Read Novel Full Chapter 1255: Chapter 96: How Many Meetings Do We Still Have Left?
Chapter 1255: Chapter 96: How Many Meetings Do We Still Have Left?
Before going to work in the afternoon, Tao Anqi came to the office area with a pile of documents and called over a girl from her team.
“Sister Tao Tao, what’s this?”
“I took a half-day off, these are for the afternoon, can you handle them for me?”
“Okay… but why so suddenly, is something wrong?”
“There’s something at home, so I have to go back… If there’s nothing major, I should be back on Sunday.” Tao Anqi said quickly.
But seeing her already dressed and carrying a bag, it was obvious she was ready to leave the company… The girl looked helpless, realizing their weekend plans were likely to be canceled.
Tao Anqi left the company, first returning to her rented apartment. The train wouldn’t depart until 5:20 PM, and she would arrive in the early morning.
She hadn’t planned on going back, but could only book a less convenient late train ticket.
Later, she spoke with her brother, Tao Kai, on the phone twice. He seemed a bit reproachful, saying the call didn’t have to be routed through him and asking why she couldn’t call another number directly.
Tao Anqi suddenly didn’t know how to respond, silently thinking to herself: maybe it really is difficult.
This seemed to be due to her nature… She didn’t want Tao Kai, with his cheerful personality, to become independent and strong like her. Perhaps it was hereditary.
Truthfully, she had already moved past the incidents of feigning illness earlier in the year. It was almost comical, how she and her mother, who should have had the strongest blood ties, couldn’t communicate well.
As she began packing her clothes in the apartment, a peace charm unexpectedly fell from the coat pocket… It was something her mother had prayed for at the temple during New Year’s, giving one each to Tao Kai and her… But she hadn’t gone home during that period, and the charm was later mailed to her by Tao Kai.
One reason was the short holiday, and another was not wanting to face numerous inquiries from relatives after going home.
She was already a woman of twenty-seven or twenty-eight, and her marriage situation often became a topic of conversation… A common challenge all older unmarried youth face.
Perhaps after returning this time, she should have a good talk… Tao Anqi held the peace charm in her hand, but still couldn’t find the right way to start that first sentence.
She knew she was too stubborn, truly like a hedgehog.
This return trip was a spontaneous decision, she hadn’t even informed Tao Kai.
As she thought about it, her heart grew restless. Since when had going home stopped being something to look forward to, and instead become a burden?
Tao Anqi lay on the bed, a soft white light flashed before her eyes.
Back then, for love.
…
Back then, for love.
It was during a time she harbored the purest yearning for love, even thinking it would be hard to fall for another boy like that again.
In the heat of passion, the boy promised her marriage. She truly felt she was the happiest person.
“I disagree.”
This was almost the most cruel thing she had heard from her mother since she could remember. She felt she had grown up and become independent.
“Actually, transportation is very convenient now, it doesn’t take much time to come and go. I will come home often to see you, and besides, isn’t there still Tao Kai at home… Can you not be so controlling? Can’t I consider what’s best for myself?”
This was almost the most cruel thing she had said to her mother since she could remember.
She chose to stay, because he had made her a promise… She felt she was brave enough, until she met the boy’s parents.
“We disagree.”
She didn’t feel despair because she always believed he would shield her, as she had shielded her mother.
“I’m sorry, I really like you, but…”
She suddenly understood.
Even she didn’t know why she stayed in this big city after severing ties with him… But she knew it wasn’t because of the man who had given her a fairytale.
Perhaps she simply… couldn’t find the way home.
The dream had been long, Tao Anqi opened her eyes, her awareness shifting from fuzzy to clear, wondering if she had missed the time… But the sky didn’t seem to have darkened, and she subconsciously let out a sigh of relief.
Perhaps she could still make it.
But… where was this place?
She was terrified, her mind blank, heart racing nearly out of her chest, everything seemed so enormous to her.
“Hey little one, why aren’t you eating, are you full?”
