hidden.

_{After I was done speaking, I saw the disillusionment on their faces. Looking at me, the two realised I was serious, and decided to say nothing more. This move of theirs made me praise myself for my quick wit internally, as I figured this would make them quit pestering me for a little while at least.{ Haha.}}"I'm leaving the day after tomorrow... and do you want me to come back?" His was faint, I almost didn't hear it clearly.

After I was done speaking, I saw the disillusionment on their faces. Looking at me, the two realised I was serious, and decided to say nothing more. This move of theirs made me praise myself for my quick wit internally, as I figured this would make them quit pestering me for a little while at least. Haha.

_{Aunty Huo was an earnest Aunty, always feeling that me raising my child on my own and not getting married before others would result in me being destined to a life of bachelordom, and so frequently compared me to her son. She started off by saying: "Tiantian is so good at everything, but a marriage match won't be easy with you raising a child on your own.}
The three older folks then busied themselves in the kitchen; leaving Rourou and I alone as we sat facing one another. Being the host, I couldn't ignore my guest, so I offered her some of the chocolate and bonbons Lee Moli had prepared, saying: "Have some sweets."

Aunty Huo was an earnest Aunty, always feeling that me raising my child on my own and not getting married before others would result in me being destined to a life of bachelordom, and so frequently compared me to her son. She started off by saying: "Tiantian is so good at everything, but a marriage match won't be easy with you raising a child on your own. So just take your time in getting to know one another, yeah? Think of it this way, Tiantian is doing everything so quickly. Soon you'll be graduating with qualifications from a renowned university, so finding a good job will be a given. You already have a child, now all you need is a wife, completely unlike my Zhang Dong, who only knows how to study hard since he was little. I tell him all the time not study so hard and to go chase after someone he likes, but that boy just tells me he simply wants to study seriously at school, and that he has no intention of getting mixed up in those messy situations. Ah, my Zhang Dong is just too stuffy, isn't he? Not one bit as lively as our Tiantian."

_{"Fine. Anyway, wasn't there something you planned on telling me last night?"}
Rourou's skin was pale, so when she blushed, it was particularly easy to see. She was just so shy, so much so, she even made me feel a bit bashful. With a hum of approval, she reached out to take a piece of chocolate.

"Fine. Anyway, wasn't there something you planned on telling me last night?"

_∽***∼
I then asked asked her: "Your name is Rourou, right?"

∽***∼

_{Li Zhi jumped in to act as the mediator, saying: "You can't say it like that. If she was being intentionally deceived, would we have picked a Sunday to call you over?"}N/A

Li Zhi jumped in to act as the mediator, saying: "You can't say it like that. If she was being intentionally deceived, would we have picked a Sunday to call you over?"

_{Lee Moli put on a smile then changed the subject: "Alright, alright. How about we leave the young ones alone so they can chat. Tiantian, Rourou, just relax yourselves, don't act like strangers."}
She confirmed, then clarified: "My full name is Xu Rou."

Lee Moli put on a smile then changed the subject: "Alright, alright. How about we leave the young ones alone so they can chat. Tiantian, Rourou, just relax yourselves, don't act like strangers."

_{As announced, that afternoon Aunty Huo had arrived with a blind date candidate in tow. The young woman appeared respectable, yet her temperament seemed rather warm.}Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"

As announced, that afternoon Aunty Huo had arrived with a blind date candidate in tow. The young woman appeared respectable, yet her temperament seemed rather warm. If I hadn't met Xiao Huaisu earlier, then she would be the type of woman I would've fell for. While looking at the woman sitting on the sofa, I began wondering why I never did consider it. Why did I suddenly abandon soft and gentle women and start liking Xiao Huaisu?

_{{This girl was quite cute.}}When noon rolled around, everyone ate lunch together. Then following a short chat, Aunty Huo ad Xu Rou were on there way.

This girl was quite cute.

_{Due to this soft and sad heart beating in me, at that time, I did not expose his secret. So following a few days of hesitation, I decided to employ a more tactful method to expose his scummy behaviour. I came up with this in order to preserve the dignity of them both, but mainly because I wanted that woman to leave him in a dignified manner, and not at all because I had secret motives.}
"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"

Due to this soft and sad heart beating in me, at that time, I did not expose his secret. So following a few days of hesitation, I decided to employ a more tactful method to expose his scummy behaviour. I came up with this in order to preserve the dignity of them both, but mainly because I wanted that woman to leave him in a dignified manner, and not at all because I had secret motives.

_{Li Zhi jumped in to act as the mediator, saying: "You can't say it like that. If she was being intentionally deceived, would we have picked a Sunday to call you over?"}When noon rolled around, everyone ate lunch together. Then following a short chat, Aunty Huo ad Xu Rou were on there way.

Li Zhi jumped in to act as the mediator, saying: "You can't say it like that. If she was being intentionally deceived, would we have picked a Sunday to call you over?"

_{"Oh... well, looks like I haven't been there, but maybe my mother has." After I said that, seeming amused by my words, Xu Rou let out a puff of giggles.}
She shook her head, then replied: "No. I work in the hospital. I'm a nurse."

"Oh... well, looks like I haven't been there, but maybe my mother has." After I said that, seeming amused by my words, Xu Rou let out a puff of giggles.

_{Lee Moli added: "Well, no wonder you looked so pleased recently. That kid's affairs are basically all set."}He was a liar. He clearly said he would reply, but instead it seemed as if he vanished into thin air.

Lee Moli added: "Well, no wonder you looked so pleased recently. That kid's affairs are basically all set."

_{To all you youths out there, heed my words: please, cherish those dull and peaceful lives of yours! Show more gratitude and stop wasting time putting on airs!}
An angel in white. No wonder she's so angelic. To me, those practising medicine in the hospital, regardless of whether they were the president or a nurse, they were all angels. "Which hospital do you work at? Maybe I've been there."

To all you youths out there, heed my words: please, cherish those dull and peaceful lives of yours! Show more gratitude and stop wasting time putting on airs!

_"Just..
Holding the piece of chocolate in her hand, Xu Rou replied: "It's the maternity and pediatric hospital in the central district."

"Just... don't do something like this again, please? My situation is fine as is, so just give up this dream you guys have of some family's ideal daughter whose own situation is decent will, for some reason, not try to find a guy whose prospects are much better than mine, or who will be completely blind to the fact that I'm raising a child." I shattered their fantasy directly, taking a pause before I added: "Besides, I really don't want Youyou to get hurt."

_{Having been given such a shock, I left Li You's room, dragging my unease and panic with me as I returned to my own to get some sleep. So of course when I got to my bed I spent the majority of the night tossing and turning before I finally made my way to the land of dreams.}
"Oh... well, looks like I haven't been there, but maybe my mother has." After I said that, seeming amused by my words, Xu Rou let out a puff of giggles.

Having been given such a shock, I left Li You's room, dragging my unease and panic with me as I returned to my own to get some sleep. So of course when I got to my bed I spent the majority of the night tossing and turning before I finally made my way to the land of dreams.

_{After they left, Li Zhi prodded me asking: "So, what do you think?"}
This girl was quite cute.

After they left, Li Zhi prodded me asking: "So, what do you think?"

_{"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"}Lee Moli put on a smile then changed the subject: "Alright, alright. How about we leave the young ones alone so they can chat. Tiantian, Rourou, just relax yourselves, don't act like strangers."

"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"

_{Afraid he might catch sight of this strange appearance of mine, I deliberately put on a disapproving expression and to him replied: "Who remembers emails, huh? Why not add me on QQ? If something comes up, I could just message you on QQ the same way... so uh... when exactly do you have to leave? And aren't you coming back someday?"}"I'm leaving the day after tomorrow... and do you want me to come back?" His was faint, I almost didn't hear it clearly.

Afraid he might catch sight of this strange appearance of mine, I deliberately put on a disapproving expression and to him replied: "Who remembers emails, huh? Why not add me on QQ? If something comes up, I could just message you on QQ the same way... so uh... when exactly do you have to leave? And aren't you coming back someday?"

_{Haa... Once I return to my parent's house, I become a human with no rights.}

∽***∼

Haa... Once I return to my parent's house, I become a human with no rights.

_{She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"}Lee Moli placed a cup of tea beside the woman, then another by Aunty Huo, replying: "If he can be at least half as well-behaved as Zhang Dong, I wouldn't have to worry so much."

