Deng Qingyu knew that Shu Nian had always been sensible.

When she decided to divorce Shu Gaolis, Shu Nian was not yet twelve years old and cried once because of it. As if afraid of putting both parents in a difficult position, she never mentioned it again.

At an age when other children were going through their rebellious phase, Shu Nian had always been obedient—going to and from school alone, studying, and playing by herself. Except for some minor matters, she never required Deng Qingyu to worry about her.

When Deng Qingyu decided to remarry, Shu Nian had no complaints whatsoever, offering nothing but support from beginning to end.

This daughter of hers was the best gift heaven had sent her.

In the past, during Shu Nian’s most difficult times, Deng Qingyu knew that her thoughts and actions were wrong. She was always worried about others finding out about Shu Nian’s mental breakdown.

She feared people would point fingers at Shu Nian, calling her crazy or mentally ill.

Deng Qingyu felt she couldn’t bear such talk.

So if Shu Nian hadn’t brought it up herself, Deng Qingyu would never have suggested taking her to see a doctor.

Because of this thinking, she had almost lost her daughter.

Deng Qingyu wouldn’t let herself make the same mistake again.

“Nian Nian.” Deng Qingyu chose her words carefully, speaking slowly, “Your Uncle Wang thinks that since you’ve graduated from university and are no longer young, you shouldn’t be spending the family’s money. And he feels that the cost of seeing a psychologist is too expensive.”

“…” Shu Nian was silent for a moment. “I know.”

“But what kind of reasoning is that?” Because of her condition, Deng Qingyu had never told her these things before. “He rushes his son to the hospital for a slight cough, but when I give my daughter money for treatment, it’s considered wasteful?”

Not expecting her to say this, Shu Nian looked up in surprise.

“How have I ever neglected Wang Linxi?” Deng Qingyu’s tone carried anger. “He’s in eighth grade, and I still drive him to and from school, buy him what he likes to eat, wear, and use. I treat Wang Hao’s son like my own, but how does he treat my daughter?”

“…”

“Why should…” Deng Qingyu seemed unable to continue, her anger gradually dissipating as her voice became choked, “Nian Nian, you should have told Mom. You shouldn’t have kept it to yourself.”

Seeing her tears, Shu Nian felt a bit helpless: “I didn’t feel particularly unhappy…”

“Is that so? But Mom doesn’t want you to suffer even the slightest bit of grievance.” Deng Qingyu took a tissue to wipe away her tears. “My reason for remarrying was indeed because I felt tired and wanted to live a better life. But the prerequisite was that you should live well too.”

Shu Nian didn’t know what to say.

“Wang Hao hasn’t brought this up with me again. I told him if he’s unwilling, we can divorce.” Deng Qingyu was almost fifty, with several strands of white visible in her long hair tucked behind her ear. “It’s not such a difficult problem to solve.”

Shu Nian’s eyes stung: “Don’t you feel like I’m always dragging you down?”

“What kind of talk is that?” Deng Qingyu wasn’t happy to hear her speak this way. “If anyone is dragging me down, it’s Wang Hao dragging me down from taking care of my daughter.”

“…”

Deng Qingyu spoke very seriously: “You are the most important thing to Mom.”

In the past, Deng Qingyu had always had a bad temper, getting angry at the slightest provocation. But after Shu Nian became ill, she seemed to have completely transformed, no longer speaking with the slight sharpness she once had.

She had become gentle and good-tempered, showing extraordinary patience in everything she did.

Shu Nian hadn’t seen her like this in a long time.

Because of these words from Deng Qingyu, her mood became somewhat more settled.

Knowing that Shu Nian would soon be going to the recording studio, Deng Qingyu didn’t take up any more of her time. After Shu Nian finished the noodles, Deng Qingyu sang her the birthday song, and they ate the cake together.

Shu Nian went back to her room to change clothes and, after a moment’s thought, also picked up the bag sitting on her bedside table.

Deng Qingyu was putting the remaining cake in the refrigerator.

When Shu Nian came out, they left together.

Just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, Shu Nian noticed a car parked in front of their building.

