That night, Mucheng recalled what happened just a few hours ago when Guangxi saved her flowers with her as she put Xiaole to bed.
Thank goodness he was there to help. It was highly possible that she would have been blown away with the wind if not because of him.
He'd always appear when she needed him badly. That was how it was in the past and present. But she could no longer accept his help because she was afraid that she might fall for him again.
Mucheng sighed as she walked in the hall. There, she saw Guangxi sitting on the sofa and staring at his own arm. He saw her and smiled.
"Is Xiaole asleep already?"
"Yes." She nodded and examined his arm. She was shocked that there was a deep wound on his arm. "You got hurt?" She asked.
"It's nothing; it's just a small wound." Guangxi wanted to roll his sleeve down.
Mucheng stopped him immediately and took out her first aid kit at once and tended to his wound. "Why didn't you tell me about this? When did you get hurt?"
"Would it make any difference even if I told you then? I don't even know when I hurt myself. I couldn't feel it just now."
Was he trying to kid her? It was such a deep wound. Surely he'd feel something. She rolled her eyes at him. She knew that this man always liked to put up a tough front in front of people. That was how he was too in the past.
"I say, your arms look red too?" He frowned after expressing his concern. "Is that a wound too?"
"No." She shook her head. "It's just an allergy."
"Did you apply any medication?"
"Yes I did. But it doesn't seem to be effective." She sighed. "Forget about me. Your wound is more serious than my allergy."
She applied some medication and gave him a bandage after she cleansed the wound. Neither did he scream out in pain nor he moved and that made her heart ached more. She felt something stinging her eyes and a clear teardrop fell without any warning and landed on Guangxi's bandage.
He was shocked to see that. "What is the matter with you?"
"It's nothing." She said, realizing that she had displayed too much emotion. She moved away from him and wiped off her tears immediately.
"Did you cry?" Guangxi gazed at Mucheng and wondered why his heart ached too. "Are you worried about the flowers? Are you afraid that you'll incur a great loss? Is Xiaole's school fees… very expensive?"
She could feel his concern from his every sentence and that she felt really bad.
"Please, I beg you… Please don't be so caring." She said with a hoarse voice.
He was stunned by her request. "Why?"
That's because it has been 6 years already. Everything has changed in these 6 years. He already has a fiancée now and the most important thing is; he had forgotten about her.
Mucheng bit onto her lip and she couldn't seem to express the feeling she was experiencing now.
Why did he have to forget her? She didn't know that the feeling of being forgotten by someone was so terrible and sorrowful.
"That's because… we're not related to each other at all." That's why he should stop being nice to her. If not, she'll really miss him badly when it's time for him to leave.
"Are you still angry at me?" Guangxi misunderstood her. "I apologise to you. I shouldn't have taken Xiaole roller-skating the other day. I just suddenly felt like… teaching him."
"Why?" She went into a daze. Why must it be roller-skating?
Guangxi was speechless and he felt really complicated. "The truth is; I don't really remember the past." He confessed to her bitterly. "I had to undergo a surgery to remove my brain tumour six years ago. I lost all my memories after I woke up from it."
"Tumour?" Mucheng was the one who was shocked now. No wonder he had frequent headaches back then. Now she knew it was because of his tumour. Was that the reason too why he had forgotten about her? "Have you really forgotten about everything?"
He nodded. "I was packing up my room when I found a pair of skates. I guessed then I could skate. But I wasn't too sure so I thought of bringing Xiaole along to try out the other day."
Does that mean that he has forgotten his own father too? Has he forgotten those precious memories he shared with his father at Shengde Hall? Mucheng gazed at Guangxi and her heart ached for him.
"From then on, I've been living a make-believe life. I feel that my life is way too unrealistic. I think it's because I've forgotten about someone or something that's important to me." Guangxi said softly and he took out a wristband from his pocket.
