292: Almost three years

"Dong—"

When mom said to get ready, Chenchen grabbed the drumstick and hit the drum hard.

"Shush! You need to wait a bit, wait until mom plays the violin, then you can play, okay?"

Chenchen, having forgotten the agreed-upon sequence in his excitement, listened as Zhiyun crouched down, gently reminded him once more.

"Mm."

Their eyes meeting, mother and son looked at each other.

Outside the door, the sound of a car door closing reached them, Zhiyun pricked up her ears to listen, her left index finger on her lips, signaling Chenchen to stay quiet.

After a moment, footsteps approached, and she immediately adjusted her posture, staying crouched but straightening her back, and right when Zhou Liao's shoes crossed the threshold, she pulled the violin bow.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

"Liao Liao."

"Dong dong—"

While Zhiyun played the violin and sang, Chenchen followed along with "Liao Liao," holding the drumstick and drumming along with her performance.