Chapter 43

Chu Jiayun did not continue the argument with her, but her defensive posture—arms crossed—still gave Yu Sui a distinct sense of distance. Yu Sui felt a flash of discomfort; even if they hadn’t seen each other for years, or if their past feelings were ambiguous, they at least shared a daughter. Things shouldn’t have reached this point.

However, regarding her daughter, Yu Sui had her own bottom line. She wouldn’t give up easily just because of Chu Jiayun’s anger or dissatisfaction.

She quickly adjusted her mood and softened her voice: “I am the child’s mother, and so are you. Therefore, Xinxin should receive double the love. I’ve been absent for so long; that’s why I’m anxious to make it up to her as quickly as possible.

My methods might not be entirely correct, but my intention won’t change. I am not willing to be her ‘Auntie’ for the rest of her life.”

Chu Jiayun had seen everything Yu Sui had done since learning about Xinxin’s parentage. If she hadn’t sensed Yu Sui’s sincerity and urgency, she wouldn’t have agreed so easily to let her get close to Xinxin.

“I am not denying your identity, but now is definitely not a good time to tell Xinxin the truth. If you insist on saying it now, then I will have no choice but to push back.”

Yu Sui took two steps forward, standing directly in front of Chu Jiayun. With the window behind her, Chu Jiayun had nowhere to retreat.

“I was impatient today. I was wrong, and I apologize.” Yu Sui was slightly taller than Chu Jiayun, and by partially encircling her so assertively, she did have a bit of an advantage in terms of presence.

Yet, her words were so gentle and sincere, [stolen content]like a child realizing their mistake. Certain emotions in her eyes were identical to the look Xinxin gave when she admitted a fault.

Chu Jiayun was startled, losing herself for a moment.

By the time she snapped out of it, they had been standing in this close proximity for a while. She gently pushed aside Yu Sui’s hand that was braced against the wall and stepped to the side: “I hope you can wait for Xinxin to slowly adapt to your presence in her life. Tell her once she is willing to accept you on her own.”

Yu Sui, of course, couldn’t bring herself to force her daughter. What she hated most was parents using authority to force a child to accept a command.

“Then, what counts as her being ‘willing’?”

Chu Jiayun turned back to look at her: “When she starts looking to you for security and reliance.”

While Yu Sui wasn’t sure what specific event would prove that moment had arrived, she at least had a clear direction.

“Alright, I will work hard toward that goal.”

Chu Jiayun’s attitude softened as well: “Don’t ask her questions like that so casually in the future. Although Xinxin is obedient, she is actually very sensitive deep down. She doesn’t want to disappoint those around her, so difficult questions make her feel frustrated and confused.”

Yu Sui hadn’t thought that ​read the original at bailiantales.com​far. If Chu Jiayun hadn’t told her, she really wouldn’t have understood.

“I’ve noted it all down. I really don’t understand child psychology; you’ll have to teach me more in the future.”

Just then, Xinxin’s milky voice called out from outside the door: “Mom, Auntie Yu.”

Chu Jiayun straightened her hair and went to open the door. Seeing Xinxin holding the Xinxin Airship, tilting her head with her big eyes blinking, Chu Jiayun leaned down and said softly: “What does Xinxin need us for?”

“Don’t hide and say secrets. Come play with Xinxin.”

“Auntie Yu and I were discussing how to take better care of Xinxin in the future. They aren’t secrets.”

Xinxin understood the words simply and sensed her life would be even better in the future. She laughed happily, her eyes curving into slits—the picture of cuteness.

After lunch, Xinxin took Yu Sui’s hand. She didn’t say anything explicitly, but she kept pulling her toward the window, her little hand pointing at the scenery outside.

Chu Jiayun and Yu Sui exchanged a look; they both knew Xinxin wanted to go out and play.

Yu Sui smilingly applied for permission: “I can’t go back on what I promised her yesterday. Adults should set an [bailiantales.com]example by keeping their word.”

Chu Jiayun didn’t stop them this time, only emphasizing: “Only within the neighborhood. Don’t take her far, or I won’t be at ease.”

As Yu Sui held Xinxin, she let Chu Jiayun help the child put on her little leather shoes: “I will definitely protect her well.”

Chu Jiayun went to the window and watched them walk out of the building. Yu Sui carried Xinxin the whole way. Although she couldn’t see her daughter’s face clearly, Chu Jiayun could sense Xinxin’s happiness.

She didn’t know if letting Yu Sui back into her life was right or wrong, but for Xinxin, Yu Sui’s appearance was absolutely a good thing.

She went into the study, planning to use the time to finish work she hadn’t gotten to during the week. Before Yu Sui was around, Xinxin would play quietly with toys in her study or take a nap.

Before she could start working, Yu Sui initiated a video call. Chu Jiayun answered instantly, fearing something had happened to her daughter. Upon connecting, she heard Xinxin laughing joyfully, and her heart, which had surged into her throat, settled back down.

Seeing her previous look of panic, Yu Sui explained with a smile: “I didn’t want you to worry, so I kept the video on. Just glance at it when you have a moment.”

“You… don’t have to do this specifically.”

“I just want you to feel at peace.”

Chu Jiayun felt a bit awkward having her thoughts seen through so easily, especially by Yu Sui.

“Stay safe, and don’t spoil her too much.”

The video remained on. Chu Jiayun watched for a while at first, and seeing that everything was normal, she resumed her work. The sound of the child’s giggles and her mundane chatter with Yu Sui drifted into her ears, but Chu Jiayun didn’t feel distracted at all. Instead, she felt more secure.

