Chapter 217: Chapter 217: Take a Deep Breath and Walk Past
"...No, I can’t."
Song Song closed her eyes; she couldn’t look, otherwise she might soften and agree.
"Taozi, think about Auntie and Uncle. If you elope with someone like this, they’ll definitely be heartbroken..."
"Baozi!"
Shang Tao was a bit angry and reached out to pry open Song Song’s round, grape-like eyes to make her look at her. "Of course, I don’t want to make them sad, but I also don’t want to live with regret forever. They definitely won’t agree to me being with Nannan. I just want them to know my determination by running away. Understand?"
"Actually... it’s just to scare them."
Song Song shook her head, indicating she didn’t understand. "I only know that once you leave, Auntie and Uncle will surely be worried sick."
"Silly Baozi! I’m not you; I don’t think about others in everything. After all, it’s my life, and even my parents who gave birth to me can’t interfere. Haven’t you heard the saying? ’Heaven condemns those who fail to care for themselves!’"
"Baozi, have you ever thought about going out and seeing the world? I’ve always wanted you to travel the world with me, but you always make excuses..."
Song Song didn’t expect Shang Tao’s words to align so perfectly with Huo Huohuo’s suggestion. Perhaps she really should go out and explore?
"Actually... there’s an opportunity now to travel, but I’m worried that if I go, my mom will be left without care, and afraid..."
"Oh, come on! Why are you always so hesitant and indecisive? When it’s time to go out, you should go out, right? Where?"
Shang Tao suddenly became interested. "Is my little uncle taking you on a world tour?"
"Wow! That’s so romantic!"
"No—"
Song Song was speechless. "Our school has a teaching opportunity abroad, and the principal wants me to go. But I’m still considering..."
"I’m afraid I’m not competent enough and might mess things up, which would embarrass the school."
"Teaching opportunities mean going to underprivileged places, right? Your principal does seem to be thinking of you," Shang Tao chuckled. "But it probably helps with personal growth. If you want to go, you can!"
"Plus, places like mountain villages are so picturesque and nurturing, you might come back even more like a fairy!"
"..."
Actually, Song Song was tempted to go, but she was indecisive due to many concerns. Shang Tao’s support suddenly gave her a lot of courage.
"Taozi, do you really think I should go?"
"I think it’s a great idea! But..."
Shang Tao hesitated.
Song Song quickly took the bait. "But what?"
"But I’m afraid my little uncle won’t let you go. After all, it’s not for enjoyment but for hardship and growth. I imagine he wouldn’t agree!"
This was precisely what Song Song worried about. She could already picture the reaction when she tells him she wants to go teach—definitely... proud and disdainful.
Shang Tao’s mind worked quickly, and a gleam flashed in her eyes. "Baozi, let’s do this: you help me elope successfully, and I’ll help you succeed in going to teach. Plus, when my little uncle finds out, he won’t scold you and will praise you for doing a great job!"
"You’ve never been praised by my little uncle, right?"
"...Does cooking well count as praise?" Song Song asked miserably.
Shang Tao looked exasperated. "If you really want to count that, then yes!"
In the end, Song Song couldn’t resist Shang Tao’s persuasive eloquence and essentially sold herself out entirely.
After reaching an agreement, the two walked out of the room, just as it was time to prepare for a meal.
Song Song has always been a diligent child and immediately wanted to help Xiao Yu in the kitchen, but Shang Tao grabbed her and held her back.
She whispered, "Baozi, focus on the primary task first."
Song Song felt a bit nervous, glanced at the man sitting in the living room, then took a deep breath and walked over—