I spent the entire day mulling over the idea of "catching them in the act," completely unable to focus on my studies.
Finally, after enduring until the end of school, I arrived home to find Mom sitting upright on the living room sofa, arms crossed. I greeted her with a smile, "Mom, you're home! You finished work early today."
"I took half a day off on purpose," Mom glanced at me and beckoned me over. "Come here."
I had a vague sense that something was off and cautiously moved closer, stealing glances at her. Seeing her expression unchanged, I tentatively asked, "Mom, is something wrong?"
"I've prepared a gift for you."
I was taken aback by her words, but noticing her half-smile and the bulging bag in front of her, I knew it wasn't anything good. I forced a laugh and said, "It's not a holiday or my birthday—why would you give me a gift?"
Sure enough, Mom reached into the bag and pulled out a stack of test papers. "I thought you might have been a bit too idle lately, too relaxed. So I went to Teacher Song and got you some practice tests." She pushed the papers toward me. "Here, finish all of them."
"I already have more test papers than I can handle. Even if you didn't push me, I'd still study."
"Just do these, and do them right away. Once you're done, I'll take them to Teacher Song for review."
"Okay." I picked up the papers and couldn't help but chuckle.
Mom questioned me, "What are you laughing at? Are you happy to see so many test papers?"
"No..." I denied it at first but quickly admitted, "It's not that I'm happy to see these papers. It's just that I feel like you haven't been paying much attention to my studies lately. Seeing you take time off today to get me all these papers makes me a little happy."
Mom bit her lower lip and spoke earnestly, "It's not that I don't care about your studies, but I can't keep an eye on you every moment, can I? Whether you study or not depends mainly on you—it requires self-discipline." She glanced at me and added, "On the other hand, you seem a bit too concerned about my affairs lately, don't you think?"
"Isn't it natural for a son to care about his mother?"
"It is, but you're overdoing it. Do I need to report to you where I go, what I do, or who I meet? As a mother, do I have no personal freedom at all?"
I frowned deeply. "I'm just worried."
"What are you worried about?"
Lowering my head, I whispered pitifully, "I'm afraid you'll ignore me."
Mom fell silent for a moment before sighing. "If you behave well, why would I ignore you?"
"Then why won't you tell me who Miss Zhou is?"
Mom shook her head helplessly. "Why are you still... Miss Zhou is..."
At this critical moment, Beibei emerged from her room, holding her nose and mumbling anxiously, "Nosebleed! Mom, my nose is bleeding!"
Mom didn't have time to deal with me and stood up to check on Beibei.
My heart raced as the conversation was cut short. This girl really knew how to pick her timing—she didn't come out earlier or later, but right at the most crucial moment.
I followed and asked, "Mom, who is Miss Zhou?"
Supporting Beibei's head, Mom replied impatiently, "We'll talk about it later. Can't you see your sister has a nosebleed?"
"A nosebleed won't kill anyone."
Beibei tried to kick me, but Mom held her down firmly and scolded sharply, "Stop making a fuss! Go get the first aid kit."
There was nothing else I could do, so I had to temporarily give up on pressing for answers and went back to my room to fetch the first aid kit. My mind was still racing, wondering if this Mr. Zhou was really Mom's boyfriend or not.
After a lot of effort, I finally managed to stop Beibei's nosebleed.
During dinner, I kept secretly observing Mom's demeanor. As usual, after hesitating for a long time, I couldn't help but ask, "Mom, you didn't finish what you were saying earlier."
"What?" Mom didn't catch on right away.
"You were about to say something about Mr. Zhou earlier—you stopped halfway. What is Mr. Zhou?"
After a moment of silence, Mom said, "Mr. Zhou is a new friend I met. He also just got divorced not long ago. We met at a café, exchanged WeChat, and over time, we became good friends."
Just got divorced not long ago?
That sounded a bit risky. Both of them had just gone through emotional breakups, and if they spent time together, sparks could fly, and things might escalate quickly.
Fortunately, from what Mom said, it seemed they hadn't made any substantial progress yet—they were just good friends comforting each other.
Hmm... Regardless, I'd follow her tonight to see for myself and put my mind at ease.