Mother… Tao Anqi looked at the face so close in front of her.
She wasn’t just shocked, she glanced at her own hand, seeing her palm transformed into a pink fleshy ball.
God, this dream was really bizarre—as if she hadn’t woken up yet? Otherwise, how could such strange things happen in the world.
She thought of “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” the absurd novel where Gregor transformed into a giant insect.
It’s just a dream, when you wake up, you might not even remember it… She said to herself after calming down, but she didn’t know how she was supposed to wake up.
Maybe when her phone rings, it will wake her up—she could only hope for such external stimuli.
Indeed, I still want to see you, even if it’s just in a dream…
She raised her hands—or rather, her front limbs, her mother’s face right in front of her eyes, clearer than she had ever seen before.
“You little rascal!”
Zheng Lihong was growing fonder of this little rascal, pulling it into her embrace.
“Shall we give you a name?”
Her mother’s voice rang in her ears, and she realized that a cat’s hearing was surprisingly acute, as she could even hear her mother’s heartbeat.
A name? This dream is too realistic… haven’t woken up yet, perhaps this time I’ve slept too deeply. Just like that, Zheng Lihong put her in the basket in front of the bicycle, looking at the height, which seemed quite high to her at the moment, feeling a bit dizzy—I’m not really a cat, am I?
“Let’s call you Little Naughty!”
The voice was still that clear. Tao Anqi didn’t really mind about the name; she just vaguely remembered that her mother used to call her that when she was young.
Naughty… does that family’s child ever not act naughty!
Weren’t you very mischievous too? Last year you pretended to be sick a few times! They say people become more childlike as they age, you really are a handful.
Tao Kai has told you countless times not to ride the bicycle anymore, have you ever listened? You don’t listen, you want us to listen to you.
The bicycle wobbled and then began to stabilize, the people and things ahead slowly getting closer and then further away… Tao Anqi watched and then climbed out of the basket, paws pressed down, peering out at the scenery within her visual range, suddenly missing the taste of yogurt.
—here, one bottle each.
It was always like that coming home from school as a child.
She was really reluctant to drink it all in one go, always putting it in the refrigerator and waiting for it to cool down before taking it out and sipping it slowly, even though it was just a hundred milliliters or so, it could last for a long while.
Now her mother doesn’t prepare it anymore… actually, there are plenty at home, the unsold ones are always brought back home.
Perhaps it’s become a habit not to drink it?
“Ah, you little rascal, you truly are mischievous! Dangerous… the name suits you!”
Zheng Lihong reached out and pushed the little rascal’s head back down into the basket.
Who’s in danger, you’re the one in danger, okay? Don’t forget you’re riding a bicycle! Stop wandering around, hurry home, okay? You’re all by yourself, what’s there to wander around for on the streets?
All by yourself…
Why haven’t I woken up yet?
Ring—ring—ring—ring—!
“Ah Hong, Ah Hong!”
A middle-aged woman, in a similar outfit, rode over on her bike. She had some impression of her, as one of her mother’s coworkers.
She couldn’t quite remember her name.
…
“Ah Hong, how come you look like you sold out today?”
“It’s all thanks to this little rascal!”
“Oh, where’s the little rascal from? Let me see!”
Somewhat greasy… she struggled a bit, but couldn’t really resist this greasy aunt—oh right, she remembered the name, the aunt who lived not far from her home and was the one who introduced this job to her mother in the first place.
The two started to chat.
The greasy aunt took a small bag from the basket at the front of her bike and said, “My son and daughter-in-law brought back some tangerines, let me give you some to taste.”
“Oh, how can I accept this.” Zheng Lihong said joyfully.
Her mother naturally loved to eat tangerines… she knew this full well—and watching Zheng Lihong casually peel one and start eating it, she thought maybe she should send some back in the future.
“Hmm… a bit sour.” Zheng Lihong frowned but couldn’t resist eating one and started peeling another.
