Leaving
“It’s nothing. She just cannot bear to leave me,” said Mama Gong with a smile as she patted Gong Mo’s back. “Alright, stop crying. You’re a married woman who’s about to become a mother. Isn’t it embarrassing for you to cry?”
“Boohoo…” Gong Mo hugged her even more tightly now.
Sheng Nanxuan knew that something must have happened, but he didn’t question them. He could simply ask someone to conduct an investigation if he wanted to know.
A few days later, the pair headed to the capital.
On the night of their departure, Mama Gong started to cry during dinner and continued in this vein for half a day before she smiled again. “What am I doing? We’re not parting forever. Haha… Nanxuan, I’m handing Momo to you. You have to take care of her properly.”
“Don’t worry, Ma. I’ll consider her first in everything and myself last.”
“I won’t worry if you’re able to do that.” Mama Gong wiped her tears. “Let Momo sleep with me tonight. Will you be alright with that?”
Sheng Nanxuan looked a little uncomfortable. “Of course.”
Mama Gong laughed. “You can’t bear it? You’re newly married, so I can understand… No! You can’t do it right now. I’ve already told you, you…”
“There’s no difference whether she’s by my side or not if we can’t do it,” said Sheng Nanxuan with an innocent air.
Mama Gong was speechless. Gong Mo was even more speechless and covered her face with her hands.
Mama Gong said happily, “Good, good, good. You’re getting along well. I won’t have to worry then.”
The next morning, Fang Yang came to carry their luggage while Gong Mo and the rest were still having breakfast.
Fang Yang said, “I managed to get a car. Shall we bring the luggage down first?”
Gong Mo rose and was about to help move them when Sheng Nanxuan said, “Let me do it. Go back and eat.” With that said, he brought out all the luggage and handed it to Fang Yang.
When he and Gong Mo finally set off, they carried nothing except Gong Mo’s handbag.
Mama Gong smiled and said, “You look so put together. You’re about to go far away, but you look like you’re out to shop.”
Sheng Nanxuan said, “We’re only going to the capital to shop. Don’t order more stock for your store anymore. Sell it off. When Gong Mo and I have settled down, we’ll bring you over.”
“What silly nonsense,” said Mama Gong. “Alright, get in the car.”
Gong Mo grabbed her, reluctant to leave. “Mom… take care. If Big Uncle and the rest come looking for trouble, you have to tell me.”
“Sure, sure, sure.”
“I know you won’t tell me,” said Gong Mo, sobbing.
Sheng Nanxuan held her shoulders. “Stop crying. We’ll be able to bring Ma in the future.”
Mama Gong said, “I’ll definitely go when you do so. Don’t cry anymore! Get in the car! The plane waits for no one!”
Gong Mo could only enter the car reluctantly.
When the car drove awake, she leaned against the window and waved to Mama Gong, who waved back. When the car disappeared down the street, Mama Gong suddenly felt as though her life had no meaning anymore. Her husband was gone and her daughter was now married. It was going to be really lonely in the future.
…
At Nanjiang Airport.
The car stopped at the departure terminal. Fang Yang got out of the shotgun seat and ran out to open Gong Mo’s door. Sheng Nanxuan got out of the car first, then reached inside to help Gong Mo out. Fang Yang closed the door and the car drove away.
A puzzled Gong Mo asked, “Where is our luggage?”
“They’ve already been sent in,” said Fang Yang. “They have to undergo clearance and I’ll go settle it. You and Bo—, uh, Nanxuan can go and board first.”
Gong Mo nodded. Sheng Nanxuan held her back gently and guided her inside.
The airport was very lively. There were people everywhere and Gong Mo could not help but observe her surroundings.