Mucheng was stunned. "This wristband…"
"I had this with me before the surgery." Guangxi explained. "I kept it these few days for I was afraid that Xiaole would keep pestering me for it." He stopped for a moment and he looked lost. "I don't know why but I'll always feel that it's something close to my heart. Perhaps it was a gift from someone."
Mucheng shook to her core when she heard that. She covered her mouth frantically in an attempt to muffle her cries.
That was the exact one that she had given him! It was the last piece of memories she had given him. She really wanted to tell him desperately… but she couldn't. If she did, things would become chaotic and that would make him feel even worse.
She took a deep breath to calm herself down. "Do you… still love your fiancée?"
He didn't reply immediately. He only nodded after a while. "She was the first person I saw after my surgery. She was also the one who accompanied me through the miserable days I had after the surgery. I lost both my memory and coordination skills. Yiqian was the one who was there for me. She encouraged me and accompanied me during all my physiotherapy sessions.
She could picture it. He was so head-strong. That must have been a very difficult period for him. The thing was, He Yiqian was the one by him instead of her.
Tears welled up in her eyes again. But this time round, she held them back and smiled slightly. "I see. So you do love your fiancée."
Yes, he loved Yiqian, but…
Guangxi looked at Mucheng and saw her smiling. But he could feel the sorrow in that smile. It tugged his heart and he was suddenly lost. There was this emptiness in him. He also felt worried for no particular reason.
"You don't have to think so much." Mucheng persuaded him softly. "Actually, I do think about the past too. Those dreams I have not fulfilled and the people I didn't want to be separated from… But this is how life is, isn't it? It's inevitable that we'll have some regrets in life. There's no way we can go back in time and make up for anything. If we keep thinking about the past, we'll miss the present. Isn't that a pity too?" She paused and looked at him with a gentle expression on her face. "You shouldn't keep thinking about the past. The present and future is what you should be thinking about instead. Your life would be real as long as you live it to the fullest from now on."
Guangxi was touched by her words. "Do you believe you that you're the first person to say such things to me in 6 years?"
"Really?" She smiled.
He smiled back at her. "It's weird but I really feel very comfortable and relaxed when I talk to you like this."
He said something similar six years ago too. Mucheng tried to control her emotions. "I guessed it's because you've been too busy with work. It's a given that you'll feel relax since you're not working now."
"Perhaps." He said, shrugging his shoulders.
Mucheng took a deep breath. "Guangxi, can we… be friends?"
Guangxi was stunned. He suddenly felt a rush in his body when he heard her saying his name.
He smiled at her. "That would make you my first true friend in 6 years."
***
"You're friends with that person!?"
Hua Tuoye had rushed back to Huatian Village after he knew about the typhoon as he was worried for Mucheng. He was already very shocked when he heard that the lawyer who was in their village for C.W.O. was Ren Guangxi. He got really upset too when he heard that Mucheng had allowed for that person to stay in her house.
"What is going on now? Are you thinking of reconciling with him now?" He questioned.
"How is that possible?" Mucheng denied. "Guangxi... He has lost his memory. He doesn't even remember me now and he has a fiancée that he loves a lot."
"Wait, hold on for a moment! What on earth is going on now? I can't seem to understand what you're trying to say." Tuoye demanded for an explanation.
Mucheng had no choice but to tell him the whole story. Tuoye was taken aback by the story.
"Why are there so many complications? Tumour? Lost his memory?" He shook his head. "Does that mean that Ren Guangxi doesn't remember you and your relationship with him? What about Xiaole…?"
"He doesn't. And I don't think I intend to tell him anything about it." Mucheng interrupted.
Tuoye went into a daze and sighed. "Indeed. He already has a fiancée. What's the use of telling him anything then?"
"So please, I'll have to trouble you then to pretend not to know him lest Xiaole finds it weird."
"Don't worry, my lips are sealed." Tuoye promised. This wasn't only for Mucheng, it was also for himself. He still hoped that one day she would reciprocate his love. "Oh yes, where is Xiaole? I brought him a remote control car."
