After talking with Ji Yi, Shen Fanxing returned to the piano room.
The melodious sound of the piano sounded from the corridor.
It was a cheerful and light tune.
Listening carefully, Shen Fanxing processed the song in her mind. She concluded that the song was likely Song of the Ocean.
A cool breeze blowing through the clouds… Waves crashing against the shore, and the shells are sparkling with silver light… We played happily on the beach hand in hand.
Shen Fanxing didn't open the door. Instead, she leaned against the wall and listened to Ye Qingqiu play.
It had never occurred to her that the seemingly heartless and indifferent woman would play such a gentle tune one day.
Seemingly filled with energy, Ye Qingqiu played one song after another.
It wasn't until afternoon when the teacher invited them to have lunch. Seeing Linlin's expectant face, Shen Fanxing nodded in agreement.
Shen Fanxing, Ye Qingqiu and Linlin sat at a table to eat. Ye Qingqiu fed Linlin rather clumsily.
She had never been one to take care of others, or perhaps it was because she was too nervous as it was her first time.
"When did you know?" Ye Qingqiu asked in a low voice.
Shen Fanxing took a sip of water and stroked Linlin's face.
"I guessed it after you got into my car."
"You knew that someone was following me, so you got out of the car to help me, right? You're his classmate, he should know you."
Ye Qingqiu helped Linlin to wipe his lips and chuckled. "I didn't expect you to be so helpful despite your aloof personality."
Shen Fanxing glanced at her calmly, her expression unusually serious. "He's waiting for you."
Something flashed across Ye Qingqiu's eyes but she didn't say anything.
She could hear how subtle Shen Fanxing was trying to be. And she certainly knew that some stuff shouldn't be said with Linlin around.
After lunch, Shen Fanxing decided to stay for the whole afternoon.
Ye Qingqiu took a nap with him and played with him for a while after he woke up.
Linlin was in a really good mood. The little face that was usually emotionless and aloof, now had a rare smile on it, making the little person brighten up.
When Shen Fanxing was alone, the director walked to her.
Scrutinizing the warm interaction between Ye Qingqiu and Linlin, a kind smile appeared on her face.
"Miss Fanxing, could that be Linlin's mother?"
Shen Fanxing hesitated for a while but didn't reply. She said,
"Director, can you not tell anyone that Linlin's mother was in prison before? No one…"
The director nodded and said, "I know, I won't tell anyone."
Shen Fanxing nodded and handed a check to the director.
"Take good care of Linlin. Perhaps the child's mother… is unable to take the child with her now."
The director looked at Linlin and Ye Qingqiu with a soft sigh. She took the check from Shen Fanxing.
"Thank you… for everything, Miss Fanxing."
The corners of Shen Fanxing's lips twitched but she remained silent.
When evening arrived, Shen Fanxing had no choice but to leave.
She had spent the longest time here today in all these years.
If she stayed any longer, it was inevitable that Li Tingshen would begin to suspect.
When she located Ye Qingqiu, Linlin was sitting obediently beside her as he listened to her reading a book quietly.
Even though she couldn't bear to disrupt the beautiful atmosphere, she looked at Ye Qingqiu.
Her rosy lips parted, but Ye Qingqiu spoke first.
"Linlin, I'm leaving. You have to eat well and sleep. And listen to the teacher, okay?"
Linlin's sparkling eyes dimmed instantly at her words.