Face to face

Back in Xinyi's room, she took Chyou inside and seated her on the bed. She smiled. "Wait here. Let me bring my drawing book."

"Okay, Aunty!" Chyou chirped.

Xinyi sat on the bed and flipped open the pages. Chyou's eyes slowly widened in amazement. Mostly Xinyi had drawn animated characters very close to manga style. Some were cute chibi characters while some in their adult form.

And almost all of them resembled Zhiyuan - either eating a cookie, working on a chibi laptop, wearing a business suit, and many such scenes.

"Aunty, they are so cute! Who are these cartoon characters?" She blinked her eyes. "I never saw them before."

Xinyi scratched her chin, feeling a little embarrassed. "He isn't any anime character. Well, he is my husband hehe…"

Her tiny brows furrowed. "Uncle is so small?"

She laughed. "No. It's a chibi drawing. They are meant to be small, cute, and adorable."

Chyou nodded as she understood. "Aunty, you draw so good too!"

"Ah, I just draw a little in my free time. I am not that good though."

"No! They are cool. I really love it. Will you teach me how to draw them?"

"You want to learn it?"

Chyou bobbed her head up and down. "Yes! I will draw Mama, Dada, and oh my Aunt too!" Then she eagerly said, "My Aunt draws a bit too but they are mostly game characters. She has a game company!"

Xinyi said, "Oh is that so? A game company sounds fun."

Chyou giggled. "Aunt always lets me play the new games first when they are made. You know. Aunt will really like your drawings if she was here!"

Xinyi widened her eyes. "No, no! I don't want to show them. Ah, it's a little embarrassing…"

Chyou said, "They are cute, Aunty. Don't worry."

Xinyi chuckled and pinched her cheeks. "Thank you, dear. Oh, I think it's time for the gathering. Let's go."

Chyou saddened.

She wanted to spend some more time with her. She really liked her time she spent with Xinyi just now.

She hesitated and slowly tugged Xinyi's dress. "Aunt...will you teach me how to draw?"

"Of course. But if we start now, wouldn't we be late?"

She pursed her lips.

Xinyi felt bad for her. She realized Chyou might enjoy her here more than the adult's gathering.

"How about we meet again after the gathering is over? We will draw together and have lots of fun! Oh, and I will introduce my son to you too. I am sure you two will become good friends."

Chyou felt better hearing that. "Really?"

"En! For now…" Xinyi looked at her carefully, "How about I tie your hair in a bun? You will look super cute!"

Her eyes sparkled. She always wanted Caihong to dress her up and tie her hair but she never did. She felt sad whenever she heard other girls in the class talking about their mothers dressing them up because she had nothing to talk about her own mother doing that.

"Yes!" Her little heart bloomed in joy.

Xinyi's heart melted.

She is so cute. Her parents must feel so lucky to have her as their daughter.

"Hehe. Come. Sit in front of the mirror and let me make you a princess!"

---

Caihong asked, "Who is your Aunt?"

"Aunt Zizi!"

The name shook her for a moment and she trembled.

Zi...Zizi…?

Zhiyu-...no. He must be talking about someone else. It's not like only...his sister's name is Zizi.

Siying frowned with her sudden silence. He clung to her leg. "Aunty, are you cold?"

Caihong calmed down. "No. I am fine. By the way, how are you on this cruise?"

"Mama and Dada bought me here!"

Her lips curved into an amusing smile. "It's 'brought' not bought. You use 'bought' when somebody buys something by paying money for it. When somebody brings or takes you to someplace, you use 'brought.'"

But she felt silly for asking that question. Of course, he was here because of his parents.

Siying nodded his head in understanding. "I see! Aunty, you teach very well! It's more fun with you than with my language teacher. Will you teach me more words?"

She chuckled. "You want to learn?"

"Yes, yes! Please, please!" He adorably widened his black orbs to convince her.

Caihong smiled.

She didn't mind teaching him a little English and spending some time with him. It was better than feeling suffocated by staying with Xiaosi and Chyou.

And... something about this boy tugged her heart. In fact, earlier she felt relieved to see him when she was talking with the socialites.

It felt as if she found someone she really wanted to talk to.

"Alright. After this boring get-together is over, I will teach you some words."

Siying jumped up and down in victory. "Thank you, Aunty!"

"Careful. You will drop your barbecue sticks."

He stuck out his tongue. "Oops, sorry~~"

"Before I take you with me, I will have to talk to your Mama and take her permission," she snorted, "later, I don't want her or anybody else calling me irresponsible."

Siying vigorously disagreed. "My Mama is the best Mama! She is kind and polite and very pretty. She will not say anything bad to you."

She shrugged. "Let's see. There are too many people who don't like me. Who knows if she is one of them?"

Though she found it hard to imagine that this sweet boy was the son of any of those fake and arrogant socialites she met till now. His upbringing felt different.

"Why? You are a very good Aunty!" Siying seriously nodded. "I like you a lot!"

Caihong faintly smiled. "Is that so?"

"En!"

His pure, delighted, and most importantly truthful and honest gaze with his bright smile bloomed her heart in happiness.

It felt so long that she heard somebody say that to her.

Then came a soft voice that spoke from behind Caihong.

"Excuse me."

Siying raised his head and smiled. "Mama!"