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CHAPTER 3
PART 1
In this world, there are always some places that remain beautiful regardless of the weather, whether it's sunny, rainy, or overcast; daytime, nighttime, or twilight. Yuehai is one such place, where every moment and weather condition bestows it with different colors and moods. These naturally added filters switch unpredictably, creating an ever-changing beauty that never tires the observer.
On Sunday morning, Su Xiaotong accompanied her son, Gu Xiaoliang, to play in the children's playground of Yuehai Park. It had almost become his daily entertainment. Today was a sunny day, and the warm sun draped everyone in a gentle embrace, bringing an indescribable comfort. Under the blue sky and white clouds, Su Xiaotong watched Gu Xiaoliang climb up and slide down the slide repeatedly, feeling the beauty of this moment.
In fact, it's quite nice like this, isn't it? She told herself. Everything has two sides. Although Gu Xiaoliang's intellectual abilities were impaired, it also meant that his mind would never mature, and he would forever remain in his childhood. Just like a pet cat or dog, he would eat, drink, bask in the sun, and play, never having to worry about complex matters. Spending life in such simple and joyful ways, what's wrong with that?
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Admittedly, her son couldn't experience the happiness and sense of accomplishment that come from learning, working, career, love, and marriage like a normal person. However, he could also be spared from the worries and sorrows that these things bring. In this way, she thought, perhaps his intellectual impairment was a gift from heaven rather than a tragic fate.
Su Xiaotong seemed to have figured out some things, and her mood became brighter. She took out her phone, captured several beautiful views of the sky and distant mountains, and added some text before posting them on her Moments.
These beautiful pictures received many likes from her friends, and a person named Zhou Sida commented: "Are you in Lishi City for a visit?"
Su Xiaotong didn't want to continue the conversation in the comments section, so she sent him a WeChat message: "No, I've settled in Lishi City now."
Zhou Sida: "Ah? Weren't you working in Jingzhou? How come you moved to Lishi City?"
Su Xiaotong didn't want to explain too much and replied lightly: "Work was too demanding, and I got tired. I wanted a more relaxed life."
Zhou Sida responded with several thumbs-up emojis and said: "So now you're just like me, both free people? Haha."
Su Xiaotong: "I wouldn't dare to compare myself to you. You're a second-generation wealthy individual, enjoying your days with mountains, waters, and leisure. How could I be as carefree as you?"
Zhou Sida: "I'm in the Maldives these days. I'll come to Lishi City to see you after I return to the country, okay?"
Su Xiaotong: "Let's forget about it..."
Zhou Sida: "Why not? You're not working now, right?"
Su Xiaotong: "But I'm married and have a family."
Zhou Sida: "Does being married mean you can't meet your ex-boyfriend? You're living in a feudal society!"
Su Xiaotong replied with a wry smile emoji and made up an excuse about needing to take care of her son, cutting off the conversation. She put her phone back in her pocket and walked towards Gu Xiaoliang, accompanying him on the seesaw and swing, with a pensive look on her face.
Around noon, they returned home, and Gu Lei made a delicious pot of chicken stew with rice noodles. It tasted great. After lunch, Su Xiaotong put her son to sleep for a nap. At around three o'clock, Gu Lei held his laptop, Gu Xiaoliang brought his toys, and the whole family arrived at the door of 1203. Su Xiaotong pressed the doorbell.
When Li Xueli opened the door and saw the whole family standing there, she said in surprise, "Oh, Gu Lei is coming over too?"
"Yes, working alone at home can be a bit lonely. So, I thought of bringing my laptop here to work in your living room. Is that okay? It won't disturb you, will it?" Gu Lei said.
"What's bothering you!" Li Xueli appeared visibly happy. "Don't you know me by now? I love a lively atmosphere. The more people, the merrier! Hahaha, come on in quickly!"
The family of three entered the house. With an eager expression, Li Xueli asked, "Will it be like this from now on? Will you all come to my place in the afternoons?"
"Yes, that's the plan," Su Xiaotong said.
"That's wonderful!" Li Xueli clapped her hands in joy.
"After work, I can also help you with cooking. I have some experience in the culinary arts," Gu Lei said.
"Great! Haha, cooking and dining together in a lively and happy atmosphere is the scene I'm most familiar with and fond of. You might find it strange why I love such liveliness. It's related to my childhood environment. In my parents' generation, we didn't live separately. I grew up in a big family where grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins... everyone dined together. The women in the family were hardworking, and we all chatted while cooking and eating together. That heartwarming scene is unforgettable to me."
