Nowhere to go

As Rong Ci drove away from the equestrian club, for a moment, she was at a loss as to where to go.

Chu Zilan and Yu Moxun had their own affairs to attend to. She thought about going back to the Rong family residence, but without Feng Jingxin, her return alone might only make the old lady worry about her...

Just as she was thinking this, she passed by a wetland park. There, she saw many couples bringing their children for camping, as well as young people taking their parents out to relax. Witnessing their affectionate relationships and happy family scenes, a hint of envy and... bitterness involuntarily emerged in Rong Ci's eyes.

After driving for a while, Rong Ci suddenly pulled over to the side of the road. She picked up her phone, hesitated for a long time, and finally dialed a number. When the call was answered, she asked, "Hello, Dean. How is my mother doing now?"

An hour and a half later.

At Yihe Sanatorium.

Rong Ci stood in the courtyard, looking at Rong Yingsheng, who was sitting on a chair not far away. Her eyes were dull, her face emaciated, and she was a far cry from the beautiful and vibrant woman in Rong Ci's childhood memories. Even though she had long been accustomed to this appearance, her heart still couldn't remain calm.

After a while, the dean beside her said softly, "She's still the same. No significant changes."

Rong Yingsheng couldn't come into contact with people from her past; otherwise, she would fall into a new round of frenzy. Her mental state was currently in a rare state of calm, and Rong Ci didn't want to, nor dared to, disturb her. After standing for a while, worried about being noticed by Rong Yingsheng, she left the courtyard. After walking a short distance away, she said to the dean and the staff taking care of Rong Yingsheng, "I'll have to trouble you all with my mother."

"You're too kind, Miss Rong. This is what we're here for."

Rong Ci looked at Rong Yingsheng through the glass window for a while longer. Then, she left some books and daily necessities she had bought for her and departed from the sanatorium.

Although she had left the sanatorium, her mood remained heavy. On the way back, as she passed the wetland park again, seeing the kites filling the sky, Rong Ci turned her car around and entered the park.

In the park, a gentle breeze caressed her face, the sunlight was perfect, and the scenery was delightful. However, everyone was here in groups, and she, being alone, seemed a bit out of place. Standing in front of a small booth, she was pondering whether to buy a kite and fly it when suddenly, a small hand grasped her finger and gave it a little shake.

"Auntie."

Hearing this, Rong Ci looked at the person and exclaimed in surprise, "Shandan?"

Shandan nodded gently, not letting go of the hand holding her finger.

"Shandan—"

He Changbai came over. When he saw Rong Ci, his voice stopped abruptly. After a moment's pause, he walked over and said, "You're here for a visit too?"

"Yeah."

"Did you bring Jingxin along?"

Rong Ci lowered her eyes and replied in a flat tone, "No, I'm here alone."

Upon hearing this, He Changbai seemed to understand something and remained silent for a moment.

Rong Ci thought she wasn't familiar with He Changbai and was about to leave when Shandan looked up at her and said, "Auntie, let's fly a kite together."

Rong Ci declined, "No, auntie has something else to do."

Shandan looked disappointed. "Oh..."

He Changbai said, "Join us. There are only two of us as well." As if knowing what she was thinking, he added, "I'll stay on the side and watch. I won't disturb you. Just consider Shandan as a playmate."

Rong Ci actually quite liked Shandan. Moreover... she really didn't want to be alone right now. Hearing this, she didn't refuse.

She and Shandan picked out a kite together, a blue butterfly that both of them liked. Rong Ci had flown kites many times before when taking Feng Jingxin on outings, so she was quite experienced. However, the kite they bought this time was a bit large, and Shandan was still young, making it difficult for the two of them to handle.

He Changbai came over and silently assisted them. With their combined efforts, the kite was successfully launched into the sky, and both Rong Ci and Shandan burst into happy laughter. Looking at Rong Ci's smile, He Changbai's eyes darkened.

Rong Ci noticed his gaze and asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Rong Ci didn't press further. She led Shandan a short distance away, and He Changbai watched from not too far off, truly not interfering.

After getting tired of flying the kite, Rong Ci and Shandan sat by the lake fishing, or crouched beside a small pool of a vendor, studying the fish swimming around and trying to catch them with a small net.

Before they knew it, it was noon.

He Changbai had originally just intended to take Shandan out for a stroll, and they hadn't brought food like the others. Now that it was lunchtime and Shandan was hungry, He Changbai suggested having a meal at a nearby small restaurant.

After relaxing for an hour or two, Rong Ci's mood had improved significantly compared to before, and she didn't decline He Changbai's proposal.

During the meal, Rong Ci mostly chatted with Shandan. He Changbai, seeing that they were getting along well, didn't force himself into the conversation. Instead, he simply moved the dishes they liked closer to them. Rong Ci was engrossed in talking to Shandan and didn't notice.

After a while, He Changbai's phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he said to Rong Ci, "I need to take this call."

Rong Ci replied, "Okay."

The call was from Qi Yuming. He Changbai walked a short distance away before answering, "What's up?"

"Where are you now? Have you eaten? A friend of mine just sent over some fresh seafood. Want to come over and have some? Tingshen and the others will be here too."

He Changbai looked in the direction of Rong Ci and Shandan and declined softly, "We're eating. Maybe next time."

"Then, do you have any plans for tonight? There's a cruise party tonight. Tingshen and the others have confirmed their attendance. Why don't you bring your little niece along? We haven't really met her yet. It would be a good opportunity for her to get to know everyone."

He Changbai refused, "She's shy around strangers. There will be too many people on the cruise. I'm worried she might feel uncomfortable."

"It's okay. Jingxin will be there too. They're around the same age and should be able to get along well." Without waiting for him to reject, Qi Yuming continued, "It's settled then. Seven o'clock. Remember to come."

With that, Qi Yuming hung up the phone first.

He Changbai: "..."

After the meal, Rong Ci and Shandan chased butterflies and rode bicycles. They didn't stop until they were both exhausted. Shandan was so sleepy that she fell asleep. Rong Ci also wanted to go home and rest, so she drove away.

He Changbai watched her car leave. After a while, he too left.

After some time, Shandan woke up and, not seeing Rong Ci, wrinkled her little brow and asked, "Where's auntie?"

"She went home."

Shandan looked disappointed. "Oh..."

At seven o'clock in the evening, He Changbai boarded the yacht on time. Feng Tingshen and the others had already arrived. Seeing him, Qi Yuming waved him over.

Seeing Shandan, Qi Yuming was the first to smile and say, "You must be the little beauty Shandan. Hello, little beauty. I'm Uncle Qi, your uncle's friend..."

There were a lot of people on the cruise, and Shandan was indeed a bit shy. After Qi Yuming introduced himself, Lin Wu led Feng Jingxin over.

Seeing them, He Changbai paused.

Knowing that Shandan was shy, after introducing herself, Feng Jingxin took the initiative to extend her hand and said, "There are a lot of kids over there. Do you want to go play with me?"

Shandan looked at He Changbai. After he nodded, she summoned up her courage and followed Feng Jingxin.

After the two children walked away, Qi Yuming asked with a smile, "How does it feel to be a first - time奶爸?"

"Not bad."

His little niece was shy but also quite obedient, so taking care of her wasn't too difficult for him.

Feng Tingshen handed him a glass of wine. "Have a drink?"