"Guangxi brought him to the village head's office. He loves to stick around Guangxi." She signed.
Tuoye frowned upon hearing that. "You're okay with Xiaole hanging around Guangxi? Aren't you afraid that they might develop feelings for each other and later on…?"
"I know. I don't want Xiaole to be near him too but…" Mucheng looked away. "Xiaole really likes him and the two of them seemed really happy to be together. I only pray now that Xiaole won't be too devastated when Guangxi leaves in future."
Xiaole would be devastated? Tuoye was jealous as he imagined it. "Don't worry. When the time comes, I'll comfort Xiaole so that he'd forget that person very quickly!"
***
So he is Hua Tuoye.
Guangxi found a man in the house with Mucheng when he brought Xiaole home. He gave off a very comfortable feeling when he looked at him. Then Xiaole screamed upon seeing him. He ran straight into his arms.
"Brother Tuoye, you're back!"
"Yes. Xiaole, did you miss me?" Tuoye asked while he tousled with Xiaole's hair.
"I don't. I just remembered that you promised to get me a remote control car." Xiaole said and made a funny face at him.
"You ingrate! All you care for is the remote control car." Tuoye pretended to be angry. "I won't be playing games with you in future then."
"We're best friends. Why must you be so calculative? You're older than me, you know. Shame on you."
"What did you say? You little rascal, I'll tickle you…"
"Save me! Mummy, Brother Tuoye's bullying me!"
"Okay. That's enough. Tuoye, can you bring Xiaole in and wash his hands for him. We'll have dinner in a while."
"Mummy, you're wrong. This is our house, I should be the one leading the way instead."
"How old are you, rascal? You want to lead me around? Hmph!"
"I'm older than you when it concerns the mental age."
"Do you know what 'mental age' means?"
"I know it more than you…"
The bickering duo left for the bathroom. Mucheng looked at the two of them and smiled. She turned around and found Guangxi standing at the door.
"What are you doing over there? Come on in."
"Okay." Guangxi entered the house. "Is that man Hua Tuoye?"
Mucheng was stunned for a moment. "How did you know?"
"I heard from the villagers that the two of you share a really close relationship." He said, trying to see how she'd explain for that.
"Yes, we do. He's my best friend. I'm really thankful to him for taking care of me and Xiaole." She smiled, admitting that they shared a close relationship.
"Is that so?" Guangxi suddenly felt uncomfortable to see her smiling like that. The three of them seemed like a family just now and that made him really upset. "Since so, why didn't you marry him?"
"What?" Mucheng was shocked by his question.
"I've heard that Hua Tuoye's interested in you. Why aren't the two of you married then?"
"Why must I marry Tuoye?" She was embarrassed by his question. "We're just friends."
"Is it because of Xiaole? He's worried because he feels that Xiaole is a burden, right?" Guangxi said, staring at her.
"What one earth are you saying? Tuoye's not that kind of person." Mucheng was provoked.
"Then why aren't you marrying him then?" Guangxi was upset. Why did she have to defend another man?
Mucheng stared at him angrily and ignored his question.
He suddenly thought of something. "Is it because you still can't forget Xiaole's biological father?"
She turned pale upon hearing his remark. He knew he was right and he felt even more complicated. "Who on earth is that guy? Does he know about Xiaole? How can he let a woman raise a child on her own?"
"This… is none of your business." She turned away.
Guangxi frowned and noticed that Mucheng's hands were trembling. His heart swayed along uncontrollably too.
***
What was the matter with him? Why was he so concerned about that woman? She was right; it was none of business what happened between her and Xiaole's biological father. But even so, he couldn't seem to poking his nose into their business. The mother and son were deep in his mind, whether he liked it or not and he couldn't stop himself from thinking about them. Darn! Guangxi cursed. He was really upset by his behavior. He was going overboard as a friend. It seemed as though he had fallen for her. That spelt trouble!
