Chapter Sixteen: Ye Haisheng

Her mind still foggy from sleep, Ye Mian clung to the sudden rush of memories as she threw back the covers and got out of bed to wash up. The rain in Jiangcheng was relentless, enough to flood every street, and even now it showed no sign of stopping.

As she brushed her teeth, she wondered what kind of shoes she should wear to school if the streets were underwater. She didn’t own a single pair that could withstand wading through the puddles. With rain this heavy… perhaps the school would declare a holiday?

Expectant light shone in Ye Mian’s eyes.

The next moment, a message popped up in the class group chat.

“Dear students, due to severe weather conditions, first and second-year students will have a two-day holiday. Please stay safe and continue your studies at home.”

Another message followed.

“But third-year students, as graduation candidates, must still attend classes.”

Perfect.

Ye Mian could have cried, but she obediently rinsed her mouth, washed her face, and dutifully picked up her backpack to leave.

Her worries were not unfounded. The drainage system in the old part of town was poor, and the floodwater had already reached the courtyard gate. Only a raised step kept it from pouring inside. Ye Mian stared blankly down at her brown leather shoes, then resignedly slipped them off, carrying them in her hand. Her fair, bare toes pressed into the murky water as she made her way to the main street, as though crossing a river.

It was only after she finally reached school, exhausted, that she put on her socks and shoes once more. While buying breakfast, she deliberately purchased an extra bowl of shredded chicken porridge.

Passing by Class One’s door, Ye Mian paused, glancing inside on instinct. She scanned the room, but Jiang Chen was nowhere to be seen.

During the break, she pulled aside a classmate from Class One and subtly inquired, only to learn that Jiang Chen had taken a leave of absence. She lowered her gaze, her expression full of understanding.

Of course, after everything that had happened, he should take a day off. But where would he stay?

For two days straight, Ye Mian kept watch on Class One, but Jiang Chen never showed up. She began to worry something had happened.

On Friday, after school, Ye Mian finally couldn’t hold back any longer. Sitting on the sofa, she hesitantly sent Jiang Chen a message.

“Good Sleep: Why haven’t you been coming to class?”

After sending it, she set her phone aside patiently, took out her weekend homework, and began working while waiting for his reply.

Jiang Chen’s response never came. Instead, she heard a knock at the door.

Ye Mian paused, then immediately put down her pen and went to open the door.

When it swung open, the first thing she saw were several heavy suitcases blocking the entrance. Standing outside was Ye Haisheng. Seeing his daughter, warmth flashed in his eyes, and he smiled awkwardly. “Mian Mian, Daddy’s home.”

“Daddy?” Ye Mian was stunned for a moment. Seeing her father looking years younger, surprise and delight danced in her eyes. How could she not be happy? Even in her previous life, it was rare to see her father—of course she missed him.

She bent down to help Ye Haisheng move the boxes he’d brought, affectionately asking, “Daddy, how long can you stay this time?”

The summer breeze rustled the leaves in the yard. Watching his sensible daughter, Ye Haisheng’s heart ached. The thought that he couldn’t always be with her made his words heavy: “Well… I have to leave again tomorrow. I’m just passing through this time—the man I work for is an elderly gentleman who needs my care.”

Ye Mian could see the truth and answered softly, “It’s okay, Daddy. I can take care of myself.”

She meant it sincerely, though Ye Haisheng only took it as his daughter being obedient and trying to comfort him.

He sighed deeply, then, once inside, changed the subject. “Mian Mian, Daddy brought you something.”

Ye Mian blinked. The best thing about her father was that, no matter where he went, he always brought her some interesting little trinket. This habit never changed, even as she grew up.