While teaching Viễn Hàn the sentences he didn't understand, I carefully explained each part again. Viễn Hàn was completely different today; he wasn't joking around or causing trouble, he just listened quietly, his eyes focused so intently that I was a little surprised.
Just then, his father walked in.
He stopped at the door, looking at the scene before him.
His precious son was actually sitting still and listening attentively like this.
A slight smile curved his lips.
Since the boy's mother passed away… he had never seen him so happy.
Not the kind of loud, fake laughter, but a genuine smile from the heart.
He just stood there for a moment before quietly leaving.
Perhaps he wasn't a good husband.
But he wouldn't be a bad father.
As long as his son could keep that smile… that was enough.
I continued to focus on the lesson. After finishing, I looked up and asked,
"Is there anything else you don't understand?" Viễn Hàn shook his head.
I took a piece of paper, wrote down a few questions, and pushed it towards him.
"Try these questions for me."
He nodded and obediently did the exercises. When he finished, he handed them back to me.
I glanced at them, secretly pleased.
"Very good comprehension."
Then I added,
"You did very well today."
Viễn Hàn's face lit up with joy.
"...Then pat my head. My mother used to praise me like that whenever I did well."
I paused slightly, frowning.
From what I knew… his mother had passed away a long time ago.
But outwardly, I just smiled faintly and reached out to pat his head.
"Hmm. You did very well."
Viễn Hàn's eyes crinkled with a smile.
I was about to withdraw my hand when he unexpectedly grabbed my wrist.
I froze.
Viễn Hàn's gaze was a little deeper than usual, but it hadn't crossed any boundaries yet.
"...I want more."
I frowned, gently tapping his head with my other hand.
"Go study."
Viễn Hàn pouted.
"Little cotton ball, you're so mean."
I glanced at him, taking out the English test I'd prepared yesterday from my bag.
"Read all the vocabulary in the book and then do this exercise."
After saying that, I started packing up my books.
Viễn Hàn saw this and asked,
"Huh? Why are you leaving so early? Little cotton ball, couldn't you stay a little longer?"
I looked at his slightly disappointed face, hesitated for a moment, then gave in.
"Okay. You do the exercise. If you don't understand anything, ask me."
Viễn Hàn immediately cheered up.
After he finished, I checked it and nodded.
"You've improved compared to last time."
I gave him a few more important exercises.
"These are the types of questions for the upcoming monthly exam. Do them, and if you don't understand, ask me."
He nodded.
When I looked up, I was startled.
It was already dark.
I quickly put my books in my bag, gave a few instructions, and stood up to leave.
Viễn Hàn grabbed my hand.
"It's getting dark. You'll have to cook dinner by now, it'll be too late. Why don't you have dinner at my house?"
I shook my head.
"No. It's too much trouble."
Just then, Viễn Hàn's father came down the stairs.
"Tịch Dạ, it's getting dark. Stay and have dinner with us."
His eyes were sincere.
I looked at him, then at Viễn Hàn, who was looking expectantly, and finally nodded.
At the dinner table, Viễn Hàn piled food onto my plate until it was overflowing.
"That's enough. There's too much, I can't finish it."
I put some back into his bowl.
"You eat too."
Only then did Viễn Hàn start to eat.
His father looked at us, only smiling thoughtfully.
After eating, I looked outside, thinking to myself:
Why is it getting dark so quickly tonight… It probably wouldn't be safe to go home now.
Viễn Hàn's father said:
"Tịch Dạ, it's late. Why don't you stay the night?"
I instinctively wanted to refuse.
But Viễn Hàn immediately said:
"That's right. It's dangerous to go home in the dark."
I thought for a moment and then compromised.
"Then… I'll trouble you for the night."
It wasn't until I got to my room that I realized the problem.
"Don't you have a guest room?"
Viễn Hàn cleared his throat.
"Yes. But the air conditioner is being repaired."
I looked at him suspiciously.
He smiled innocently.
"Just one night."
I sighed and reluctantly went in.
Viễn Hàn's joy was clearly visible on his face.
That night, I sat on the edge of the bed, while Viễn Hàn lay on the other side, maintaining a clear distance.
After a while, he rummaged through something and pulled out a book.
"Cotton ball, read me a story."
I looked at him helplessly, but still took it.
"Once upon a time, there was a princess…"
I read in a steady voice.
Before the story was finished, Yuan Han had fallen asleep.
His face in sleep was very peaceful, without his usual playful expression.
I gently closed the book.
I looked at him for a while.
Then my gaze unconsciously softened as I thought of someone else.
I wonder… will Xie Junxing text me today?
Just thinking about him…
I unconsciously waited, then turned to look at Yuan Han, thinking to myself, "This kid is… more carefree than usual today, isn't he?"