chapter 14

The designated driver followed the address and arrived at a two-story Villa.

I helped Song Yan out of the car. “Is anyone home?”

“No,” he replied, his voice muffled.

I hesitated for a long time, watching Song Yan’s unsteady steps, and finally decided to help him inside and settle him down. Otherwise, he’d probably end up hurting himself.

The house was pitch dark, and I could only barely make out the general layout by moonlight-two floors, several doors.

I had no choice but to ask, “Where’s your bedroom?”

“No need, I’ll just sleep on the sofa.”

I insisted, “I’ve already brought you in, go sleep in your bedroom.”

Song Yan lowered his head, pressing his forehead against mine, pulling me closer. Even though the room was dark, a few points of starlight seemed to light up Song Yan’s deep eyes. He lowered his voice:

“Yu Sisi, even if I’m just an ATM, I’m still a man. Are you really this at ease with me?”

My heart pounded wildly. I turned my head away, flustered.

“No, I’m not.”

“Then that’s settled. Sit with me on the sofa for a while.”

Song Yan collapsed onto the sofa, gently tugged my hand, and I fell into his arms.

“Sisi, I’m in a bad mood. Cheer me up.”

Blushing, I lay in his arms, thinking for a long time.

“…Don’t be in a bad mood.”

Song Yan couldn’t help but chuckle, his chest vibrating softly, making my heart feel ticklish.

“You don’t even know how to comfort people. Is this your VIP-level service?”

I felt a little inexplicably annoyed. “I’m already hugging you, what more do you want? A bicycle?”

“Alright, alright, I don’t want anything else. This is good enough.”

Just as he finished speaking, Song Yan’s phone rang at the worst possible moment.

He fished out his phone, glanced at it, and handed it to me. “You answer.”

I looked at the contact-it was a woman’s name. I was a bit at a loss.

Could it be, I have to help him piss someone off again?

“Don’t overthink it. That’s my mom. Just tell her I’m asleep.”

Feeling a bit guilty, I answered the call. “Hello, Auntie. Song Yan is already asleep. I’ll have him call you back tomorrow, alright?”

“Are you his girlfriend?”

A voice came from the other end, and I froze.

It was the woman who called him “Yan Yan baby” that day.

Her voice seemed naturally soft and delicate, making everything she said sound like she was acting cute.

I glanced at Song Yan. He rested his chin on my shoulder, silent.

I had no choice but to bite the bullet. “Yes, Auntie.”

“Oh my, really! Yan Yan has a girlfriend and didn’t tell me. Sweetheart, how old are you? Are you at the same school as Yan Yan?”

For the next twenty minutes, I endured a full-scale interrogation from Song Yan’s mother, from education and age to family background-she asked everything.

When I told her I had no parents, she was obviously quiet for two seconds, then gently said, “Is that so? You must have suffered a lot.”

“It’s not that bad,” I replied carelessly.

Finally, I hung up using rest as an excuse.

“Auntie is really gentle. Why didn’t you want to answer?”

Song Yan’s expression shifted. “I don’t know.”

“So, are you in a bad mood these days because you argued with Auntie?”

“We didn’t argue.” Song Yan gave a bitter smile. “It’s because my mom’s birthday and my dad’s memorial day are on the same day.”

“But that’s not something your mom could choose.”

“Yeah, it’s a flimsy reason.” Song Yan lowered his eyes. “Yu Sisi, did you know? I used to be a kid without parents too.”

“No way.” I looked around. Even without the lights on, the luxury of this Villa was obvious. “Were you adopted?”

“No. When I was in elementary school, my dad got seriously ill. My mom divorced him, and we had no money, so we had to give up on treatment. He passed away soon after. Then I became a kid without parents.

“Later, in high school, my mom showed up again. My Stepfather is very wealthy but can’t have children, so she found me and wanted me to come back.

“A few days ago was my mom’s birthday. She doesn’t know her birthday and my dad’s memorial day are the same, and I didn’t tell her. But when I look at her, I always wonder, if she hadn’t left back then, would my dad have lived longer?

“My Stepfather treats me like his own, and my mom tries her best to make it up to me. I know she just wanted a better life, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

“But there’s always a thorn in my heart. Every time I try to get closer to her, it just digs in deeper.

“Sisi, do you resent your parents?”

“No.” I answered without thinking. “Life is short, I don’t want to live in resentment. Some people complain about being barefoot, but there are people in the world without legs. I have all my limbs-what obstacle can’t I overcome?”

I really don’t know how to comfort people.

Maybe some chicken soup will help.

Song Yan gazed at me quietly. “…Yu Sisi, you’re nothing like I imagined.”

“Then what did you imagine I’d be like?”

“Every time I saw you at school, you had a cold face, like you were carrying the weight of the world.”

“Of course.” I rolled my eyes. “If you worked part-time every day, could you still smile? Everyone looks like they owe me two million.”

“Then just keep working honestly.” Song Yan hugged me tighter. “Read me a bedtime story and help me fall asleep.”

“This counts as overtime.”

I muttered as I started searching for bedtime stories online.

“Once upon a time, there was a mountain. In the mountain, there was a temple. In the temple, there was an Old Monk and a Little Monk.”

As I read, my eyelids grew heavier, and the night deepened.

In my dreams, I heard Song Yan’s voice.

“Sisi, why don’t we try dating seriously?”

Half-asleep, I replied, “Add money.”

“Four hundred thousand.”

I shook my head. “Four hundred thousand isn’t the price for a Boyfriend.”

“Hm?”

“Four hundred thousand as a Boyfriend is too much for you. I’ll upgrade you directly to my reborn parent-work like a horse and I’ll honor you. How about it?”

“…Forget I said anything.”

“Don’t be like that, we can negotiate. Three hundred and fifty thousand works too.”

Song Yan’s voice faded from my dream.

Only I was left mumbling.

“Are you still there? Hello? Final offer, three hundred thousand, deal?”

“Shut up and sleep.”

“Okay.”