Chapter 207
A cold, oppressive, and guarded place wasn’t a home, it was just a place to stay.
In her previous life, Cheng Tingyan had always been just staying.
Later, after meeting Little Cookie online, she would sometimes fantasize about having a real home with her. But her love was still hidden, a future, a home, they were distant dreams.
Cheng Tingyan didn’t expect that the thoughts she only dared to entertain in her previous life would have a concrete form in this life. A bed with a cute little chubby bunny… childish, yet practical. The joy of raising a child, one had to experience it to understand.
Mmm… If she had met Little Cookie at her previous life’s age and then raised a cute little chubby bunny together, it would have been the perfect life…
She tried to dismiss these strange thoughts, but they only became stranger.
Finally, the little chubby bunny’s soft mumbling pulled Cheng Tingyan back to reality.
“What if they were originally fine, but now they’re learning bad things from me…” Wei Maomao said, truly worried that Zhao Can and Zhao Tong’s lives were changed because of her. “Our Maomao is the best, they won’t learn bad things from you.” Cheng Tingyan said, poking the little chubby bunny’s face, who was wriggling on the bed like a fish on a chopping board. “Their lives weren’t good before, aren’t they better now?”
“No.” Wei Maomao said, puffing out her cheeks and pushing Cheng Tingyan’s finger away. “They’re better than before now. But what about later… The distant future…”
Although it seemed like the sisters were on the right path, working together to improve their lives, what about the distant future… Would it be better than the future they would have had without seeing that variety show? What if it was worse… Reborn, like a pebble disrupting the flow of sand, Wei Maomao was worried that her actions might change their fates for the worse, a burden she couldn’t help but carry, a butterfly flapping its wings, affecting the future. She couldn’t explain it, she didn’t expect Cheng Tingyan to understand, she just had to say it.
But Wei Maomao didn’t expect that Cheng Tingyan did understand.
The distant future… Cheng Tingyan was surprised that the little chubby bunny would think so far ahead for Zhao Can and Zhao Tong. Was that even a distant future for a five-year-old to consider? She was so… responsible.
“Maomao, we just filmed a variety show. Like someone writing a book, singing a song, making a film… The creators just present them to the world. Everyone who sees it will have their own interpretation, something the creators can’t control. What I mean is…” Cheng Tingyan said, feeling that she was being too abstract, she patted the little chubby bunny, who had curled up into a ball, she dimmed the nightlight and continued softly, “It’s like… we’re walking on the road, and we drop some seeds on the ground. Many years later, some seeds grow into big trees, providing shade and shelter for passersby, helping many people. Some seeds fall on bad soil, they grow, then get struck by lightning, fall, and hurt someone. Some seeds don’t even grow, they’re eaten by birds, and the birds aren’t hungry anymore. Some seeds grow into big trees, then they’re used to build houses, mmm… maybe even the house we’re living in now. Every seed, it just briefly passed through our hands, then they live their own lives. We don’t take credit for the tree providing shade, or for the bird not being hungry, and we don’t have to feel guilty for the falling tree hurting someone… Maomao, do you understand what I’m saying?”
Cheng Tingyan had wanted to make it a fairy tale, but it didn’t seem quite right…
“I understand~~~” Wei Maomao said, rubbing against Cheng Tingyan’s pajamas. “The tree that provides shade, the tree that’s used to build a house, those are the seeds Yan Yan dropped. I dropped the ones that are eaten by birds and the one that hurt someone.”
“What are you talking about?!” Cheng Tingyan said, exasperated and amused, she pinched the little chubby paw.
“Okay, I understand.” Wei Maomao said with a giggle, she knew logically that she wasn’t responsible for the viewers’ future just because of a variety show.
It was just that Zhao Tong and Zhao Can were so close to them, Wei Maomao was a bit overwhelmed, overthinking things. But Yan Yan was her cure, just listening to her, Wei Maomao felt much better. And most importantly, Yan Yan truly understood her worries.
“You…” Cheng Tingyan was about to say something when she heard a rumbling sound.
While the two were chatting in bed, next door, Wei Chengli, glancing at the time, took a bag from his luggage and was about to leave.
“Where are you going?” Zhang Shilan asked, coming out of the bathroom, drying her hair, she saw her husband sneaking around.
“How did you get ready so quickly!” Wei Chengli said, a bit disappointed, lifting the bag in his hand. “Fine, since you’ve discovered me, let’s go and deliver some warmth to Little Maomao together.”
Zhang Shilan looked at Wei Chengli, whose expression clearly said “You’re lucky,” and asked, “What warmth?”
Wei Chengli opened the bag and showed her its contents, he raised his chin proudly. “You call yourself a mother, she barely ate anything tonight, and you didn’t even notice?”
Zhang Shilan glanced at the pastries and egg rolls in the bag and scoffed. “You call yourself a father? Giving her this? Yan Yan, an older sister, even packed a nutritious meal for her. Sit down, there’s no need, they’ve probably already finished eating next door.”
“???” Wei Chengli said, closing the bag, exasperated. “Ah! Yan Yan beat me to it again! When did she pack the food? While I was out buying these?! What kind of child is she! Not interested in playing games or having fun, only studying, acting, earning money, and even taking care of my child! I’m so angry!”