—eat less, don’t treat it like treasure, okay?
“Your son is back, so don’t go out riding the bicycle these days.” Zheng Lihong smiled at her friend.
The greasy aunt said, “No more selling, once this month’s stock is gone, I’ll quit. My son said he doesn’t want to go out to work anymore, he’s going to start a small business and open a breakfast shop, wants me to help.”
“Isn’t that great.” Zheng Lihong was genuinely happy for her friend.
Listening to them made her a bit sleepy… the topics of middle-aged people seemed so distant from her—perhaps it was this cat body, she always felt sleepy.
The weather in southern March and April was damp and chilly, and she curled up motionless in her mother’s arms.
“Your Tao Kai is not bad either, I heard he got into a big company, prospects are promising!” The greasy aunt said with a smile, “You should also think about enjoying some good days, don’t tire yourself so much.”
Zheng Lihong shook her head and said, “Feeling bored, unlike you who has grandkids to take care of.”
The oily aunt knew Zheng Lihong well, having spoken often in everyday conversations, “How’s Tao Tao doing recently?”
Zheng Lihong smiled and said, “What can you do, just phone calls. We usually don’t meet, but the calls come often.”
——I… I haven’t.
She suddenly remembered what others said, that parents never spoke ill of their children in front of others.
“Isn’t that nice?” The aunt laughed genuinely happily, “This child, although stubborn, is very protective of you, right? Remember when you were bullied as a child, she grabbed a broom and went after those people with it.”
“She caused quite a bit of trouble.” Zheng Lihong smiled gently, looking down at Little Naughty in her arms, stroking its back.
“I like this girl too. How about next time she comes back, we’ll introduce her to someone? He’s quite decent.” The aunt suggested.
She opened her eyes, raised her head, fearing her mother would agree without thinking. It’s the thing she found most bothersome… it’s something that might happen, right?
“Oh, don’t worry about it.” Zheng Lihong laughed, “I won’t give you money as a matchmaker. Besides, getting married later isn’t a big deal, Tao Tao is doing quite well outside, she said she wants to focus on her career. Times aren’t like before, getting married later isn’t a problem.”
——Nonsense, every time it’s you who talks about this…
——Turns out… all along you were maintaining it.
“Can’t help you.” The aunt shook her head, continued chatting with Zheng Lihong, then pedaled away on her bike.
Zheng Lihong tidied up, stood up, though her back wasn’t good, it felt sore as she stood, so she lightly massaged it.
Meow——!
She watched, called softly, then used her paw to press on… the Fold-Eared Cat was really powerless.
“What’s wrong? You little thing, want to give me a massage?”
Zheng Lihong found it amusing, this little thing with such spirituality, she picked it up, “No worries, I’m used to it.”
——Habit… when did it start, why, without telling me.
Meow…
…
Towards evening, she felt sleepy, the cat’s body was truly fragile, she unknowingly fell asleep… seemed to be carried by her mother to the market.
Shouldn’t her mother start preparing dinner by now?
She hadn’t been to this market for a long time… when was it last? Her memory lingered only a little.
Her mother carrying Tao Kai, who was just over a year old, and holding her hand.
Near closing time, the market’s items were always a bit cheaper.
“Sister Hong, want chicken? Last time’s chickens, today slaughter one?”
“No thanks! I can’t finish one meal.” Zheng Lihong shook her head, appearing sharp, said, “You keep raising them for me. I’m telling you, I’m raising these chickens for my daughter, if you dare sell them to someone else, I’ll scold you to death.”
“Oh Sister Hong, been neighbors for years, what’s the meaning of these words!”
“Alright, alright, give me half a salt-baked chicken then.”
——Last time I came back, I didn’t eat a piece.
——You’ve… waited for how long.
Meow…
“Tired, little one? Let’s go home soon, want me to buy you a fish?”
Meow…
…
…
“Not coming back for dinner? Why didn’t you say earlier!”
