Chapter 140

It was Saturday, and with no classes to attend, Xia Yuwei enjoyed breakfast with Yufan early in the morning.

"Mommy, can you come out and play with me?" Xia Yufan asked, his mouth full as he nibbled on a fragrant piece of bread.

"Hmm..." Xia Yuwei pondered. She had originally intended to spend the morning writing. It was the weekend, and she finally had time to get some work done. However, Yufan was leaving tomorrow, and she wouldn't see her precious boy for a whole month. She decided she should prioritize her son. "Alright. Yufan, where would you like to go? Do you have a place in mind?"

"Mommy, honestly, I just want to be with you. Anywhere we go for a drive is fine." Xia Yufan looked at her with wide, clean eyes, brimming with an innocent reluctance to part. "Mommy, I haven't even left yet, and I’m already missing you."

The simple words made Xia Yuwei’s eyes prick with heat. She hurriedly picked up the milk and handed it to him. "Yufan, drink some milk with your bread so you don't choke, and it’s nutritious, too. Sigh, you're going abroad the day after tomorrow for an entire month. I’m really worried."

Xia Yufan took a big gulp of milk and blinked his large eyes. "Don't worry, Mommy, I'll take good care of myself. You forgot, I even learned how to make instant noodles! Plus, Uncle Lin is very good to me; I’ve eaten his home-cooked meals, and they're delicious. Hehe. Uncle Lin is a musician, after all, he won't let me go hungry."

Xia Yuwei was amused and pinched his little cheek. "You little rascal, what kind of logic is that—that a musician wouldn't let you go hungry?"

"Of course it's logical! A musician uncle definitely has the money to afford food!" Xia Yufan retorted, unconvinced.

"I apologize for underestimating my son's logic," Xia Yuwei laughed, unable to hide her joy. The more she looked at him, the more she felt her son was smart, sensible, and adorable.

"Mommy, someone is knocking," Yufan said, hopping off his chair to open the door. A moment later, he ran back. "Mommy, it’s Uncle Lin."

Lin Chenxi followed closely behind him. He greeted her, "Yuwei, good morning."

"Oh, Chenxi, good morning. Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Not yet—just kidding, I've already eaten," Lin Chenxi laughed. "My breakfast is always easy to take care of."

Xia Yuwei cleared the cutlery and plates into the kitchen, and Lin Chenxi followed her.

"Are you planning to take Yufan out today? We’re leaving tomorrow," he asked.

"Yes, that was my plan," Xia Yuwei said, tying on her apron to wash the cups and dishes. "Were you hoping to hitch a ride with us, or should we tag along in your car?" she joked.

"Haha, let's take my car. Oh, by the way, my younger sister mentioned she wanted to come along." Lin Chenxi glanced at his watch. "She’s the type to show up uninvited; she should be here soon. I hope you don't mind? She’s a very easygoing girl."

"Of course I don't mind. That will balance out the genders for the four of us," Xia Yuwei smiled.

As they were talking, the doorbell rang. A clear, bright female voice called out, "Brother! Are you home?"

Lin Chenxi and Xia Yuwei shared a smile, and he hurried to open the door. "Jiamei, over here!"

Xia Yuwei stepped out and saw a pretty young woman about her own age walking in. She was dressed in casual clothes, wearing hiking boots and carrying a backpack. She was complaining, "Brother, call me Jinxhi from now on! I don't want to be called Jiamei!" She then clutched her chest as if she were about to gag.

"You brat, don't think changing your name makes you any more sophisticated. Yuwei, this is my sister, Lin Jiamei—or rather, Lin Jinxhi." As Lin Chenxi introduced them, Lin Jinxhi looked up, saw Xia Yuwei, and pointed at her in surprise. "Ms. Xia!"

Xia Yuwei looked closely and realized the pretty face before her looked familiar. Suddenly, it dawned on her, and she laughed. "You're that lovely receptionist from Baili!" She remembered the girl had been very kind to her and had even served her tea several times.

The two laughed, instantly feeling like long-time friends, marveling at what a small world it was and how fate was everywhere, leaving Lin Chenxi momentarily sidelined. When Lin Jinxhi saw Xia Yufan, she was astonished that such a young woman could have a child his age. Her eyes moistened; she loved children, and seeing him reminded her of her own child.

The four of them drove to the suburbs to go hiking. Despite his age, Xia Yufan ran faster than anyone, seemingly tireless. Lin Chenxi did well, too, while Xia Yuwei and Lin Jinxhi struggled a bit, stopping frequently and occasionally needing Lin Chenxi’s help. They had a wonderful time.

"Brother, since you're leaving tomorrow, why don't I just move in and keep an eye on the place for you? I like Yuwei, and it would be nice to keep her company!" Lin Jinxhi suggested enthusiastically.

"That’s a good idea. It’s rare for you to be so thoughtful," Lin Chenxi smiled.

Xia Yuwei smiled as well; having such a lovely girl for company would truly be a blessing.

***

Returning that evening, Xia Yuwei tried to give Lin Chenxi a bank card. He refused, but she insisted he take it as an emergency fund for Yufan. Lin Chenxi finally shook his head and accepted it. Back home, Xia Yuwei carefully prepared the items Yufan would need for his trip. Once finished, she went back to writing, staying up late into the night.

Early the next morning, she saw Lin Chenxi and Yufan off. Before parting, she gave Yufan endless instructions, finally waving goodbye at the airport.

It was the first time she had been separated from her son for a month, and her eyes were wet. On the way back, Lin Jinxhi kept trying to make her laugh.

Xia Yuwei spent the entire day focused on her writing, while Lin Jinxhi sat nearby on her laptop.

When she went to publish her work, Xia Yuwei suddenly discovered she couldn't log into her account. She tried several times to no avail.

She opened the page for her work, but it displayed an error message.

"No way? Is the network down, or is the website system broken?" Xia Yuwei muttered to herself.

"The internet is working fine," Lin Jinxhi said from the side, snacking on some treats.

Xia Yuwei tried opening other pages, and they all worked perfectly. Only hers was inaccessible.

What was going on?