After lunch, everyone discussed their plans.

Xunwen’s parents planned to explore the old city of Dongcheng, while Xunwen himself wanted to visit Meng Fu Yuan’s company.

That day, several of Chen Qing Wu’s former colleagues from Zhai Jingtang’s studio came to Dongcheng for the exhibition. They planned a dinner gathering in the evening and insisted that Chen Qing Wu attend.

As a result, the group naturally split into three directions.

The last time Xunwen returned home to pay respects to his ancestors, he only passed through Dongcheng on a layover and didn’t have much time to interact with Meng Fu Yuan. This was his first visit to Meng Fu Yuan’s company since it had moved to its new location.

After touring most of the departments, Xunwen asked Meng Fu Yuan, “How is your research and development progressing?”

“We’re preparing for the first full system test soon.”

“That’s faster progress than I expected.”

With Meng Fu Yuan’s permission, Xunwen entered the central showroom and tried operating the first-generation robotic arm, saying, “This is much more interesting than spending all day studying search engine algorithms.”

“You could come work here. I’ll hire you with a high salary.”

Xunwen laughed, “I might be interested in being a partner, but working for you? No, thanks.”

Both knew it was just a joke and didn’t take it seriously.

The two then went upstairs to Meng Fu Yuan’s office, where Xunwen said, “I just remembered today that I’ve met your girlfriend before.”

“When was that?”

“During grad school. I went with your brother. It was her, right?”

“Yes.”

“I remember that she was your brother’s girlfriend at the time?” Xunwen looked a bit puzzled.

Meng Fu Yuan replied, “Yes. I took her from him.”

Meng Fu Yuan rarely shared details about his personal life with others, so neither Pei Shao nor Xunwen knew much about the situation.

Xunwen was shocked, “Really? I never saw you as that kind of person. My bad for underestimating you.”

After the joke, Meng Fu Yuan explained the backstory in detail.

“So that’s how it was,” Xunwen said. “No wonder when she came to Los Angeles to visit our family, she was so interested in your past.”

Meng Fu Yuan was momentarily stunned.

He had never considered his past to be particularly noteworthy, but it turned out that someone who loved him would go to great lengths to gather details from the gaps in time, just to piece together a more complete picture of him.

Perhaps she also regretted knowing so little about his past.

***

After dinner with her friends, Chen Qing Wu went to a karaoke room.

She didn’t return home until after 10:30 PM.

Having eaten hotpot, the smell clung to her clothes, so as soon as she got home, she stripped off her clothes and took a shower.

After drying her hair, she went to the kitchen island to get some water but suddenly stopped.

The “Flower and Mist” cup had been washed and was now placed alongside the white stoneware cup she made in high school and the black-glazed cup Meng Fu Yuan made for the first time.

Her graduate thesis work, where her personal style first began to emerge, lacked the technical proficiency she has now, but even from an experienced perspective, its completeness couldn’t be denied.

Previously, Meng Qi Ran had placed this cup in a delicate glass display case.

Now, placed among two other novice works, it didn’t seem out of place at all; in fact, it felt like this was where it truly belonged.

Its “life of being used” had only just begun today.

Chen Qing Wu picked up the cup and held it in her hands, studying it for a long time.

She poured some water and went to the study to find someone.

When Meng Fu Yuan heard footsteps, he quickly and discreetly closed the drawer of his desk.

Chen Qing Wu walked over and saw the robotic arm “Frankenstein” on the desk. She asked, “Are you doing some testing?”

“Yes. Trying out some new commands.”

Chen Qing Wu placed the cup on the desk and glanced at the computer screen filled with lines of code, which made her eyes swim.

Meng Fu Yuan, however, looked at the cup, then naturally picked it up and took a sip. “This is a good piece of work.”

“Purple is a very unstable color. It can easily shift to red or blue with the slightest mistake. To achieve this effect, I had to redo it at least twenty times,” Chen Qing Wu said with a smile. “So, it was indeed a pity to keep it locked away.”

“I didn’t expect Qi Ran to return it. His personality is a bit…”

Meng Fu Yuan added, “He won’t use something he owns, but he also won’t let others use it?”

Chen Qing Wu nodded with a smile, “As his older brother, you really understand him.”

