Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Gu Shaoting glanced at him but didnât say anything. In truth, what He Ming said was correct. Indeed, he had everything that others dreamed of, and there was nothing for him to be dissatisfied with.
Feeling down just because he saw his ex-wife being pursued by someone else would be ridiculous to admit to anyone, wouldnât it?
âHave you been in contact with Shu Pan recently? Did she mention anything about her boyfriend?â Gu Shaoting couldnât help but ask.
âNo, weâve only talked about work. Why, does Shu Pan have a boyfriend now? Well, itâs normal. After all, itâs been a long time since your divorce. Even if she remarries, itâs just a part of life,â He Ming said, adding a pinch of salt to his wounds.
Gu Shaoting began to doubt whether inviting He Ming for a drink was the right decision.
Everything He Ming said was, in fact, true, but he had a way of delivering unwelcome truths.
Gu Shaoting poured himself a glass of wine and downed it in a few gulps, hoping that alcohol could help numb his lingering unease.
Days always slipped through oneâs fingers like fine sand, quietly and unnoticed. It was already late August, and the scorching sun was gradually replaced by cooler winds.
With only ten days left until September, Shu Pan calculated the days and realized it was time to prepare for Joyâs enrollment in a kindergarten in Bin City.
Taking advantage of the weekend, Shu Pan returned to Lotus Town. She had informed Auntie Lu in advance, so Joyâs belongings were already packed and ready.
Shu Pan stayed in Lotus Town for one night and, the next day, she took Joy on a car ride back to Bin City.
Initially, Auntie Lu wanted to come along to help for a few days to ensure a smooth transition for Joy and give Shu Pan some support. However, due to Shu Laideâs poor health, he needed someone to care for him, so Auntie Lu had to postpone her plans.
Joy, on her first outing, sat in the car, gazing in wonder at everything around her. She looked excited, examining this and that. Shu Pan watched her innocent face and felt guilty that such a small thing could bring her so much happiness.
âMom, this car is so big! Arenât Grandpa and Grandma coming with us?â Joy was reluctant to leave them behind.
âJoy, youâre going to school. Grandma has to stay home to take care of Grandpa, so itâs just us going out. Weâll bring them along another time, okay?â Shu Pan comforted her.
âOkay, but Iâll miss them a lot.â Joyâs tone was still downcast, and Shu Pan affectionately touched her head, feeling her pain.
However, childrenâs natures were usually quite simple, and soon Joy was captivated by the scenery outside and the new things she encountered, gradually forgetting the earlier topic.
âMom, look, the buildings here are so tall, and there are so many flowers.â When they entered the city, Joy made another discovery.
âYes, do you like it? Weâll be living here with Mommy from now on,â Shu Pan smiled at Joyâs excitement.
âI like it,â Joy nodded. Back at home, after unpacking their things, Shu Pan began preparing a delicious meal for Joy.
âMom, are we going to live here from now on?â Joy spoke with childlike innocence.
âYes, sweetheart, do you like it? Mommy bought you your favorite Hello Kitty and placed it by your bedside,â Shu Pan wanted to provide the best for Joy.
âThatâs awesome, Mommy! Thank you! I love you so much!â Joy exclaimed and gave Shu Pan a hug and a kiss.