“Oh, sorry, Mom, there’s a last-minute overtime here, I really can’t help it… don’t wait for me! I promise, I’ll wash the dishes when I come back tonight! Okay… talk later!”
“Seriously…” Zheng Lihong helplessly hung up the phone, looking at the half salt-baked chicken on the table, “I can’t finish this much.”
Meow…
——I’m here! I’m here…
“Little one, why not eating?”
But this little one clung to her feet, biting her pants, Zheng Lihong amusingly picked up Little Naughty, laughed, “What’s wrong, want to keep me company for eating?”
——I’m here…
“Alright, alright, we’ll eat together.”
Zheng Lihong carefully picked up a piece of fish meat, removed the bones, and brought it to Little Naughty’s mouth — the TV was turned on.
Zheng Lihong didn’t sit at the dining table, just ate while watching TV.
“Last night, there was a fire at the famous Auston Pharmaceuticals in the city, fortunately the city’s firefighters arrived in time, no casualties…”
Zheng Lihong raised her head and muttered, “Ah, burning such a large area, it’s a blessing nobody got hurt.”
Another piece of news was broadcast, and Zheng Lihong muttered to herself again.
——You’ve… always been this lonely?
Only the living room light was on, the TV’s sound was echoing, Zheng Lihong held a bowl of rice, occasionally speaking to herself.
Later, Zheng Lihong fell asleep, leaning back on the sofa.
She wanted to wake her mother, but couldn’t, feeling really anxious… not afraid of catching a cold? Just wearing so little.
She wanted to bite into a thin blanket, but tried for ages, couldn’t find where the blanket was…
Tao Kai, you rotten bastard, it’s not warm yet, why can’t you put a heater in the living room! Didn’t I send one home!
I… I can’t cover Mom with a blanket…
Tao Kai, you rotten bastard… bastard…
——I… I…
Meow… meow.
She finally jumped onto Zheng Lihong, snuggled into her arms… at least giving this little bit.
Meow…
…
Waking up again… the dream hadn’t ended.
She dumbly stared at the wall clock, past 9… Tao Kai hasn’t returned?
She was still on the sofa, wrapped in a thick layer of the blanket, too comfortable to want to move… mother?
“Hello, Doctor Li…? It’s me, Zheng Lihong, yes, the checkup you mentioned, I think I’ll do it tomorrow, is that okay?”
Doctor… checkup? What checkup?
She hesitantly jumped off the sofa, ran to Zheng Lihong’s feet, but mother said nothing, put Little Naughty into a newly bought cat house on the balcony.
She knew her mother went to bed early.
But you haven’t told me why the checkup…
Checkup…
Suddenly she felt unprecedented fear.
…
…
Early in the morning, Zheng Lihong was not at home.
When she woke up, food was placed in front of the cat house, enough for a day… Haven’t seen Tao Kai, but seeing clothes drying on the balcony, he should’ve returned late last night.
…Checkup, checking now?
Her mind was filled with thoughts of this… balcony door closed, nowhere to go, even climbing onto the balcony was extremely difficult.
She knew being alone, a day was hard to endure.
But she never realized a day could feel so long.
This dream, really not wanting to wake…
Thinking for another hour, dazing for another hour, half asleep-half awake it seemed keeping this way could be good.
At least not worrying about too much… right.
Until evening, Zheng Lihong finally came back from buying vegetables, started bustling around. Tao Kai left work early today but went out after dinner, saying he was meeting friends.
Her mother said nothing at the dinner table about going for a checkup… Tao Kai, you rotten bastard, can’t care a bit more usually?
——Tao Anqi, you too…
She finally had time with Zheng Lihong, waiting a whole day.
Waiting a whole day.
——How long do I have to wait to see you…
——Will you tell me what checkup was done…
Meow…
The consciousness began to blur… She suddenly had a feeling that maybe she should wake up—this is just a dream, right.
She woke up.
…
She was awake, but nothing had changed.
