Chapter 6: Cake

~I have something I want to ask you for help~

On November 18, 1991, autumn was approaching.

Zhao Xiangwan received a package from her hometown. Inside was a bright green round-neck sweater. Seeing the familiar twisted stitch and vibrant color, Zhao Xiangwan felt a wave of warmth.

Her roommate Zhang Yalan leaned over and eyed the sweater. “Tsk tsk” twice. “The color… the style…” Though she didn’t finish, Zhao Xiangwan caught the implied critique.

[This sweater is so bright and its style so outdated, can I even wear it outside?]

Zhao Xiangwan glanced at Zhang Yalan.

Zhang Yalan blushed, raising her hands in apology: “I know, I shouldn’t criticize it, but… this green is pretty in-your-face.”

Zhao Xiangwan pressed the sweater to her cheek, relishing its soft texture.

Her aunt only knew two stitches: plain stitch and double-strand twist stitch. However, she was fast at knitting, finishing one sweater each week. Every year, she would send one to Zhao Xiangwan.

Although her adoptive parents only cared about their biological daughter Zhao Chenyang and mistreated Zhao Xiangwan in various ways, Aunt Zhao Dacui was the warmest figure in Zhao Xiangwan’s childhood.

Rural people give simple names, and Zhao Xiangwan’s aunt, Zhao Dacui, and her father, Zhao Erfu, are siblings. Zhao Dacui is honest, kind, and hardworking. After marrying a man from a neighboring village, she had three daughters and was disliked by her in-laws and husband. Zhao Erfu married Qian Shufen and had two sons and a daughter, living a more comfortable life.

As a woman, Zhao Dacui sympathized with Zhao Xiangwan, who was obedient but unloved at home. She often secretly provided her with food, necessities, and clothes. When Zhao Xiangwan had her first period, it was Zhao Dacui who took her to buy menstrual products and gently advised her on menstrual hygiene and avoiding cold water.

In Zhao Xiangwan’s heart, her aunt was the closest relative.

After putting a sweater into the closet, Zhao Xiangwan changed from her student uniform into a simple white floral shirt, blue cloth trousers, and braided her hair. She was ready to go out.

Zhang Yalan, who rarely saw Zhao Xiangwan in casual clothes, asked curiously, “Where are you going? You look so nice.”

Zhao Xiangwan, feeling shy, didn’t respond.

After living together in the same dormitory for two and a half months, everyone had become familiar. Zhang Yalan, a carefree person, playfully asked, “What? You have a secret?”

Zhao Xiangwan, who didn’t like physical contact, stepped back slightly.

Zhang Yalan quickly retracted her hand and smiled, “Okay, okay, I won’t ask anymore.”

[There’s something going on! Zhao Xiangwan usually doesn’t talk much in class, but today she’s dressed so nicely—could it be love? I wonder who it is.]

Zhao Xiangwan had heard similar comments many times before.

After a brief pause, she left the dormitory.

Walking along Xiangzhang Road towards the teacher’s residential area, she entered Unit 201 of a building. As soon as she knocked, she heard Zhou Qiaoxiu’s cheerful voice from inside: “Coming!”

Since rescuing little Xu Zhenbao, Zhou Qiaoxiu had been particularly kind to Zhao Xiangwan, and she had invited her to dinner that evening.

The teachers’ dormitory at the People’s Public Security University, built in the 1970s, is about 50 square meters with two bedrooms and a small living room. The living room is just big enough for a square table by the window.

Once inside, Zhao Xiangwan was greeted by a sweet aroma. She looked up to see a round cream cake on the dining table, its delicious scent filling the room.

Zhou Qiaoxiu, having finished setting the table, smiled brightly, “The birthday girl is here! Today, uncle Xu, the baby, and I will celebrate your birthday!”

Zhao Xiangwan stood frozen at the door.

The table was covered with various dishes, and in the center was a large cake decorated with colorful cream flowers. At the center of the cake was a white chocolate decoration: a little girl in a princess dress with a crown.

Zhao Xiangwan had imagined this moment countless times in her dreams.

—She envisioned being with her biological parents, receiving a big birthday cake with candles, and hearing them say, “Happy birthday, dear.” But that had never happened, not even when she turned eighteen.

Zhou Qiaoxiu placed two candles—one red and one green—shaped like the numbers “1” and “8” on the cake. Xu Songling lit them, and the baby raised her little face and clapped, “Sister, come on, make a wish.”

