In the blink of an eye, it seemed as though many years had passed.
Many unremarkable things had been overlooked in his memories: his father's funeral, Stone Marrow Hall's auction, the bank loans... Things he had once thought unbearably painful gradually faded away and were forgotten.
Only one thing remained, glittering brightly...
In the afternoon sunlight, Huai Shi lowered his head as he peeled an apple. Looking out the sanatorium window, he saw a white dove soaring past and could not help drifting off.
I wonder how she's doing.
Lost in a daze, he habitually ignored the voice beside him.
"Why are you late again today? If you knew there'd be traffic, couldn't you have come earlier?"
The woman lying in the recliner disdainfully rummaged through the things he had brought. "Milk again? And red dates? Look at what other people's children bring when they visit. Look at you... If I'd known, I never should have given birth to such a useless burden."
"Mm."
Huai Shi lowered his head and placed the peeled apple on a plate.
"...Also, that skincare treatment Dr. Zhou mentioned seems pretty effective. Pay for it before you leave."
"Mm."
Huai Shi nodded, as if listening attentively.
"That bastard Huai Jun died and still left behind so many loans. I've suffered because of him for years. Once they're paid off by the end of this year, I can finally enjoy a few years of comfort. Have you found a house yet? Don't get one too small. Living in some pigeonhole would be humiliating."
"Mm."
Huai Shi looked out the window for a long time before suddenly saying, "Mom, I met a girl."
The woman in the recliner, who had been about to speak, froze slightly and looked over in confusion.
She seemed stunned.
"You might not