It’s past eleven… That brat Tao Kai, did he lose track of time? She kept nagging in her mind.
—But at least Tao Kai is still at home…
—And as for me…
She heard the sound of typing, found it strange, so she jumped off the sofa and followed the sound… This is my room.
What is Mother doing in my room?
Puzzled, she walked over to her mother’s side—Zheng Lihong was sitting at the computer.
This computer should have been scrapped long ago; it was bought when she was in school and hasn’t been used for years. But there was never any intention to get rid of it… Can this thing still be turned on?
She wasn’t really sure, she didn’t stay much in recent years, so she was too lazy to deal with such things.
Turns out it still works—she was a bit curious about what her mother was doing.
Zheng Lihong, wearing reading glasses at the moment, looked at the keyboard and then beside her, pressing the keyboard with her two fingers, “Hey, little one, you’re awake?”
Zheng Lihong indulgently picked up Little Naughty.
Meow?
“Don’t bother me for now, I’m doing something, I’ll give you a bath later,” Zheng Lihong patted Little Naughty’s head.
She looked on confusedly, since when did her mother have an interest in computers… But, well, at least she found something to be interested in.
Social media?
I wonder what name you’ll use… Just don’t start talking to some strange people, there are too many scammers online.
She couldn’t help but worry.
The red sky… Seeing this name, she paused, what, isn’t this the account my mother always uses, it’s even saved on her phone.
Just that we don’t really chat much… She bitterly smiled inside.
This dream is really long… and quite real… Is it that I can’t wake up from it?
What should I do…
“Why isn’t there an update today…” Zheng Lihong muttered to herself at this moment.
She turned her head around, looked at the screen… just one glance, and she was stunned.
—You’re looking at me… my updates.
Zheng Lihong slowly rolled the mouse wheel… words, words, and then came a picture.
—Isn’t this the day-off I took… yesterday’s…
—This isn’t a dream?
She was caught in the confusion between reality and illusion, utterly bewildered, yet she saw her mother click on a selfie of her from yesterday and zoom in.
She was puzzled.
Zheng Lihong took out her phone, pointed it at the enlarged photo on the screen, and took a picture… She was still puzzled, but her heart suddenly hurt badly.
“Let me show you something, okay.”
She saw her mother’s satisfied smile, she turned off the computer, then carried Little Naughty back to her room, and took out a photo album from the drawer under the wardrobe.
She opened it to show Little Naughty, “How about this, remember this person so you won’t be scared next time she comes back.”
Zheng Lihong said with a gentle smile, like teaching, flipping open the album page by page for Little Naughty.
Right when she was born, during the kindergarten performance.
When she was in primary school, and during the junior high long-distance running wherein she came first.
During high school graduation.
During college graduation.
So, there were so many of them…
She looked at herself growing up over the years, with a feeling like a lifetime ago… Almost there, after college graduation.
The album was still being flipped, another new page.
First time joining a company event, first time going on a trip abroad, dining at a favorite restaurant…
She understood… understood where these photos came from and why her mother took that selfie.
—Did you… take all of them like this…
When going to the movies with coworkers.
—Has it always been like this…
When they celebrated her birthday…
She laughed joyfully.
—This is the twenty-seventh birthday, I actually made a wish…
When she got promoted last year…
When she had a cold and was given an IV in the hospital last month…
—This looks so ugly, I clearly deleted this a long time ago, why did you take a picture of it, why…
—I’m… sorry.
—Mom…
I’m sorry.
Meow… Meow… Meow…
Zheng Lihong smiled and rubbed her eyes, and she cried even louder, meowing desperately, which startled Zheng Lihong.
“What’s wrong with you? Is there something uncomfortable, little one?” She hurriedly held her in her arms.
Meow…
Let me say something, okay…
Meow…
Let me… let me speak!
Let me…
The Fold-Eared Cat fell into a deep sleep.
…
…
The day has dawned.
Tao Anqi suddenly opened her eyes… Mother?