“Just go and warm up some milk, we can eat it if Maomao doesn’t want it.” Zhang Shilan said, sitting down, she glanced at Wei Chengli, amused. “I thought you were already used to losing to Yan Yan.”
“Hmph, not necessarily losing. Does Maomao even like Yan Yan that much? If she does, she should skip a grade and go to the same school. She’s quite smart, maybe she can even be in the same class as Yan Yan. Why isn’t she skipping? Not liking her enough? Hmph, laziness trumps Yan Yan!” Wei Chengli said, feeling a pang of jealousy as he served his wife some pastries.
Zhang Shilan chuckled at his childishness. “You call yourself a father, and you haven’t even asked Maomao what she thinks? She said that shortly after they moved, she and Yan Yan made a pact, that when Yan Yan started elementary school, she would be a big girl, and big girls don’t sleep together. Forget about skipping grades, I think our daughter probably wants to stay in kindergarten forever.”
“Seriously?” Wei Chengli asked, surprised. “Can you even repeat kindergarten?”
“Of course not.” Zhang Shilan said, glancing at Wei Chengli, who seemed to have taken it seriously. “She still has to go to elementary school eventually. I also wanted them to sleep separately after she started school, but it didn’t last, they’re back to sleeping together. I asked Maomao, and since she said that, I couldn’t really do anything. They only have a few years left together anyway, I don’t want to be the bad mom who ruined her childhood.”
“How could you be a bad mom? You’re the best mom.” Wei Chengli said, relieved that they wouldn’t have a kindergarten dropout in the family, he poured some milk for his wife, not forgetting to add, “Look at Zhao Can and Zhao Tong’s mom, you’re not a mom, you’re an angel~~~”
“… I’m advising you to read less of those cheesy CEO novels.” Zhang Shilan said, putting down her egg roll.
“Tsk, this is called simple romance.” Wei Chengli said, shaking his head, as if she didn’t understand. He then suddenly remembered something. “Speaking of which, Dad seemed very concerned about Zhao Can and Zhao Tong today. Is it because he had many children before, and now with only Maomao, he feels a bit lonely? Or is it because of their current situation, he’s feeling sympathetic?”
“Neither. Speaking of their current situation…” Zhang Shilan said, glancing at Wei Chengli, she started counting on her fingers. “You and Maomao, going on ‘Where’s Baby Going’ Season 3, made Zhao Can and Zhao Tong go to their aunt, confront their parents, then go to Yan Yan’s school and bite Cheng Feiying. Dad, because he found out about it, helped Zhao Tong get a few roles, and now she’s depressed. And you know, because of that anonymous fortune teller, Dad is becoming more and more superstitious… Although Zhao Tong’s situation is probably mostly because of her family, Dad is still worried that it might be related to him recommending her for those roles. Anyway, they seem to be connected to every member of our family, mmm, except for me. I’m innocent.”
Wei Chengli chuckled. “What are you thinking? Your baby, your husband, your dad, they’re all involved, do you think anyone would believe you’re innocent? If this were a movie, you would be the mastermind!”
Zhang Shilan stuffed a pastry into his mouth. “Just eat!”
Some were silenced by pastries.
And some…
“Eat slowly.” Cheng Tingyan said, placing a glass of warm water next to Wei Maomao, she touched the rice bowl in her hand. “Did you reheat the rice?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Wei Maomao said, her head down, engrossed in her minced meat, egg, and cucumber rice bowl, she had completely forgotten about her earlier resolution to eat less for dinner.
But while Wei Maomao forgot, Cheng Tingyan didn’t.
“Maomao, you’ll naturally grow taller and thinner in a year or two, there’s no need to rush.” Cheng Tingyan said with a smile, wiping the rice crumbs from the little chubby bunny’s mouth with a handkerchief. “You’re still growing; you can’t skip meals. Think about it, how uncomfortable it would be if your tummy rumbles from hunger at night.”
She was in a hurry! But… the rice was so good…
Wei Maomao, her body’s instincts too strong, couldn’t resist.
Fine, she would finish this meal, then eat less tomorrow!
Cheng Tingyan, not receiving a verbal response, only a little head buried in the rice bowl, knew it was a silent protest.
Let her protest, she was also here tomorrow, Cheng Tingyan thought, her eyes softening, she stroked the little chubby bunny’s head.
Sleepiness after a full meal, every foodie knew it.
But…
Wei Maomao, lying in bed, tried to keep her eyes open, she had remembered something during dinner.
Cheng Tingyan, after tidying the table, saw the little chubby bunny on the bed, her eyes repeatedly closing, then snapping open.
“Go to sleep if you’re tired.” Cheng Tingyan said, climbing into bed, she tucked the little bunny in and patted her gently.
The patting almost made Wei Maomao fall asleep instantly.
“Yan Yan, Zhao Tong said you always… had lunch with her… not with the others, just her…” Wei Maomao said, yawning, her words slurred from sleepiness, but she still managed to ask.