She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"

_{"Then... I have no objections. They have to at least be better at braiding than you. I won't ask for anything more." Geez... should her hate for my braiding skills be so obvious from her words?}N/A

"Then... I have no objections. They have to at least be better at braiding than you. I won't ask for anything more." Geez... should her hate for my braiding skills be so obvious from her words?

_{Th truth is, we didn't really know each other well at all.}
When noon rolled around, everyone ate lunch together. Then following a short chat, Aunty Huo ad Xu Rou were on there way.

Th truth is, we didn't really know each other well at all.

_{Rourou's skin was pale, so when she blushed, it was particularly easy to see. She was just so shy, so much so, she even made me feel a bit bashful. With a hum of approval, she reached out to take a piece of chocolate.}
After they left, Li Zhi prodded me asking: "So, what do you think?"

Rourou's skin was pale, so when she blushed, it was particularly easy to see. She was just so shy, so much so, she even made me feel a bit bashful. With a hum of approval, she reached out to take a piece of chocolate.

_{Lee Moli added: "Well, no wonder you looked so pleased recently. That kid's affairs are basically all set."}
To which I replied with a laugh: "You all didn't tell her I'm a single father raising a kid, did you?"

Lee Moli added: "Well, no wonder you looked so pleased recently. That kid's affairs are basically all set."

_{As announced, that afternoon Aunty Huo had arrived with a blind date candidate in tow. The young woman appeared respectable, yet her temperament seemed rather warm.}"Grandpa saying that Grandpa Xiao's son was married, was all a lie."

As announced, that afternoon Aunty Huo had arrived with a blind date candidate in tow. The young woman appeared respectable, yet her temperament seemed rather warm. If I hadn't met Xiao Huaisu earlier, then she would be the type of woman I would've fell for. While looking at the woman sitting on the sofa, I began wondering why I never did consider it. Why did I suddenly abandon soft and gentle women and start liking Xiao Huaisu?

_{Aunty Huo was an earnest Aunty, always feeling that me raising my child on my own and not getting married before others would result in me being destined to a life of bachelordom, and so frequently compared me to her son. She started off by saying: "Tiantian is so good at everything, but a marriage match won't be easy with you raising a child on your own.}Lee Moli placed a cup of tea beside the woman, then another by Aunty Huo, replying: "If he can be at least half as well-behaved as Zhang Dong, I wouldn't have to worry so much."

Aunty Huo was an earnest Aunty, always feeling that me raising my child on my own and not getting married before others would result in me being destined to a life of bachelordom, and so frequently compared me to her son. She started off by saying: "Tiantian is so good at everything, but a marriage match won't be easy with you raising a child on your own. So just take your time in getting to know one another, yeah? Think of it this way, Tiantian is doing everything so quickly. Soon you'll be graduating with qualifications from a renowned university, so finding a good job will be a given. You already have a child, now all you need is a wife, completely unlike my Zhang Dong, who only knows how to study hard since he was little. I tell him all the time not study so hard and to go chase after someone he likes, but that boy just tells me he simply wants to study seriously at school, and that he has no intention of getting mixed up in those messy situations. Ah, my Zhang Dong is just too stuffy, isn't he? Not one bit as lively as our Tiantian."

_{—Did you tell Professor Song I was already married?}
Li Zhi was at a loss for words, and Lee Moli remained silent.

—Did you tell Professor Song I was already married?

_{"Xiao Huaisu, you let me go!" I raised my foot, trying to do a back kick to shake him off me, but he dodged my strike with ease. Why is he acting like this? This isn't like the Xiao Huaisu I knew. He then continued lambasting me: "You're a liar!" After which, he ferociously bit down on my nape.}
"It looks like she has no idea Li You even existed. Aren't you all being a bit too disrespectful towards her?"

"Xiao Huaisu, you let me go!" I raised my foot, trying to do a back kick to shake him off me, but he dodged my strike with ease. Why is he acting like this? This isn't like the Xiao Huaisu I knew. He then continued lambasting me: "You're a liar!" After which, he ferociously bit down on my nape.

_{When noon rolled around, everyone ate lunch together. Then following a short chat, Aunty Huo ad Xu Rou were on there way.}
Lee Moli stared at the phone in her hand, seeming to feel a bit guilty, before she looked to me the said: "Aunt Huo was the one who suggested we shouldn't tell the woman at first, and for her to naturally find out as you kept meeting one another."

When noon rolled around, everyone ate lunch together. Then following a short chat, Aunty Huo ad Xu Rou were on there way.

_{"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!}
Hearing this, my next words were deliberate: "Where's your humanity?" While my next statement was directed at Lee Moli: "So you mean that girl was basically tricked by Aunty Huo into coming here, right?"

"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!

_{"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"}Li Zhi was at a loss for words, and Lee Moli remained silent.

"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"

_{"It looks like she has no idea Li You even existed. Aren't you all being a bit too disrespectful towards her?"}"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!

"It looks like she has no idea Li You even existed. Aren't you all being a bit too disrespectful towards her?"

_{The tearing pain in my lower half screamed to me just how frenzied the thing I had done last night had been. But instead, I just put on a huge grin, patting him on the arm before throwing him a wink and saying: "What're you talking about? I ran back home right after we were done drinking.}
Li Zhi jumped in to act as the mediator, saying: "You can't say it like that. If she was being intentionally deceived, would we have picked a Sunday to call you over?"

The tearing pain in my lower half screamed to me just how frenzied the thing I had done last night had been. But instead, I just put on a huge grin, patting him on the arm before throwing him a wink and saying: "What're you talking about? I ran back home right after we were done drinking. I was super scared Uncle Xiao would come back and see me, and would go tell my dad—which would've been horrible, right? But, why're you asking anyway? Did you dream we fought each other or something?" After I said all that, it kind of looked like Xiao Huaisu's eyes flashed a faint glimmer of disappointment—wait, disappointment? No... I probably saw it wrong...

_{Four years ago after he asked me: "Was it just because you drank?"}To all you youths out there, heed my words: please, cherish those dull and peaceful lives of yours! Show more gratitude and stop wasting time putting on airs!

Four years ago after he asked me: "Was it just because you drank?"

_{I thought about it more and more, yet couldn't come up with any clues. It just seems like there was a single thread reaching deep inside me to an unknown place, and when I laid eyes on him, my heart just couldn't stop itself from thumping frantically. I couldn't help it. It was simply beyond my control.}
"Just... don't do something like this again, please? My situation is fine as is, so just give up this dream you guys have of some family's ideal daughter whose own situation is decent will, for some reason, not try to find a guy whose prospects are much better than mine, or who will be completely blind to the fact that I'm raising a child." I shattered their fantasy directly, taking a pause before I added: "Besides, I really don't want Youyou to get hurt."

I thought about it more and more, yet couldn't come up with any clues. It just seems like there was a single thread reaching deep inside me to an unknown place, and when I laid eyes on him, my heart just couldn't stop itself from thumping frantically. I couldn't help it. It was simply beyond my control.

_{Later that evening, I sat by Li You's bedside, telling her a story. Just as I was reciting to her the part where little mermaid was on her way to find her prince, she suddenly asked: "Dad, don't you want to find a new mother for me?"}She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"

Later that evening, I sat by Li You's bedside, telling her a story. Just as I was reciting to her the part where little mermaid was on her way to find her prince, she suddenly asked: "Dad, don't you want to find a new mother for me?"

_{She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"}∽***∼

She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"

_{I bolted up from my bed fiercely, instinctively rubbing my neck in the dark. I gasped violently, slowly coming to the realisation it had all been just a dream.}
After I was done speaking, I saw the disillusionment on their faces. Looking at me, the two realised I was serious, and decided to say nothing more. This move of theirs made me praise myself for my quick wit internally, as I figured this would make them quit pestering me for a little while at least. Haha.

I bolted up from my bed fiercely, instinctively rubbing my neck in the dark. I gasped violently, slowly coming to the realisation it had all been just a dream.

_{Lee Moli added: "Well, no wonder you looked so pleased recently. That kid's affairs are basically all set."}Just as Li Zhi was about to reply, Lee Moli who as opposite of me; threw down an uncoloured Joker card to overpower the Ace played by Li You, interrupting him to say: "Why are you wasting time asking him? Li Tian, Huo Lan will be bringing a young lady over in a little while and we'll all be having lunch here. After that, you can go back home."

Lee Moli added: "Well, no wonder you looked so pleased recently. That kid's affairs are basically all set."