She thought immediately and wanted to look for her, after being trapped on the balcony all day, she was truly fed up—but she was on the bed.
On the bed in her apartment.
Came back… woke up?
Tao Anqi hesitated, feeling mentally disoriented—but since she woke up here, it must all have been just a wild dream.
She exhaled a long breath, feeling somewhat relieved… and also somewhat empty.
When I go back this time, should I have a good talk with mother?
She thought—as for the time.
Daytime, morning?
Tao Anqi was suddenly stunned, grabbing her phone to check the time—a whole two nights had passed!
She felt dizzy with a wave of hunger washing over her, how real… could it be that I slept for two whole nights?
Suddenly alarmed, she thought about the dream where she transformed into the Fold-Eared Cat and grabbed the phone to call her mother, Zheng Lihong.
No one answered, it kept ringing with no answer… Tao Anqi was anxious and called Tao Kai.
“Hello… Sis, good morning, what’s up.”
“Are you home?”
“Didn’t you just wake me up…”
“Where’s Mom? I’ve been calling her and she hasn’t answered, you need to go check on her!”
“Alright… hold on… let me see… huh, she’s not here, breakfast is made though… Oh, no wonder, she forgot to take her phone… It’s okay, maybe she went grocery shopping, or took Little Naughty… wait, she didn’t take Little Naughty out? Where did she go…”
“Hurry up and find her!”
“Ah… Sis, I worked overtime last night, stayed up all night and I’m exhausted. Besides, Mom’s an adult, she’ll be fine…”
“What staying up, weren’t you out drinking with friends, don’t think I don’t know!”
“… How do you know?? I didn’t tell you!”
“You… you’re driving me nuts!!! Quickly go find it!! I’m coming back now!”
“Sis… Sis??”
Beep—!
Not a dream… not a dream… no matter what it is.
Tao Anqi quickly got up, ignoring her hunger, not even thinking about the train ticket, and took a taxi straight to the airport to buy the earliest flight ticket.
…
…
“You really came back huh…”
When Tao Kai woke up, it was already past three in the afternoon. He saw Tao Anqi with red-rimmed eyes like she had cried all the way back, and immediately snapped awake.
“Sis, what’s wrong with you!” Tao Kai was instantly startled.
Tao Anqi’s voice was hoarse: “Didn’t I ask you to find Mom? You… you just know how to sleep?”
“Did… did something happen?”
“I don’t know… I’m really confused right now. Anyway, get up immediately! You have three minutes; if you’re not properly dressed when you come out, don’t recognize me!”
Tao Anqi stormed out of the living room… she didn’t even have time to change shoes, urgently watching time… glancing at Little Naughty in the cat shelter on the balcony.
She still had a surreal feeling—just pinching her own arm hard, which pained her deeply.
Not a dream…
She rushed into her mother’s room, and indeed found that album in the smallest drawer of the wardrobe.
She opened it and looked, suddenly feeling a pang in her heart, tears uncontrollably falling.
—Such a silly mom…
…
…
Forgot to bring the phone.
Zheng Lihong sighed, with such a bad memory… she just left the house preoccupied in the morning, dazed, and only thought of it upon reaching the hospital.
The report hasn’t come out yet… at the earliest still need to wait until later.
People say elderly time can pass very quickly, or very slowly, even unknowingly till it’s gone. Alone, Zheng Lihong sat inside the hospital, and time indeed passed quickly.
As she dazed off, time gradually passed… surprisingly, a whole day had gone by just sitting there.
Is it time yet?
Zheng Lihong stood up, preoccupied with thoughts, supporting her knees… earlier a nurse came by to inform her that the report was out and she could go to the doctor’s office.
Zheng Lihong looked at the people here waiting to be called or dumbly sitting like her… it’s really uncomfortable staying in this place.
“Doctor Li, my condition…”
She looked at the doctor in front of her who was about her age, nervously clenching the red shopping bag in her hand.
