After bidding farewell to Chen Li Shu, Lin Xiao Yue and Wu Zheng took Lu Yang to the hospital. A thorough examination revealed that the child had suffered from pneumonia before. Lin Xiao Hui had not treated it diligently, merely administering some medication and a fever-reducing shot to get by, leaving him with a lingering condition. Coupled with a low immune system, he fell ill and developed a fever at the slightest mishap.
The hospital offered no better solutions, only advising more attentive care and exercise in the future, suggesting he would gradually improve as he grew older and his resistance strengthened.
The couple was speechless upon hearing this news, especially Lin Xiao Yue. While she knew Lin Xiao Hui's character was not the best, she hadn't expected her to be so negligent of her child, almost leaving him to fend for himself.
Lu Yang had no symptoms at the moment, and with the medicine Chen Li Shu had bought, the doctor merely gave some cautionary advice before letting the couple take the child away.
...
Lin Xiao Hui, having fainted, was unaware of what had transpired. When she woke up again, her surroundings were pitch black. She cautiously moved and discovered her hands and feet were bound. She tried to call out, but her mouth was gagged, rendering her mute.
Listening carefully, she heard the chugging sound of an engine and the rushing of water from outside. Fearful, she began to struggle desperately. However, her limbs were bound too tightly, and no matter how much she struggled, it was in vain.
"Creak." The old iron door was pushed open, and bright light flooded in, allowing Lin Xiao Hui to finally see her surroundings clearly.
She was in a damp, dark, small room. Besides some sacks placed against one wall, there were two other girls beside her, equally terrified.
"Is everyone alright?" a male voice came from outside. The person who opened the door replied, "They're fine, all awake."
"Fortunately, the higher-ups were smart and chose the water route. The south side needs this batch of goods urgently. It would be troublesome if we were caught."
"We still have three days to reach our destination. Take good care of everyone, don't let any more mishaps happen after disembarking."
"Don't worry, they're all securely tied."
Seeing the person who opened the door acknowledge and prepare to close the door again, Lin Xiao Hui, filled with fear, whimpered and began to struggle forcefully.
The man paused his actions upon hearing the sound, but the next moment, Lin Xiao Hui heard words that filled her with utter despair: "Stay put, everyone. Once we reach the shore, someone will come to take you to where you belong. Otherwise, I'll throw you all into the sea to feed the fish."
As the man's voice faded, the iron door made a grating sound again, and soon, Lin Xiao Hui's vision plunged back into darkness...
It was noon on Saturday. Chen Li Shu had just finished packing her things and was leaving the teaching building, preparing to pick up Rui Rui from school and then return to the military family quarters together. As she walked, she ran into Yang Shuang, who was looking for her.
"Finished with school?" Yang Shuang asked.
Chen Li Shu nodded. Seeing Yang Shuang looking at her as if she had something to say but hesitated, her heart sank, and she felt a premonition of something bad.
"Is it convenient to find a place to talk for a moment?"
"If you turn right here, there's a flower bed. Fewer people go there now."
Yang Shuang nodded and walked with Chen Li Shu toward the flower bed, all the while contemplating how to broach the subject.
Soon, the two arrived by the flower bed. The weather had turned cool in October, and the flowers that had been in full bloom had already withered, leaving only dry, yellowing branches trembling in the wind.
The school hadn't had time to clear them, and no one was admiring them anymore, naturally meaning fewer people were around.
"Is it about Rui Rui?" Chen Li Shu's calm voice preceded Yang Shuang's words.
Yang Shuang hesitated before nodding. "According to Qiu Peng's confession, we have contacted the public security bureau in the area where he took Rui Rui. They have responded that they have located Rui Rui's parents. They were very excited to hear news of Rui Rui and have already booked train tickets for today. They should arrive in two days."
Chen Li Shu kept her eyes lowered, and Yang Shuang couldn't discern her thoughts, but she could imagine Chen Li Shu wouldn't be feeling good.
"Then, well, they are his biological parents after all, and a child should return to their family. You..."
Chen Li Shu suddenly looked up and smiled at her. "I'm alright. Officer Yang, please don't worry. I'll definitely bring Rui Rui with me that day."
Seeing her relatively calm expression, Yang Shuang felt relieved.
As Yang Shuang left, the smile on Chen Li Shu's face faltered. She stood still for a while longer before composing herself and heading to pick up Rui Rui from school.
"Mom!" Rui Rui, seeing her figure, waved happily.
All the other children had already been picked up by their parents. Only Rui Rui and another child were obediently waiting at the school gate for their parents.
Chen Li Shu's steps unconsciously quickened.
"I'm so sorry, Mom was delayed by something. Have you been waiting outside for a long time? Are you cold?" Chen Li Shu reached out and touched his slightly reddened little face.
"Mom, I'm not cold. Believe me, touch my hands." Rui Rui extended his hands and placed them on Chen Li Shu's, and indeed, they were warm. Chen Li Shu finally felt at ease.
The mother and son first went to the market to buy some vegetables and then took a bus back to the military family quarters.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Rui Rui asked while on the bus, noticing her absentmindedness.
Chen Li Shu turned her head and saw him looking up at her, his big eyes full of concern. Her heart ached, and she smiled and shook her head. "Mom might be a little tired."
"When we get home, I'll massage your back for you, okay?"
Faced with the incredibly well-behaved and sensible Rui Rui, Chen Li Shu suddenly felt a lump in her throat. She nodded and managed to utter a single word: "Okay."
Not long after, the bus arrived at the stop. The mother and son got off and walked all the way home.
"Gu Rui!" The Wang brothers had already returned from school. After rushing through their homework, they had been eagerly awaiting Rui Rui's return. As soon as they saw him, the brothers pushed open their door and ran out.
Wang Yan Chao came over, grabbed Rui Rui, and pulled him towards the building. "Gu Rui, my brother and I have been waiting for you to come back. Come on, let's go watch TV at your place."
Gu Rui pursed his lips. "My mom is too tired today, and I'm afraid watching TV will disturb her. How about we watch it next time?"
"Oh, I see." The Wang brothers looked disappointed.
"Is Aunt Gu sick? If my brother and I get sick, we get better right away after eating a can of preserves. That stuff is sour and sweet, much tastier than medicine." Thinking of the taste of preserves, Wang Yan Hui's mouth began to water.
"My mom is tired, not sick. She has to work every day in addition to going to school and taking care of me." Rui Rui said, feeling a bit dejected that he couldn't help much.
Wang Yan Chao rolled up his sleeves. "That's easy. We can help with chores. I can help wash clothes. I've washed my youngest brother's diapers."
Wang Yan Hui rolled up his sleeves. "I, I can sweep the floor." He then looked at Gu Rui, still a little unconfident, "I just don't sweep very well. My mom always says I sweep like I'm drawing eyebrows."