He decided that he should calm himself down soon. He should make a trip back to Taipei to see Yiqian. Everything would be solved when he sees Yiqian.
Yiqian was on duty when he was back and she wanted him to wait for her at her house. He went straight up to the second floor when he was there. He was passing by the study and wanted to say hello to Director He. But he heard something instead—
"Ren Guangxi is in charge of the Huatian Village case now?" The person who posed the question was Xu Fangguo. He was Huanyu Constructions' legal advisor and Director He trusted him very much.
"Yes, it's Guangxi's case for now. I'm taking the advantage of him doing C.W.O. over there to build the rapport with the villagers so that they'll trust him. He'll then be able to convince the villagers during the meeting to give up their land ownership." Director He explained.
"Will they listen to him in the first place?' Xu Fangguo expressed his doubt.
"That's why we need another backup plan just in case this backfires. Didn't you get someone to pollute the water source at Huatian Village the other time? It will not be long before they won't be able to grow healthy flowers. When that time comes, they won't be able to rely on that as their livelihood and they'd therefore have to sell their land." Director He said with a hypocritical smile. He stopped for a moment and continued. "But we must keep this from Guangxi. He mustn't know that we forced the village head's grandson to sell us the land too."
"Isn't he your future son-in-law? Why are you so distrusting then?" Xu Fangguo said sarcastically.
"This is a totally different matter from that. After all, Guangxi has a weird temper. That's why we'll have to be careful about things."
"You should be." Guangxi looked extremely upset as he entered the room. The two people in the room were shocked to see him around. "What are you doing? Uncle He, how can you resort to such underlying means to deal with the villagers of Huatian Village?"
"Guangxi, when did you arrive?" Director He walked up to him and smiled. He tried to calm him down. "Listen to me, you've misunderstood us…"
"I've not misunderstood you. I've just heard it with my own two ears that you've sent someone to pollute the water source at Huatian Village. You also lied to the village head's grandson so that he'd sell the land to you." Guangxi stared sternly at his prospective father-in-law. "Uncle He, don't you think that's too much?"
"I'm too much?" Director He said, frowning. "Didn't you say it yourself too; you'd resort to any means as long as you can win a case? How dare you lecture me when you're just as cold-blooded?"
"I…" Guangxi didn't know what to say. Indeed. That was what he had been observing these 6 years but…
He was suddenly reminded of Mucheng. He remembered how she braved the typhoon in order to save her flowers; how she suffered from red, sore hands and how she raised her son solely and was troubled as she couldn't afford his school fees…
He couldn't bring himself to ruin her livelihood. How could he choose to help the bad guy and let her suffer?
With this thought, Guangxi turned and left the room. He met Yiqian at the staircase landing.
"Guangxi!" She ran into her arms. "I missed you."
"I'm sorry, Yiqian. I've something to settle now. I've to rush back to Huatian Village at once." He pushed his fiancée slightly away from him, leaving her dazed at the spot.
***
"Let me take a look at your hand."
The first thing Guangxi did was to check on Mucheng's hands when he returned to Huatian Village. He saw that her hands were red and full of rashes. He realised that he definitely had something to worry about and work on.
"Didn't you realise that it might be due to a polluted water source?"
"Is it?" The truth suddenly dawned on Mucheng. "No wonder I was thinking why my flowers withered so easily these days. How did you know about the pollution?"
Guangxi was expressionless. "It was done by Huanyu Constructions."
"What?" Mucheng was shocked and stared back at him.
He frowned and made a decision. "Don't worry, I'll settle this."
How would he settle it? Mucheng was puzzled. She finally realised what he meant by that when Guangxi announced that he'd be suing Huanyu Constructions on their behalf at the meeting a few days later.
He had gotten someone to investigate on the matter for the past few days and found out the Huanyu Constructions was indeed the culprit behind the polluted water source.
Everyone was shocked by what Guangxi had said. Xu Fangguo, who was representing Huanyu Constructions stood up and objected to his decision. "Mr. Ren, please do not defame Huanyu Constructions. Otherwise we'll take legal action against you."