What was Qi Ran feeling when he returned it? Was it a complete letting go or a decision to move on and start anew?

Regardless, she could understand his blessing, given from the dual perspectives of being a “younger brother” and a “childhood friend.”

***

Xunwen’s family stayed in Dongcheng for another day before heading to other cities. Mira wanted to climb the Great Wall, saying that last time they only had time to visit the Forbidden City, which was somewhat regrettable. She also wanted to see pandas and eat hotpot.

Afterward, Chen Qing Wu went alone to see the “Dust and Mist” exhibition again.

When life returned to normal, Chen Qing Wu received a phone call from Chen Suiliang.

It turned out that one of Liao Shuman’s beauty salon employees had mishandled a procedure, causing a longtime customer to have an allergic reaction. Despite Liao Shuman’s compensation and multiple apologies, she couldn’t retain the customer. The customer’s group of friends, who were also regular clients, left as well, which greatly stressed Liao Shuman. Combined with the recent flu, she ended up with a high fever and was hospitalized.

Chen Qing Wu immediately went home.

By the time she arrived, Liao Shuman had already been discharged. The fever clinics were always crowded, and since a cold or fever is a self-limiting illness, the hospital politely requested her discharge once her fever subsided without recurrence.

Liao Shuman was lying on the sofa resting—she was still weak from the fever but found lying down uncomfortable after a while.

A bowl of white porridge sat on the coffee table, only a few sips taken.

“Where’s Dad?”

“Who knows where he’s run off to.”

Chen Qing Wu touched the bowl, finding it cold. “Do you want more? I can heat it up…”

“No appetite. Just pour me some water,” Liao Shuman said, looking listless.

Chen Qing Wu poured some warm water and handed it to Liao Shuman. “About those customers…”

“Don’t bring it up. It just irritates me.”

Chen Qing Wu hesitated for a moment. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Living your life well without causing me trouble is the biggest help.”

Liao Shuman always had a sharp tongue, and knowing this, Chen Qing Wu didn’t say anything more.

They sat together for a while until noon, when Chen Suiliang returned home.

As soon as he walked in, he started scolding her, “You still know how to come back!”

“I came back to see Mom…”

Liao Shuman, feeling annoyed, snapped, “Can you stop arguing? If you want to argue, take it outside.”

Chen Suiliang snorted, “You two are really adding to my troubles.”

“Who are you talking about?” Liao Shuman flared up, “I started the beauty salon without spending a penny of your money. When something goes wrong, I never ask you to cover for me. Now that I’m sick, asking you to help me get to the hospital and pour me a glass of water is adding to your troubles? I think we should just call it quits—you go find someone who won’t add to your troubles!”

Chen Suiliang, never one to back down, retorted, “What, you want a divorce?”

“Let’s go to the civil affairs bureau tomorrow!”

Chen Suiliang let out a cold laugh but then turned his anger toward Chen Qing Wu. “Did you instigate this with your mother?”

Chen Qing Wu calmly replied, “Why couldn’t it be that my mom wants a divorce on her own?”

Liao Shuman interjected, “Qing Wu, don’t pay him any mind. The more attention you give him, the more he’ll act up. He lost a few business deals with the Meng family network, so now he’s just looking for someone to take it out on.”

Liao Shuman’s words only infuriated Chen Suiliang further, and he lashed out at Chen Qing Wu, “You ruined the relationship between our families! A few years ago, when the idea of marriage was brought up, Meng Qi Ran didn’t even make a peep, yet you kept clinging on. Now that he’s come around, you suddenly think he’s not good enough for you?”

For years, Liao Shuman had avoided arguments whenever possible, choosing to gloss over 90% of issues. “Chen Suiliang, this is your daughter. Can’t you think before you speak?”

She looked at Chen Qing Wu. “I told you not to pay him any attention…”

Her voice suddenly stopped because she saw tears rolling down Chen Qing Wu’s cheeks.

Since she was a child, her daughter had hardly ever cried. Even during hospital stays, when she had to switch IV needles between her left and right hands, leaving her hands bruised for a long time, she never made a sound.

The sodium-infused medication caused some pain as it entered the vein, but she never complained.