Learning from my last mistake, I changed into my workout clothes right after dinner. Mom glanced at me suspiciously. "What are you up to now?"
While doing some warm-up exercises, I said, "I think you're right, Mom. It's important to balance work and rest. I shouldn't stay cooped up at home all the time—I need to get some exercise." Before Mom could say anything, I quickly added, "But don't worry, I'll go down by myself. I won't bother you."
Under Mom's skeptical gaze, I left the house but didn't start walking right away. Instead, I found a hidden spot in the neighborhood and waited.
After a while, Mom indeed came out of the building. Unlike before, she wasn't wearing workout clothes today but a dark blue lace maxi dress. Her legs were bare and smooth as snow, without stockings, and she wore a pair of delicate black high-heeled sandals with thin straps.
Seeing this, my heart skipped a beat. Oh no, oh no. Mom had her long hair tied up, wore makeup, and was dressed so beautifully. It was clear she was going on a date.
Because of the high heels, her calves and feet beneath the dress appeared slender, round, and incredibly sexy. Her walk was graceful, with light, swaying steps like a willow tree. The sound of her heels tapping on the hard pavement was crisp, rhythmic, and utterly distracting.
Afraid of alerting Mom, I didn't dare follow too closely. Luckily, there were plenty of hiding spots along the way, and it was already dark. I tailed her all the way to Zijin Park without being noticed.
It was the peak time for evening exercise, and the park entrance was bustling with people, brightly lit and lively.
Mr. Zhou didn't seem to have arrived yet. Mom was looking down at her phone, sending a message. Dressed like that, she stood there like an elegant, beautiful statue, drawing glances from many passersby.
Besides that, I noticed something else: most of the people entering and leaving the park were couples, generally older, though some were in their forties. They were dressed similarly to Mom—high heels and long dresses, looking quite sexy.
Is there some event going on? Could it be a dance competition?
I waited and waited, but no one showed up. I was fuming inside—this man was really something, making a lady wait for a date. How utterly tasteless.
Just as I was growing puzzled, a middle-aged man with short hair approached Mom.
He wore a white dress shirt paired with crisp black dress pants, shiny leather shoes on his feet, and a bow tie at his collar.
Wow! This guy is really slick and polished. Could he be that Mr. Zhou? Mom's taste couldn't possibly be this bad, could it?
As the man drew closer, Mom waved at him, her face lit up with a bright, joyful smile. Seeing this, my chest tightened, my scalp tingled, and I felt a sharp pang of bitterness.
Mom and Mr. Zhou chatted briefly at the entrance before walking side by side into the park. Without a second thought, I hurriedly followed them.
The park was brightly lit, with music booming and a banner hanging overhead: Amateur Ballroom Dance Competition.
It seemed my guess was right.
There were quite a few contestants, and most of the spectators were elderly folks out for a stroll.
This was an amateur competition organized by the community, not particularly formal. A few ropes were strung up to mark out a dance floor.
After the host made some introductions, the contestants entered the floor in groups.
Mom and Dad had practiced ballroom dancing when they were younger and even taught me and Beibei.
I remember we used to organize family competitions back then—Mom and I as a team, Dad and Beibei as another. Thinking about it now, those were such happy times.
But now, everything has changed. The person by Mom's side as her dance partner was actually a stranger.
I stood at a distance, secretly watching Mom and Mr. Zhou. Though I couldn't hear what they were saying, they seemed to be chatting happily.
After a while, Mom actually reached out and took Mr. Zhou's hand, holding it in hers.
Seeing this, I trembled with anger, my teeth clenched so tightly they ached. I really wanted to rush over and pull them apart.
But the consequences were easy to guess—I'd definitely get a slap from Mom.
A little later, Mom's group took to the floor. Hand in hand, they walked into the dance area.
As the music started, Mr. Zhou slipped his hand under Mom's arm, resting it on her back. Under the lights, their palms pressed together, arms naturally extended forward, bodies pressed tightly against each other as they danced a passionate tango.
Though I was seething with anger, the two of them danced in perfect sync, quickly becoming the center of attention.