_{At that time, he simply told me: "Then they're not your friend. No contact just means no contact. Look at all those couples who are practically joined at the hip when together who suddenly end up ghosting each other when one goes abroad. So is your friend acting like this really so strange?"}
Later that evening, I sat by Li You's bedside, telling her a story. Just as I was reciting to her the part where little mermaid was on her way to find her prince, she suddenly asked: "Dad, don't you want to find a new mother for me?"

At that time, he simply told me: "Then they're not your friend. No contact just means no contact. Look at all those couples who are practically joined at the hip when together who suddenly end up ghosting each other when one goes abroad. So is your friend acting like this really so strange?"

_{After Li You was finished speaking, I quickly grabbed my phone, my plan was to quickly undo the email I had sent earlier this afternoon. So long as Professor song hadn't opened it, then I still had a chance to recall it.}"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!

After Li You was finished speaking, I quickly grabbed my phone, my plan was to quickly undo the email I had sent earlier this afternoon. So long as Professor song hadn't opened it, then I still had a chance to recall it. It'd only been a few hours since I sent it anyhow, so I can definitely still cancel it! But... I forgot reality is always cruel, and life is always filled with excitement. Like a vivid piece of art filled with different hues and postures, that is what life would be! It will never, ever, be dull!

_{Of course I want you to! I stared dazedly into his smile, but then I recalled my illness, so the feeling of emptiness and gloom overtook me once more. What point is there in returning? When he comes back after so many years, he will for sure be married by then.}
She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"

Of course I want you to! I stared dazedly into his smile, but then I recalled my illness, so the feeling of emptiness and gloom overtook me once more. What point is there in returning? When he comes back after so many years, he will for sure be married by then. Plus, after knowing of my death, would he drag along his wife and child to burn incense for me? No, of course not. Just let it be. Isn't there a saying that goes: it's better to cherish the memories than it is to meet again? So right now, I think that saying is quite true.

_∽***∼Rourou's skin was pale, so when she blushed, it was particularly easy to see. She was just so shy, so much so, she even made me feel a bit bashful. With a hum of approval, she reached out to take a piece of chocolate.

∽***∼

_{He was a liar. He clearly said he would reply, but instead it seemed as if he vanished into thin air.}Li You gave me a poised look, inferring it wouldn't be a problem for her. She them motioned for me to come closer with a crooked. So I lowered my ear, to hear her whisper: "I have something to tell you."

He was a liar. He clearly said he would reply, but instead it seemed as if he vanished into thin air.

_{Holding the piece of chocolate in her hand, Xu Rou replied: "It's the maternity and pediatric hospital in the central district."}
"If you find a new mom for me, then can you let me know who my real mom is? You don't need to worry, I won't try to go find her." Li You tried to comfort me with her final words. To this act of hers, I could neither laugh nor cry, but at the same time, twice as much warmth flowed through me.

Holding the piece of chocolate in her hand, Xu Rou replied: "It's the maternity and pediatric hospital in the central district."

_{Li You glanced at me and saw my lack of acceptance, prompting her to add assuredly: "Grandpa and Grandma were talking about it when we were playing cards today. He told grandma." She patted my arm, "They also said that if they made you anxious you might want to get married afterwards."}
I then asked Li You: "Does that mean you don't have any objections?"

Li You glanced at me and saw my lack of acceptance, prompting her to add assuredly: "Grandpa and Grandma were talking about it when we were playing cards today. He told grandma." She patted my arm, "They also said that if they made you anxious you might want to get married afterwards."

_{It is said scamming dads scam dads, but as the one scammed, I only want to say, that the scammed sons of fathers also must not be few in number! It's very possible that the group of scammed fathers and the group of scammed sons are both equal!}Seeing the contents of the message, my hand instinctively shook. It made me lose my grip on the phone, which then fell onto the carriage floor to give its life heroically for a righteous cause.

It is said scamming dads scam dads, but as the one scammed, I only want to say, that the scammed sons of fathers also must not be few in number! It's very possible that the group of scammed fathers and the group of scammed sons are both equal!

_{Today it seems she brought over a woman to whom, for the first time ever, she didn't first bring up me being a single father out of wedlock or my raising a child on my own, even though I honestly didn't mind when she did.}
Li You looked at me, her eyes then lowering as she thought it over carefully for a while before asking: "Can my new mom braid my hair?"

Today it seems she brought over a woman to whom, for the first time ever, she didn't first bring up me being a single father out of wedlock or my raising a child on my own, even though I honestly didn't mind when she did.

_{Lee Moli had spoken, so what else could Li Zhi say? Therefore the three of them continued to play fight the landlord, while I just continued drowning myself in sorrow.}Rourou's skin was pale, so when she blushed, it was particularly easy to see. She was just so shy, so much so, she even made me feel a bit bashful. With a hum of approval, she reached out to take a piece of chocolate.

Lee Moli had spoken, so what else could Li Zhi say? Therefore the three of them continued to play fight the landlord, while I just continued drowning myself in sorrow.

_{But just as my final word fell from my lips, his expression suddenly turned hard and cold. His smiling expression was gone, nowhere to be seen, and his tone was as calm as ever as he accused: "You're lying to me."}"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"

But just as my final word fell from my lips, his expression suddenly turned hard and cold. His smiling expression was gone, nowhere to be seen, and his tone was as calm as ever as he accused: "You're lying to me."

_{His were completely undiluted, and one hundred percent the genuine highly concentrated product.}
Okay, I never expected Li You to ask this, but I still responded with a nod: "Probably." What were the odds of a woman not knowing how to braid?

His were completely undiluted, and one hundred percent the genuine highly concentrated product.

_{To which I told him: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?" He had just let me go.}Some time in between then and before he returned, I even pretended as if there was no problem between us. I sent him messages via QQ, but he had never replied. I sent him emails, but it was like dropping a pebble in the ocean—no echo to be heard, not ripple to be found, just silence.

To which I told him: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?" He had just let me go. But in the dream, him realising I had lied to him and all that, was all just in my head. However, due to the interweaving of truths and lies, this dream of mine felt really real. So real it made me believe everything that happened was true. That day before he had left the country, he had just sent me a message saying goodbye. A message for which I replied with another wishing him a safe journey. Hence, from since then we had never again talked to one another, not even to say a proper goodbye.

_{Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"}Four years ago after he asked me: "Was it just because you drank?"

Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"

_{Li You looked at me, her eyes then lowering as she thought it over carefully for a while before asking: "Can my new mom braid my hair?"}
"Then... I have no objections. They have to at least be better at braiding than you. I won't ask for anything more." Geez... should her hate for my braiding skills be so obvious from her words?

Li You looked at me, her eyes then lowering as she thought it over carefully for a while before asking: "Can my new mom braid my hair?"

_{And he was right. Was it really that strange? Besides, were Xiao Huaisu and I even considered friends to begin with?}Hearing this, my next words were deliberate: "Where's your humanity?" While my next statement was directed at Lee Moli: "So you mean that girl was basically tricked by Aunty Huo into coming here, right?"

And he was right. Was it really that strange? Besides, were Xiao Huaisu and I even considered friends to begin with?

_{To which I told him: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?" He had just let me go.}
Just because I can't braid properly, you're just going to toss me aside like that? As for the question of Li You's real mother, while stroking her hair gently, I replied: "Can you let me think it over some more and then we'll talk about it again?"

To which I told him: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?" He had just let me go. But in the dream, him realising I had lied to him and all that, was all just in my head. However, due to the interweaving of truths and lies, this dream of mine felt really real. So real it made me believe everything that happened was true. That day before he had left the country, he had just sent me a message saying goodbye. A message for which I replied with another wishing him a safe journey. Hence, from since then we had never again talked to one another, not even to say a proper goodbye.

_{I glared at him on purpose: "Ah, there's no need for that. And I'm sorry, but I have a couple of bones to pick with you.}
Li You gave me a poised look, inferring it wouldn't be a problem for her. She them motioned for me to come closer with a crooked. So I lowered my ear, to hear her whisper: "I have something to tell you."

I glared at him on purpose: "Ah, there's no need for that. And I'm sorry, but I have a couple of bones to pick with you. To this day I still remember that time when you pinned me down on the sofa. My arm was twisted back so much, I could've sworn it was going to break! So I need to let you take responsibility for it, you hear. Take make you take responsibility for all you days, and never—ever—let you forget it."

