Zhang Huaxiu’s parents were already in bed. Wu Xiuyue was still cleaning up. Hearing noises, she was about to wash her hands and prepare some food for her sister-in-law.
“Sister-in-law, my boss wanted to discuss something with you,” said Zhang Huaxiu as she stopped her sister-in-law and took a step aside so Wu Xiuyue could see Shu Yan behind her.
“I came over because I have a huge favor to ask,” said Shu Yan directly. “The shop ran out of a lot of our inventories. I wasn’t well prepared enough and probably need to head to City Hang overnight to restock. I can take care of everything except I’d like to see if you can help me drop my two kids off at school tomorrow.”
Shu Yan was okay leaving the kids home by themselves on the weekend. Jingjing was a good girl and she could take care of her little brother. But going to school? Shu Yan worried about the two of them going by themselves.
Kidnapping was still commonplace in the future when there were surveillance cameras all over. So many children got lost at this day and age. Shu Yan had already heard of a few kids being lost just during the short amount of time after she had arrived at City Nan. She wasn’t willing to take the chance. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to them.
“Oh, you had me worried. That’s nothing. You could just have Xiuxiu relate that for you. I have to head that way anyway.” Wu Xiuyue extended her invitation to Shu Yan. “You must be hungry too. I am just about to heat up some food for Xiuxiu, why don’t you join us?”
“Well, I wasn’t going to take that for granted. I know you are busy as well. I only asked for your help because I have no other options. Regardless, I want to thank you in advance. I won’t stay for dinner. I need to go and let my kids know and start heading out to City Hang. Please take care of my kids for me. I will talk to you later.”
“It’s no trouble. Don’t worry about it. You are leaving tonight? Are the kids going to be okay staying home by themselves? Would you like Xiuxiu to bring them over? They can spend the night with my son,” said Wu Xiuyue as she walked Shu Yan to the door.
“No, it’s alright. The kids can sleep by themselves. I will have them wait for you in front of the grocery shop. I should be able to make it back by the afternoon,” said Shu Yan with much appreciation.
It was difficult having two kids with her. Shu Yan regretted a little that she had launched her business too soon. She should have waited until she had better arrangement for her kids before she had started.
“No, no. It’s okay. I will pick them up from your place.” Wu Xiuyue walked Shu Yan all the way to the stairwell.
***
The two kids were already in bed. Both of them were in their pajamas, and they had already taken baths. Jingjing was such a good child. Not only did she bathe herself, she even helped her brother with his bath. She could already help out a lot. She was already such a mature child that Shu Yan couldn’t believe her ex-husband’s family could still find faults with her. These people had no idea how good they had it.
“Mom?” Ye Jingjing didn’t cry or fuzz when she was woken up but gave Shu Yan a slight smile.
“Jingjing. Mom had to go to City Hang for more merchandise and won’t be able to get back by tomorrow morning. I had talked to Zhang Chenghan’s mom. She will be here to pick up you and your brother tomorrow morning and take you to school. Here’s $10. Go get some breakfast with your brother tomorrow and keep the rest for lunch. I remember there’s a noodle place by the school. You can go there. Don’t go somewhere too far from school.”
“Okay. I understand,” said Ye Jingjing docilely as she put the money away safely. “Mom, are you taking off now?”
“Yes, in a little bit.” Shu Yan smacked herself on the back of her head. She had really forgotten. She hasn’t even called up the chauffeur yet. He might not even be available tonight.
She put her bag down and went over to the grocery shop. They were already closed, so she had to go over to a hotel she had stayed at previously. They had a public phone there as well. She needed to have a phone installed in her shop. It was too inconvenient without one.
“Here for a room?” asked the boss when he saw Shu Yan.
“No, I need to make a call.” She first called the chauffeur’s home number. His wife answered the call and told Shu Yan that the chauffeur had already left. Shu Yan had to call his page and he returned her call within 7~8 minutes.
