001 Depression

Gu Nian had another episode today.

She kept adding salt to the food I had just cooked.

I tried to stop her, but she was relentless—pouring in salt until the entire bag was emptied into the pot.

I grabbed a spoon and tried to scoop it out, but it was too late. The salt had already dissolved into the beef stew I had painstakingly made.

Then, the door opened.

Qin Zhe'an returned from his evening walk, carrying a beautiful dress.

For Gu Nian.

Like a magician, he pulled a flower from behind his back—not a rose, just a wildflower from the roadside.

But Gu Nian was just as happy.

She sat quietly on the sofa, admiring her flower and dress.

Satisfied, Qin Zhe'an walked into the kitchen, took the spoon from my hand, and tasted the stew.

He frowned. "Too salty."

Something inside me snapped.

By the time I came to my senses, the entire pot of beef stew was shattered on the floor.

Qin Zhe'an stood at the kitchen doorway, shielding Gu Nian, who was trembling behind him.

His expression was a mix of surprise and confusion.

"What are you doing?"

Before I could answer, he took Gu Nian's hand and said to himself, "Forget it. I'll take her out for dinner. You should rest at home."

I looked around the house.

Scattered flower petals that Gu Nian had torn apart.

The pile of dirty clothes she had taken off.

And the beef stew spilled all over the floor.

I just stood there, watching the two of them leave.

The stew seeped across the tiles, spreading everywhere.

I stared at it, feeling like no matter where I stepped, I couldn't find a clean way out.

So I crouched in the kitchen.

And I stayed there.

Until my son came home from work.

Until he shouted—

"Where's Jingjing?! Mom! Didn't you pick her up?!"