Is that true? Su Xiaotong thought to herself. Maybe she made up this story to make us believe in her desire for a lively atmosphere. But what she doesn't know is that we already know about the haunted house incident, which reveals the real reason. Nevertheless, her excitement and joy don't seem like they're faked. Perhaps she genuinely likes a lively atmosphere, and both reasons could be true.
As Su Xiaotong was lost in thought, Gu Lei asked Li Xueli, "Since you enjoy being lively so much, why did you move to Lishi City and live alone?"
"I was talking about my childhood environment. In high school, my grandparents passed away one after another, and my parents and uncles and aunts started living separately. Only during the Lunar New Year would everyone gather together. But I miss that warm and lively feeling, and I wish every day could be like that," Li Xueli explained. "What about you all? How do you feel about eating and gathering with everyone these days?"
"I think it's great. Except for extremely introverted people, most people enjoy such an atmosphere and lifestyle," Gu Lei said. Su Xiaotong nodded in agreement.
"And you, Xiaoliang?" Li Xueli teased the little boy. "Do you like Auntie Li's place? Do you enjoy playing with Wenjing?"
Gu Xiaoliang, who was usually reserved and slow to respond, rarely spoke. But this time, he made an affirmative gesture by nodding.
"See, Xiaoliang nodded. It seems he also likes being in a crowd. Haha!" Li Xueli said. Su Xiaotong affectionately patted her son's head, smiling.
"Alright, let's not delay Gu Lei's work. Let's go to the kitchen and prepare dinner."
Li Xueli and Su Xiaotong walked into the kitchen together. Gu Lei placed his laptop on the coffee table and started working on his design. Gu Xiaoliang quietly played with his toddler puzzle toy beside him.
As usual, Su Xiaotong helped Li Xueli with various tasks like washing and cutting vegetables. However, today Li Xueli suggested that Su Xiaotong cook a dish on her own to surprise Gu Lei.
"There's no need for that. Isn't it the same no matter who does it?" Su Xiaotong said.
"Of course not! For a man, being able to eat a dish cooked by his wife is an irreplaceable happiness. Besides, you've seen me cook for so long, don't you want to try it yourself? Transforming a bunch of raw ingredients into a delicious dish through cooking is a fulfilling experience."
"That's true. I see you're quite convincing."
"Because what I say makes sense."
"Then I'll give it a try. What dish should I make? Something simple would be nice."
"How about tomato beef stew? It's rich and flavorful, appetizing and refreshing."
"Alright."
"Then take the beef from the freezer to thaw. Originally, I planned to make tomato egg drop soup, but your first dish should be something more substantial."
Su Xiaotong agreed and opened the double-door refrigerator, searching for the beef in the freezer. She hadn't deliberately thought about that incident. However, when she saw the meat compartment divided into pieces, something unwanted popped into her mind. In an instant, a nauseating feeling surged, and her stomach tightened. Before vomiting, she quickly covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom.
Li Xueli saw Su Xiaotong rush out of the kitchen, followed by the sound of retching from the bathroom. Surprised, she walked to the bathroom door and asked, "Xiaotong, what's wrong?"
Gu Lei also heard the sounds of retching and came over, knocking on the door and inquiring. After a minute, Su Xiaotong came out, looking pale. She washed her face and rinsed her mouth, saying, "It's nothing... I just suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable."
"Weren't you fine just now? How did you suddenly feel unwell?" Li Xueli asked.
Su Xiaotong didn't know how to explain and could only say, "It's okay, I just need to rest for a bit."
"Okay, sit on the couch and rest. I'll pour you a glass of sweet water."
After Su Xiaotong sat down, Gu Lei asked her in a low voice, "What's wrong with you?" Su Xiaotong shook her head, turning her face away without answering.
Li Xueli entered the kitchen, pushed the freezer drawer in, and before closing the refrigerator door, she seemed to realize something. She turned to look at Su Xiaotong on the couch, gazing at her for over ten seconds, showing a dark expression for the first time. However, she quickly regained control of her facial expression and turned away. She immediately opened a cupboard, took out a jar of sugar, and made a glass of sweet water before bringing it to Su Xiaotong.
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TL CORNER
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