Chapter 13

Weekend morning.

The atmosphere in the Pei living room was somewhat grim, Pei Tiancheng’s sharp gaze fixed squarely on Pei Songxi, his brows locked tight. “Nonsense!”

Yu Mian and Pei Zhiyuan were playing in the garden, so Pei Songxi spoke without restraint. “The family I sent her to for foster care wasn’t good, so I brought her back.”

She had always been cold and decisive by nature, never consulting anyone about what she wanted to do. But Pei Tiancheng could do nothing about her. His wife had died early, and he carried guilt toward his daughter; he had initially handed her a few small companies to manage, never imagining that within a year or two, everyone in them would be her people.

This child’s mind ran too deep — sometimes even he couldn’t see through her.

Pei Tiancheng suppressed his anger. “Songxi, a young woman like you, living outside with a small child — it isn’t proper.”

Pei Songxi’s expression stayed cool. “But I was always going to move out. It’s closer to the company, and Grandma knows about it. The house is full of people and too noisy — noise gives me headaches.”

Pei Tiancheng hesitated. “You…”

Ding Mei stepped in to smooth things over. “Come on, Father, you know Songxi can’t stand noise. Just let her move out.”

“How can we? Her raising a child alone — what will people think?”

“They won’t think anything. A child staying with relatives for a while — what’s the big deal?”

Ding Mei was sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. She thought the little girl Yu Mian was rather pitiful too — left at the Pei household, she was an untended weed, and Ding Mei had no energy to look after her, but she did hope someone would care for her.

Pei Tiancheng gave a noncommittal grunt and said nothing more.

Pei Linmao’s face hardened. “And you’re chiming in too?”

Ding Mei arched a brow, displeased. “What are you barking at? You think us women are as hard-hearted as you men? A child that small — how pitiful.”

Pei Songxi’s brows drew together slightly. “Father, I’d like to change Mianmian’s school. Have Uncle Zhong help arrange it.”

“And you? You’re not going to North America anymore?”

“Mm. Not going.”

Pei Linmao’s heart stirred. What he’d feared was his sister going to North America — if she opened up overseas markets, who would inherit the family business would become an open question. Now she was staying in the country, holding a few small companies, hardly capable of making waves.

Women… all of them ruled by soft-hearted sentiment, kindness without reason. Nothing to worry about.

He nodded to his father. “Just agree. It’s good that Songxi wants to stay in the country — if she went abroad, Grandma would miss her.”

Pei Tiancheng’s brow smoothed, his sharp gaze gradually withdrawing. “So be it. Songxi — this is the last time I’ll indulge your willfulness. No more acting on your own from now on!”

Pei Songxi gave a faint nod and beckoned to Yu Mian in the courtyard. The little girl dashed through the living room like the wind and skidded to a stop in front of her. “Auntie Pei!”

“Upstairs. Go say a few words to Great-Grandma.”

“Okay!”

Watching their retreating figures, Ding Mei couldn’t help laughing. “Honestly, all women love sweet, soft, pretty little girls — even Songxi.”

Pei Linmao was speechless. “Women are strange.”

Pei Tiancheng also watched in silence. He couldn’t understand Ding Mei’s soft-heartedness, but for the sake of one little girl, he had no wish to throw the household into chaos — so he simply turned a blind eye.

…

Upstairs, an old Gramophone warbled out a Jiangnan tune.

Zhou Ruyun reclined in her rocking chair, her hair white as snow, every line on her face etched with the passage of years.

Pei Songxi knocked and came in. The old lady smiled. “Yueyue, why didn’t you come home last night?”

“Something delayed me… Grandma, I’m moving out.”

“Hm? It’s settled?”

“Yes. Mianmian is coming with me.”

The old lady nodded at that and patted the crown of Yu Mian’s head. “Oh, that’s good. Take care of yourself, and take care of the little one too.”

Yu Mian felt the warmth on her head… She’d thought Great-Grandma might object — she hadn’t expected her to agree!

Pei Songxi’s lips curved. “Mianmian, go wait in my room first. I’ll stay here a while.”

Yu Mian nodded solemnly. “Okay. I’ll wait for you.”

Only after she’d gone did Zhou Ruyun sigh deeply. “Who knows what sin your father is committing this time — and in the end, it’s always you who pays it back.”

Pei Songxi tucked her blanket in properly. “It has nothing to do with Father. It was my own decision.”

Zhou Ruyun didn’t press further, only held her hand with a trace of wistfulness.