"I'm not afraid of Huanyu Constructions suing me. That's why I dared to say this aloud in public." Guangxi stated.
"Please don't believe what he said." Xu Fangguo saw that Guangxi was composed and decided that he should deal with the villagers instead. "Perhaps you guys do not know but Ren Guangxi is actually engaged to our Director's daughter. He's our Director's prospective son-in-law. Can you all believe him then if he's going to represent you all?"
With this, the villagers were even more shocked. The messenger of justice was actually working for the devil.
"Believe me, I'll help you all."
"Don't believe in him. He has an ulterior motive!"
Both parties argued with each other but the villagers just didn't know who to listen too. In the end, the village head decided to call off the meeting.
The meeting caused everyone to look down on and detest Guangxi but he didn't mind at all. He continued to try his best to look for evidence that was against Huanyu Constructions. He then drafted the document. He also got Tuoye to find out where the village head's grandson was and persuaded him to stand out and be a witness.
"Why are you doing this?" Mucheng didn't understand why he was doing this. "Isn't it different from your original aim when you came to Huatian Village? Weren't you supposed to help Director He persuade the villagers to sell you their land instead?"
"It's supposedly so but he has gone overboard this time." Guangxi said with a glum look on his face.
"But aren't you going to offend your prospective father-in-law then?"
"I don't have a choice even if that happens." He shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever it is, I don't agree to what he's doing."
Mucheng stared at him. She remembered that he went against his own mother six years ago when he was defending her back then. It seemed like history had repeated itself again.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" She smiled as she was touched by his gesture. That made him felt really awkward. "Do you think I've found my conscience? It's far from that."
"What is it then?" She asked him softly.
"I'm just doing it… for you." He admitted it reluctantly. "The truth is; it's none of my business what will happen to the villagers after they sell us the land. I just didn't want you to lose your livelihood. What would happen to Xiaole if you did?"
"So you're just worried that Xiaole and I won't be able to survive?'
"I was just thinking that you're a country bumpkin who knows nothing other than growing flowers." He said, making it sound like he wasn't really concerned about her. He didn't want to know that she had touched the soft spot in him.
Mucheng smiled secretly. Perhaps she would have been angry because of his attitude if this happened a few days ago. But now, she knew that it was his attempt to try to hide his emotions from her.
He was still the Ren Guangxi that she loved 6 years ago—
"Thank you." She thanked him sincerely.
"What is that for?" He didn't dare to look at her. "I'm starved. Is this how you should treat your 'guest'?"
"Okay, I'll make you something to eat now." She smiled at him.
***
What was going on?
Yiqian stood outside of the house and was shocked to see her fiancé eating at the same table with another woman and a little boy. They were happily chatting while they tucked in.
He was rarely this happy even when he was with her. Most of the time, he was just depressed and blue.
The most shocking and scary thing was; she recognised who that woman was; it was Liang Mucheng.
6 years ago, Guangxi went against the school board because of her. 6 years later, he's now going against Huanyu Constructions for her sake…
Did their passion re-ignite? Has Guangxi regained his memory?
Yiqian clenched his fists. She had heard about Guangxi going against her father and she had specially made a trip down from Taipei to question him about it. But she was shocked, worried and lost as she didn't expect to see something like this at all.
She knew about Mucheng's existence 6 years ago and yet she worked with Fang Derong and kept Guangxi in the dark about it. She knew that was the only way to make Guangxi hers.
She liked and admired him. She fell for his daring attitude after the first time she saw him playing ice hockey. She never cared so much for someone before. She wanted to be part of and share all of his feelings.
Was this her retribution for being selfish back then?
Yiqian was rooted to the ground. She was lost and didn't know what to do at all. Then Guangxi turned around and saw her.
"Yiqian, why are you here? Is there something wrong?" He walked out of the house and asked.
