As luck would have it, we were going to Dad's place for a gathering the next day. I could talk to him about it and see if he had any ideas. After all, I was helping him out—we were on the same team.
Because of what happened the night before, Mom and I were a bit at odds, and neither of us spoke to each other all morning. During breakfast, Beibei suddenly blurted out, "Mom, are you getting married?"
Mom nearly choked on her food, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at her. "Who said I'm getting married?"
"I heard it from my brother. He said you're getting remarried."
Mom turned her questioning gaze toward me. I quickly explained, "Don't listen to her nonsense. When did I ever say you were getting remarried? I never said that."
Beibei jumped in, "You did! You said it last night."
I got flustered and raised my voice in defense. "I said if—hypothetically! Do you even understand? Did you fail your Chinese class?"
Beibei pouted at me.
Mom looked both amused and exasperated. "Ling Xiaodong, instead of focusing on your studies, what are you doing all day, overthinking and being paranoid?"
I felt wronged and opened my mouth to defend myself, but I didn't know what to say.
Beibei leaned closer to Mom and said with a smile, "Mom, if you really do want to get remarried, I don't mind. I support you!"
What was meant as a compliment ended up backfiring. Mom wasn't having any of it and snapped, "You shut your mouth!"
Beibei closed her mouth, looking hurt.
I mouthed silently at her, "Serves you right."
Beibei puffed out her cheeks, glaring at me furiously.
Even though Mom said I was overthinking it, this was a serious matter. If she wouldn't explain herself, how could anyone not be suspicious?
During the day at the tutoring center, I couldn't focus on studying at all. My mind was completely occupied with thoughts about Mom.
On my way home from school in the afternoon, I was surprised to find that Annuo wasn't waiting for me by the roadside today. It felt strangely unfamiliar.
Beibei had already arrived and was sprawled on the couch watching TV, while Dad was, as usual, busy in the kitchen.
I went in to help, wanting to talk to him about Mom.
But how should I bring it up?
Mom often goes out on dates at night with a man named Mr. Zhou?
With Dad's petty jealousy, he'd probably flip his lid.
Of course, I'm not jealous of Mom—I'm just worried she might get scammed, and I'm also trying to help Dad.
"Dad, so... how have you been lately?" I asked casually while helping out, pretending it was just small talk.
"Pretty good."
"Why isn't Anuo home?"
"She went out for something and won't be back for a couple of days." Dad glanced at me. "Why? Do you need her for something?"
"What would I need her for? Just asking."
Dad said earnestly, "Don't hold such a grudge against her. She might act a bit strange sometimes, but she really is a good kid."
Whether she's a good kid or not, I don't know, but the things she does are truly infuriating.
The water in the clay pot bubbled loudly, and Dad and I fell into silence.
I was thinking about how to bring up Mom's situation tactfully when Dad suddenly said in a serious tone, "Xiaodong, there's something I want to tell you."
His tone felt unusually formal, so I was taken aback and quickly asked, "What is it?"
"Well... I... I'm planning to get married."
"Huh?" I was shocked, thinking I'd misheard. "You... what did you say?"
Dad spoke slowly, "I said, I'm planning to get married."
"No, I mean..." I was at a loss for words, struggling for a moment before frowning and asking, "Who are you planning to marry?"
"It's..."
Before Dad could finish, I interrupted, "Definitely not Mom, right?"
"Yeah." Dad nodded in acknowledgment. "Not your mom."
"What's going on? Why are you suddenly getting married?"
Dad looked troubled and stammered, "I know this might be hard for you to accept right away. I originally planned to tell you after your college entrance exams. But... things have changed, and I'll probably be getting the marriage certificate soon. So I wanted to give you a heads-up, so you won't be caught off guard."
Hearing that Dad was getting married, and not to Mom, I was surprised, but for some reason, I felt a hint of secret satisfaction.
"Does Mom know about this?"
"I haven't told her yet."
I probed cautiously, "Do you want me to pass this news on to Mom?"
"Not really. I just wanted to let you know in advance so you're aware. Don't tell your mom or Beibei for now."
I had planned to bring up Mom's dating situation with Dad and discuss how to win her back, but instead, Dad dropped a bombshell first.
