Chapter 41

When Chu Jiayun heard Yu Sui say this, the corners of her mouth curled up. The fact that Yu Sui was willing to come here instead of trying to persuade them to go abroad was much better than she had previously anticipated.

She had avoided discussing the issue of settling down with Yu Sui—on one hand, she didn’t want to force her, and on the other, she felt it was highly likely Yu Sui would try to talk her into leaving. She didn’t want to start an argument, and even less did she want Xinxin to sense the nature of their relationship because of such a conflict.

Seeing her silence, Yu Sui thought she was unhappy about her sudden, self-appointed move to Licheng: “Do you not want me to come?”

Chu Jiayun steadied her mind: “I think Xinxin will be very happy to see you.”

Yu Sui laughed again upon hearing this: “I finally got the tactic right for once.”

Chu Jiayun also smiled, though it was silent, and she didn’t let Yu Sui know.

Before hanging up, Yu Sui wanted to say a few words to Xinxin. Having not heard that soft voice for several days, she felt as if something was missing in her heart.

Sensing Yu Sui’s eagerness, Chu Jiayun looked sideways at her quiet daughter and said frankly: “Maybe in another two days.”

“She’s not willing to talk to me?”

“That’s just her own temper and habit. You’ll understand once you get here.”

Yu Sui felt a bit dejected, but she also knew that children have their own stubbornness. The more an adult tries to forcefully demand or change them, the more rebellious they often become. She herself had been a victim of this in the past, hating the “mandatory rules” of some of the aunties at the orphanage.

“Alright, I’m not in a hurry.”

Yu Sui’s total cooperation lowered Chu Jiayun’s defenses considerably and increased her expectations. She had initially worried that Yu Sui would forcefully intervene in Xinxin’s life, causing distress to both her daughter and her lifestyle.

From the look of things, Yu Sui’s approach was still cautious, putting Xinxin first in everything. Chu Jiayun could see that Yu Sui genuinely liked Xinxin. When it came to being good to her daughter, they shared the same goal.

Xinxin ran over and hugged Chu Jiayun’s leg, looking up at her: “Mom, who were you just on the phone with?”

Chu Jiayun stroked her head: “It was Auntie Yu.”

Xinxin’s eyes lit up for a moment, but then, as if remembering something, she puffed out her cheeks crossly.

“Does Xinxin hate Auntie Yu?”

“No.” Xinxin thought for a moment and added, “Just a little bit sad.”

She gestured with her small hands: “Just a tiny bit.”

Chu Jiayun carried her to the living room and turned on her favorite cartoon, testing the waters: “How would you feel if Auntie Yu moved near us in the future?”

Xinxin was a bit conflicted; she was clearly happy, but they had agreed she was still a little bit sad.

“I want the Xinxin Airship.”

“When Auntie Yu comes, Xinxin will have the Xinxin Airship.”

Xinxin finally smiled and burrowed into her mother’s arms, hiding her face while still unable to resist peeking at the cartoon.

Chu Jiayun’s anticipation wasn’t for the Xinxin Airship, but her heart was moved because Yu Sui said she was coming to Licheng.

When Yu Sui arrived at Chu Jiayun’s home carrying the exquisitely crafted Xinxin Airship, Xinxin didn’t come flying toward her. Instead, she stayed close to her mother’s leg, looking much as she did when they first met.

Hearing the child call her name so politely made Yu Sui feel uneasy. Not long ago, this child had been secretly contacting her on her own; now the distance had suddenly widened again, which was truly discouraging.

However, Yu Sui didn’t miss the way Xinxin stared at the Xinxin Airship in her hands. She handed it over with a smile: “The birthday mark, the little water bottle, and the big hands we agreed on—they’re all there.”

Xinxin hesitated for a moment before taking it, saying softly: “Thank you, Auntie Yu.”

Chu Jiayun also sensed her daughter’s restraint and awkwardness, and she frowned slightly: “Sit down and have a cup of tea first.”

Xinxin played with her new toy on the side, clearly unable to put it down, but she didn’t enthusiastically invite Auntie Yu to join her, only occasionally looking back at her mother.

Watching her daughter’s various reactions, Yu Sui felt both anxious and pained. She had to ask Chu Jiayun for help: “Will she always treat me like this from now on?”

“No. She just needs a little time to re-establish a way of interacting with you.”

Yu Sui recalled her own childhood; whenever she had a disagreement with someone, she would indeed give them the cold shoulder for a long time, though she wasn’t as subtle as Xinxin.

Seeing her looking so worried, Chu Jiayun reassured her: “Don’t worry, it will get better.”

Yu Sui nodded; that was all she could do.

Today was her first time at Chu Jiayun’s home. Her own luggage hadn’t been fully unpacked yet; it was barely fit for staying and sleeping, let alone inviting them over.

When the agent was looking for an apartment, Yu Sui had emphasized finding one close to them. Unfortunately, among the available rentals at the time, the closest one was still a few minutes’ walk away.

“I hope you don’t mind me mooching a meal on my first visit.”

Chu Jiayun had an auntie who helped with housework, as she wasn’t particularly skilled at cooking. Her time was devoted to Xinxin’s diet; as for her own, she often just made do.

Xinxin wouldn’t let go of the Xinxin Airship, playing with intense focus and not missing a single detail. Chu Jiayun checked on her from time to time, but seeing her absorbed, she didn’t interrupt.

Yu Sui spoke seriously with her about her plans for the coming period, including both life and work.

Chu Jiayun was surprised that she had planned so much: “You’ve never been to Licheng. Aren’t you worried about not adjusting, making a rash decision to settle here?”

