As she drove away from the horse farm, Rong Ci found herself at a loss for where to go.
Chu Zilan and Yu Moxun both had their own business to attend to.
She had considered returning to the Rong Family estate, but since Feng Jingxin wasn't there, going back alone would only make the old lady worry about her...
As these thoughts drifted through her mind, she passed by a Wetland Park. She saw many couples who had brought their children there to camp, as well as young people taking their parents out to relax.
Seeing their displays of affection and their happy, complete families, a trace of envy and... bitterness unconsciously flickered in the depths of Rong Ci's eyes.
After driving a bit further, Rong Ci suddenly pulled over to the side of the road.
She picked up her phone, hesitated for a long moment, and finally placed a call.
Once the call was answered, she asked, "Hello, Director. I'm calling to ask how my mother's condition is doing?"
An hour and a half later.
Yihe Sanatorium.
Rong Ci stood in the courtyard, looking at Rong Yingsheng sitting on a chair not far away. Her mother appeared listless and vacant, her face gaunt and withered. She was a different person entirely from the beautiful, spirited woman in Rong Ci's childhood memories. Even though Rong Ci had long since grown accustomed to this sight, her heart still could not find peace.
After a while, the Director standing beside her spoke softly. "She's the same as always. No real change."
Rong Yingsheng could not have contact with anyone from her past; otherwise, she would fall into a new cycle of mania.
Her spirit was currently enjoying a rare moment of calm, and Rong Ci did not wantnor did she dareto disturb her.
She stood there for a while, then left the courtyard, fearing Rong Yingsheng might notice her.
Once they were a distance away, she spoke to the Director and the staff members looking after Rong Yingsheng. "I'll have to trouble you to look after my mother."
"You're too polite, Miss Rong. This is our duty."
Rong Ci watched Rong Yingsheng through a glass window for a few more moments. She set down some books and daily necessities she had bought for her, then left the sanatorium.
Though she had left the building, her mood remained heavy.
On the way back, as she passed the Wetland Park again, Rong Ci looked at the kites filling the sky. She turned the car around and drove inside.
A gentle breeze brushed against her face in the park. The sunlight was perfect, and the scenery was pleasant.
However, everyone else had come in groups. Standing there alone, she felt somewhat out of place.
As she stood before a small stall, debating whether she should buy a kite to fly as well, a small hand suddenly grasped her finger and gave it a shake.
"Auntie."
Hearing the voice, Rong Ci looked toward the source and said in surprise, "Dandan?"
Dandan nodded gently, her small hand never letting go of Rong Ci's finger.
"Dandan"
He Changbai walked over, but his voice cut off abruptly when he saw Rong Ci. He paused for a heartbeat before stepping closer. "Are you here to play as well?"
"Yes."
"Did you bring Xinxin with you?"
Rong Ci lowered her gaze and replied in a flat tone, "No, I came alone."
Upon hearing this, He Changbai seemed to understand something. He didn't speak for a moment.
Rong Ci considered that she wasn't particularly close with He Changbai and prepared to leave, but Dandan looked up at her and said, "Auntie, let's fly a kite together."
Rong Ci declined. "I'm sorry, Auntie has things to do."
Dandan looked disappointed. "Oh..."
He Changbai spoke up. "Let's do it together. There's only the two of us as well."
As if sensing what she was thinking, he added, "I'll just watch from the side and won't disturb you. Just think of it as having one more playmate for Dandan."
Rong Ci actually liked Dandan quite a bit.
And...
She really didn't want to be alone right now.
Hearing this, she didn't refuse again.
She and Dandan picked out a kite togethera blue butterfly that they both liked.
Rong Ci had flown kites many times when she took Feng Jingxin on outings.
She was quite experienced.
However, the kite they bought this time was a bit large, and since Dandan was still small, it was difficult for the two of them to manage.
He Changbai walked over and silently assisted her.
Once the kite was successfully launched, both Rong Ci and Dandan broke into happy smiles.
Watching Rong Ci's smile, He Changbai's eyes darkened with depth.
Noticing his gaze, Rong Ci asked in confusion, "Is something wrong?"
"It's nothing."
Rong Ci didn't press him. She led Dandan a bit further away, while He Changbai watched from a short distance, truly refraining from involving himself.
When they grew tired of flying the kite, Rong Ci and Dandan sat by the lake to fish, or they crouched by a vendor's small pool to study the little fish swimming back and forth before trying to scoop them up with a small net.
Noon arrived quickly.
He Changbai had originally only intended to take Dandan for a stroll, so they hadn't brought food like the others. Now that it was lunchtime and Dandan was hungry, He Changbai suggested eating at a small restaurant nearby.
Rong Ci had relaxed for a couple of hours and felt much better than before, so she did not reject He Changbai's proposal.
While they ate, Rong Ci spent most of her time chatting with Dandan.
Seeing that they were getting along well, He Changbai didn't force himself into the conversation. He simply moved the dishes they liked closer to them.
Rong Ci was talking to Dandan and didn't notice the gesture.
A moment later, He Changbai's phone rang.
Seeing the caller ID, he said to Rong Ci, "I need to take this call."
Rong Ci nodded. "Alright."
The call was from Qi Yuming.
He Changbai walked a distance away before answering. "What is it?"
"Where are you? Have you eaten? A friend just sent me some fresh seafood. Want to come over and have some? Tingshen and the others are coming too."
He Changbai glanced toward Rong Ci and Dandan and coolly declined. "I'm already eating. Maybe next time."
"Then do you have plans for tonight? There's a yacht party over here this evening. Tingshen and the rest have confirmed they'll attend. Why don't you bring that little niece of yours? Most of us haven't really met her yet. This is a good chance to bring her around and introduce her."
He Changbai refused. "She's shy around strangers, and there will be too many people on the yacht. I'm afraid she'll be uncomfortable."
"It's fine, Xinxin will be there too. They're the same age, so they should be able to play together." Before he could refuse again, Qi Yuming added, "It's settled then. Seven o'clock. Remember to be here."
With that, Qi Yuming hung up first.
He Changbai: "..."
After lunch, Rong Ci and Dandan chased butterflies and rode bicycles until they were both exhausted.
Dandan was so tired she fell fast asleep.
Rong Ci also wanted to go home and rest, so she drove away.
He Changbai watched her car leave, and after a while, he departed as well.
When Dandan woke up a bit later and didn't see Rong Ci, she knit her small brows and asked, "Where's Auntie?"
"She went home."
Dandan looked dejected. "Oh..."
At seven o'clock that evening, He Changbai boarded the yacht right on time.
Feng Tingshen and the others had already arrived.
Upon seeing him, Qi Yuming waved him over.
When he saw Dandan, Qi Yuming was the first to smile. "I assume this little beauty is Dandan. Hello there, little beauty. I'm your uncle's friend, Uncle Qi..."
There were many people on the yacht, and Dandan was indeed a bit shy.
Just as Qi Yuming finished his self-introduction, Lin Wu walked over, leading Feng Jingxin by the hand.
Seeing them, He Changbai paused.
Having heard that Dandan was shy, Feng Jingxin took the initiative to reach out her hand after introducing herself. "There are lots of other kids over there. Do you want to come and play with me?"
Dandan looked at He Changbai. After he gave her a nod, she summoned her courage and followed Feng Jingxin away.
Once the two children were out of earshot, Qi Yuming asked with a smile, "First time being a nannyhow does it feel?"
"It's alright."
Although his little niece was shy and timid, she was quite well-behaved, so looking after her wasn't too much trouble.
Feng Tingshen handed him a glass of wine. "Want a drink?"
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