_{Hearing this, my next words were deliberate: "Where's your humanity?" While my next statement was directed at Lee Moli: "So you mean that girl was basically tricked by Aunty Huo into coming here, right?"}
"What is it?"

Hearing this, my next words were deliberate: "Where's your humanity?" While my next statement was directed at Lee Moli: "So you mean that girl was basically tricked by Aunty Huo into coming here, right?"

_{Anyway, after eating the breakfast Lee Moli prepared that morning, and following dropping Li You off at school, I took the bus back to A-University. And while on the way there, I got the following WeChat message from Xiao Huaisu:}Anyway, after eating the breakfast Lee Moli prepared that morning, and following dropping Li You off at school, I took the bus back to A-University. And while on the way there, I got the following WeChat message from Xiao Huaisu:

Anyway, after eating the breakfast Lee Moli prepared that morning, and following dropping Li You off at school, I took the bus back to A-University. And while on the way there, I got the following WeChat message from Xiao Huaisu:

_{{Just because I can't braid properly, you're just going to toss me aside like that?} As for the question of Li You's real mother, while stroking her hair gently, I replied: "Can you let me think it over some more and then we'll talk about it again?"}It is said scamming dads scam dads, but as the one scammed, I only want to say, that the scammed sons of fathers also must not be few in number! It's very possible that the group of scammed fathers and the group of scammed sons are both equal!

Just because I can't braid properly, you're just going to toss me aside like that? As for the question of Li You's real mother, while stroking her hair gently, I replied: "Can you let me think it over some more and then we'll talk about it again?"

_{She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"}
"Grandpa saying that Grandpa Xiao's son was married, was all a lie."

She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"

_{"I'm leaving the day after tomorrow... and do you want me to come back?" His was faint, I almost didn't hear it clearly.}
"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!

"I'm leaving the day after tomorrow... and do you want me to come back?" His was faint, I almost didn't hear it clearly.

_{Now, just as I mentioned earlier, Aunty Huo was a very earnest Aunty, so after hearing what Lee Moli said, she turned to me and asked with zeal: "Tiantian, have you found a company for your internship as yet? If you haven't found one, I can ask my Zhang Dong if his company is still recruiting people."}
Li You glanced at me and saw my lack of acceptance, prompting her to add assuredly: "Grandpa and Grandma were talking about it when we were playing cards today. He told grandma." She patted my arm, "They also said that if they made you anxious you might want to get married afterwards."

Now, just as I mentioned earlier, Aunty Huo was a very earnest Aunty, so after hearing what Lee Moli said, she turned to me and asked with zeal: "Tiantian, have you found a company for your internship as yet? If you haven't found one, I can ask my Zhang Dong if his company is still recruiting people."

_{{An angel in white.} No wonder she's so angelic. To me, those practising medicine in the hospital, regardless of whether they were the president or a nurse, they were all angels. "Which hospital do you work at? Maybe I've been there."}He was a liar. He clearly said he would reply, but instead it seemed as if he vanished into thin air.

An angel in white. No wonder she's so angelic. To me, those practising medicine in the hospital, regardless of whether they were the president or a nurse, they were all angels. "Which hospital do you work at? Maybe I've been there."

_N/AN/A

N/A

_{"I just realised, you can hold your liquor that well?" He looked at me, seeming to have recalled something, asking: "Usually all you do is call me Huaisu, Huaisu, Huaisu. But that night all of a sudden you started calling me Huaisu-ge. Was it just because you drank?"}
This time I wasn't just anxious, I was mad?!

"I just realised, you can hold your liquor that well?" He looked at me, seeming to have recalled something, asking: "Usually all you do is call me Huaisu, Huaisu, Huaisu. But that night all of a sudden you started calling me Huaisu-ge. Was it just because you drank?"

_{Aunt Huo couldn't help but chuckle, echoing her sentiment: "My Zhang Dong really doesn't make me worry that much. He has even secured a company for his internship, and it's one of the top 500 corporations worldwide." The pride and satisfaction in her words couldn't be hidden.}But just as my final word fell from my lips, his expression suddenly turned hard and cold. His smiling expression was gone, nowhere to be seen, and his tone was as calm as ever as he accused: "You're lying to me."

Aunt Huo couldn't help but chuckle, echoing her sentiment: "My Zhang Dong really doesn't make me worry that much. He has even secured a company for his internship, and it's one of the top 500 corporations worldwide." The pride and satisfaction in her words couldn't be hidden.

_{My mind was still hung up on my flatlined romance, so after hearing Li Zhi speak, without thinking, I just spat out: "What thing?"}
It is said scamming dads scam dads, but as the one scammed, I only want to say, that the scammed sons of fathers also must not be few in number! It's very possible that the group of scammed fathers and the group of scammed sons are both equal!

My mind was still hung up on my flatlined romance, so after hearing Li Zhi speak, without thinking, I just spat out: "What thing?"

_{Aunt Huo couldn't help but chuckle, echoing her sentiment: "My Zhang Dong really doesn't make me worry that much. He has even secured a company for his internship, and it's one of the top 500 corporations worldwide." The pride and satisfaction in her words couldn't be hidden.}"Xiao Huaisu, you let me go!" I raised my foot, trying to do a back kick to shake him off me, but he dodged my strike with ease. Why is he acting like this? This isn't like the Xiao Huaisu I knew. He then continued lambasting me: "You're a liar!" After which, he ferociously bit down on my nape.

Aunt Huo couldn't help but chuckle, echoing her sentiment: "My Zhang Dong really doesn't make me worry that much. He has even secured a company for his internship, and it's one of the top 500 corporations worldwide." The pride and satisfaction in her words couldn't be hidden.

_∽***∼Following my words, the doubt and uncertainty in his eyes gradually calmed. Then lifting his hand to rub my head, he said: "It's almost time for me go, you remember my email address, right? If there's anything you don't understand later, you can just email it to me. I'll reply to you when I'm not busy, alright?" His voice was always so gentle, like a soft breeze on my face. It was enough to make you feel just a bit tipsy, much like the feeling you get from downing too much sweet liquor. You know, not completely drunk, just a bit dizzy. Like if all you want to do is look at him and giggle—to do nothing apart from staring at him... at his smile, while wanting so much to embrace him.

∽***∼

_{After sending the email, I closed my phone then took a deep breath. I left the balcony to head back to the living room where those three were playing fight the landlord.}
After Li You was finished speaking, I quickly grabbed my phone, my plan was to quickly undo the email I had sent earlier this afternoon. So long as Professor song hadn't opened it, then I still had a chance to recall it. It'd only been a few hours since I sent it anyhow, so I can definitely still cancel it! But... I forgot reality is always cruel, and life is always filled with excitement. Like a vivid piece of art filled with different hues and postures, that is what life would be! It will never, ever, be dull!

After sending the email, I closed my phone then took a deep breath. I left the balcony to head back to the living room where those three were playing fight the landlord.

_{"Fine. Anyway, wasn't there something you planned on telling me last night?"}"If you find a new mom for me, then can you let me know who my real mom is? You don't need to worry, I won't try to go find her." Li You tried to comfort me with her final words. To this act of hers, I could neither laugh nor cry, but at the same time, twice as much warmth flowed through me.

"Fine. Anyway, wasn't there something you planned on telling me last night?"

_{Of course I want you to! I stared dazedly into his smile, but then I recalled my illness, so the feeling of emptiness and gloom overtook me once more. What point is there in returning? When he comes back after so many years, he will for sure be married by then.}Rourou's skin was pale, so when she blushed, it was particularly easy to see. She was just so shy, so much so, she even made me feel a bit bashful. With a hum of approval, she reached out to take a piece of chocolate.

Of course I want you to! I stared dazedly into his smile, but then I recalled my illness, so the feeling of emptiness and gloom overtook me once more. What point is there in returning? When he comes back after so many years, he will for sure be married by then. Plus, after knowing of my death, would he drag along his wife and child to burn incense for me? No, of course not. Just let it be. Isn't there a saying that goes: it's better to cherish the memories than it is to meet again? So right now, I think that saying is quite true.

_{Four years ago after he asked me: "Was it just because you drank?"}
After all this, who can dare say to me that life is tedious, or dull, huh? I immediately used the back of my hand to hit a honeycomb coal briquet. You have no idea how to be grateful. Do you have any idea how precious a peaceful life is? Do you?

Four years ago after he asked me: "Was it just because you drank?"

