"I am really tired right now. The fact that I can't have children is a reality, and it's not entirely someone else's fault. But I've been pressured and pushed to my limits. I don't want to live like this anymore," Jiang Yan said with a bitter expression.
Looking at her once good friend, Ye Wan truly felt how cruel life could be. The Jiang Yan of the past was pure and happy, free as a bird every day. Now, she seemed weathered by experience, her eyes devoid of innocence, lifeless and dull.
Life was never kind. Ye Wan had known that since she was little. She had secretly envied Jiang Yan back then, but only a little. Now, Jiang Yan had also been severely battered by life.
"Whatever decision you make, I will support you. Don't overthink it," Ye Wan comforted her.
Jiang Yan smiled. "Let's not talk about unhappy things. Let's talk about some happy ones."
The two of them lay on the bed, holding hands and chatting. They reminisced about amusing incidents from school, about what had happened after they parted ways, and about their aspirations for the future.
Jiang Yan realized that she and Ye Wan shared the same goal: to focus on their careers and not get bogged down by relationships!
...
This evening, Jiang Mi met her daughter's good friend and close confidante, Qian Xiao Guo. Qian Xiao Guo was astonished when she saw Mian Mian's mother. The mother and daughter looked strikingly alike. Mian Mian was youthful, while Aunt Jiang possessed a mature beauty, exuding charm and sophistication with every gesture.
Qian Xiao Guo was very sweet-tongued and called Jiang Mi "sister." Jiang Mian Mian frowned, saying she was taking advantage. The three of them were soon immersed in happiness. Jiang Mi also grew fond of her daughter's innocent and lovely best friend and gave her a meeting gift. Qian Xiao Guo was even happier, feeling joyful for Mian Mian. The mother she had longed for had finally returned, and Mian Mian would no longer have to be sad.
While Mian Mian went to the restroom, Jiang Mi asked Qian Xiao Guo, "Xiao Guo, you and Mian Mian have been deskmates since school. Has she been doing well all these years?"
"She's been well, but she misses you. She hasn't been happy much. She often dreams of you. If it's a good dream, she'll be a little happier. If it's a nightmare, her mood will drop for a long time. Auntie, I think Mian Mian has had a tough time," Qian Xiao Guo told her the truth.
Jiang Mi's heart ached as if cut by a knife. She regretted not returning sooner to find her daughter, causing her to endure so many years of suffering. Tears of heartache streamed down her face uncontrollably. Qian Xiao Guo felt she had said the wrong thing and quickly handed her tissues to comfort her. "Actually, Mian Mian is quite optimistic, and she's grown up well. Auntie, please don't be sad."
"Thank you, Xiao Guo. Auntie is truly grateful to you. Having you by her side for all these years has brought her comfort," Jiang Mi sincerely thanked this child who had accompanied her daughter.
When one is lonely and sad, having a good friend by their side for companionship is very important.
Qian Xiao Guo scratched her head a little shyly, feeling as if she hadn't done much. Mian Mian was also a very, very good friend, and she liked Mian Mian very much.
Before Mian Mian returned, Jiang Mi wiped away her tears, ensuring she didn't appear unusual. Qian Xiao Guo dared not say much more. After dinner, Jiang Mi first sent Qian Xiao Guo home and then took Mian Mian back to the hotel. She looked at her somewhat distracted daughter and said, "I'll take you home today. I'll pick you up tomorrow."
"Ah? No need. I'm not going home. I want to stay with Mom," Mian Mian immediately shook her head. She didn't want to go home; she only wanted to be with her mother.