The next day, Gao Xiaoxiao brought Gao Xiaobai back to City D.
At night, she did not return to the villa. Instead she carried a small bag of Chongcheng dried bamboo shoots and took her son out for a meal.
Chang Huanyan and Song Xiaoshou's rented apartment was located in a small suburban neighborhood that was developed a few years ago. The building was six stories high and did not have an elevator.
By the time Gao Xiaoxiao reached the sixth floor, Xiaobai had already pressed the doorbell of Unit 602.
"Coming, coming." Chang Huanyan opened the door with a smile.
Chang Huanyan had long, slightly curled hair, an exquisite oval face, a curvaceous figure, and an intellectual and classical aura. She was undoubtedly a great beauty.
Not only was she outstanding in her professional life, but she was also a great cook in her personal life. She could have relied on her looks to get ahead, but she preferred to rely on her abilities! She was simply a perfect woman in Gao Xiaoxiao's heart!
"Hello, Sister Huanyan," Gao Xiaobai looked up and shouted.
Chang Huanyan's heart almost melted at the sound of 'sister'. She squatted down and hugged the little guy. "This little guy is really sweet! Who does he take after?"
"Who else? Me?" Gao Xiaoxiao smiled and handed her the dried bamboo shoots. As she changed her shoes, she looked around the living room. "Isn't Xiaoshou at home?"
Chang Huanyan spread her hands. "Working overtime."
As they entered, they saw that steaming hot dishes were already placed on the dining table. Chang Huanyan went to the kitchen and brought out a pot of red dates black chicken soup. "Little Xiaoxiao, drink more of this soup. It's good for your health."
Gao Xiaoxiao knew that Chang Huanyan was doing this for her and nodded with a smile. "Okay."
She had a difficult labor four years ago and did not have a good confinement period. Consequently, she fell ill and was told by the doctor that she would never get pregnant again…
However, Gao Xiaoxiao had no regrets at all.
She could not have children and could not marry again… None of this mattered. After all, she already had Xiaobai, and that was enough.
• • •
After dinner, Chang Huanyan switched to the cartoon channel on television and got Xiaobai to watch on the sofa. Then she ushered Gao Xiaoxiao into the bedroom.
Gao Xiaobai looked at the backs of the two women, turned around, and switched the television channel to the science educational channel.
• • •
In the bedroom.
Chang Huanyan said softly, "Little Xiaoxiao, did you know? Gu Xiangbei is back."
Gao Xiaoxiao looked calm. "Is that so?"
"That's right. Didn't you guys meet in Chongcheng? This afternoon, he called me and said that he went to Chongcheng to visit your grandma's grave. The neighbor told him that you're in City D now." Chang Huanyan looked at her and sighed. "I didn't know what he wanted, but from his tone, I could tell that he's still very concerned about you, so…"
"So you told him the truth?" Gao Xiaoxiao frowned.
"No. How could I possibly tell the truth?" Chang Huanyan waved her hand quickly. "I told him that we haven't contacted each other for a long time. I don't know where you are. Oh right, he even asked me to help look for you. His phone number hasn't changed either."
Gao Xiaoxiao responded with an "oh" but did not say anything.
"Little Xiaoxiao?" Chang Huanyan looked carefully at her quiet face and asked, "If, I mean if… Gu Xiangbei is still willing to be with you, have you thought about telling him everything that happened back then?"
Gao Xiaoxiao shook her head and said softly, "It's useless. It's impossible between me and him."
The Gu family was considered a well-respected family in City D. The idea of a mother and her daughter marrying a pair of Gu brothers would be unacceptable, not to mention five years ago.
"Then… how are you and Han Zhen now?" Chang Huanyan asked again.