_{After heading to the bathroom, and using some cold water to wash my face, I laid back down on the bed, however, my eyes remained open wide until the sun had risen. Xiao Huaisu was single.}I even once asked Qiao Damai: "I have a friend who went overseas, but I don't get any contact back from him. Why do you think that is?"

After heading to the bathroom, and using some cold water to wash my face, I laid back down on the bed, however, my eyes remained open wide until the sun had risen. Xiao Huaisu was single. Furthermore, he wasn't a scummy guy. So if he and Professor Song were to actually fall in love happily, the charming prince was still a charming prince; not one bit of him a would be a piece of scum. So I should be happy, right? Except... I wasn't happy at all. Why was I more unhappy now compared to how high-spirited I was when I was unmasking him?

_{Just as Li Zhi was about to reply, Lee Moli who as opposite of me; threw down an uncoloured Joker card to overpower the Ace played by Li You, interrupting him to say: "Why are you wasting time asking him? Li Tian, Huo Lan will be bringing a young lady over in a little while and we'll all be having lunch here. After that, you can go back home."}"Then... I have no objections. They have to at least be better at braiding than you. I won't ask for anything more." Geez... should her hate for my braiding skills be so obvious from her words?

Just as Li Zhi was about to reply, Lee Moli who as opposite of me; threw down an uncoloured Joker card to overpower the Ace played by Li You, interrupting him to say: "Why are you wasting time asking him? Li Tian, Huo Lan will be bringing a young lady over in a little while and we'll all be having lunch here. After that, you can go back home."

_{He was a liar. He clearly said he would reply, but instead it seemed as if he vanished into thin air.}
To all you youths out there, heed my words: please, cherish those dull and peaceful lives of yours! Show more gratitude and stop wasting time putting on airs!

He was a liar. He clearly said he would reply, but instead it seemed as if he vanished into thin air.

_{{An angel in white.} No wonder she's so angelic. To me, those practising medicine in the hospital, regardless of whether they were the president or a nurse, they were all angels. "Which hospital do you work at? Maybe I've been there."}I bolted up from my bed fiercely, instinctively rubbing my neck in the dark. I gasped violently, slowly coming to the realisation it had all been just a dream.

An angel in white. No wonder she's so angelic. To me, those practising medicine in the hospital, regardless of whether they were the president or a nurse, they were all angels. "Which hospital do you work at? Maybe I've been there."

_{But despite it being just a dream, every single bit of it still remained with me even now. The entire episode simply leaving me with a feeling of dread.}
Having been given such a shock, I left Li You's room, dragging my unease and panic with me as I returned to my own to get some sleep. So of course when I got to my bed I spent the majority of the night tossing and turning before I finally made my way to the land of dreams.

But despite it being just a dream, every single bit of it still remained with me even now. The entire episode simply leaving me with a feeling of dread.

_∽***∼After sending the email, I closed my phone then took a deep breath. I left the balcony to head back to the living room where those three were playing fight the landlord.

∽***∼

_{"Li Tian, after we drank last night, did I... do anything to you?" Xiao Huaisu stood before me, holding his coat in his hands. His gaze was firmly fixed on me, but his expression was however very calm. His voice was indifferent as usual, but only his pupils gave off traces of uncertainty and doubt as the peered down at me.}

∽***∼

"Li Tian, after we drank last night, did I... do anything to you?" Xiao Huaisu stood before me, holding his coat in his hands. His gaze was firmly fixed on me, but his expression was however very calm. His voice was indifferent as usual, but only his pupils gave off traces of uncertainty and doubt as the peered down at me.

_{"What is it?"}"What is it?"

"What is it?"

_{Following my words, the doubt and uncertainty in his eyes gradually calmed. Then lifting his hand to rub my head, he said: "It's almost time for me go, you remember my email address, right? If there's anything you don't understand later, you can just email it to me.}
"Li Tian, after we drank last night, did I... do anything to you?" Xiao Huaisu stood before me, holding his coat in his hands. His gaze was firmly fixed on me, but his expression was however very calm. His voice was indifferent as usual, but only his pupils gave off traces of uncertainty and doubt as the peered down at me.

Following my words, the doubt and uncertainty in his eyes gradually calmed. Then lifting his hand to rub my head, he said: "It's almost time for me go, you remember my email address, right? If there's anything you don't understand later, you can just email it to me. I'll reply to you when I'm not busy, alright?" His voice was always so gentle, like a soft breeze on my face. It was enough to make you feel just a bit tipsy, much like the feeling you get from downing too much sweet liquor. You know, not completely drunk, just a bit dizzy. Like if all you want to do is look at him and giggle—to do nothing apart from staring at him... at his smile, while wanting so much to embrace him.

_{"Do you like me?" He sneered with disdain, his eyes filled with contempt.}
The tearing pain in my lower half screamed to me just how frenzied the thing I had done last night had been. But instead, I just put on a huge grin, patting him on the arm before throwing him a wink and saying: "What're you talking about? I ran back home right after we were done drinking. I was super scared Uncle Xiao would come back and see me, and would go tell my dad—which would've been horrible, right? But, why're you asking anyway? Did you dream we fought each other or something?" After I said all that, it kind of looked like Xiao Huaisu's eyes flashed a faint glimmer of disappointment—wait, disappointment? No... I probably saw it wrong...

"Do you like me?" He sneered with disdain, his eyes filled with contempt.

_{The tearing pain in my lower half screamed to me just how frenzied the thing I had done last night had been. But instead, I just put on a huge grin, patting him on the arm before throwing him a wink and saying: "What're you talking about? I ran back home right after we were done drinking.}Lee Moli stared at the phone in her hand, seeming to feel a bit guilty, before she looked to me the said: "Aunt Huo was the one who suggested we shouldn't tell the woman at first, and for her to naturally find out as you kept meeting one another."

The tearing pain in my lower half screamed to me just how frenzied the thing I had done last night had been. But instead, I just put on a huge grin, patting him on the arm before throwing him a wink and saying: "What're you talking about? I ran back home right after we were done drinking. I was super scared Uncle Xiao would come back and see me, and would go tell my dad—which would've been horrible, right? But, why're you asking anyway? Did you dream we fought each other or something?" After I said all that, it kind of looked like Xiao Huaisu's eyes flashed a faint glimmer of disappointment—wait, disappointment? No... I probably saw it wrong...

_{Okay, I never expected Li You to ask this, but I still responded with a nod: "Probably." What were the odds of a woman not knowing how to braid?}The tearing pain in my lower half screamed to me just how frenzied the thing I had done last night had been. But instead, I just put on a huge grin, patting him on the arm before throwing him a wink and saying: "What're you talking about? I ran back home right after we were done drinking. I was super scared Uncle Xiao would come back and see me, and would go tell my dad—which would've been horrible, right? But, why're you asking anyway? Did you dream we fought each other or something?" After I said all that, it kind of looked like Xiao Huaisu's eyes flashed a faint glimmer of disappointment—wait, disappointment? No... I probably saw it wrong...

Okay, I never expected Li You to ask this, but I still responded with a nod: "Probably." What were the odds of a woman not knowing how to braid?

_{An angel in white. No wonder she's so angelic. To me, those practising medicine in the hospital, regardless of whether they were the president or a nurse, they were all angels. "Which hospital do you work at? Maybe I've been there."}
Following my words, the doubt and uncertainty in his eyes gradually calmed. Then lifting his hand to rub my head, he said: "It's almost time for me go, you remember my email address, right? If there's anything you don't understand later, you can just email it to me. I'll reply to you when I'm not busy, alright?" His voice was always so gentle, like a soft breeze on my face. It was enough to make you feel just a bit tipsy, much like the feeling you get from downing too much sweet liquor. You know, not completely drunk, just a bit dizzy. Like if all you want to do is look at him and giggle—to do nothing apart from staring at him... at his smile, while wanting so much to embrace him.

An angel in white. No wonder she's so angelic. To me, those practising medicine in the hospital, regardless of whether they were the president or a nurse, they were all angels. "Which hospital do you work at? Maybe I've been there."

_{"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" {What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!}}She confirmed, then clarified: "My full name is Xu Rou."

"????" I looked at Li You with shock, "WHAT?" What did my baby girl just say? This has to be a hallucination!

_{To which I replied with a laugh: "You all didn't tell her I'm a single father raising a kid, did you?"}
Afraid he might catch sight of this strange appearance of mine, I deliberately put on a disapproving expression and to him replied: "Who remembers emails, huh? Why not add me on QQ? If something comes up, I could just message you on QQ the same way... so uh... when exactly do you have to leave? And aren't you coming back someday?"