Well, now both of them have found new partners—it's a complete separation.
After leaving Dad's place, I spent the whole day thinking about it, and something just didn't feel right.
It's been less than half a year since Dad and Mom divorced. Even if he's moved on and wants to marry someone else, isn't it a bit too soon?
Besides, from the way Dad acts, it's clear he still has deep feelings for Mom. How could he change so suddenly?
This really is strange.
But compared to Dad's situation, Mom dating someone else is the more urgent issue.
Dad is no longer someone I can rely on, it seems I can only count on myself now.
I must protect Mom and make sure she isn't deceived by other men.
Yes! I'm protecting Mom, absolutely without any selfish thoughts or ulterior motives.
That evening, right after finishing dinner, I eagerly changed into my workout clothes and started doing warm-up exercises in the living room.
Mom leaned back on the sofa, looking at me with a dazed expression. "What are you doing?"
"Going downstairs for a walk." I stretched my legs while smiling. "I think you're right, Mom. Staying cooped up at home all the time can really make a person feel stifled. Even a senior high school student needs a balance between work and rest, and some proper relaxation for the brain."
Mom nodded, her expression blank. "Mm-hmm. Okay. Go ahead."
"You're not coming?"
"Why would I go?"
"For a walk."
Mom rolled her eyes and said lightly, "That's nice. Go ahead."
"You're not coming with me?"
"Why should I go with you?"
After a long silence, I sat down beside Mom and said seriously, "Mom, we're both playing with our cards on the table, so let's not pretend. You must know I'm not going downstairs just for a walk—I want to stay by your side and meet that Mr. Zhou."
"Why should I let you meet my friend?"
"I need to vet him for you. Let me tell you, men understand men best. Whether this Mr. Zhou is a gentleman or a scoundrel, I'll be able to tell at a glance."
Mom narrowed her phoenix eyes and asked disdainfully, "Men? Who? You? I didn't know that."
"Come on, you know whether your son is a man or not." As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized something was off. It was just an ordinary joke, but in light of what happened that night, it felt far too suggestive.
Sure enough, Mom's expression changed as soon as she heard it. She lifted her foot and kicked me right in the butt, sending me tumbling off the sofa.
Beibei came out of the bedroom just in time to hear our conversation and said with a laugh, "I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to let big brother go check him out. Wolves understand wolves best. If that male friend of yours has any ulterior motives, he'll definitely spot it right away."
Mom snapped angrily, "Are you two trying to rebel?"
Beibei giggled. "How dare we rebel against you, Your Majesty!"
I scrambled up from the floor, knelt beside Mom, and gently massaged her slender, well-proportioned calves, smiling ingratiatingly. "Please calm your anger, Your Highness. Your humble servant will massage your legs."
"Get lost." Mom's beautiful feet, smooth as jade, delicate and rosy, gave my arm a light kick. It didn't hurt at all—in fact, it felt rather pleasant.
Mom scolded, "Have your grades improved or something? You're just looking for trouble every single day. With this attitude, you think you can get into Tsinghua? Go roast sweet potatoes instead!"
Frowning, I complained with a pitiful look, "If you keep hiding things like this, how can I focus on studying? Anyway, I don't care. Today, wherever you go, I'll follow."
"I'm not going anywhere today." Mom stood up from the sofa and kicked me again. "Move."
Mom stormed back to her room in a huff. Beibei gave me a thumbs-up and said with a grin, "When it comes to making Mom angry, you're definitely an expert."
"I'm too anxious right now to joke around with you."
I headed toward the bedroom, and Beibei followed behind, asking, "Mom just made a new friend. Why are you so worked up?"
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After a moment's thought, I ran over to the bed and faced my mother again. "How about this? Do you remember how you comforted me last time?" I said, climbing onto the bed and lying down beside her. Staring at the ceiling, I continued, "Let's do it like last time—no looking at each other, just speaking from the heart."
My mother leaned against the headboard, looking down at me as if I were a fool, and didn't respond for a long time.
Growing impatient, I sat up and said, "Mom, cooperate a little. Lie down, lie down." Seeing she still didn't react, I added, "Mom, I'm under a lot of psychological pressure right now. I'm facing difficulties with my studies and urgently need someone to give me psychological counseling."