The table was filled with delicious food: braised duck, sweet and sour spare ribs, steamed crucian carp with fermented black beans, stir-fried pork with chili peppers, stir-fried chicken, and stir-fried lettuce. The aromas mixed with the scent of butter and rice, making Zhao Xiangwan, who had always been mistreated by her adoptive parents, feel overwhelmed and emotional. She struggled to find words.

Zhao Xiangwan had grown up in Zhaojiagou, Huangtian Township, Luo County, Hunan Province, a rural area near the county town, where her family worked hard growing rice. Her mother, Qian Shufen, was frugal, and the family had never had such lavish meals, not even during the Chinese New Year, nor had they ever bought her a birthday cake.

Her mother would say, “We are poor and can’t afford it.” But deep down, she believed, “My biological daughter is enjoying life in the city, while you should suffer here.”

Zhao Xiangwan’s “twin” sister, Zhao Chenyang, who grew up with her, had actually been swapped with her at the age of ten. Zhao Chenyang went to the city to live the life of a rich girl, while Zhao Xiangwan was left behind in the countryside. After discovering the truth, Zhao Xiangwan endured the mistreatment for eight years before finally breaking free and being admitted to Hunan Provincial Public Security University.

“Hurry up and blow out the candles, Zhao Xiangwan. Today is your eighteenth birthday. Since your family isn’t here, your teacher will celebrate with you.”

Zhou Qiaoxiu, her class teacher, had noticed that Zhao Xiangwan was born on November 18, 1973, making today her 18th birthday. She had arranged the celebration because Zhao Xiangwan was quiet and introverted, rarely asking for anything. Zhou Qiaoxiu felt a special bond with her and wanted to make her feel appreciated.

Seeing Zhao Xiangwan’s red eyes, Zhou Qiaoxiu felt deeply moved. As an experienced teacher, she had encountered many students from poor backgrounds, and she could tell that Zhao Xiangwan lacked confidence due to her upbringing. Zhao Xiangwan was smart and clever, but her family’s financial struggles had held her back.

Zhou Qiaoxiu pretended not to notice Zhao Xiangwan’s emotions and lightly urged, “Close your eyes, make a wish, and blow out the candles while the baby sings happy birthday.”

Zhao Xiangwan closed her eyes and heard the sincerest voices of Zhou Qiaoxiu and Xu Songling in her heart.

[This child must have gone through a lot when he was young. His eyes reddened when he saw the big cake.]

[Children from poor families often become exceptionally talented. Children like Zhao Xiangwan, who are tough and patient, can achieve great things.]

The cold, hardened heart suddenly softened, as if a pure snow lotus had bloomed in the ice and snow. Zhao Xiangwan’s eyebrows gently curved, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He clasped his hands together at his mouth and silently made a wish for his 18th birthday.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…” The child’s birthday song echoed in his ears.

Whoosh! The candle went out.

Zhao Xiangwan looked at Zhou Qiaoxiu and silently mouthed two words: “Thank you!”

Everyone happily sat down to eat. Zhao Xiangwan stood up and raised the tea in front of Xu Songling, as if it were wine. “Officer Xu, I have something I would like to ask for your help.”

Xu Songling smiled and picked up the wine glass in front of him. “Student Zhao, don’t be so polite. You’re Teacher Zhou’s student and the one who saved our baby. Just tell me what you need.”

There was something Xu Songling didn’t say: Thank you for helping us see Meimei’s true nature and removing a hidden danger from our family.

Meimei had been officially adopted by Xu Songling and Zhou Qiaoxiu, so returning her to the orphanage was out of the question. Knowing how manipulative she had been, particularly toward her sister, Xu Songling decided to send Meimei to boarding school after giving her a stern warning at the police station.

Before leaving, Xu Songling told Meimei seriously: “Not all mistakes can be forgiven. If you make a mistake, you must own up to it.”

Though Meimei was legally their daughter, the emotional bond had been broken.

Zhao Xiangwan could hear Xu Songling’s inner thoughts, and he secretly admired the officer’s ability to let go. He then continued with his request: “I would like to ask you to help me find someone in Xing City. Her name is Zhao Chenyang, her father is Zhao Qingyun, and her mother is Wei Meihua.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Songling patted his chest and confidently replied, “Finding people is our specialty. If the name is correct and she’s still in Xing City, I’ll ask my colleagues in the household registration department to track her down. It’ll take at least a week and no more than a month to find her.”

Zhao Xiangwan’s hand holding the tea trembled with excitement, his heart soaring with joy. Perfect, Zhao Chenyang, you are an imposter, and now I have the chance to expose you!

Zhou Qiaoxiu, always observant, noticed Zhao Xiangwan’s excitement and asked, “Xiangwan, who is Zhao Chenyang to you?”