…
Tao Anqi didn’t share her strange dream with Tao Kai, only mentioning that their mother might be hiding something from them, secretly going to the hospital for tests.
That truly gave Tao Kai a fright.
“Doctor Li?” Tao Kai was puzzled.
“Yes! You know!?” Tao Anqi suddenly grabbed Tao Kai’s arm—she was still holding that album.
“Mom fainted and went to the hospital a few days ago, I looked at the information, it seemed to mention Doctor Li, could it be…”
…
“It’s this hospital…”
Once out of the car, Tao Kai pointed at the hospital entrance.
Tao Anqi took a deep breath and walked inside with a solemn expression, her phone rang then, she glanced at it, the call was from her company boss.
Tao Anqi gritted her teeth and directly ignored the call.
The siblings split up to search in the hospital.
For some reason, she had a strong feeling… it would be in this direction.
“Mom!”
…
Zheng Lihong sat on the chairs in the corridor outside the doctor’s office, hugging the post-examination documents, just sitting there in a daze.
“Mom—!”
She looked up and saw Tao Anqi standing at the corridor corner, gasping heavily, then quickly running over to her side.
“Anqi? How come…”
“Mom, mom… mom!”
Tao Anqi sniffling, directly hugged her, sobbing on her shoulder, “Mom… Mom, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m not leaving anymore, I’m not leaving, I’m back… I want to stay by your side, not leave, mom, don’t abandon me, don’t abandon me…”
“Silly child, crying for what?” Zheng Lihong’s heart softened and she hugged her, “Look at you crying, everything’s okay.”
“I know it all… I know it all!” Tao Anqi cried: “The check-up… the check-up, right?”
Zheng Lihong opened her mouth, finally took a breath, “Doctor says… it’s benign, just need more rest. Don’t believe me, take a look.”
Benign.
At this moment, she realized this was true happiness.
…
…
On the street.
“Sis, you’ve really decided to come back?” Tao Kai curiously asked with his arm around Tao Anqi’s shoulder: “Didn’t you say there was a chance for promotion this year?”
Tao Anqi rolled her eyes, “Aren’t you just dumb, if I’m not home, who will cover mom with a blanket when she falls asleep!”
Tao Kai mumbled: “Speaking as if you’ve ever done that…”
“What did you say?”
“I said you’re really beautiful! If you weren’t my sister, I’d definitely chase after you!”
“Drop dead!”
Zheng Lihong walked ahead holding Little Naughty happily… the siblings behind bantered and laughed like childhood days.
When passing a photo studio, Tao Anqi suddenly called her mother and Tao Kai down… she suddenly had an idea in her heart.
“How about we take a family photo?”
Zheng Lihong glanced at Tao Kai, and a genuine smile blossomed from her heart… of course.
Tao Kai pushed the door open, only to be greeted by a blonde girl at the entrance, and a smiling young man at the counter ahead.
“Hey, aren’t you…”
The young man said: “Anything we can help with?”
“I want to…” Tao Anqi came from behind, with one arm around Zheng Lihong and Tao Kai each, “Take a family photo, can we?”
“Of course.” The young man smiled.
…
The preparation went quickly.
In the studio, the blonde girl set up the lights, while the young man brought a gold camera, “Alright, everyone, smile, will you?”
“Wait…” At this moment Tao Anqi suddenly said.
She contemplated, then picked up Little Naughty, feeling indescribable… the little guy tilted its head, blinking its eyes.
“It too.”
………………………..
I don’t know how many people’s reports won’t say ‘benign’.
I only hope everyone has ‘benign’… this story has no twists nor much suspense, it’s just a very simple story,
suddenly recalling a song’s lyric.
—Clearly there’s no hurry, yet still habitually say busy.
—Before leaving, always remind to drink up the thermos soup.
—Safe and sound under the house sign, even if it sticks for another ten years.
—Still able to share dinner knowing how many more times.
Dedicated to those who haven’t yet found a reason to return home… those longing to go home.