It had been a few days since Chu Xiang was adopted by the Chu family. She grew considerably in the short span of days becoming taller and fairer. Wearing branded clothes every day, she looked like a lady from a wealthy family. There was an obvious difference from the shabby look she had when she first arrived.
“Children.” The teacher came closer and smiled amicably at the children beneath her. “I have good news for you today. Our kindergarten will be holding a drawing competition. All the children are encouraged to participate. Do you understand?”
A fat boy took Rainy’s hand and placed a piece of chocolate in her palm.
“Rainy, this was given by my mother in the morning. I want you to have it.”
Rainy held the chocolate tightly in her hand, and she took something out from her bag-a small candy. She gave it to the fat boy. “Fat Brother, Mommy gave this to me. I am giving it to you.”
This was the only candy that Rainy had. She didn’t really eat a lot of sweets. Moreover, Gao Yi set a limit on the amount she could eat. Every week, she would only have a few pieces. Her mother had told her that she should share the good things with the others.
The fat brother had given his chocolate to her. It was only right that she gave him her candy in return.
The fat boy accepted the candy from Rainy and promptly shoved it into his mouth after removing the wrapper. Then, he broke into a wide smile. Chu Xiang sat at the side and turned her face away. Suddenly, she raised her hand.
“Teacher, Rainy Gao and Hu Bin are eating in class.”
Rainy kept the chocolate in her pocket. Fat Boy swallowed hard and gobbled the remaining of the half-eaten candy in his mouth.
Fat Boy stood up and patted his hand against his chest. “Teacher, I ate. However, Rainy didn’t.”
“Come here. The both of you.” The teacher held back her smile as the two children stood beside her. She held her teaching rod while maintaining a stern expression.
“Both of you, stretch out your hand.”
Fat Boy was very loyal. One of his hands shot out and blocked the oath before Rainy.
“Teacher, Rainy didn’t eat anything. Why don’t you hit me twice?” He stretched out his soft and fair chubby hand in front of the teacher. “Hit me, Teacher. Twice.” The flesh beneath his chin started quivering as though he was facing his death.
At this juncture, another small hand stretched out. It was so fair it looked almost translucent with its tiny fingertips.
“Teacher, I gave the candy to Fat Brother. You should beat me. I’m not afraid.”
She stood out bravely. Her mother had told her before: one should be punished if one had done wrong. Besides, she should own up to her mistake and not get Fat Brother involved.
“Ahem…” The teacher raised her thin teaching rod. “Fine. One stroke for each of you. I said before: no eating during class.” With that, she hit them with the rod. Naturally, she wasn’t really hitting them. It was just a light tap on their small hands to let them feel slight pain. However, even though it wasn’t painful, their childish pride had taken a hit. Rainy lowered her head as she bit on her pinkish lips. She raised her head again and looked at Chu Xiang while the latter merely snorted through her nose and played with her new doll.
Rainy placed her hands on her kneecaps, and then one of them reached into the pocket. She felt the chocolate. She rolled her eyes and smiled.
Actually, children were easily contented. Take Rainy for example. She didn’t remember much or bear grudges. Her heart wasn’t very big so it couldn’t fit too many things.
What it could fit now was that piece of chocolate in her pocket.
Gao Yi came to pick her up after school. He left with her in his arms. They walked past Chu Lui’s car, and Gao Yi paused in his steps. They had met each other again. What were the chances?
He pressed Rainy’s face into his chest, turned around, and walked in the opposite direction.
Chu Lui was here to pick Chu Xiang up. The moment she got into the car, she sat obediently. However, she didn’t dare to speak.
“How was school today?” Chu Lui didn’t really know how to get along with children. There weren’t many feelings cultivated towards this easily gained daughter. However, he had exercised more patience towards her than anyone else.
“Mmm, very well.” Chu Xiang played with her fingers and sneaked a peek at Chu Lui. His eyes were pinned straight ahead, and there wasn’t much expression on his face. Chu Xiang was still afraid of this father. Although he treated her well, he wasn’t fond of talking; and he always had a stern expression which caused her fear.
The moment Song Wan saw her granddaughter when the little girl was back home, she greeted her with endearment and proceeded to help Chu Xiang change her clothes. After that, she even brought snacks for the girl.
“Granny, I want to take part in the drawing competition. I will definitely come in first.”
Chu Xiang clenched her hands in balls of fists. She knew she had to be outstanding. Her father would like her, and her grandmother would be happy once she had achieved that.
“Of course. Xiang Xiang will definitely come in first.” Song Wan carried Chu Xiang. As she looked at the girl, she marveled at her choice. She had chosen such an intelligent and obedient child.
Chu Lui sat by the side as he flipped through the magazine with his legs crossed. He was in his own world where no one could enter or reach him.
Meanwhile, in another family…
It was a very normal household. It was decorated simply with minimal furniture. There was a peaceful atmosphere within the house.
The rose-purple curtain fluttered by the window as the wind blew constantly. A few mini pots of inexpensive-looking orchids with leafy, green leaves sat on the window sill. A purple flowery tablecloth covered the face of the table. In the middle of it was a flower vase with a few beautifully-colored artificial flowers. They were lightly-scented and gave the house a nice fragrance.
Four dishes and soup were placed on the table. One of them was a delicious-looking sweet and sour fish. One could vaguely see the smoke still coming from it.
“Mommy, we are back.” Before the door opened, she could hear Rainy’s voice booming from the outside.
Gao Yi opened the door. He entered, opened the shoe cabinet, and took out their slippers. However, his stomach was already growling.
“Daddy, I’m hungry.” Rainy ran her hand over her stomach, wanting to eat.
“Okay. I’m hungry, too.” Gao Yi carried her to the bathroom. Both of them washed their hands before they started eating. The three of them took food and fed each other. Their meal might not consist of any delicacies, but they had an enjoyable time.