During those hospital visits, Chen Suiliang would only visit for ten minutes a day, and during those ten minutes, she would always smile as if she feared that frowning would make her less lovable.

When she went public with her relationship with Meng Fu Yuan, Chen Suiliang had said far worse things, and she hadn’t cried then. So why was she suddenly crying now?

Seeing her daughter in tears left Chen Suiliang momentarily speechless.

Chen Qing Wu lowered her head, letting out a brief laugh, “Do you wish you had never had me as a daughter?”

She took a deep breath, “When I was slow to learn to talk, it was wrong. Getting sick was wrong. Being sensitive was wrong. Not being able to socialize well was wrong. Not studying the major you liked was wrong. Spending so much money to study abroad was wrong. Not taking the stable job you wanted for me was wrong. Liking Meng Qi Ran was wrong. Not liking him was also wrong… And now, being with Meng Fu Yuan is a huge mistake…”

It was as if her entire life was a collection of mistakes in Chen Suiliang’s eyes.

She had endured so much in the past without ever thinking of lashing out, but now it seemed she couldn’t bear even the slightest bit more; she wanted to let it all out.

Was it because she had finally been fully accepted by someone and had learned that even her flaws could be seen as something beautiful from a different perspective, giving her the courage to stand up for herself?

Perhaps love was the greatest source of confidence for a person.

This series of questions left Chen Suiliang speechless for a moment.

At that moment, Liao Shuman reached out.

Chen Qing Wu hesitated for a second before walking over.

Liao Shuman took her hand, “You’re an adult, yet here you are crying like a baby. I didn’t know you were so sensitive.”

Chen Qing Wu wasn’t sure whether to laugh or not.

Liao Shuman looked at Chen Suiliang. “She came back to visit her sick mother, not to get scolded by you. If you’re so capable, go find your own clients. Can’t live without the Meng family? And you say Qing Wu clings to the Meng family, but aren’t you the one doing the same?”

This comment struck right at the heart of Chen Suiliang’s frustrations.

When he started in his business, Meng Chengyong had already established his own, with far more connections and resources. Everyone knew the motivation behind his initial association with the Meng family.

However, over time, Chen Suiliang had done well, gradually reaching an equal standing with them.

Chen Suiliang was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to find a retort. It was a well-aimed shot, delivered by someone who had lived with him for years and knew his weak spots.

He turned on his heel and stormed out.

The housekeeper was setting the table and, seeing Chen Suiliang storm out, didn’t dare ask what was wrong. She simply told Chen Qing Wu that the meal was ready.

“Would you like to eat something?”

“I’m not hungry…” Liao Shuman raised a hand to her forehead and frowned. “Help me upstairs to rest.”

Chen Qing Wu wasn’t feeling hungry either, so she asked the housekeeper to leave the food for later and reheat it if necessary.

Upstairs, she helped Liao Shuman onto the bed.

She propped up the pillows and tucked in the blanket, but as she was about to step back, she noticed that Liao Shuman was watching her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Qing Wu, I never regretted having you as my daughter. The good and the bad, the experiences are all unique. It’s just that your father and I have such a chaotic relationship that sometimes it’s just hard.”

“You could get a divorce.”

“Divorced or not, things would be the same. You know your father’s personality. If I suggested a divorce, he’d insist on dragging it out with a lawsuit for three to five years, until everyone was exhausted. He wouldn’t take advantage of me, but he also wouldn’t let me take advantage of him. The division of assets would be a nightmare.”

Chen Qing Wu couldn’t understand. Her personality was such that if the love was gone, she would draw a clear line. “Don’t you feel resentful?”

“I gave up that way of thinking a long time ago. Whatever he says, I just let it go in one ear and out the other.”

“Maybe if you got divorced, you could meet someone you truly like.”

Liao Shuman shook her head. “Someone my age would likely prefer someone younger. If I found someone younger, I’d have to worry about whether they have ulterior motives.”

Chen Qing Wu didn’t know what to say.

“You don’t have to understand. Everyone has their way of living. It’s good that you’re a bit more straightforward. I’ve known Qi Ran since he was little. Even though he’s a bit carefree, he’s good at heart. As he gets older, he’ll naturally settle down. As for Meng Fu Yuan, he’s certainly more reliable. My advice is to always stick to your career. That way, no matter what happens between you and Meng Fu Yuan, you’ll have the means to walk away unscathed. Of course, I do hope you two stay together for the long haul.”