To which I replied with a laugh: "You all didn't tell her I'm a single father raising a kid, did you?"

_{After sending the email, I closed my phone then took a deep breath. I left the balcony to head back to the living room where those three were playing fight the landlord.}"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"

After sending the email, I closed my phone then took a deep breath. I left the balcony to head back to the living room where those three were playing fight the landlord.

_{And he was right. Was it really that strange? Besides, were Xiao Huaisu and I even considered friends to begin with?}
"I'm leaving the day after tomorrow... and do you want me to come back?" His was faint, I almost didn't hear it clearly.

And he was right. Was it really that strange? Besides, were Xiao Huaisu and I even considered friends to begin with?

_{After Li You was finished speaking, I quickly grabbed my phone, my plan was to quickly undo the email I had sent earlier this afternoon. So long as Professor song hadn't opened it, then I still had a chance to recall it.}
Of course I want you to! I stared dazedly into his smile, but then I recalled my illness, so the feeling of emptiness and gloom overtook me once more. What point is there in returning? When he comes back after so many years, he will for sure be married by then. Plus, after knowing of my death, would he drag along his wife and child to burn incense for me? No, of course not. Just let it be. Isn't there a saying that goes: it's better to cherish the memories than it is to meet again? So right now, I think that saying is quite true.

After Li You was finished speaking, I quickly grabbed my phone, my plan was to quickly undo the email I had sent earlier this afternoon. So long as Professor song hadn't opened it, then I still had a chance to recall it. It'd only been a few hours since I sent it anyhow, so I can definitely still cancel it! But... I forgot reality is always cruel, and life is always filled with excitement. Like a vivid piece of art filled with different hues and postures, that is what life would be! It will never, ever, be dull!

_{After hearing my response, her tone changed real quick, as she then tactfully stated: "Oh..}
I glared at him on purpose: "Ah, there's no need for that. And I'm sorry, but I have a couple of bones to pick with you. To this day I still remember that time when you pinned me down on the sofa. My arm was twisted back so much, I could've sworn it was going to break! So I need to let you take responsibility for it, you hear. Take make you take responsibility for all you days, and never—ever—let you forget it."

After hearing my response, her tone changed real quick, as she then tactfully stated: "Oh... But I do need to mention that your chances will be slim. I heard that boy say his company does direct internal recruitments for the most part, and that only a few outstanding candidates from universities are chosen. So I think it'd be best for you to focus on local companies, Tiantian. Even though they may not be as good as my Zhang Dong's, you should try to find a place there to intern at first, then we'll talk about it again, okay? What do you think, Lee Moli?"

_{When noon rolled around, everyone ate lunch together. Then following a short chat, Aunty Huo ad Xu Rou were on there way.}After I was done speaking, I saw the disillusionment on their faces. Looking at me, the two realised I was serious, and decided to say nothing more. This move of theirs made me praise myself for my quick wit internally, as I figured this would make them quit pestering me for a little while at least. Haha.

When noon rolled around, everyone ate lunch together. Then following a short chat, Aunty Huo ad Xu Rou were on there way.

_{"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"}Aunty Huo was an earnest Aunty, always feeling that me raising my child on my own and not getting married before others would result in me being destined to a life of bachelordom, and so frequently compared me to her son. She started off by saying: "Tiantian is so good at everything, but a marriage match won't be easy with you raising a child on your own. So just take your time in getting to know one another, yeah? Think of it this way, Tiantian is doing everything so quickly. Soon you'll be graduating with qualifications from a renowned university, so finding a good job will be a given. You already have a child, now all you need is a wife, completely unlike my Zhang Dong, who only knows how to study hard since he was little. I tell him all the time not study so hard and to go chase after someone he likes, but that boy just tells me he simply wants to study seriously at school, and that he has no intention of getting mixed up in those messy situations. Ah, my Zhang Dong is just too stuffy, isn't he? Not one bit as lively as our Tiantian."

"Oh. I'm Li Tian. Anyways, are you a university student too?"

_{"Grandpa saying that Grandpa Xiao's son was married, was all a lie."}
Surprisingly, he let out a laugh. Suddenly lifting his hand, taking advantage of me not paying attention, to grip my wrist tightly then pinning it behind my back, making me cry out painfully: "Ah! Ow ow ow ow ow! I was wrong, okay! I was wrong!"

"Grandpa saying that Grandpa Xiao's son was married, was all a lie."

_{"What you said made me really look forward to how exactly you planned on making me take responsibility, you know?"}The three older folks then busied themselves in the kitchen; leaving Rourou and I alone as we sat facing one another. Being the host, I couldn't ignore my guest, so I offered her some of the chocolate and bonbons Lee Moli had prepared, saying: "Have some sweets."

"What you said made me really look forward to how exactly you planned on making me take responsibility, you know?"

_{|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|}
"What you said made me really look forward to how exactly you planned on making me take responsibility, you know?"

|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|

_{"If you find a new mom for me, then can you let me know who my real mom is? You don't need to worry, I won't try to go find her." Li You tried to comfort me with her final words. To this act of hers, I could neither laugh nor cry, but at the same time, twice as much warmth flowed through me.}
"Huaisu-ge, I was just kidding, alright? Seriously!"

"If you find a new mom for me, then can you let me know who my real mom is? You don't need to worry, I won't try to go find her." Li You tried to comfort me with her final words. To this act of hers, I could neither laugh nor cry, but at the same time, twice as much warmth flowed through me.

_{Rourou's skin was pale, so when she blushed, it was particularly easy to see. She was just so shy, so much so, she even made me feel a bit bashful. With a hum of approval, she reached out to take a piece of chocolate.}After I was done speaking, I saw the disillusionment on their faces. Looking at me, the two realised I was serious, and decided to say nothing more. This move of theirs made me praise myself for my quick wit internally, as I figured this would make them quit pestering me for a little while at least. Haha.

Rourou's skin was pale, so when she blushed, it was particularly easy to see. She was just so shy, so much so, she even made me feel a bit bashful. With a hum of approval, she reached out to take a piece of chocolate.

_{After hearing my response, her tone changed real quick, as she then tactfully stated: "Oh..}"Grandpa saying that Grandpa Xiao's son was married, was all a lie."

After hearing my response, her tone changed real quick, as she then tactfully stated: "Oh... But I do need to mention that your chances will be slim. I heard that boy say his company does direct internal recruitments for the most part, and that only a few outstanding candidates from universities are chosen. So I think it'd be best for you to focus on local companies, Tiantian. Even though they may not be as good as my Zhang Dong's, you should try to find a place there to intern at first, then we'll talk about it again, okay? What do you think, Lee Moli?"

_{Afraid he might catch sight of this strange appearance of mine, I deliberately put on a disapproving expression and to him replied: "Who remembers emails, huh? Why not add me on QQ? If something comes up, I could just message you on QQ the same way... so uh... when exactly do you have to leave? And aren't you coming back someday?"}
"Fine. Anyway, wasn't there something you planned on telling me last night?"

Afraid he might catch sight of this strange appearance of mine, I deliberately put on a disapproving expression and to him replied: "Who remembers emails, huh? Why not add me on QQ? If something comes up, I could just message you on QQ the same way... so uh... when exactly do you have to leave? And aren't you coming back someday?"

_{Li Zhi jumped in to act as the mediator, saying: "You can't say it like that. If she was being intentionally deceived, would we have picked a Sunday to call you over?"}
Hearing him ask this, my heart my heart leapt to the sky, as I then began to deny: "Nah, I just wanted to drink, and was afraid the old man would find out. If he knew I drank he'd beat the life outta me until I couldn't take care of myself, you know. So I just ran to your place to drink a little—in secret. Weren't you happy to drink too? It was a surprise you got drunk before me." Mainly because while my drink was thinned out with equal parts water, his were completely undiluted and one hundred percent the genuine highly concentrated product.

Li Zhi jumped in to act as the mediator, saying: "You can't say it like that. If she was being intentionally deceived, would we have picked a Sunday to call you over?"

_{This time I wasn't just anxious, I was mad?!}
"I just realised, you can hold your liquor that well?" He looked at me, seeming to have recalled something, asking: "Usually all you do is call me Huaisu, Huaisu, Huaisu. But that night all of a sudden you started calling me Huaisu-ge. Was it just because you drank?"

This time I wasn't just anxious, I was mad?!

