Wang Mujin and Wang Muman arrived at the restaurant, and Wang Mujin had even booked a private room. "Brother, do you know where Father does business?" Wang Muman wanted to know her father's recent situation. "In Haicheng, he's negotiating a big deal recently." Father rarely called; he mostly talked to his secretary.
"Father has arrived." Wang Mujin stood up and opened the private room door after seeing the message from his secretary. Wang Muman saw her father and observed him closely. Compared to their last meeting, her father had a few more fine lines around his eyes and a few more gray hairs. His brow was furrowed deeper, but otherwise, there were no other changes. "Father!" Wang Muman watched as her father sat between her and her brother and poured him some water.
"Mm. How have you two been lately? Is your living allowance enough?" Wang Guotai asked after taking a sip of water. "It's enough. I've also earned some money myself, and Sister doesn't need much for her living expenses," Wang Mujin replied. Wang Guotai deposited money into their accounts every month, sometimes a substantial amount. "Sister got into Sucheng High School, which is better than you, Brother," Wang Guotai said again. Wang Muman was a bit reserved, unsure of what to say. She took a sip of water, trying to ease the awkwardness. "Father, how long will you be staying this time?" she finally asked. "Three days at most. There's still a lot to handle in Haicheng." Wang Guotai looked at Wang Muman's face. She was indeed growing more and more like Yao'er, not just in appearance but also in temperament. Wang Guotai couldn't help but ask more about her life. Wang Muman was nervous because her father rarely spoke to her so much.
Wang Mujin couldn't interject for a moment and was also surprised that his father was chatting with his sister. He had initially hesitated to send the video to his father, fearing he might be unhappy, but seeing this, he felt he could show it to him. "Father, Manman recently danced at the school's Mid-Autumn Festival party. It was beautiful." Wang Mujin opened the video. Wang Guotai took the phone. Watching the person dance gracefully in the video, his eyes seemed to blur, and he saw his wife. He murmured, "Yao'erβ"
Wang Muman moved closer and heard what her father said. Instantly, a surge of bitterness welled up in her heart, bringing tears to her eyes. Because of their mother, her father had spoken so much to her, making her feel the absence of that affection for the first time. It was also a way, perhaps.
The three of them ate, enjoying a moment of family warmth. "Father, we've eaten quite a bit. Let's go home." "Alright." Wang Guotai stood up, and the three returned home. Wang Muman went upstairs to her room and recorded the day.
In her sleep, Wang Muman dreamed of many people: her father, mother, and brother. In her dream, they ate with her, and she also danced with her mother. All four of them were happy, with smiles on their faces. Even the music in the restaurant was warm. Wang Muman also dreamed of He Lele, who was taking pictures with her and saying, "We will always be good friends!" Such dreams made Wang Muman smile even as she entered deep sleep.
The next day, Wang Muman opened her phone and checked the time. It was six-thirty. Her biological clock had adjusted. There were many messages. He Lele had sent her scenic photos from Hainan. He Lele's smile in the photos was very bright. He Lele had also sent a message asking if she wanted to video call, but it was too late then. "Good morning. Let's video call when you're up," Wang Muman sent a message before getting up to wash. She went downstairs and saw that her brother had already prepared breakfast. She asked him, "Good morning, Brother! What time did you get up?" Wang Muman picked up her milk and drank. "About half an hour ago. I couldn't sleep, so I got up." Wang Mujin thought that since their father was here today, he needed to prepare, so he got up to make breakfast.