Mom's skirt fluttered as she swayed gracefully, her steps passionate and unrestrained, elegant and refined. I was so envious I could die. If it were me holding Mom and dancing right now, I'd gladly give up a few years of my life.
Just as I was about to explode with rage, Mom took a deep lunge, bending backward, while Mr. Zhou leaned forward, their faces almost touching.
At that sight, I couldn't hold back any longer. I rushed out of the crowd and delivered a flying kick to Mr. Zhou's thigh.
Mr. Zhou let out a sharp cry, released Mom, and tumbled backward, landing far away. Mom, who had bent backward at a steep angle, lost her support and fell to the ground with a thud.
Startled, I hurried over to help her up.
The commotion happened so quickly that the entire venue erupted in chaos.
Mom clutched her waist, gritting her teeth and groaning softly. When she saw it was me, she froze for a moment before shouting angrily, "Ling Xiaodong, what are you doing? Have you lost your mind?"
I had rushed out in a moment of impulsiveness, and now faced with my mother's questioning, I felt at a loss. Finally, I pointed at Mr. Zhou lying on the ground and said, "He tried to assault you."
My mother glared at me fiercely, pushed me aside, and hurriedly went to help Mr. Zhou up. My heart ached with grievance as I followed behind her and asked, "Mom, do you care about him that much?"
She turned and glared at me, shouting sharply, "Shut up!"
Because of my outburst, the competition came to a halt. Several men who appeared to be organizers gathered around. Hearing our conversation and realizing it was a personal matter, they asked a few questions before dispersing.
Watching my mother's anxious and concerned expression over another man, my heart felt both sour and painful. I was filled with pent-up anger with nowhere to vent it, and I truly wanted to scream at the top of my lungs.
My mother helped Mr. Zhou to his feet and called out to me loudly, "Ling Xiaodong, come here."
I knew she wanted me to apologize, so I deliberately turned my face away, pretending not to hear.
"Come here! Did you hear me?"
Seeing how furious my mother was, I felt a little scared and reluctantly walked over.
Mr. Zhou was holding his waist, gritting his teeth, and groaning incessantly in a rather effeminate tone.
I thought to myself, serves you right, you pretty-boy sissy. Let's see if you dare flirt with my mom again.
My mother glared at me angrily and said, "What are you standing there for? Apologize to Aunt Zhou."
"No! I'd rather die than..." I pouted and was about to turn my head away when I suddenly realized something and asked in surprise, "Aunt Zhou? She... she's a woman?"
"Of course she is! Hurry up and apologize."
Mr. Zhou held her waist and said with a bitter smile, "Oh dear... Xiaoyun, is this your son? That kick he gave me... really packed a punch."
It was only then that I truly heard Mr. Zhou's voice. Although she was dressed like a man, her voice was unmistakably that of a woman. I thought to myself, it's over, I'm done for.
My mother supported Mr. Zhou and repeatedly apologized, "Sister Zhou, I'm so sorry, really sorry." As she spoke, she shot me a meaningful look.
I quickly bowed and apologized, "Aunt Zhou, I'm really sorry. I truly didn't know. I thought you were a man. I thought you were trying to flirt with my mom."
"Shut up!" my mother hissed in a low voice.
Mr. Zhou waved her hand dismissively. "Forget it, forget it. Your son was just worried about you."
"Let me take you back," my mother said apologetically.
"No need, no need. I can go back on my own."
I quickly tried to be helpful. "Aunt Zhou, let us take you back. Look at your leg..."
My mother shot me a sidelong glare. "And who do you think caused this?"
I went outside the park to hail a taxi, and together with my mother, we took Mr. Zhou home.
On the way back, along the riverside road, it was sparsely populated and dimly lit. My mother walked quickly, her high heels tapping the ground in a rapid rhythm.
I chased after her, apologizing repeatedly, but she ignored me the entire time.
"Mom, please don't be angry. I really didn't know. When I asked you, you didn't explain clearly. I really thought she was..."
My mother suddenly stopped, turned around, and glared at me. "Thought she was what?"
"I thought she was a man, thought she was trying to flirt with you."
Mom frowned, her tone sharp. "So just because it's a man, you think you can kick him?"
