Chapter 6

What about me? Don't you care about me either, Mom?"

Pei Yueran looked back and saw Han Yichen, standing beside the archway that led to the living room. His eyes were red, and it was unknown how long he had been standing there.

"What about me Mom? Don't I matter? I have been very sad too, and it hurts me even more to see you sad. When you struggle with nightmares, I'm terrified. When I see you cry silently, I want to cry too. You're in so much pain, and I can't do anything about it."

His quivering voice broke. He continued, " Even Baidu must be tired of me searching for "ways to make my mother happy", but nothing is working. You don't sleep well, you hardly eat and particularly at this time of the year, you are almost always lost in thought. I'm afraid I'll lose you Mom, and become an orphan, instead of just a fatherless child."

Pei Yueran sat down there, shocked. Then she reacted and more tears fell as she walked towards him.

"Oh Xiao Chen, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize. I'm sorry", she whispered over and over again, hugging him and patting his back.

Director Zhou stood up to join them, wiping tears of her own. They maintained that posture for some minutes before they calmed down.

"Why didn't you tell me? I didn't know, I'm sorry I was too wrapped up in myself, neglecting your feelings. Please forgive me Baobei"

"It's okay Mom, it is. I want you to be truly happy , not pretending to be fine. I'm not sure whether a change of scenery will work, but I want us to try, please Mom."

Pei Yueran closed her eyes and nodded. "Okay, I understand. Let's do that then."

"Thank you Mom.", Han Yichen managed a small smile and hugged her. He mouthed "thank you Grandma" to Director Zhou, who nodded with a watery smile of her own.

"Alright, alright, this is good news, so let's wipe those tears and begin to plan." Director Zhou said in a business tone. What cities do you have in mind? Have you thought about this before?"

Pei Yueran shook her head, but Han Yichen said seriously, "Yes I have thought about it, I've looked at City T, City M, City S and City F. After my search, I think we could try City M or City F.

"Although City M is a bustling and noisy metropolis, I think we could rent one of the quieter suburbs there. The weather is good, we could take lots of walks. The city is fast-paced and expensive, but it has a lot of beautiful scenery and more opportunities.

"I could find a school that offers full scholarships, and I think it would be easier for you get a job there.

"City F is not as busy, so it's good too, just not as wholesome as City M. It is beautiful, with a rich history, good food and infrastructure. They take exercising seriously, so maybe you can finally register in a good gym like you've always wanted to.

"City T is too quiet, filled with museums which I know do not interest you, and City S do not have many opportunities for your type of job. AI is not developed there."

Pei Yueran and Director Zhou looked at him in amazement as he recited all this, like a newscaster at the broadcasting station.

Pei Yueran shook her head and mused inwardly, 'tsk. What "I have thought about it"? this was comparable to a mini presentation la.'

"I see Chen'er came prepared, that's good. I've also looked into a few cities, and I think Cities M and S are good. You may find that a bit of a healthy, faster pace is what you need. So what do you think Ran'er?"

Pei Yueran thought for a moment. "Actually, something happened at work today. I was recommended by my superior to take up a temporary post in City M, but I rejected it because I didn't want to leave, but he said I could think about it till tomorrow morning.

Now that we've talked about it, I'll send him an email to accept it, since City M has a pretty high score on your evaluation board, Xiao Chen."

"Great! City M it is then." Han Yichen smiled then, a full toothed smile full of relief.

"But the problem is that I have to take up this post as soon as possible, preferably within the next two weeks, and your graduation is still in about six months." Pei Yueran said, worried.

"If you don't mind, Chen'er can stay with me here. I'll be his guardian. You go over and arrange everything, including his new school.

Then, come back for his graduation and take him back with you. What do you think Chen'er, would you like to stay with me?"

"Definitely, Grandma. I don't mind at all. I think it's a good idea. We can FaceTime everyday, and the time will pass quickly."

Pei Yueran looked at Director Zhou gratefully. "Thank you Mum. Thanks Xiao Chen. I guess we could do that."

Time passed as the three of them discussed more of the details excitedly. Their anticipation for the future gave all of them hope.

Things will surely get better.

*****

"Xiao Chen, if I get one more letter of complaint from your school, you would be grounded all the way to next year!"

Li Yuchen stood stubbornly, mouth pursed, eyes fixed in one direction - the floor. He did nothing to indicate that he had heard his father's words.

They were in Li Chuanmo's study, and father and son were in the middle of a tense conversation.