_{I glared at him on purpose: "Ah, there's no need for that. And I'm sorry, but I have a couple of bones to pick with you.}Lee Moli put on a smile then changed the subject: "Alright, alright. How about we leave the young ones alone so they can chat. Tiantian, Rourou, just relax yourselves, don't act like strangers."

I glared at him on purpose: "Ah, there's no need for that. And I'm sorry, but I have a couple of bones to pick with you. To this day I still remember that time when you pinned me down on the sofa. My arm was twisted back so much, I could've sworn it was going to break! So I need to let you take responsibility for it, you hear. Take make you take responsibility for all you days, and never—ever—let you forget it."

_{"Huaisu-ge, I was just kidding, alright? Seriously!"}
Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"

"Huaisu-ge, I was just kidding, alright? Seriously!"

_{She shook her head, then replied: "No. I work in the hospital. I'm a nurse."}She shook her head, then replied: "No. I work in the hospital. I'm a nurse."

She shook her head, then replied: "No. I work in the hospital. I'm a nurse."

_{Lee Moli placed a cup of tea beside the woman, then another by Aunty Huo, replying: "If he can be at least half as well-behaved as Zhang Dong, I wouldn't have to worry so much."}
But just as my final word fell from my lips, his expression suddenly turned hard and cold. His smiling expression was gone, nowhere to be seen, and his tone was as calm as ever as he accused: "You're lying to me."

Lee Moli placed a cup of tea beside the woman, then another by Aunty Huo, replying: "If he can be at least half as well-behaved as Zhang Dong, I wouldn't have to worry so much."

_N/AN/A

N/A

_{Okay, I never expected Li You to ask this, but I still responded with a nod: "Probably." What were the odds of a woman not knowing how to braid?}
His transformation was so jarring, it scared the bejesus out of me. So without missing a beat I denied with all I could: "No, I'm not!"

Okay, I never expected Li You to ask this, but I still responded with a nod: "Probably." What were the odds of a woman not knowing how to braid?

_{After all this, who can dare say to me that life is tedious, or dull, huh? I immediately used the back of my hand to hit a honeycomb coal briquet. {You have no idea how to be grateful. Do you have any idea how precious a peaceful life is? Do you?}}"Just... don't do something like this again, please? My situation is fine as is, so just give up this dream you guys have of some family's ideal daughter whose own situation is decent will, for some reason, not try to find a guy whose prospects are much better than mine, or who will be completely blind to the fact that I'm raising a child." I shattered their fantasy directly, taking a pause before I added: "Besides, I really don't want Youyou to get hurt."

After all this, who can dare say to me that life is tedious, or dull, huh? I immediately used the back of my hand to hit a honeycomb coal briquet. You have no idea how to be grateful. Do you have any idea how precious a peaceful life is? Do you?

_{This girl was quite cute.}
"Do you like me?" He sneered with disdain, his eyes filled with contempt.

This girl was quite cute.

_{"If you find a new mom for me, then can you let me know who my real mom is? You don't need to worry, I won't try to go find her." Li You tried to comfort me with her final words. To this act of hers, I could neither laugh nor cry, but at the same time, twice as much warmth flowed through me.}After all this, who can dare say to me that life is tedious, or dull, huh? I immediately used the back of my hand to hit a honeycomb coal briquet. You have no idea how to be grateful. Do you have any idea how precious a peaceful life is? Do you?

"If you find a new mom for me, then can you let me know who my real mom is? You don't need to worry, I won't try to go find her." Li You tried to comfort me with her final words. To this act of hers, I could neither laugh nor cry, but at the same time, twice as much warmth flowed through me.

_{Seeing me come in, Li Zhi asked: "Have you thought over that thing I told you about last time?"}
"Xiao Huaisu, you let me go!" I raised my foot, trying to do a back kick to shake him off me, but he dodged my strike with ease. Why is he acting like this? This isn't like the Xiao Huaisu I knew. He then continued lambasting me: "You're a liar!" After which, he ferociously bit down on my nape.

Seeing me come in, Li Zhi asked: "Have you thought over that thing I told you about last time?"

_{The three older folks then busied themselves in the kitchen; leaving Rourou and I alone as we sat facing one another. Being the host, I couldn't ignore my guest, so I offered her some of the chocolate and bonbons Lee Moli had prepared, saying: "Have some sweets."}
I bolted up from my bed fiercely, instinctively rubbing my neck in the dark. I gasped violently, slowly coming to the realisation it had all been just a dream.

The three older folks then busied themselves in the kitchen; leaving Rourou and I alone as we sat facing one another. Being the host, I couldn't ignore my guest, so I offered her some of the chocolate and bonbons Lee Moli had prepared, saying: "Have some sweets."

_{{Just because I can't braid properly, you're just going to toss me aside like that?} As for the question of Li You's real mother, while stroking her hair gently, I replied: "Can you let me think it over some more and then we'll talk about it again?"}To all you youths out there, heed my words: please, cherish those dull and peaceful lives of yours! Show more gratitude and stop wasting time putting on airs!

Just because I can't braid properly, you're just going to toss me aside like that? As for the question of Li You's real mother, while stroking her hair gently, I replied: "Can you let me think it over some more and then we'll talk about it again?"

_{|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|}At that time, he simply told me: "Then they're not your friend. No contact just means no contact. Look at all those couples who are practically joined at the hip when together who suddenly end up ghosting each other when one goes abroad. So is your friend acting like this really so strange?"

|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|〒▽〒|

_{"What is it?"}
But despite it being just a dream, every single bit of it still remained with me even now. The entire episode simply leaving me with a feeling of dread.

"What is it?"

_{I glared at him on purpose: "Ah, there's no need for that. And I'm sorry, but I have a couple of bones to pick with you.}"Grandpa saying that Grandpa Xiao's son was married, was all a lie."

I glared at him on purpose: "Ah, there's no need for that. And I'm sorry, but I have a couple of bones to pick with you. To this day I still remember that time when you pinned me down on the sofa. My arm was twisted back so much, I could've sworn it was going to break! So I need to let you take responsibility for it, you hear. Take make you take responsibility for all you days, and never—ever—let you forget it."

_{Lee Moli had spoken, so what else could Li Zhi say? Therefore the three of them continued to play fight the landlord, while I just continued drowning myself in sorrow.}
Four years ago after he asked me: "Was it just because you drank?"

Lee Moli had spoken, so what else could Li Zhi say? Therefore the three of them continued to play fight the landlord, while I just continued drowning myself in sorrow.

_N/A
To which I told him: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?" He had just let me go. But in the dream, him realising I had lied to him and all that, was all just in my head. However, due to the interweaving of truths and lies, this dream of mine felt really real. So real it made me believe everything that happened was true. That day before he had left the country, he had just sent me a message saying goodbye. A message for which I replied with another wishing him a safe journey. Hence, from since then we had never again talked to one another, not even to say a proper goodbye.

N/A

_{"What you said made me really look forward to how exactly you planned on making me take responsibility, you know?"}Holding the piece of chocolate in her hand, Xu Rou replied: "It's the maternity and pediatric hospital in the central district."

"What you said made me really look forward to how exactly you planned on making me take responsibility, you know?"

_{Hearing her, I deliberately put on a shocked and delighted expression, saying excitedly: "Really? Then please do. My apologies in advance for troubling you, Aunty Huo."}
Some time in between then and before he returned, I even pretended as if there was no problem between us. I sent him messages via QQ, but he had never replied. I sent him emails, but it was like dropping a pebble in the ocean—no echo to be heard, not ripple to be found, just silence.

Hearing her, I deliberately put on a shocked and delighted expression, saying excitedly: "Really? Then please do. My apologies in advance for troubling you, Aunty Huo."

_{Later that evening, I sat by Li You's bedside, telling her a story. Just as I was reciting to her the part where little mermaid was on her way to find her prince, she suddenly asked: "Dad, don't you want to find a new mother for me?"}He was a liar. He clearly said he would reply, but instead it seemed as if he vanished into thin air.

Later that evening, I sat by Li You's bedside, telling her a story. Just as I was reciting to her the part where little mermaid was on her way to find her prince, she suddenly asked: "Dad, don't you want to find a new mother for me?"

_{"It looks like she has no idea Li You even existed. Aren't you all being a bit too disrespectful towards her?"}
He was a liar. He clearly said he would reply, but instead it seemed as if he vanished into thin air.

"It looks like she has no idea Li You even existed. Aren't you all being a bit too disrespectful towards her?"