"I came… to see you. I heard from the village head that you're staying here." She answered him while still in a daze.
"Yes, I'm just living with Mu… I mean Miss Liang temporarily. That's because there isn't any motels here in this village."
Was he embarrassed? Or perhaps he was feeling guilty?
Yiqian stared at her fiancé. She wanted to see if he showed any signs that he had regained his memory but she couldn't seem to get any clues from his face—perhaps, she still had a chance.
"Guangxi, I heard about you wanting to sue Huanyu Constructions on the villagers' behalf. Dad is very angry about it."
"I guessed so too." Guangxi couldn't help about giving her a weak smile. "But Huanyu Constructions is really too much this time and I can't leave my hands out of this." He tried to explain to his fiancée but she just shook her head.
"It's okay. I understand." She paused and looked into his eyes. "I've decided that I'll try to help you convince Dad to give up on owning the land here."
He was doubtful about Yiqian's suggestion. It was good news for him but he wondered if a sly fox like Director He would give up so easily.
"Dad loves me the most. I'll try my best to convince him." Yiqian promised him after she saw his doubts about her suggestion.
"That's great. Thank you for your help then." Guangxi was elated.
"But you must promise me something." Yiqian stated her terms.
"What is it?"
"Let's get married right away. I can't wait anymore." She immediately leaned forward, placed her arms on his shoulders and gave him a long kiss.
***
He was going to get married!
She didn't hear the news from him but rather from the villagers. It was rumoured that He Yiqian had spoke to the village head and explained to him that she had already persuaded her father to give up on the ownership of the land. He also promised to help with the pollution problem. At the same time, they'd be ordering flowers from Huatian Village for their wedding as a gesture of apology.
He was finally going to get married.
Mucheng didn't know if she should be please or upset about the news. She just felt emptiness and loneliness in her.
The villagers were over the moon because of the news. They thanked Ren Guangxi and looked upon him as if he was a saviour of the world. They also planned a farewell party for him as they wanted to send him off happily.
Everyone in the village was happy, everyone except her. She felt like a deflated balloon; wobbly and helpless. She drifted around and wasn't sure of what she was supposed to do.
"What's the matter with you? Brace yourself!" Tuoye knew what Mucheng was upset about. He was both jealous and worried. "Look at you. How are you going to take care of Xiaole like this?"
Yes, she still had Xiaole.
Mucheng braced herself. She had almost forgotten that Xiaole would be depressed to know that Guangxi was leaving soon.
She knew she couldn't do this anymore. She had to be strong so that she could comfort her son.
On the eve of Guangxi's departure, Mucheng specially whipped up a feast for him. Mucheng prepared the dishes that Guangxi liked too other than the Braised Beef Rice that Xiaole wanted.
"Uncle, my Mummy's Braised Beef Rice is the best! You must have some." Xiaole recommended it to Guangxi. He still had no idea that Guangxi was leaving tomorrow.
Guangxi couldn't bear to bade him goodbye too so he pretended as though that nothing was wrong and even joked with Xiaole. He then tucked into the Braised Beef Rice. The taste of the Braised Beef Rice was food.
"Is delicious, isn't it?" Xiaole asked proudly.
Guangxi didn't answer him but he felt that this Braised Beef Rice tasted really familiar. It seemed like it was a taste he missed after having tried it for once. "Who did you learn this dish from?" He stared at Mucheng.
"It's from a recipe that my mother left for me." Mucheng noticed that he was staring hard at her and her heart raced. She was worried that he would recall something.
But Guangxi just nodded. "It's not too bad. It's pretty delicious."
"Oh." Mucheng felt disappointed. On one hand, she was worried that he'd recall something but on another hand, she was sad that he couldn't recall anything.
She was distracted throughout the entire meal. After dinner, Guangxi invited Xiaole to take a bath with him. He then tucked him into bed and told him a bedside story.
She stood by the doorway and looked at them. She felt that this was really a bittersweet moment.
