All the children were already capable of eating by themselves, but some, like Zhao Zhenzhen and Zhouzhou, were still not very proficient. At first, they attempted to feed themselves, but eventually, their mothers ended up feeding them.
Fortunately, none of the children were picky eaters and behaved well during mealtimes, so they were fed without much trouble.
By the time the mothers had finished their meals and cleaned up, it was nearly nine o’clock.
Zhouzhou came looking for his mother, probably because it was time to sleep. Being in a strange environment was a little scary for him.
"It’s getting late; everyone must be tired. Let’s rest for today; we have to get up early tomorrow," said Su Tong, noticing that Zhouzhou was already nestling in Ye Wanwan’s arms, and she suggested everyone take a break.
Ye Wanwan, holding Zhouzhou, said, "Then we’ll go upstairs first."
After the goodbyes, Ye Wanwan carried Zhouzhou upstairs.
Since it was previously a guesthouse, each room upstairs had a bathroom, but there were no bathtubs, so Ye Wanwan just showered Zhouzhou directly.
After the bath, Zhouzhou was dressed in his pajamas, and looked around the unfamiliar room, seemingly at a loss. He lifted his eyes to Ye Wanwan, his gaze filled with the childlike dependence only a youngster could have.
Ye Wanwan felt a pang of sympathy; she could imagine how uncomfortable an introverted person might feel in a strange environment. However, she knew she had to gradually get Zhouzhou used to it.
Especially since Zhouzhou had spoken today, even if it was just one word, he still spoke, proving that he could talk and remembered what she had taught him. He was just reluctant to speak.
Plus, Zhouzhou had played with the other children while she and the other mothers were cooking tonight, which was a good sign.
Therefore, Ye Wanwan felt the trip was worthwhile.
She squatted down, pulled Zhouzhou into her arms, letting him sit on her lap, and while drying his hair, whispered, "Mommy told you, we came out to play and will be staying in this place for a few days."
Zhouzhou just looked at Ye Wanwan, and she didn’t know if he really understood, but she smiled tenderly at him, "Don’t be afraid, Zhouzhou. Mommy will always protect you."
After Ye Wanwan finished drying Zhouzhou’s hair, she stood up and looked around the room—it was very clean, carefully tidied up.
But Ye Wanwan still fetched her own sheets and duvet cover from the suitcase and changed the ones already on the bed.
It wasn’t that she thought the bedding there was unhygienic; rather, she was particular about her bedding, finding familiar smells more relaxing. She also worried Zhouzhou might not be accustomed to the new ones.
As Ye Wanwan made the bed, Zhouzhou squatted in front of his suitcase, full of his clothes, toys, and daily necessities.
After squatting for a while, he took out a coloring book and a set of crayons, then stood up and looked around.
At home, he had a small desk and a crawling mat, and even a special playroom—those were Zhouzhou’s designated play areas.
There was a small coffee table in the room, but it had a set of cups on it, so Zhouzhou didn’t approach it. In his mind, it wasn’t a place for him to play.
After surveying the room and finding no place to sit and draw, he stood in a corner holding his coloring book and crayons, silently watching Ye Wanwan.