"Who told her to hug you so tightly? You were practically glued together."
"How else are you supposed to dance without holding each other? Besides, when have you ever seen me dance with another man before?"
"Right, right, you never danced with other men before—but that was in the past. Back then, you and Dad weren't divorced yet. Now you're single, so it's only natural you'd attract attention."
"Who do you think you are, poking your nose into everything?"
"I'm your son," I said with a playful grin. "Your dearest, most precious son."
Mom's brow furrowed even deeper as she let out a long sigh. "How did I end up with such an infuriating child?"
"Well, you already gave birth to me. It's been eighteen years—no returns or exchanges now."
"You..."
Ever since I found out that "Mr. Zhou" was actually an auntie, my mood had lifted, and my tongue had grown sharper.
"Mom, don't be angry. I sincerely apologize." I took a step back and bowed deeply. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
"What good is apologizing to me? You kicked someone, and a simple 'sorry' is supposed to fix it?"
"Then... how about this? I'll bring a gift another day and go apologize to Auntie Zhou in person."
Mom glared at me, at a loss for words. After a long pause, she sighed in frustration and annoyance. "You're going to be the death of me." With that, she turned and continued walking ahead.
I hurried after her, muttering, "But you can't blame me entirely. You've been so secretive about it, never explaining clearly." Mom ignored me, quickening her pace. I kept up, adding, "If you'd just told me earlier that 'Mr. Zhou' was a woman, I wouldn't have gotten so worked up."
Mom suddenly stopped, and I nearly bumped into her back. She turned and glared at me. "Do I need to report my friends to you? What does it matter if they're male or female?"
I really wanted to confess that seeing her with men made me uncomfortable.
But I couldn't say that outright, so I made up an excuse instead. "I have to keep an eye on you for Dad's sake. What if you run off with someone? What would Dad do then?"
"What happens between me and your dad is none of your business!" Mom snapped, then suddenly realized something and demanded sharply, "Wait, I haven't even asked you yet—how did you know I was in the park? Were you following me?"
"I was..."
While I was still thinking of an excuse, Mom pressed further. "Did you snoop through my phone?"
"No, no!" I quickly denied it. "I was just coming back from a walk and happened to see you heading out, so... I followed you."
Mom glared at me and snorted. "Ling Xiaodong, you've really grown bold, haven't you? Should I report to you every time I leave the house from now on?"
"No, it's just that whenever I ask you anything, you're always so secretive and never explain. I'm just worried about you. We're family—where you go, what you do, whether your friends are men or women—you could just tell me openly."
"Tell you what? That I've made a new friend and go out every night to dance with them in the square..." Mid-sentence, Mom suddenly stopped, her expression turning awkward. After a moment of silence, she snorted, turned around, and continued walking ahead, ignoring me again.
Mom was feeling a bit embarrassed!
Suddenly, I found her behavior rather endearing and quickly caught up with her, saying with a smile, "There's nothing to be embarrassed about dancing with others in the square. At your age, it's perfectly normal to have some social activities."
Mom abruptly stopped and glanced back at me, narrowing her eyes. "What do you mean, 'at my age'?"
Only then did I realize my slip of the tongue and hurriedly corrected myself, "In the prime of youth, graceful and elegant, blooming with charm, a lovely and refined lady."
Mom scoffed, "You're always talking nonsense."
"What I meant was, there's no need for you to hide it. We're not laughing at you. There are plenty of young women in their twenties dancing in the square. You can go dance openly from now on—I fully support it."
"What's there to dance about now? You kicked someone away. Who would dare dance with me after that?" Mom looked at me and suddenly let out a cold laugh. "Seems like I really need to find a male dance partner from now on—someone strong and sturdy, the kind you can't beat up."
I knew she was joking, but I still panicked and said, "No, no, no! Mr. Zhou—Auntie Zhou is just fine. Please don't change partners."
Mom shot me a glance and said irritably, "A perfectly good competition, ruined by you." With that, she tried to walk ahead.
Suddenly, an idea popped into my head, and I quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her way. "I know you must not have danced to your heart's content. How about this—I'll dance with you. What do you say?"
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