They really look like father and son like this…
"Your son is really picky." He said to Mucheng, smiling, after Xiaole went into slumber. "I must perform too while I tell the story. Otherwise he won't go to bed. I bet you were the one who spoilt him right?"
She didn't reply him. She just looked at him and gave him a weak smile.
They just looked at each other quietly. Guangxi noted that she seemed to have a lot to tell him.
"I'm going back to Taipei tomorrow." He said hoarsely after a while.
"I know." She nodded and tried to avoid his eyes.
"Please give this Xiaole on my behalf." Guangxi passed a box to Mucheng.
Mucheng opened the box and was stunned to see a wristband lying in it. It was the very same one that she had given him.
Guangxi heaved a sign. "Do you know? I've been dating Yiqian for 6 years already. But I've been delaying our marriage plans. It's not only because of the fact that the two of us are busy with our careers; it's also because of the fact that I'm afraid."
"Afraid?" Mucheng was lost.
"It's because I couldn't remember the past. I was afraid that there might be one day, something or someone from the past might look me up again. That was why I never dared to go ahead with my marriage plans with Yiqian. But…" He paused and smiled slightly. "You were right. I can't keep thinking about the past. I must learn to grasp the present… This wristband is like my past memories, it has been clinging onto me and therefore I must let go of it."
That was it. It was really over for them.
Mucheng held onto the wristband and was on the verge of sobbing. She didn't tell him that there was a memory card in the wristband when she gave it to him 6 years ago. That memory card contained the memories of them together and today, he told her that he'd be letting go of them…
But, it was time to let go. It was not only for him but also for her.
"I thought I might as well give it to Xiaole then. He can take this as the communicative device he was talking about the other time. He can call me anytime if he needs my help."
"No problem. I'll hand it over to him."
Mucheng promised. The two of them looked at each other and they saw a look of dismay on both their faces. This was wrong. They were just very ordinary friends.
Guangxi raised his hand and he wanted to stroke Mucheng but he stopped when he almost touched her face. "You can call me too when you need my help, Mucheng."
"Okay." She said, nodding, with tears welling up in her eyes.
But they both knew; she'd never call him. It was highly possible that they may never meet again—
***
The villagers held a farewell party for Guangxi the next day. Everyone in the village was there, including Tuoye. But Guangxi just couldn't seem to find Mucheng and Xiaole amidst the crowds.
"They won't be coming." Tuoye knew what he was thinking about and decided to answer his query for him. "Mucheng has gone to pick Xiaole up from school and they'd be heading straight for home. She said that Xiaole would create a din if he knew that you were leaving."
"That's good in a way too." Guangxi smiled bitterly. Frankly speaking, he was afraid to say goodbye to Xiaole too. After all, he had developed feelings for that little boy during his period of stay here. He'd be so embarrassed if they were to break down in front of the other villagers.
It's best that Mucheng and Xiaole weren't present.
But even so, Guangxi still couldn't stop his feelings from pouring out from him. He knew that he shouldn't let that happen but he really hoped to see the mother and son for the last time. He didn't mind even if he had to do it secretly.
Thus, he slipped away when the villagers didn't notice and arrived at the kindergarten.
The compound was empty and almost all of the children had already gone home. Guangxi loitered around. He suddenly felt that what he was doing was extremely stupid and silly.
It's definitely not of a man to be so wishy-washy.
He turned around and wanted to leave. Suddenly, he heard someone playing the piano. It wasn't very clear but it had mysteriously touched his heart.
He traced the source of the music and then he found that it was really clear to him now. He was stunned and that melody was so familiar that it made his heart ached.
It was the "Air on the G-String".
He didn't know how he had managed to know the name of the tune immediately. He hummed along with the melody.
Then, he began to recall certain images. His head ached… What was that? Why were there those images? He seemed to see a girl who resembled Mucheng and she was playing the piano.
I'll play the piano for you every day after you knock off from work.
He seemed to have recalled something…