After a brief chat with Mi Cai, I finally saw Leyao arriving late. She first stepped out of the taxi, still wearing that red down vest, a knitted hat, and sunglasses. Just like two days ago, her outfit was very casual. Perhaps this kind of attire was the best disguise; at this moment, who could recognize her as the overnight sensation and rising star in the entertainment industry?
Leyao brought Yatou to us. Not only was Leyao dressed casually, but Yatou was dressed casually too. I couldn’t help but doubt whether she was truly capable of properly caring for this child.
As expected, the atmosphere after meeting was somewhat silent. After all, my previous breakup with Mi Cai was related to our past recklessness. Once everything had been exposed, meeting among the three of us was still a bit awkward.
Finally, Mi Cai spoke, but not to Leyao. Instead, she addressed Yatou, who was holding Leyao’s hand and looking somewhat shyly. Mi Cai squatted down, took Yatou’s other hand, and asked, “Are you Yatou?”
“Uh-huh, hello sister… Leyao sister said you would help me find a school. Is that true?”
“Of course it is!”
Yatou looked up at Leyao and smiled. Her eyes revealed a longing for schooling. This was understandable, as children born in the mountains had been taught from an early age that going to school was their only way out. Based on this, Leyao had returned from Singapore to China, indirectly proving her genuine feelings for Yatou. Therefore, she had made such a compromise to fulfill Yatou’s dream of attending school. Thinking about this, my mood inexplicably became gloomy again. In fact, Leyao was a woman burdened with too much heaviness. She seemed unrestrained, yet had never truly lived for herself… precisely because of this, I couldn’t bear to abandon her, even if it meant braving bullets in my relationship with Mi Cai to give her a helping hand.
Sigh! Perhaps, as she said, we had some unsettled accounts from our past life, which is why in this life we had so much entanglement. But I hope this entanglement can end here, and more importantly, I wish her to be happier than anyone else. Because although she appears spoiled and unrestrained, deep down she is a very kind woman.
…
After entering the restaurant, we ordered our meals and began chatting. Throughout the conversation, it was always Mi Cai and Leyao who communicated, discussing issues such as Yatou’s household registration, while I remained unable to get a word in edgewise, simply looking at whoever was speaking.
After understanding some basic information, Mi Cai said to Leyao, “Yatou’s household registration can first be registered under mine. The area where I live has quite a few well-reputed elementary schools. Don’t worry, once she enters school, I will do my best to get her into the best class. Regarding the issue of the child’s education, I share the same view with you—it’s something that cannot be delayed.”
Leyao finally thanked Mi Cai, saying, “Then thank you, General Manager Mi.”
Mi Cai smiled and replied, “No need to be polite. This is exactly the kind of thing I should spare no effort to do… However, I would like to know, after Yatou starts school, who will take care of her?”
Without hesitation, Leyao replied, “I was the one who brought her out from that remote mountain village. Naturally, it will be me who takes care of her.”
Mi Cai and I exchanged glances, not knowing what to say. Yatou, who was beside Mi Cai, tugged at Leyao’s sleeve and said, “Sister Leyao, I can take care of myself. I know you’re a big star, and many people are waiting to see you act. You don’t have to delay doing what you should do for me!”
Leyao’s tone became gentle as she patted Yatou and said, “Yatou, we already agreed in Singapore that after returning to China, I would stay by your side. We will live together. How can you go back on your word?”
“But do you really not want to be a big star anymore?”
Leyao shook her head and said, “No, I really like my current life because I don’t have to do anything…”
I frowned and interrupted Leyao, “Can you stop passing on such a negative outlook on life to her… Yatou, don’t listen to her nonsense. Since we are alive, we must work. Only by working can we support ourselves, do you understand?”
Yatou looked at Leyao and then nodded. Leyao glared at me but had no strength to argue back, so she changed the subject and asked, “Zhaoyang, what about the teacup dog I left before going abroad? Is it doing okay?”
“It’s fine. Didn’t I tell you last time that it’s being taken care of by that little fat kid, Weixiao?”
Now that I’m back, can you help me get Jingang back?
I looked troubled and said, “Forget it, the kid and the dog have already developed a bond. Isn’t it too heartless for you to take it back at this point?”
Leyao looked at me and said, “But just because they’ve been together for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve developed feelings… Jingang was raised by me from a puppy. Maybe it still misses me the most.”
I teased, “You’re talking about a teacup dog. Can it even grow up much?”
Ignoring my objection, Leyao insisted, “I don’t care. Anyway, I want Jingang back… If it really refuses to recognize me as its original owner, then I’ll accept it. I’ll just consider it a heartless dog and that’s it!”
Instinctively, I looked at Mi Cai, who seemed not to have heard our conversation, merely adjusting her collar and scooping soup from her bowl. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking at that moment.
I shifted my gaze back to Leyao and said, “Forget about getting that teacup dog back, okay?… If you really like keeping dogs, I’ll give you another one.”
Mi Cai, who had been silent all along, finally spoke at this moment, saying to me, “Zhaoyang, I think Leyao’s suggestion just now is quite good. I also agree that Jingang should be allowed to choose for himself. If he feels more comfortable staying with Weixiao, I think Leyao will understand and respect his choice.”
Leyao nodded in agreement with this statement. I somewhat felt that they might have had a hidden meaning, but I also thought maybe I was just overthinking. Therefore, I was unwilling to dwell on the matter further and agreed to let Jingang enjoy a democratic right to freely choose… but still felt it a bit funny and absurd. Such an absurd proposal could only come from a “unique woman” like Leyao. Strangely enough, even the usually steady Mi Cai thought this proposal was good!
…
After finishing the meal with Leyao, Mi Cai and I reached the moment of parting at the restaurant’s entrance. Originally, I had planned to spend the afternoon with her, putting aside my work, but she had to go on a business trip to Wuxi at the last minute.
At the moment of parting, I asked her, “Have you set the date for your trip to the United States?”
“If there are no special circumstances, it will be next Sunday.”
I nodded, and once again, a sense of impending separation filled my heart. I knew this would be our most agonizing farewell yet, as Zhuomei’s final success in going public would determine Mi Cai’s future. The real test for us was about to truly begin…
I had a premonition that if Zhuomei eventually succeeded in going public and Mi Cai smoothly completed her business plan, there would no longer be any obstacles between us. We could quickly move forward with the matter of getting married, even planning our wedding ceremony!
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