She and Chen Suiliang had gone from school uniforms to wedding gowns. The more beautiful the beginning, the more disillusioning the end.

In every way, she hoped her daughter’s relationship could avoid such a fate.

Chen Qing Wu rarely had such a heart-to-heart with her mother. She smiled, “Are you trying to comfort me because you saw me crying earlier?”

Liao Shuman chuckled and responded playfully, “Why else would they say a crying child gets the milk?”

“I was afraid you’d find me annoying… You used to take care of me all night…”

“If I found you annoying, I would have dumped you on your dad and run away.”

“But you should have told me… How else would I know…”

Hearing her daughter speak in such a coquettish tone, something she hadn’t heard in a long time, felt both familiar and strange to Liao Shuman, leaving her momentarily at a loss.

After a pause, she reached out and touched Chen Qing Wu’s face. “Alright, alright. I’ll tell you next time. I saw the poster you posted on WeChat Moments. Is it your exhibition?”

“No, it’s an exhibition organized by Mr. Zhai.”

“Then when you have your exhibition, make sure to invite me.”

“Sure.” Chen Qing Wu smiled.

“I’m going to sleep now. You should go eat.”

Chen Qing Wu went downstairs, poured a glass of water, and placed it on the bedside table next to her mother.

At that moment, Liao Shuman added, “Don’t worry about your dad anymore. He’s stubborn and proud. Since you’ll be staying in Dongcheng with Meng Fu Yuan, just come back during the holidays. He won’t make things difficult for Meng Fu Yuan. Among all the Meng family, the only one he truly respects is Meng Fu Yuan.”

Chen Qing Wu nodded and said okay before quietly closing the door and going downstairs.

That evening, after feeling a bit better, Liao Shuman had a bowl of porridge and then asked Chen Qing Wu to help her organize some recent bills.

While they were busy in the study, the housekeeper came in and announced that Meng Fu Yuan had come to visit.

Chen Qing Wu was surprised and quickly asked the housekeeper to invite him in.

Liao Shuman put on a shawl and went with her daughter to the living room.

Meng Fu Yuan entered and apologized, saying that he had come in a hurry and hadn’t prepared a gift. “Qing Wu told me not to come, but I thought since you were ill, I should visit.”

Liao Shuman appreciated the gesture and invited him to sit, then asked the housekeeper to make tea.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. The fever broke this morning. Flu season is here, so you both should be careful too.”

Meng Fu Yuan nodded.

In truth, Liao Shuman didn’t have much to say to her daughter’s boyfriend, as they rarely communicated. Forcing a conversation only made the atmosphere more awkward.

As if the tension wasn’t enough, the housekeeper came back and announced that Meng Qi Ran had also arrived.

Liao Shuman: “…”

When Meng Qi Ran entered and saw the scene in the living room, he almost turned around and walked out.

But he forced himself to stay and greeted them, “Auntie. Brother.”

“Come and sit,” Liao Shuman said.

Meng Qi Ran found a spot far from his brother and Chen Qing Wu and sat down with a smile. “I saw on WeChat that you were hospitalized with a fever, so I thought I’d come to check on you. How are you feeling now?”

“I’m fine. The fever broke this morning,” Liao Shuman repeated.

“That’s good.”

The conversation fell into silence again.

Liao Shuman asked, “Do your parents know you’re here?”

“I snuck out,” Meng Qi Ran said with a smile. “I’m committing treason here, Auntie, so please keep it a secret. If they find out, I’ll definitely get a scolding.”

Liao Shuman chuckled.

Unable to bear the awkwardness any longer, Meng Qi Ran stood up before even taking a sip of tea. “Auntie, as long as you’re okay, I’ll be off… I’ll be around for the next few days, so if you need anything, just call me.”

Liao Shuman nodded.

Meng Qi Ran then looked at Meng Fu Yuan, “Brother, I’m heading out.”

Chen Qing Wu realized that, from the last time they met until now, Meng Qi Ran had been intentionally avoiding her, as if she didn’t exist.