Occasionally, she would take a look during a break. A few times, her eyes accidentally met Yu Sui’s through the screen, and both of them would freeze for a second. Chu Jiayun realized then that while she was watching them, Yu Sui could also see her.

Xinxin felt this Sunday was the most pleasant and interesting Sunday she had ever had. It was like extending Saturday’s happiness into Sunday, doubling her joy. She held onto Yu Sui and refused to let her leave, insisting she stay for dinner. Yu Sui, of course, wouldn’t refuse.

However, toward Chu Jiayun, she still felt the need to be “polite”: “Sorry, I’m mooching off your meal again.”

Xinxin was puzzled. She shook Yu Sui’s hand and asked: “Auntie Yu, what is ‘mooching’? You always say mooching, but Mom says it’s called ‘eating dinner’.”

Yu Sui paused, thinking of an explanation that was both logical and saved face, without giving the child the wrong idea. After all, if Xinxin went out in the future and called eating dinner “mooching,” how would others view her?

Chu Jiayun pressed her lips together to hide a smile, waiting to hear Yu Sui’s answer.

“Ahem, ‘mooching’ refers to a way for two people who are very close to help each other out. Just like Auntie Yu and Mom; I help her take you out to play, and then Mom lets Auntie Yu stay for dinner.”

Xinxin seemed to half-understand, but she clearly began her own line of reasoning.

After a moment, several thoughts clicked in her little head. She threw out her own interpretation: “Then Auntie Yu gave me the Xinxin Airship, so I’ll let you ‘mooch’ a meal too.”

Chu Jiayun was speechless, fearing Yu Sui was leading Xinxin further and further astray: “Xinxin, Auntie Yu only ‘mooches’ because she doesn’t know how to cook.”

Yu Sui was embarrassed and annoyed: “How can you expose my weakness right in front of the child?”

“Negative reinforcement. I hope it helps your culinary skills improve rapidly.”

Yu Sui narrowed her eyes, then laughed: “No problem. Once I’ve improved, I’ll have you two over to ‘mooch’ from me.”

Chu Jiayun didn’t eat much at dinner and seemed to have a poor appetite. Yu Sui was busy helping Xinxin eat and didn’t get a chance to ask her why. After dinner, Yu Sui planned to sit for a bit before leaving when she heard Chu Jiayun retching. She thought she was ill.

“Did you eat something bad?”

Chu Jiayun rinsed her mouth and grabbed a tissue to wipe her lips: “No, my stomach just feels a bit unsettled.”

They had all eaten the same food at the same table; since no one else was affected, it likely wasn’t the dinner.

However, her face was pale, yet flushed from the effort of vomiting, making the contrast quite striking.

Yu Sui was concerned: “Should we go to the hospital for a check-up?”

Xinxin wobbled toward them carrying a glass of water: “Mom, drink water.”

Chu Jiayun took the glass; quite a bit of water had already been splashed out.

Yu Sui found it even stranger that Xinxin was more calm than she was. It was obvious this wasn’t the first time this had happened; in fact, it likely occurred often.

Chu Jiayun stroked Xinxin’s head: “Thank you, Xinxin. Mom feels better after drinking your water.”

Yu Sui had originally thought Zhuo Shang had forgotten about her, as her email had gone unanswered for a read the original at bailiantales.com long time. On second thought, it made sense—how many people tried to connect with a master like him every day? How could he really care about an unknown graduate?

To her surprise, she actually received a reply from Zhuo Shang. He explained that he was on vacation last month, and after subsequent internal discussions in the department, they had recently decided they wanted to negotiate further cooperation with her.

At this stage, the probability of success was very high. Yu Sui told Professor Milon the news, and he was happy for her.

“Yu, you must fight for this cooperation opportunity. If successful, your starting point in the design world will be excellent, which will be of immense help to your future career.”

Professor Milon was a pragmatic scholar who rarely used hyperbolic or flowery words. Since he reminded her so solemnly, Yu Sui understood the importance.

But it meant she had to go to the headquarters of the Shang Ding Group in France, which meant leaving Xinxin temporarily.

When Chu Jiayun heard this news, she was much more composed than when she heard it in the Netherlands. She no longer seemed worried about Yu Sui’s choices; instead, she even comforted the somewhat conflicted Yu Sui.

“Just treat it as a normal business trip, only a bit longer.”

“I’m afraid if I don’t see Xinxin for too long, she’ll forget me.”

“Xinxin won’t. You don’t need to worry about that.”

Yu Sui looked at her: “Then can you let Xinxin call me every day?”

“I will.”

With her mind at ease, Yu Sui’s psychological burden for this trip to France was much lighter. Zhuo Shang’s fastidiousness and strictness were fully on display during this meeting. Yu Sui was exhausted from revising drafts and explaining herself, but her energy was renewed every time she saw Xinxin on the other end of the video call.

Seeing the dark circles under Yu Sui’s eyes, Chu Jiayun couldn’t help but remind her to take care of her health: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just do your best.”

Yu Sui didn’t bother to put up a front in front of her: “There are too many competitors. Looking at their work, it’s hard not to feel pressured.”

Then she shifted her tone, not letting the previous low mood affect her: “But pressure is motivation. You are both my motivation.”

Chu Jiayun’s heart skipped a beat. She had spent a lot of time studying the meanings behind words people say in subconscious states. Yu Sui’s words just now clearly included both Xinxin and herself.

Yu Sui stayed in France for a full month and a half this time, which eventually made Xinxin a bit impatient. She held the phone every day asking why Auntie Yu wasn’t back yet.

Fortunately, Auntie Yu finally rushed back before ​Read on BaiLianTales​Xinxin started biting the phone, and she brought gifts for both the big one and the little one.