“I spent four years abroad without any issues; why would I worry about adjusting to a city in my own country? Besides, I came here to take care of you two. The city doesn’t matter.”

Chu Jiayun lowered her eyes in thought. Daily life could indeed be adjusted and compromised, but a career would certainly be affected. Yu Sui had just graduated and was perhaps being optimistic, but as someone who had been through it, Chu Jiayun felt she had to remind her that once certain opportunities are missed, they might be hard to find again.

Yu Sui didn’t show an overly optimistic expression; she even admitted it wouldn’t be easy. However, there wasn’t a hint of hesitation in her voice, which carried an unshakeable determination.

“I will definitely fight for every opportunity I can grasp, but I also don’t want to miss Xinxin’s growing up. I know my career development might be a bit slower, but I have some savings from before, and I believe in my own abilities. Regarding Xinxin, however, I truly lack confidence, which is why I have to be doubly serious.”

Chu Jiayun was somewhat moved: “Yu Sui, won’t you regret it?”

Yu Sui glanced at Xinxin—that soft little body, so far away yet seemingly radiating a scent one could almost smell. What parent could have the heart to give that up?

“There might be regrets, but absolutely no remorse.” Yu Sui looked at Chu Jiayun. “And your sacrifice has been far greater than mine. What right do I have to talk about regret?”

Hearing her say this, Chu Jiayun’s heart settled much more.

Yu Sui made a request: “Can I see the records of Xinxin’s growth?”

Chu Jiayun was puzzled: “What do you mean?”

“I looked it up online. It said kids have things like fetal hair, one-month-old photos, or other mementos from special periods. These are things I’ve missed. Can I see them?”

“I’ll get them for you after we finish eating.”

After lunch, Chu Jiayun brought out a box. Inside were various items neatly arranged from since Xinxin was born: a fetal hair brush, footprints, and photo albums.

“I have quite a lot on my phone, too. If you want them, I can send them to you.”

Yu Sui examined every single item carefully, her eyes unwilling to look away: “Yes, please send all of them to me.”

Xinxin walked over holding her airship and leaned [read the original at bailiantales.com]against Chu Jiayun’s leg: “Mom, why are you taking out my things?”

“Because Auntie Yu wants to get to know Xinxin better.”

Xinxin felt a bit shy. She didn’t want Auntie Yu to see photos of her as a baby wrapped naked in a bath towel, or how her round little head only had a few wisps of soft hair back then.

Her chubby little hands didn’t want to let go of the Xinxin Airship, but they weren’t big enough to cover the items, and she began to get flustered.

Yu Sui was amused by her serious and cute appearance: “Auntie Yu was bad before and made Xinxin sad. Now Auntie Yu wants to learn more so she can be even better to Xinxin in the future and never make her sad again.”

Xinxin stared at her with bright eyes for a long time before saying one sentence: “Xinxin isn’t sad anymore.”

Yu Sui sat there until evening before she finished looking through everything. Chu Jiayun said there was too much on her phone and that she would organize it later before sending it all together. Yu Sui actually really wanted to take some of the items back to her place, but she knew Chu Jiayun wouldn’t agree.

“I live nearby now. You can find me anytime.”

Whether it was about Xinxin or Chu Jiayun, Yu Sui was willing to rush over to help at the first moment.

Chu Jiayun had actually been wanting to ask how Yu Sui would explain things to the Yu family after moving to Licheng. Based on Yu Mu’s tone in the Netherlands, she seemed to think Yu Sui wouldn’t be returning to China.

“Have things been handled on your family’s end?”

“I will communicate with them. It won’t affect your lives.”

Chu Jiayun wasn’t entirely worried about that. Fleeing to Licheng was because she didn’t want too much trouble when she had the child. Now that the child was older, she didn’t actually care as much.

However, the fact that Yu Sui could consider them in everything truly moved her.

At first, Yu Sui said she hadn’t had time to tidy up since moving, so she came over for a meal. Later, Chu Jiayun found that she had been there for nearly a month and still hadn’t “finished tidying,” continuing to mooch meals every day.

She didn’t want to say anything in front of Xinxin, but then Yu Sui took the initiative to make another request—though this one was directed at Xinxin.

Having spent more than half a month of effort and contributing even more toys, Auntie Yu successfully restored her status in the child’s heart. Now, when Xinxin saw her, her face was full of smiles again.

“Xinxin, Auntie Yu isn’t familiar with this place. I want to go play but don’t know the way. Can you take Auntie Yu?”

Chu Jiayun frowned. What could a three-year-old take her to do?

However, Xinxin didn’t think she was incapable. She searched her memory for every place she had played. Some places she couldn’t name the specific address of, but she knew exactly what fun things were there.

“The pandas at the zoo are the cutest, and there are big, big fish. Last bailiantales.com time Mom took me to see the kitties; the chubby ones are fun too.”

Adults aren’t usually interested in places children like, but Yu Sui’s enthusiasm didn’t wane; she listened with great interest.

“Then Xinxin, are you willing to take Auntie Yu to see the pandas?”

“Yes, yes! I gave the panda a name, Nini.” After speaking, she wrinkled her little face and looked at Chu Jiayun beseechingly, “Mom, let’s take Auntie Yu to see the pandas, okay?”

Every time she went to these fun places, her mother took her. It was no use if she agreed; she had to get her mom to move.

How could Chu Jiayun not know Yu Sui’s intention? She just wanted to go out with them. But she didn’t expose her in front of Xinxin.

“We usually go on weekends. Is your schedule convenient?”

“It’s convenient. Any time is fine for me.”