“Mmm. Mmm?” Cheng Tingyan asked, after a moment, she sensed a hint of jealousy.
A five-year-old’s jealousy?
“What’s wrong? Didn’t you also chat with her on set? I even saw you pointing at the sky and laughing, what were you talking about?” Cheng Tingyan asked, instead of answering.
“You… tell me first…” Wei Maomao mumbled, she had found a comfortable spot under the blanket, her eyes barely open.
Cheng Tingyan carefully tucked the blanket under the little chubby face, she couldn’t help but pinch it. So sleepy, yet still so sharp.
“Zhao Tong played the villain. Children sometimes can’t differentiate between acting and reality; children who play villains are often ostracized, that’s why I had lunch with her.” Cheng Tingyan said quickly, she couldn’t bear to make the sleepy little bunny wait.
It was her past, a difficult one she couldn’t share, at least she could make it easier for another.
“Yan Yan…” Wei Maomao said, after a brief snore, “… is the best!”
Cheng Tingyan chuckled and patted her, lowering her voice. “Go to sleep.”
“My… turn…” Wei Maomao said, her eyes closed, then she opened them slightly. “… to talk…”
“Tomorrow, tell me tomorrow.” Cheng Tingyan said, patting the blanket. “Sleep, sleep, sleep…”
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, who would even remember this casual question…
The familiar, comforting words, like a lullaby, Wei Maomao couldn’t resist, her head tilted, she started snoring.
In her dream, Wei Maomao answered Cheng Tingyan’s question. Zhao Tong had asked her that afternoon if she liked acting. She had told Zhao Tong, “Life can be lonely and bitter, we always crave warmth and love. The audience’s love, it’s also love, even a small amount, like a grain of sugar from each person, so many people, so many grains of sugar, falling from the sky like snowflakes, they can form a sweet cookie. A square cookie, with scalloped edges, crispy and sweet~~~” That was what Cheng Tingyan had told her in her previous life, when they were discussing acting. They were discussing the profession, but Wei Maomao felt Cheng Tingyan was talking about herself. That afternoon, Wei Maomao didn’t understand why Zhao Tong asked, she assumed she was unsure about her future career, so she shared those words. Zhao Tong, she probably also craved love. Although the audience’s love could be a double-edged sword, but… Yan Yan said that sugar cookie was truly sweet.
In her dream, Wei Maomao relayed the words from one person, from one lifetime to another.
And Cheng Tingyan, outside the dream, gently patting the little one, had missed the answer.
After the little chubby bunny fell asleep, Cheng Tingyan turned off the nightlight.
In the darkness, Cheng Tingyan couldn’t sleep, she thought about Wei Maomao’s words about the distant future.
The distant future, so many uncertainties.
But now, many things were already different from her past life.
Not to mention the others, just Wang Zhizhi… Cheng Tingyan felt he probably wouldn’t become the desperate, almost insane person from the rumors in her previous life, vying for his parents’ love. And Zhao Tong, Cheng Tingyan hadn’t paid attention to the previous season of “Where’s Baby Going,” she hadn’t heard of this name later, regardless of her career, her illness had to be treated. And the awakened Zhao Can… perhaps there were many others like her, in places they couldn’t see.
If these changes required someone to bear the responsibility, it wouldn’t be this innocent little chubby bunny. It had to be her… or perhaps another reborn person, someone who returned before her.
Mmm, whoever it was, it definitely wasn’t Wei Chengli.
Perhaps… Shi Dingshan? Shi Hongxiao? Qin Sichao? Jiang Heye? Mmm… who else?
Just as Cheng Tingyan started listing the suspects in her mind, a voice next to her spoke.
“Yan Yan, lend the coaches to Auntie during filming, okay?”
The soft, muffled voice startled Cheng Tingyan, just as she was wondering why the little bunny wasn’t asleep yet, she heard soft snores.
Cheng Tingyan: “…“ She was that worried? Even making arrangements in her sleep?
Her train of thought interrupted, Cheng Tingyan gave up on her list of suspects and tried to sleep.
But just as she was drifting off, she felt a movement next to her, she instinctively reached out and caught a flailing leg.
She grabbed it, pressed it down, put her own leg over it, and patted it gently…
Smooth and practiced movements, like she had done it countless times before.
Mmm, she was grateful for all the coaches.
Cheng Tingyan yawned, snuggled closer to the warm little bunny, and drifted off to sleep.
In her dream, the little chubby bunny grew taller, her baby fat disappearing, like a small tree. She also grew up, just like in her previous life, but her eyes were gentle, not filled with sadness.
It should have been a beautiful dream, a glimpse into the future, but when she reached the age where she should have met Little Cookie, she couldn’t find her.
The beautiful dream turned into a nightmare.
Cheng Tingyan woke up, her heart pounding.
The butterfly had flapped its wings, would that person still be there…?
This was the fear Cheng Tingyan didn’t dare to confront, a fear that haunted her dreams.
Thirteen years until their meeting in her previous life, no… based on Little Cookie’s registration date, it wasn’t even thirteen years.
Soon… Soon…
Growing up was fast!
They could’ve met early! Maomao stop being so sleepy!