When Suizi got home from being out, Yu Jingting sensed her mood had been low ever since.
While her ability to manage her emotions may make it hard for outsiders to gauge her true feelings from her expressions, she could not hide it from the one who sleeps beside her.
The meal was a bit awkward for Chen He because of Tongtong’s presence. This cunning man never thought his weakness would be exposed in this way.
By the end of the meal, Chen He has managed to regain his composure and turned to Jingting to talk about their agreement.
"Jingting, about the thing we agreed on—"
"Tongtong, eat more meat," Suizi interrupted Chen He as she served Tongtong some food.
Chen He hesitated for a moment, then continued speaking.
"We’ll meet on Friday then."
"Uncle," Suizi put down her chopsticks. "Do you have to talk business in front of the child?"
Chen He paused, seemingly pondering why she would say that.
"Growing up isn’t just about material things, it’s also about emotional companionship. You should spend more time with him."
By the time Suizi came home, she felt exhausted.
She planned to take a shower, but Yu Jingting was blocking the door like a protective deity.
If she moved left, he moved left. If she moved right, he moved right.
Suizi looked at him helplessly.
"Not today, I’m tired."
"In your mind, am I just an animal that only wants that?" Yu Jingting crossed his arms and leaned his leg against the door.
"What’s bothering you?"
"I’m just a little tired, I guess," Suizi shook her head, walked past him, and didn’t leave the bathhouse.
When Suizi wouldn’t tell him what was wrong, Yu Jingting could only try to figure it out himself.
Everything was fine when they went out. Her mood only changed after Chen He’s child showed up.
Something about that child must have upset her.
"Bro! What are you thinking about? You’re standing there like a log!" Jiaojiao bounced out from behind him, and Yu Jingting yanked her braid.
"You’re like a ghost, not making any noise when you walk!"
"I’ve been standing here for ages! What’s up, did you argue with my sister-in-law?"
Jiaojiao thought that only her sister-in-law could make her brother look like such a fool.
"Can your sister-in-law even be argued with?" Yu Jingting even wished Suizi would argue with him.
She was very empathetic and understanding as well as intelligent. Living and working with such a woman was very comfortable.
But sometimes, Yu Jingting didn’t want her to be so considerate because it made him feel sorry for her.
Like now.
"My sister-in-law is so capable, nothing can stump her. Come on, follow me."
Jiaojiao dragged Yu Jingting to the piano room.
She had recently been practicing a super difficult piece and had been scolded to tears by her teacher several times.
But even the toughest bone can be gnawed through if you work hard enough. Jiaojiao managed to master this piece today and was extremely excited. She couldn’t wait to share her success with her dearest ones.
Yu Jingting couldn’t understand why this was good and nothing could be as straightforward as the suona.
But to encourage his sister, he still patiently stood by and listened.
Jiaojiao finished playing the piece she enjoyed and reveled in it. According to her master, she had crossed the threshold and started to move from mechanical practice to a deeper understanding of music.
"Sister-in-law, did it sound good?" Only then did Jiaojiao turn around and see Suizi standing there. She didn’t know how long she had been there, and her hair was still wet.
"Yes, it’s really good and a significant improvement," Suizi nodded.
"There’s a volleyball match at school next week. I signed up. You guys should come."
Jiaojiao was a energetic child who excelled in both academic and physical activity. Her grades also met Suizi’s standards. She was the perfect girl often referred to as "someone else’s child" by people.
Suizi has always paid great attention to Jiaojiao’s education and has always taken it seriously since she was small. This girl never failed Suizi’s expectations and grew up beautifully. Before meeting Tongtong, Suizi always had confidence in her ability to nurture Jiaojiao.
But now, she wasn’t so confident anymore.
Chen Tong held in him a dark Chapter of her past that she least wanted to recall.
Jiaojiao, after receiving compliments from her brother and sister-in-law, went back to practicing. Suizi looked out the window and saw two children playing in the Courtyard.
Little Luobo was building a sandcastle.
Shuisheng had designated a space in the Courtyard for playing with dirt and had brought clean, fine sand from outside along with special buckets for it.
The elegant sound of the piano mingled with the children’s laughter. It couldn’t have been a more perfect family picture.
But Suizi felt like a hole of unease had been opened in her heart, grappling her with an unnameable fear.
"Jingting, do you think I’m a good parent?" Suizi asked.
"Yes, our teacher even said that during the next parent-teacher meeting, you should share your teaching experiences with everyone," Jiaojiao answered Suizi after a brief pause in her practice.
"Your brother can go, I’m not very good at communicating with people," Suizi said before walking away. Even Jiaojiao could tell something was off.
"Bro, what’s wrong with my sister-in-law? Why do I feel like she’s facing some kind of problem?"
"Just practice your piano, kid, don’t ask so many questions!" Yu Jingting hid his real thoughts: Damn it, if I knew what was bothering her, why would I be this frustrated?
Suizi had a restive sleep that night, continually muttering in her sleep. Yu Jingting leaned in and heard a few words:
"I... I’m sorry... country..."
"What are you sorry for?" Yu Jingting asked.
Suizi stopped speaking and her expression gradually became one of pain.
Yi Jingting held her and realized she was burning hot. He touched her forehead and found that she had a fever.
Suizi felt a jostling sensation. When she opened her eyes, she saw the world moving. The familiar scent all around her gave her a sense of security.
"Jingting..." Suizi buried her head into his back, unsure of whether she was dreaming or awake.
"We’ll be at the hospital soon, hold on," Yu Jingting carried her because it was too late to call a car and it wasn’t safe to ride a bicycle. Instead, he carried her and walked for twenty minutes to the nearest hospital.
"You don’t need to. I’ll feel better after sleeping," Suizi’s head was thick with fever, but she felt secure against his back and became drowsy.
"Then you sleep—" Yu Jingting wanted her to sleep, but he was still concerned about her dream. He asked casually, "Why are you saying you’re sorry to our country?"
"I failed my country. I didn’t educate the child well," Suizi complained with a whimper, sounding like a wronged little girl.
"Did Jiaojiao anger you? It couldn’t have been LuoLuo and Bobo, could it?"
Yu Jingting racked his brain but couldn’t figure out what on earth their children could have done to upset her so much.
"Not them, it’s Tongtong. He—"
Her voice suddenly stopped. The clothes on Yu Jingting’s back were soaked through by a warm liquid.
It was her tears.