_{Later that evening, I sat by Li You's bedside, telling her a story. Just as I was reciting to her the part where little mermaid was on her way to find her prince, she suddenly asked: "Dad, don't you want to find a new mother for me?"}
I even once asked Qiao Damai: "I have a friend who went overseas, but I don't get any contact back from him. Why do you think that is?"

Later that evening, I sat by Li You's bedside, telling her a story. Just as I was reciting to her the part where little mermaid was on her way to find her prince, she suddenly asked: "Dad, don't you want to find a new mother for me?"

_{Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"}Li You looked at me, her eyes then lowering as she thought it over carefully for a while before asking: "Can my new mom braid my hair?"

Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"

_{I even once asked Qiao Damai: "I have a friend who went overseas, but I don't get any contact back from him. Why do you think that is?"}
At that time, he simply told me: "Then they're not your friend. No contact just means no contact. Look at all those couples who are practically joined at the hip when together who suddenly end up ghosting each other when one goes abroad. So is your friend acting like this really so strange?"

I even once asked Qiao Damai: "I have a friend who went overseas, but I don't get any contact back from him. Why do you think that is?"

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_{Some time in between then and before he returned, I even pretended as if there was no problem between us. I sent him messages via QQ, but he had never replied. I sent him emails, but it was like dropping a pebble in the ocean—no echo to be heard, not ripple to be found, just silence.}
And he was right. Was it really that strange? Besides, were Xiao Huaisu and I even considered friends to begin with?

Some time in between then and before he returned, I even pretended as if there was no problem between us. I sent him messages via QQ, but he had never replied. I sent him emails, but it was like dropping a pebble in the ocean—no echo to be heard, not ripple to be found, just silence.

_{Seeing me come in, Li Zhi asked: "Have you thought over that thing I told you about last time?"}To which I replied with a laugh: "You all didn't tell her I'm a single father raising a kid, did you?"

Seeing me come in, Li Zhi asked: "Have you thought over that thing I told you about last time?"

_{Holding the piece of chocolate in her hand, Xu Rou replied: "It's the maternity and pediatric hospital in the central district."}Later that evening, I sat by Li You's bedside, telling her a story. Just as I was reciting to her the part where little mermaid was on her way to find her prince, she suddenly asked: "Dad, don't you want to find a new mother for me?"

Holding the piece of chocolate in her hand, Xu Rou replied: "It's the maternity and pediatric hospital in the central district."

_{"Then... I have no objections. They have to at least be better at braiding than you. I won't ask for anything more." Geez... should her hate for my braiding skills be so obvious from her words?}
Th truth is, we didn't really know each other well at all.

"Then... I have no objections. They have to at least be better at braiding than you. I won't ask for anything more." Geez... should her hate for my braiding skills be so obvious from her words?

_{Of course I want you to! I stared dazedly into his smile, but then I recalled my illness, so the feeling of emptiness and gloom overtook me once more. What point is there in returning? When he comes back after so many years, he will for sure be married by then.}Regarding the question about my tolerance level, a guilty look crept onto my face. So after calming down, I replied: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?"

Of course I want you to! I stared dazedly into his smile, but then I recalled my illness, so the feeling of emptiness and gloom overtook me once more. What point is there in returning? When he comes back after so many years, he will for sure be married by then. Plus, after knowing of my death, would he drag along his wife and child to burn incense for me? No, of course not. Just let it be. Isn't there a saying that goes: it's better to cherish the memories than it is to meet again? So right now, I think that saying is quite true.

_{Having been stuck on this matter all morning, I finally drafted an exposé and emailed it to Professor Song. As for when she would dig through all those confessions sent to her by every Tom, Dick and Harry to discover this letter I penned, well, that matter will be left up to the heavens. It will determine when Xiao Huaisu will meet his just fate.}∽***∼

Having been stuck on this matter all morning, I finally drafted an exposé and emailed it to Professor Song. As for when she would dig through all those confessions sent to her by every Tom, Dick and Harry to discover this letter I penned, well, that matter will be left up to the heavens. It will determine when Xiao Huaisu will meet his just fate.

_{She shook her head, then replied: "No. I work in the hospital. I'm a nurse."}
After heading to the bathroom, and using some cold water to wash my face, I laid back down on the bed, however, my eyes remained open wide until the sun had risen. Xiao Huaisu was single. Furthermore, he wasn't a scummy guy. So if he and Professor Song were to actually fall in love happily, the charming prince was still a charming prince; not one bit of him a would be a piece of scum. So I should be happy, right? Except... I wasn't happy at all. Why was I more unhappy now compared to how high-spirited I was when I was unmasking him?

She shook her head, then replied: "No. I work in the hospital. I'm a nurse."

_{But just as my final word fell from my lips, his expression suddenly turned hard and cold. His smiling expression was gone, nowhere to be seen, and his tone was as calm as ever as he accused: "You're lying to me."}
Anyway, after eating the breakfast Lee Moli prepared that morning, and following dropping Li You off at school, I took the bus back to A-University. And while on the way there, I got the following WeChat message from Xiao Huaisu:

But just as my final word fell from my lips, his expression suddenly turned hard and cold. His smiling expression was gone, nowhere to be seen, and his tone was as calm as ever as he accused: "You're lying to me."

_{To which I told him: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?" He had just let me go.}She must've heard the conversation from that afternoon, but I didn't want to hide it from her, so I asked curiously: "Do you want me to find you a new mom?"

To which I told him: "Yeah, yeah. What else could it be?" He had just let me go. But in the dream, him realising I had lied to him and all that, was all just in my head. However, due to the interweaving of truths and lies, this dream of mine felt really real. So real it made me believe everything that happened was true. That day before he had left the country, he had just sent me a message saying goodbye. A message for which I replied with another wishing him a safe journey. Hence, from since then we had never again talked to one another, not even to say a proper goodbye.

_{Surprisingly, he let out a laugh. Suddenly lifting his hand, taking advantage of me not paying attention, to grip my wrist tightly then pinning it behind my back, making me cry out painfully: "Ah! Ow ow ow ow ow! I was wrong, okay! I was wrong!"}
—Did you tell Professor Song I was already married?

Surprisingly, he let out a laugh. Suddenly lifting his hand, taking advantage of me not paying attention, to grip my wrist tightly then pinning it behind my back, making me cry out painfully: "Ah! Ow ow ow ow ow! I was wrong, okay! I was wrong!"

_{His transformation was so jarring, it scared the bejesus out of me. So without missing a beat I denied with all I could: "No, I'm not!"}
Seeing the contents of the message, my hand instinctively shook. It made me lose my grip on the phone, which then fell onto the carriage floor to give its life heroically for a righteous cause.

His transformation was so jarring, it scared the bejesus out of me. So without missing a beat I denied with all I could: "No, I'm not!"

_{After heading to the bathroom, and using some cold water to wash my face, I laid back down on the bed, however, my eyes remained open wide until the sun had risen. Xiao Huaisu was single.}
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After heading to the bathroom, and using some cold water to wash my face, I laid back down on the bed, however, my eyes remained open wide until the sun had risen. Xiao Huaisu was single. Furthermore, he wasn't a scummy guy. So if he and Professor Song were to actually fall in love happily, the charming prince was still a charming prince; not one bit of him a would be a piece of scum. So I should be happy, right? Except... I wasn't happy at all. Why was I more unhappy now compared to how high-spirited I was when I was unmasking him?

_{{To all you youths out there, heed my words: please, cherish those dull and peaceful lives of yours! Show more gratitude and stop wasting time putting on airs!}}Some time in between then and before he returned, I even pretended as if there was no problem between us. I sent him messages via QQ, but he had never replied. I sent him emails, but it was like dropping a pebble in the ocean—no echo to be heard, not ripple to be found, just silence.

To all you youths out there, heed my words: please, cherish those dull and peaceful lives of yours! Show more gratitude and stop wasting time putting on airs!

_{I thought about it more and more, yet couldn't come up with any clues. It just seems like there was a single thread reaching deep inside me to an unknown place, and when I laid eyes on him, my heart just couldn't stop itself from thumping frantically. I couldn't help it. It was simply beyond my control.}Haa... Once I return to my parent's house, I become a human with no rights.

I thought about it more and more, yet couldn't come up with any clues. It just seems like there was a single thread reaching deep inside me to an unknown place, and when I laid eyes on him, my heart just couldn't stop itself from thumping frantically. I couldn't help it. It was simply beyond my control.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

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