As Meng Qi Ran reached the foyer, he suddenly stopped, hesitated for a moment, and then, as if making a decision, turned and said, “Qing Wu, can I speak with you alone?”

Chen Qing Wu was momentarily stunned. “Um… sure.”

She glanced at Meng Fu Yuan and then stood up.

The door was slightly ajar as they walked outside and down the steps.

Meng Qi Ran remained silent, and Chen Qing Wu didn’t say anything either. They walked out of the gate and along the shadowed path.

The spring night air carried a faint scent of flowers and trees.

“…How have you been recently?” Meng Qi Ran finally spoke.

“I’m doing well. I hired someone to help manage my online store, and they’ll be starting soon.”

“That’s good.”

Another pause.

“…About that cup, I returned it without any particular reason. I’ve been reading a lot of books and watching documentaries about ceramics lately, and I’ve visited a few exhibitions. After learning more, I realized that such a beautiful cup was wasted in my hands. It’s too fragile, and using it requires great care. I’m not someone who can handle things delicately, so if I accidentally broke it, it would be a great pity… Maybe I’m just more suited to things like stainless steel and plastic.”

Chen Qing Wu smiled slightly. “…Compared to the things you like, ceramics might indeed seem a bit dull. But it’s okay if you don’t understand them.”

“I just wanted to know what I really missed and gave up…”

“Qi Ran, when you meet the person whose soul truly resonates with yours, you won’t have to try hard to make it work. You’ll naturally gravitate toward each other. So missing out on me isn’t something to regret.”

Meng Qi Ran fell silent.

Recently, Zhan Yining had confessed to him. He understood that her intentions were simply to bring closure. He knew that Zhan Yining didn’t really like him that much; she was just drawn to him as the center of attention, like how she was attracted to limited-edition handbags.

Naturally, he had refused. At the time, Zhan Yining joked, “You’ll regret missing out on someone as great as me.”

But Chen Qing Wu had said, “Missing out on me isn’t something to regret.”

Perhaps only someone who had truly loved could say, “Missing out on me isn’t something to regret.”

He smiled, feeling a lingering sense of melancholy, but he chose to change the subject. “I won’t be staying in the country much longer.”

“Where are you going?”

“Not sure. Maybe I’ll just wander around the world.”

“And the store?”

“Someone else will manage it.”

Chen Qing Wu nodded.

“If I send you postcards, will you accept them?”

“Of course.”

Meng Qi Ran smiled. “That’s good enough.”

“When are you leaving? Where’s your first stop?”

“Antarctica?”

“That far?”

“If I’m going, I might as well go as far as possible.”

Chen Qing Wu picked up on his joke. “The moon is even farther.”

“But there’s no Earth-to-moon flights yet.”

They both laughed.

It had been a while since they had such a light and carefree conversation.

“I’ll stay in Nancheng for a while longer, to apply for visas and spend time with my parents. They’re still upset, and I heard they even messed up some of Uncle Chen’s business deals. I’ll try to talk to them; there’s no need to turn a small issue into a lose-lose situation.”

Chen Qing Wu nodded.

Having said everything he needed to, Meng Qi Ran finally said, “I’ll be going now.”

“Okay. Take care.”

Meng Qi Ran turned around, pulling up the hood of his jacket, his gaze dropping.

In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to say, “I hope you and my brother are happy.”

He wasn’t magnanimous, nor had he come to terms with everything. It was just that the time had come when he had no choice but to let go.

Meng Qi Ran walked quickly through the night, and as he reached the neighborhood gate, he passed by two children.

A boy and a girl, walking side by side, holding a tin pencil case. Whatever was inside, they guarded it carefully, occasionally letting out exclamations of wonder.

They were wearing the uniforms of a nearby elementary school, their backpacks with water bottles in the side pockets, and keychains hanging from the zippers.

Two rabbits, one red and one blue, like a pair from a cartoon.

He suddenly thought of his childhood with Chen Qing Wu.

That day in the park, he caught a rhinoceros beetle and called Qing Wu over to see.

He carefully opened his hand just a crack, and Qing Wu exclaimed in delight.

The cicadas chirped in the trees, and the foxtail grass swayed in the wind.

That bright, sleepy summer day—he had thought it would last forever.