It was Xie Ruhe’s car.

Shu Nian hesitated for a moment, then said to Deng Qingyu: “Mom, I think my friend is here.”

“Where?”

“That car over there.” Shu Nian pointed toward the car. “Should I go see? You can wait here for me.”

Rarely hearing Shu Nian mention the word “friend,” Deng Qingyu was quite pleased and immediately waved her hand: “No need. Your friend probably has something to discuss with you. I’m going to buy some groceries nearby, and we’re not going in the same direction anyway, so I’ll leave first.”

Shu Nian agreed: “Okay, be careful on your way.”

Despite saying this, Deng Qingyu still stood in place for a while, looking in the direction Shu Nian was heading.

After Shu Nian walked over, the rear window of the car lowered, and a man was sitting inside. The distance wasn’t far, and Deng Qingyu could see the man’s appearance.

His features were extremely handsome, his build slender, his demeanor seeming gloomy and cold. When he looked at Shu Nian, though his expression didn’t change much, his eyes softened.

The two of them said something to each other.

Then, Shu Nian turned to look at Deng Qingyu, waving to her from afar.

Deng Qingyu smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

Then Shu Nian got into the car.

Deng Qingyu didn’t linger any longer and turned to walk toward the side gate of the residential complex. The image of that man’s face lingered in her mind, feeling strangely familiar.

After walking a few steps, she suddenly remembered.

He was the son of Xie Ji and Ji Xiangning.

Xie Ruhe.

Back when Shu Nian used to play with Xie Ruhe all the time, Deng Qingyu strongly disapproved, scolding her several times and telling her to stay away from him. But none of it had any effect, and eventually, she let it go.

Deng Qingyu didn’t know them personally; she had only heard from neighbors that Xie Ji was a drunkard who only knew how to drink all day, would throw things and curse when in a bad mood, and sometimes would even hit people when he wasn’t sober.

Deng Qingyu was always worried that Xie Ruhe would be like his father, doing something bad to Shu Nian when he was upset.

Ji Xiangning wasn’t from the town.

They said it was like a TV drama—she was a rich family’s daughter. When her family didn’t approve of her being with Xie Ji, a poor boy, she hardened her heart, cut off contact with her family, and eloped with him to this small place.

Deng Qingyu had thought it was just idle gossip, not very credible.

But later, when Xie Ruhe’s maternal grandfather came to take him away, it confirmed that Ji Xiangning’s family was indeed very well-off, having lived a smooth and privileged life.

Unfortunately, she had trusted the wrong person.

Her entire life was ruined.

Thinking of Xie Ruhe and Ji Xiangning, Deng Qingyu let out a long sigh, feeling that her past actions of keeping Shu Nian away from Xie Ruhe after hearing others’ gossip had been inhumane.

Growing up in such a family, he was still a good child.

A pitiful child.

As soon as she walked over, the rear window of the car lowered.

Shu Nian blinked and asked: “Why did you come?”

Xie Ruhe answered honestly: “I have something to discuss with you.”

“What is it?”

“Aren’t you going to the recording studio?”

“Yes.”

“Then get in the car first.” Xie Ruhe said softly, “I’ll take you there.”

Shu Nian didn’t refuse. She turned back to wave at Deng Qingyu, then got in on the other side, lowering her head as she fastened her seatbelt: “What did you want to see me about?”

Seeming to notice the person outside the window, Xie Ruhe didn’t answer her question and suddenly asked: “Is that your mother?”

Hearing this, Shu Nian looked out the window and noticed Deng Qingyu’s retreating figure.

“Yes.”

Xie Ruhe paused, then asked: “Where is she going? I can drive her there.”

“No need.” Shu Nian said, “She’s just going nearby to buy groceries.”

“Then should I—” Xie Ruhe’s words carried a hint of caution as if asking for her opinion, “Should I go say hello to her?”

Shu Nian hadn’t thought of this and was a bit surprised: “No need, she’s already gone far.” She suddenly remembered how Deng Qingyu used to tell her negative things about Xie Ruhe, and quietly added: “Next time.”

Xie Ruhe nodded.