This child was too solitary, never close to anyone. Learning to care for someone else was, in truth, no bad thing.

When Pei Songxi returned to her room, Yu Mian was sitting on the bed, a comic on her knees, motionless, like a tiny statue.

Only when she heard her footsteps did she look up. “Auntie Pei, you’re back!”

Pei Songxi’s gaze softened. It had been the same last time — she’d said wait, and the girl had fallen asleep waiting in the corridor; this time too, she waited quietly and patiently.

She packed a few changes of clothes and had a servant carry them downstairs. As she led Yu Mian to the car, Pei Zhiyuan couldn’t hold back and burst into tears. “Auntie, do you not like me anymore?”

“No.”

“Then why…”

She crouched down, looking straight into his eyes. “Because I don’t like this family. You’ll understand when you’re grown.”

Pei Zhiyuan stared at her blankly. Pei Songxi wiped his tears dry. “Great-Grandma is still here, and I’ll come back often. No crying, Pei Zhiyuan.”

“Okay.”

Yu Mian pressed against the car window, her small brows knitting, and waved at Pei Zhiyuan — calling him “big brother” for the first time.

Pei Zhiyuan stood there with snot bubbles as the car slowly drove away.

Yu Mian looked back, watching him still standing foolishly in place, then looked at Pei Songxi. “Auntie Pei…”

“What is it?”

“Nothing…”

Yu Mian flung herself into her arms. Ever since Pei Songxi had allowed her closeness, she’d grown especially greedy for her embrace, as if it were a silent anchor.

It was already four in the afternoon by the time they got home.

Wei Yi was waiting in the courtyard, smiling at the sight of Yu Mian. “Little bit, do you remember me?”

Of course Yu Mian remembered her — she was the one who’d taken her away… Frightened, she backed up a step. Pei Songxi took her hand. “It’s all right. Don’t be afraid, Mianmian.”

Yu Mian looked up at her, gripping her hand tight. “Mm!”

She was going to stay by Auntie Pei’s side forever — no one was taking her away!

Wei Yi noticed the little girl’s faintly hostile gaze and almost laughed, but reported her work dutifully. “President Pei, the driver is arranged — he’s my uncle, an honest man. For the housekeeper, I contacted Auntie Dong, who cared for your family members before. If it works, she can start tomorrow.”

Pei Songxi had some impression of the woman — Auntie Zhang had once introduced her to look after Grandma. She nodded. “She’ll come to cook. If possible, have her keep the child company as well.”

Wei Yi nodded. “Rest assured, it’s all been confirmed.”

“Understood. You can go.”

Wei Yi was about to say something when a black Maserati pulled up outside the gate, the window gliding down to reveal a cool, striking face. “Songxi?”

The newcomer was Pei Songxi’s friend and business partner, Ming Ran, who also lived nearby.

Pei Songxi gave her a nod. “Just passing by?”

Ming Ran nodded. “Where did you steal the kid from?”

Wei Yi shot her a look and walked toward her. “President Ming, watch your words.”

Ming Ran’s face was cold. “None of your business.”

Wei Yi flashed her a radiant smile, opened the car door without the slightest ceremony, and waved back at Pei Songxi. “President Pei, I’ll hitch a ride with President Ming. See you.”

Pei Songxi nodded and carried Yu Mian inside.

Yu Mian lay against her shoulder, watching Ming Ran look utterly disgusted as she ordered Wei Yi out of the car — yet Auntie Wei Yi smiled so happily, her eyes practically glowing, and… and she even kissed that strange lady’s forehead!

“They seem like good friends… but also not? So weird.”

Pei Songxi smiled. “Not friends. More like… lovers.”

“What’s a lover?”

“…A friend you have love with — a lover?”

Pei Songxi was a bit stumped by the question, but she didn’t like lying to children, nor brushing them off, so she gave her answer anyway.

“Oh.”

Yu Mian answered crisply. “Do you have love with me?”

Pei Songxi couldn’t help laughing. “No.”

The little fox lay against her shoulder, giggling foolishly. “Then I have love with you, so I’m your little lover!”

Who told Auntie Pei’s embrace to be so wonderful! Fragrant and soft, so comfortable.

“Mianmian…” Pei Songxi was somewhat at a loss. “Do you know what love is?”

“Nope. What is it?”

Pei Songxi carried her through the front gate, which shut with a bang, sealing out the noise of the world. Her voice drifted back, faint, laced with a helpless smile. “Actually, I don’t know either.”