Wang Mujin pondered for a long time. "It's not that I haven't considered finding a nanny for Manman, but several news reports have mentioned abuse, so I gave up on that. I can only make more time myself to be with Manman. Uncle Yan, let me think about it again. Manman has to agree too." Wang Mujin finally said this.
Father Yan nodded, showing understanding. "Mujin, I truly like your Manman. She's pretty, does well in school, and is talented. Call me when you've made up your mind. I guarantee we'll arrange everything properly for you."
It was evident that Father Yan was very enthusiastic, and his words were sincere.
Upon returning home, Wang Mujin received a message from Father Yan. He saw that Father Yan already knew about Wang Muman's situation and expressed his deep sympathy for the child, hoping Wang Mujin would consider it further.
Wang Mujin looked at Wang Muman, who was sitting on the sofa. He couldn't easily gauge Wang Muman's inner feelings, whether she was happy or not. She never told him if she needed anything.
On the sofa, "iPartment" was playing on the television. The show, which always made Wang Muman laugh, somehow didn't evoke that feeling today. Nothing seemed to capture her interest. The conversation at the dinner table had initially surprised her. Father Yan's sudden suggestion had left her mind blank.
When she finally processed it, she wanted to say she could manage on her own, but the words never came out. Because, in a way, this wasn't so bad. It was just a change of residence. She had lived in this house for a long time, and the only thing she cherished was her brother's constant companionship. Now, her brother's work was busy, and he couldn't always be here. He needed his own home. Wang Muman's eyes dimmed. She had understood this long ago, but she always felt her brother could stay by her side a little longer, especially since he was all she had left.
A notification sound chimed from her phone.
Opening her phone, she saw a message from Yan Cheng: "Was my dad too abrupt? I'm sorry. It's all up to you. I didn't expect my dad to say that either, but my parents are truly good at taking care of people. They'd definitely treat you better than they treat me."
Wang Muman didn't know how to reply, so she simply wrote: "It's okay. Uncle was just concerned about me."
Yes, even an uncle she had met only a few times cared about her, while her own father...
Wang Mujin walked over and sat on the sofa. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "Manman, I want to ask for your opinion. If you want it, I'll help you arrange it. If you don't, we'll continue with our lives as before."
Wang Muman looked at Wang Mujin, her eyes already glistening.
She didn't know her own feelings. Feeling a bit weary, she got up directly and told Wang Mujin she was going upstairs.
She walked away quickly, as if trying to escape. After washing up, she got into bed and curled up under the covers, leaving only her eyes exposed. She stared at the ceiling, lost in thought, her mind a jumble. In reality, this was already very good. What more could she be unsatisfied with? She had an additional option, more people who loved her, another home.
However, the sourness in her heart had not subsided since Father Yan's suggestion. It was as if darkness had a single color, suppressing all other feelings and leaving only boundless bitterness.
She didn't sleep soundly. Countless thoughts swirled in her mind, preventing her from resting peacefully. The absurd notion of being abandoned kept surfacing. Then she remembered Mother Yan's warm demeanor, which made her yearn for it. If her mother were still alive, she would never have had to face these choices.