Fang Wencheng in the driver’s seat started the car.

Not knowing why Xie Ruhe had come to find her, and having asked twice without an answer, Shu Nian didn’t ask again. Instead, she remembered something: “Oh right, this is for you.”

Shu Nian handed him the bag she was carrying.

Xie Ruhe instinctively took it, as if not quite understanding: “For me?”

Afraid he might not be happy, Shu Nian felt a bit nervous: “Mm.”

Xie Ruhe’s Adam’s apple bobbed: “Why are you giving me a gift on your birthday?”

“Ah, you remember it’s my birthday?” Shu Nian’s eyes curved in happiness, “Didn’t you give me a gift on your birthday? I thought I’d do the same—give you a gift on my birthday.”

Xie Ruhe looked bewildered and hesitantly said: “I gave you a gift?”

“Yes.” Seeing that he didn’t seem to remember, Shu Nian reminded him, “The bag of medicine you gave me. It was quite useful. Thank you.”

“…” Xie Ruhe didn’t explain, lowering his head to look at the bag again, saying softly, “Can I open it and see?”

Shu Nian nodded: “Of course.”

Having heard what Fang Wencheng had said before, Shu Nian had been particularly careful in selecting a gift. Considering his profession and that he probably listened to music often, she had chosen a conventional pair of headphones.

Xie Ruhe opened it gently, not even tearing the wrapping paper.

Seeing what was inside, Xie Ruhe’s mood seemed quite good. The corners of his mouth turned up, and then he took out his phone and plugged in the headphones.

Noticing that he wasn’t displeased, Shu Nian felt relieved: “I was worried you wouldn’t like it.”

Xie Ruhe was silent for a moment, then said: “I won’t.”

When the gift recipient is happy, the gift-giver naturally feels pleased.

“Then try them out.” Shu Nian moved closer, “I’m not particular when buying headphones for myself. These were recommended by others. The sound quality and recording effect are supposed to be quite good.”

Hearing this, Xie Ruhe’s eyelids twitched slightly, as if he had thought of something. Then, he handed her one of the earpieces with a microphone, saying: “Try the recording.”

Shu Nian looked at him in confusion: “What?”

Xie Ruhe lowered his eyes, avoiding her gaze: “I want to test the recording quality.”

“Oh.” Shu Nian took the earpiece and asked him, “You want me to try?”

Xie Ruhe responded with a barely audible sound of agreement.

Shu Nian scratched her head, not knowing what to say at the moment: “What should I say?”

“…” Xie Ruhe didn’t speak.

Shu Nian thought to herself and took out the script from her bag: “I’ll say a line from the script.”

Xie Ruhe said: “Okay.”

Xie Ruhe started the recording on his phone.

Shu Nian glanced at it casually and read the first line on the page into the microphone: “It’s been two hours, seven minutes, and twenty-six seconds since we last met. I miss you a little. Would you like to come see me?”

After finishing, Shu Nian handed the earpiece back to him, indicating she was done.

Xie Ruhe took it but didn’t stop the recording. Then, as if casually, he moved closer to her, lowering his gaze to look at the script in her hand.

An overwhelming fresh, cool scent with hints of Chinese herbal medicine instantly enveloped Shu Nian.

Shu Nian felt inexplicably nervous and instinctively asked: “What’s wrong?”

Xie Ruhe said nonchalantly: “I want to try too. What’s the next line?”

Shu Nian was about to point it out to him.

The next moment, Xie Ruhe licked the corner of his lips, his gaze stopping at a certain spot, staring at four characters. He spoke, his voice deep and husky: “I like you.”

These sudden words made Shu Nian’s breath catch.

Shu Nian opened her mouth, her expression bewildered and also lowered her head to look at the script. Finding the position of the line he had spoken, she pressed her lips together and pointed to a place: “The line I just read is here.”

Xie Ruhe withdrew his gaze, calmly sitting up straight and looking out the window.

Whether it was the sunlight streaming in from outside or not,

The tips of his ears had turned slightly red.

After a while, Xie Ruhe said softly: “I couldn’t find it.”