Chapter 103: The Bitter Reunion

With a nervous heart, I slowly opened the door.

Upon seeing me, Chen Yunsong’s breath seemed to catch. His gaze lingered on my body for a second, then shifted away awkwardly.

Uh…

What was that look on his face?

I recall that he used to worship me, his eyes practically glued to me.

Now, though…

“Teacher, let’s talk in the living room.”

“Mm…”

I could roughly guess the reason, and a bitter feeling of fate’s irony welled up inside me.

Following our old habit, Chen Yunsong and I sat across from each other on either side of the tea table.

From a tea packet below, he took a silver-white package.

“Silver Needle white tea, your favorite.”

“Mm.”

Then we fell silent again, the only sound being the bubbling of the boiling tea leaves.

Talk—what should we talk about?

Should I talk about how I’ve been? About why I turned into a woman? Or about how I left and came back?

Ah…

A headache. Should I tell him the truth? That would be a long story. Troublesome…

Or should I just make up something to gloss over it? But lies always need other lies to cover them up—might not work well.

Just then, Chen Yunsong took out a cigarette and offered it to me.

“Teacher, care for one?”

I hesitated for a moment, then slowly took it. I lit it the way I remembered.

The tip of the cigarette glowed like a branding iron, emitting a strong odor.

Before, I had enjoyed that harsh sensation, but now, for some reason, I found it pungent.

I placed the brownish-yellow filter between my cherry lips…

“Cough… cough, cough, cough—cough—”

The moment the smoke entered my lungs, my body signaled a need to vomit. I coughed uncontrollably.

Chen Yunsong quickly handed me a bottle of water. I gulped it down for a long while before the discomfort subsided.

After that ordeal, I felt there was no point in being sentimental. I slumped back into the chair, self-deprecating.

“Sigh, I used to be such a chainsmoker. Now, I really can’t handle it anymore. Go ahead, ask me whatever you want. I’ll tell you everything…”

“Don’t be like that, Teacher…”

Chen Yunsong also put out his cigarette.

“Let the past be past.”

“Then what else could you want to talk about?” I sprawled back in the chair, my gaze listless. “I have nothing now—career, family, all fallen apart. Even most of what I could teach you is forgotten. Besides, given your achievements now, you’ve surely surpassed me long ago?”

Chen Yunsong was silent for a moment, then said seriously, “I wanted to talk about my mentor’s wife and your daughter.”

I perked up instantly, straightening my posture.

“Her… how are they?”

“They’re doing well.” Chen Yunsong paused briefly. “Xiaoyu is in high school now—the best international school around here. She’s probably going to study abroad; I heard she’s preparing for several interviews.”

“Oh, that’s good, that’s good.”

I nodded approvingly, feeling a weight lift from my heart.

“International school—that must cost a lot. It must be hard on Shanshan.”

“…”

Chen Yunsong suddenly fell silent. His mouth opened slightly, then closed.

He and I had been close for many years. Even though we hadn’t seen each other in a long time, this habit of his didn’t escape my notice.

A sudden unease gripped me.

“Is there… something you want to say?”

“Tch… um… Teacher… um…”

Chen Yunsong faltered.

“She… remarried.”

For an instant, I was frozen as if struck by lightning. Then I forced a helpless smile.

“So that’s how it is… It can’t be helped. Shanshan gave up her job to have Xiaoyu. After I left, returning to the workforce in her situation would be tough. A single mother, raising a child—what company would offer such a kind-hearted position? Marrying a wealthy man was actually the best choice for her…”

“Mm… Her new husband is a real estate developer worth a few hundred million. He treats Xiaoyu well, like his own.”

“That’s good, that’s good…”

As I spoke, I hung my head, letting my longer hair cover my face, hiding my thoughts deep within.

“Then, Teacher, do you still want to see her?”

“See Shanshan?”

I looked up slightly, my gaze drifting.

“And Xiaoyu too. I could call and arrange a meeting. It’s not difficult.”

“…”

I was about to say yes, but the words got stuck in my throat.

Was this really okay?

My former wife and daughter had a new life. And I had become this monstrous version of myself. Was it necessary to disturb their happiness just to satisfy a fleeting regret?

Wouldn’t such a conversation be too selfish on my part?

But if I said no, that would seem too hypocritical.

I fell into a long deliberation. Heavy thoughts churned inside me. Finally, with a helpless and heavy heart, I spoke.

“Yes.”

“Alright, I’ll message them.” Chen Yunsong nodded.

“But don’t mention it’s me.”

“Huh?”

A bitter heaviness covered my heart like a quilt, embracing my shattered soul.

“I’ll sit on the sidelines and just watch them.”

“Watch?”

“Exactly. If I suddenly appeared now, it would only disturb them, right? So I only need a single glance. Just one glance, and I’ll be satisfied.”

I sighed softly, a hint of sadness in my eyes.

I recalled Xiaoyu’s smiling face, Shanshan’s face, and their figures running in the sunlight. A warm yet bitter feeling surged within me.

Perhaps standing by, watching their happiness, is the last thing I can do for them.

“…”

Chen Yunsong thought for a while, then suddenly said, “Teacher, it’s unnecessary.”

“Huh?”

“With your current appearance, who would recognize your former identity? You look like a loli now. I could just say you’re a relative’s kid I’m babysitting.”

“A… a kid?”

My eyelid twitched.

Chen Yunsong nodded seriously.

“Like my niece, for example.”

The next day, the meeting place was set at a quiet café.

After getting out of Chen Yunsong’s car, I sat early in a corner.

“Teacher… remember, now you’re my niece, Lily.”

Chen Yunsong said softly to me.

“…”

Embarrassed, I buried my head in my arms and waved him away, signaling him to go outside and wait for Shanshan and the others.

The surroundings quieted down.

Taking this chance, I observed the café first.

The décor was high-end—all materials elegant and clean. The wooden tables and chairs were well-maintained, giving off a faint woody fragrance.

This place felt more like a private club in a villa area than a café.

The items here were quite expensive. Although I had a bit of money before, seeing the prices on the menu—starting at two-digit figures—I couldn’t help but wonder if Shanghai had its own currency system.

But considering my student would be paying the bill, I shamelessly ordered a cup of “Rodd Manor” for 280.

I ordered it because the name was interesting.

“Rodd…”

I took a small sip of the black liquid, letting the bitterness linger on my tongue. Memories seemed to stretch out once more.

“Will we meet again?”

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