Rong Ci paused for a moment before asking, "When do you want to go?"
"Well..."
Feng Jingxin hesitated.
Rong Ci knew that she actually wanted to wait until Lin Wu and Feng Tingshen were both busy before asking her mother to accompany her. However, since she didn't know when they would be unavailable, she found herself stuck.
Rong Ci retracted her gaze and said softly, "It's fine. Just tell me when you want to go. If I'm free, I'll take you."
Feng Jingxin beamed. "Okay!"
The week flew by in a blur of activity.
On Friday evening, Rong Ci left work earlier than usual. She had just returned home and was thinking of making a quick bite to eat when Feng Jingxin's call came through.
Rong Ci hesitated for a beat before picking up.
"Mom, I'm free this Saturday. Let's go skiing!"
Rong Ci had indeed promised to take her whenever she was ready, but she didn't intend to bring the girl along tomorrow. Tomorrow's itinerary was, for her, essentially a social obligation. She didn't want to deal with the added stress of looking after a child during such an event.
"Mom is busy tomorrow," she replied. "Pick another time."
Feng Jingxin began to wheedle. "No, I really want to go on Saturday. Mom, can't you just go with me this once? Please?"
"Not this Saturday. Let's aim for next week. If you still want to go then, I'll take you."
Feng Jingxin wasn't listening, trying to use her charms to soften Rong Ci's heart. "Mom..."
Rong Ci remained unmoved. "If you still want to go next week, let me know then. Remember to eat your meals properly and don't be a picky eater."
With that, Rong Ci hung up.
Feng Jingxin didn't call back. Knowing her daughter, Rong Ci guessed the girl was likely throwing a tantrum. Rong Ci didn't let it bother her and headed into the kitchen to start dinner.
The next day.
When she woke up, He Changbai called again to ask if he should send a car to pick her up. Rong Ci declined.
After breakfast, she drove herself to the ski resort.
By the time she arrived, He Changbai and Dandan were already there. Seeing her, He Changbai looked over, while Dandan pulled her hand away from his and ran toward Rong Ci with a joyous cry. "Auntie!"
As Dandan tumbled into her arms, Rong Ci gave her a gentle squeeze. Looking at the girl's beaming face, she gave her cheek a playful pinch. "Dandan, it looks like you've grown a little taller. You've got a bit more meat on your face, too. You're getting prettier."
Hearing the praise, Dandan nodded happily. "Mm-hmm! I've been eating lots of meat."
Rong Ci smiled and was about to speak when Dandan suddenly pulled a crystal keychain from her pocket. "Auntie, this is for you."
The keychain was a miniature pink cat bag with a tiny white kitten nestled inside. It was quite exquisite.
It looked remarkably similar to the one Feng Jingxin had started hanging on her backpack recently, though the colors were different. He Changbai seemed to hang out with Feng Tingshen and Lin Wu often, so it was only natural that Dandan and Feng Jingxin might have the same toys.
Rong Ci paused but didn't ask questions. She simply smiled and said, "It's beautiful. I love it. Thank you, Dandan."
Encouraged by Rong Ci's approval, Dandan became even more excited. She tugged at Rong Ci's hand, leading her toward the entrance. "Auntie, let's go skiing!"
"Alright."
As they headed inside, He Changbai asked, "Have you had breakfast? We brought some for you. If you haven't eaten, you should have something first."
"No need, I've already eaten," Rong Ci replied.
"Alright."
Once they were suited up and had their goggles on, they hit the slopes. Dandan was still a novice, but Rong Ci had been skiing for years and patiently guided her along.
Since it was the weekend, the resort was quite crowded. He Changbai stayed close by their side, acting as a shield in case someone accidentally collided with them.
However, the crowds were simply too thick today. They had only been out for an hour when two girls came barreling into them.
Dandan was fine, but Rong Ci was knocked straight into He Changbai. He reflexively wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her steadily into his protection.
Suddenly finding herself pressed against his broad chest, Rong Ci felt a jolt of awkwardness. She tried to push herself away, only to find that her foot felt strange.
He Changbai didn't let go. "Did you twist your ankle?"
"I think... I did."
He Changbai signaled for a staff member to watch over Dandan, then leaned down and swept Rong Ci up into his arms. Rong Ci had assumed he would ask the staff to help her. Being suddenly hoisted up left her dazed for a moment before she started to protest. "Put me down, I"
"The doctor is already waiting," He Changbai interrupted. "Let's get your foot looked at first."
Rong Ci went still and didn't argue further.
Once inside the clinic, He Changbai set her down. The waiting doctor performed a quick examination and found it was only a minor dislocation. With a quick reset of the bone, the pain began to subside.
He Changbai looked at her. "Do you want to keep skiing?"
"I'm fine. I can continue."
Since they were already here, she didn't want to ruin Dandan's fun. Seeing that the doctor confirmed there was no serious damage, He Changbai didn't refuse.
At that moment, someone from a distance was watching them.
"Liyao? What are you looking at?"
Sun Liyao frowned. "I think I saw an acquaintance."
The side profile of the man ahead looked exactly like He Changbai. But he was with a woman and a child... that couldn't be him, could it?
By the time she tried to move closer for a better look, the group had already put their hats and goggles back on and departed.
Over the next hour, Rong Ci and Dandan were bumped into twice more, but they avoided any further injuries. Seeing He Changbai holding her hand to steady her, Rong Ci gently pulled away. "I'm fine now, thank you."
He Changbai finally released her wrist.
At noon, they left the slopes and headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch. He Changbai handed her the menu and let her order.
It was then that Dandan suddenly remembered something. She looked at Rong Ci and asked, "Auntie, what is your name?"
"Rong Ci. My name is Rong Ci."
Dandan nodded. "Auntie Rong."
Rong Ci smiled and patted the little girl's face.
Skiing had clearly taken its toll; before they even finished the meal, Dandan began to doze off. He Changbai pulled her into his arms and wiped the oil from the corners of her mouth.
Rong Ci had finished eating as well. She set down her chopsticks and said, "Shall we call it a day?"
"Alright." He Changbai didn't stand up immediately. He looked at her and asked, "Can I ask you out again next time?"
Rong Ci considered it. "You can."
He had helped her before, and since Dandan seemed to like her, it was only right that she returned the favor by helping him out a few times.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
Since Dandan was asleep, Rong Ci felt there wasn't much more to say. She simply turned and left without further ado. He Changbai stood there watching her drive away for a long while before getting into his own car.
Dandan woke up just as they reached home.
"Is Auntie Rong gone again?"
"Mm." He Changbai held her close and suddenly said, "By the way, Dandan, just call her 'Auntie' from now on, not 'Auntie Rong,' okay? Also, you have to keep her name a secret for Uncle. Don't tell anyone else for now, okay?"
Dandan nodded obediently. "Okay."
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