My mother knew I was talking nonsense, but after hesitating for a moment, she finally lay down.
Happily, I lay back down, shoulder to shoulder with her, my eyes fixed on the ceiling. After a moment's hesitation, I mustered the courage to grab her right hand with my left. Her hand felt slender yet soft, smooth and tender, like holding a piece of fine jade—so comfortable.
My mother seemed startled and forcefully pulled her hand away, turning her head to glare at me. "What are you doing?"
We were face to face, so close we were almost touching. The warm, fragrant breath from her mouth brushed against my face, sending a tingling, ticklish sensation through me.
"Isn't this what you taught me? Holding hands and not looking at each other makes it easier to communicate."
My mother was stunned for a moment before saying, "Talking is enough. There's no need to hold hands."
We lay back down, our eyes fixed on the ceiling. A long silence followed, with neither of us speaking. The atmosphere grew awkward, and I couldn't hold back any longer. "Mom, why aren't you saying anything?"
"I have nothing to say."
"If you don't talk, how can this count as a heart-to-heart?"
"You're the one who wanted to talk. Didn't you say you're under pressure with your studies?"
I thought for a moment and sighed. "I feel like I'm done for. I won't get into any school."
My mother said mercilessly, "Whether you get in or not, you're moving out. I'm not raising a useless person."
I quickly backtracked. "No, no, no, I'm just under a little pressure. I'm actually quite confident. I can get into any school. I'm aiming for Tsinghua University."
"Are you here for a heart-to-heart or just to talk nonsense?"
"Of course, for a heart-to-heart. I've already said my piece. Now it's your turn."
"I have nothing to say."
"Mom, don't be like this. We agreed to be honest with each other."
After a moment of silence, my mother said coldly, "I'm very unhappy right now."
"Why?"
"Because my son is making me unhappy."
"How is your son making you unhappy?"
"I don't know."
I sat up, looking at her with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Mom, you're just being difficult."
"Ling Xiaodong, the way you are right now is making me very unhappy."
"What? What did I do to upset you? Can you explain it more clearly?"
My mother also sat up on the bed and glared at me. "Ling Xiaodong, aren't you known as the 'women's friend'? Didn't you say you understand women's hearts best? Come on, guess what your mother is thinking right now."
I looked at her, noticing her eyes slightly narrowed and a strange smile curling at the corner of her mouth. After thinking for a moment, I whispered, "Right now, you want to give me a beating..."
"Got it!" As soon as the words left her mouth, Mom smacked me on the head.
"Ouch~!" I yelped in pain, my body tilting sideways as I nearly rolled off the bed. Gritting my teeth and frowning, I said, "Mom, you're too harsh."
Mom glared at me. "Ling Xiaodong, if you dare play tricks with me again, it won't just be a slap. Go back to your room and study."
With that, Mom got out of bed, slipped on her slippers, and headed out. I was a bit puzzled, wondering why she was leaving when she told me to go back to my room. Holding my head, I asked, "Mom, where are you going?"
"To take a shower! Now get out of here."
I dawdled as I climbed off the bed. Just as I was about to leave the room, Mom's phone suddenly buzzed with a message. My heart skipped a beat, and I had a feeling it was from that so-called Mr. Zhou.
The phone was lying on the bed, and Mom wasn't around. Besides, I had already cracked her phone password long ago—she just didn't know it. If I took a peek, she'd never find out.
No, no, snooping through someone else's phone is unethical.
Wait, no—I'm just protecting Mom.
After a brief internal struggle, I quickly picked up the phone, unlocked it, and sure enough, the message was from Mr. Zhou. It read: "Meet tomorrow night at 8:30. Location changed to the entrance of Zijin Garden."
Just as I was about to scroll up to check the chat history, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door. I hurriedly tossed the phone aside and pretended nothing had happened as I walked out, only to find Beibei standing there.
Annoyed, I snapped, "What are you wandering around for in the middle of the night?"
Beibei looked confused, blinking and staring at me blankly. "Are you on something?"
Back in my bedroom, I paced excitedly back and forth. Tomorrow night at eight, the entrance of Zijin Park. Heh heh heh~!
...
Huh?
Why does this feel like a husband catching his wife cheating?
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