I felt a bit... homesick for my mom.
This thought made Xia Wei Liang lose sleep again.
She threw on a coat and went outside, crouching by the sheep pen, sighing.
"Xi Yang Yang, tell me, should I let Zhao Cheng see his mother?"
"Ai, Lan Yang Yang, you're right, it would probably make his mother sadder if they met..."
"But Mei Yang Yang also has a point. Zhao Cheng is just a child, it's normal for him to want to see his mother..."
Xia Wei Liang sighed heavily again, exhaling a puff of white mist.
Suddenly, a piece of clothing was draped over her shoulders. Startled, she turned and saw Xiao Yi standing behind her.
"Couldn't sleep?"
"I heard someone here discussing matters with the sheep and got curious, so I followed."
"..."
Film Emperor Xiao, you're cuter when you're not talking.
Having already guessed why she was troubled, he said in his slightly husky voice, unhurriedly, "Tie Jia Village is on the other side of the mountain. It's at most half a day to cross over. It's not difficult to see her if you want."
Xia Wei Liang's eyes lit up. "You mean, we can go?"
"Whether to go or not depends on Zhao Cheng's decision."
Xia Wei Liang's gaze dimmed again. Her original intention was indeed to help Zhao Cheng see his mother; she truly felt for the child.
Sensing her disappointment, Xiao Yi squatted down and looked directly at her. "We are all bystanders. We can't impose our standards on other people's emotions. Sometimes, not disturbing is also a form of protection. Zhao Cheng is loving his mother in this way."
When Xia Wei Liang looked up again, her eyes were already red.
"Xiao Yi, I just... I saw myself in him... We are both unwanted children..."
Xiao Yi's gaze tightened. He hugged her and gently stroked her back. "Don't say such things. With me here, how dare you say you are unwanted?"
As if responding, the three sheep Xia Wei Liang often chatted with bleated towards them, as if to say, "You should listen to him."
Inside the house, a chilling gaze was fixed on the pair in the yard.
In the morning, after breakfast, Xia Wei Liang went to find Zhao Cheng.
Zhao Cheng was already awake. Dressed in new clothes, he looked dashing. He was currently feeding chicks in the yard.
"You need to grow up quickly! As long as you lay eggs properly, I won't eat you!"
Beside him, the lamb, now named "Er Ha," was running around playfully, or else snuggling into his arms for a hug, making Zhao Cheng laugh heartily.
Xia Wei Liang stood outside the gate, watching with a smile. She found the little guy's smile remarkably infectious.
Seeing her, Zhao Cheng quickly ran to open the door. "Sister Liang!"
After two days of interaction, Zhao Cheng had become very dependent on her. He pulled her inside and shoved the steamed bun he hadn't been willing to eat that morning into her hand. "I'm the best at steaming buns!"
"Then I must try it!"
Xia Wei Liang ate very seriously. Although she had already eaten breakfast, she finished both steamed buns.
Zhao Cheng was delighted at the sight, happier than if he had eaten them himself.
Looking at him, Xia Wei Liang suddenly didn't want to ask anything else. Xiao Yi was right; he was actually protecting his mother in his own way.
"Hey, what about the promise you made me? When are you going to fulfill it?"
Knowing she was referring to school, Zhao Cheng readily agreed, patting his chest and promising, "Whenever you say!"
Xia Wei Liang was overjoyed. "It's a deal!"
Because the villagers had all come to help at Zhao Cheng's house the day before, the free clinic was postponed to today.
Lin Sui Xiang sat at the table, having specifically requested Wai Shao and Mikoy as her assistants.
During this free clinic, she was exceptionally kind and enthusiastic, answering all the villagers' questions and earning widespread praise.
Other guests also came to help when they had free time. Seeing Lin Sui Xiang's warmth, their impressions of her improved, except for A Ning, who scoffed.
What did this prove?
It only showed that she was deliberately acting for someone.
"I don't see professionalism; I only see good acting."
She had clearly overheard the conversation between her and Brother Yi that night.
Because the villagers' conditions were more complex than expected, the free clinic lasted for three days.
In other words, for these three days, Lin Sui Xiang was the undisputed star.
Xiao Yi had told her to leave after the free clinic, which was why it had been delayed until now.
Perhaps her performance was indeed good, as Xiao Yi no longer brought it up, and she stayed until the film crew was about to leave.
On their last day in Suo Lou, Village Chief Liu insisted on hosting a banquet for everyone. Director Huang couldn't refuse and had his nephew, Da Zhuang, go to town the day before to buy plenty of meat.
Although it was freezing, with temperatures close to minus twenty degrees Celsius, it couldn't dampen everyone's spirits. They gathered on the newly renovated elementary school grounds, singing and dancing.
Led by Village Chief Liu, they performed stilts dancing and then took turns doing Tai Chi and sword dances.
In the past, Xia Wei Liang would have been highly involved. But tonight, she stayed by Zhao Cheng's side, reminding him of things.
"I've already had my assistant buy you clothes for all four seasons. They'll be sent to town in a couple of days. I've also spoken to the village chief, and he'll arrange for someone to bring them back."
"Oh, right, there are also some extracurricular books. Remember to read them."
"Also, even though we have a TV at home now, you're only allowed to watch for half an hour a day! And you have to finish your homework first!"
"I'll add your teacher on WeChat. I'll check your grades with him anytime. If you dare to fall behind, I'll come personally!"
"Ah! And also, I've spoken to Si Xi Zi. You'll be eating at his house from now on. I've already given the living expenses to the village chief, and he'll make arrangements."
Zhao Cheng sat beside her, his head bowed, not saying a word.
As Xia Wei Liang was about to say more, he looked up, his dark eyes brimming with tears. "Will... will you come to see me again?"
"Of course! I'm your godmother!"
Although adopting a godmother who was only a dozen years older than him wasn't Zhao Cheng's initial intention, Xia Wei Liang had insisted!
She smiled and ruffled his hair, then gently put her arm around his thin shoulders. "We made a promise. I'll be waiting for you outside the mountains!"
"Mm!"
Zhao Cheng wasn't one for eloquent words, but he always kept his promises!
On the day of departure, Xia Wei Liang was in low spirits, quietly packing her belongings without speaking to anyone.
A Ning and the others had noticed. They were considerate and didn't disturb her.
After another half-day's journey through the mountains, it snowed again at night. But this time, no one complained or grumbled. The moment everyone set off, Xia Wei Liang was still looking back.
Si Xi Zi walked over and sighed, "The day his mother married into the neighboring village, he also hid and didn't show himself."
With those words, Xia Wei Liang's composure broke again.
"Let's go."
Xiao Yi walked over and naturally took her bag.
However, it wasn't until they reached the mountain that everyone discovered the mountain path had been completely cleared of snow. Midway up, they found a pavilion, a place for travelers to rest.
On a dilapidated chair sat a package. Someone curiously opened it, only to find a bag of steamed buns.
Wrapped in cloth, they were still warm, apparently having been placed there not long ago.
Seeing these steamed buns, Xia Wei Liang immediately looked around. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, but as she cried, she also smiled. "You rascal..."