Chapter Twelve: Love at First Sight, Irresistible Passion

"Oh, I am so sorry, comrade! I was in such a rush to get to work that I didn't see where I was going. Are you alright?" Song Liping asked, patting the man on the shoulder as she spoke.

Sun Xudong’s eyes lit up with flirtatious interest. With a quick glance, he softened his tone. He had come to the Children's Palace today to drop something off for his fiancée, but he hadn't expected to run into such a charming woman.

"I'm fine. If anything, it was my fault. I was in a hurry to deliver something to a friend and delayed you. It’s my mistake. If you don't mind, comrade, why don't I give you a lift once I've dropped this off?"

She met Sun Xudong’s upturned gaze, and her cheeks flushed pink. "Would that be alright? I wouldn't want to be a bother."

"It's no trouble at all. I’ve got a car; it’s certainly better than you walking."

Song Liping glanced at her bicycle in the distance and nodded. She could tell at a glance that this man was someone of status—after all, he was someone who owned a car.

Seeing her nod, Sun Xudong smiled. The morning sun bathed him from behind, making him appear dashing and impressive, causing Song Liping to lose her focus for a brief moment.

It didn't take long before they were in the car. As soon as they set off, Sun Xudong began to chat with her. One was a telegraph operator at the post office, the other a factory secretary at the food processing plant; they found they had endless topics to discuss, feeling as if they had met far too late.

After getting out of the car, Song Liping waved vigorously at Sun Xudong before reluctantly heading back to her office.

As soon as she sat down, a colleague leaned over. "Liping, is there something going on? I just saw you getting out of a car from the window. Is that man courting you?"

"Don't talk nonsense. We just met. He saw I was going to be late and offered me a ride. It’s not what you think. Besides, I’m a widow; I wouldn't dare reach above my station."

"Oh, come on. I’ve never seen a widow as beautiful as you. Your husband has been gone for a year now, Liping. Listen to me—you have to look forward. If you really find someone you click with, don't let the chance slip away."

Song Liping took these words to heart. She was a woman of experience, and she understood the way Sun Xudong looked at her perfectly well. If he weren't interested, why would he offer a ride to someone he’d just met? And while in the car, he had even reached out to steady her when they hit a bumpy patch.

This must be love at first sight, she thought—a passion one cannot control!

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but blush, shyly biting her lip.

In the blink of an eye, it was the end of the month. Wei Yao received her first paycheck since her rebirth. Just as she was about to leave work, Grandma Guan stuffed a wax paper parcel into her bag.

"Keep this safe. It’s some pork belly left over from the master chef’s cooking today. Take it home and render the fat carefully; it’ll be delicious stewed with cabbage and tofu. As for the fried bits, mix them with eggs and chives to make some dumplings for the kids to satisfy their cravings."

"Thank you so much, Grandma Guan. You always think of me whenever you have something good."

"It’s nothing. We’re both women; I understand how hard things are for you. Hurry home now. You’re off tomorrow, so take the two kids out for a stroll while you have the time."

"Yes, that’s exactly what I was planning!"

She went to the nursery to pick up the two children, wrapped them in scarves, and rode her bicycle home.

She placed Song Hui on the small wooden bed and had Song Yang watch her while she went to the kitchen to take out what Grandma Guan had given her. The pork belly was as big as a baby’s fist—truly a fine piece of meat.

She took another small piece from her secret storage, stir-fried it with green peppers, scrambled some eggs with garlic sprouts, and minced some beef to go with chopped greens for a bowl of noodles for Song Yang.

Song Hui was three months old now. Having been raised with care this past month, her little face was much fairer and more tender, and she had gained some weight, looking much prettier.

Wei Yao ate her steamed bun and vegetables, occasionally putting a mouthful of egg into Song Yang’s bowl.

"Eat more, son. Grow up strong and tall. Mom is off tomorrow, so I’ll take you and your sister to the hospital for a check-up, and then we'll stop by the post office to collect your father’s salary. It’s getting cold, so we’ll go to the supply and marketing cooperative to pick out some fabric and make a few sets of clothes."

Song Yang’s mouth was stuffed full, and he nodded vigorously like a little hamster. Mom was usually too busy, and he and his sister spent all their time at the nursery, but he still loved being with Mom the most.

"Mom, I don't need clothes. Let’s save the money for sister’s milk powder. The nursery teacher says milk powder is very expensive."

"Don't you worry about that. Your dad can earn money. I’ve saved all my wages, and what we spend is your father’s earnings. His money should be used to support the three of us."

Although she had plenty of fabric and ready-made clothes in her secret space, they rarely had the patterns found at the supply and marketing cooperative. Besides, she couldn't keep pulling things out of thin air; if the house constantly filled up with unexplained items, Song Yang might be young, but he wasn't a fool—he would eventually notice something.

"Mom, I miss Dad."

Wei Yao was stunned by his words. It had been so long since her rebirth, but this was the first time she’d heard the child say he missed his father. The man’s face involuntarily flashed through her mind.

For so many years, she had been stuck raising the children alongside the entire Song clan, with no one to help her. To say she felt no resentment would be a lie.

Several times she had suggested he transfer to a different position so he wouldn't have to be away on transport duty, but he refused to listen.

Even though the transport team’s salary was only thirty-something yuan, there were many "perks." Some people could make an extra one or two hundred yuan a month on the side, but he never brought back an extra cent. Whenever she brought it up, he would lecture her with his moral principles, which made her teeth ache just thinking about it.

"Why miss him? He doesn't miss us. It’s been so long, and he hasn't even called home once. Unreliable man—who knows if he’s crawled into some old hag’s bed."

Song Yang: "..."

*Dad wouldn't do that. He’s like a quail in front of you; where would he find the guts to crawl into someone else's bed?!*

"Achoo! Achoo!"

On the other side, Song Mingrui was developing a new plan with Old Shi. He didn't know what was wrong, but he had sneezed four or five times in just a moment.

"Captain Song, you keep sneezing—someone must be cursing you."

"Get lost. I’m such a decent person, who would have the heart to curse me?"

Old Shi: "..."

*Look at how shameless you are!*

The next day, Wei Yao took the two children to the hospital first. The results were decent, much better than before. The pediatrician knew Wei Yao, and just by looking at the children’s condition, they knew she had put in the effort.

Hearing the doctor's words, Wei Yao finally felt relieved.

She collected Song Mingrui’s salary and coupons for the month from the post office. This time, there was more money than usual—fifty-six yuan! There were plenty of industrial coupons, coal coupons, and grain, oil, and sugar coupons. Wei Yao was overjoyed looking at the items in her hand. This was the first time she had received Song Mingrui’s full salary and coupons. She waved at Song Yang, and once everything was packed, they headed to the supply and marketing cooperative.

It being a day off, there were quite a few people there to shop. With Song Hui strapped to her back and holding Song Yang’s hand, she joined the queue.