DLRC – Chapter 106 Winning Her Back a Third Time

Tonight felt like something straight out of a fantasy. Even after washing up and crawling into bed with her son in her arms, all Yu Wei could think about—besides that wild couple she’d just run into—was her new neighbor, Huo Mingwang.

That man had gently asked her whether she was still mad at him… Honestly, she had wanted to say no.

God knows how vulnerable she was to that gentle version of him. Besides… her anger hadn’t really been fair to him—he hadn’t even known what was going on.

The next morning brought a leisurely Saturday. Yu Wei got up early and cooked a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, she kept an ear out for any movement in the apartment next door.

Even after Yu Hui had finished getting ready and Du Yuerong had gone home, the door to that man’s place remained shut.

“Could he have gone to the factory this early?” Yu Wei muttered to herself, then took out two sets of tableware and placed them on the table.

“Mama, who went to the factory?” Little Yu Hui asked. He hadn’t realized that Huo Mingwang was now their new neighbor. He cradled his glass of milk, sipping gently, leaving a ring of white around his mouth.

Yu Wei replied casually, “No one. Mama bought you a few new books at the bookstore yesterday. They’re at the shop—I’ll show you later, see if you like them.”

Yu Hui nodded sweetly. “Okay! But Mama, do the books have pictures?”

Smiling, Yu Wei gently pinched the soft meat of his cheek. “Of course they do, my little treasure. Mama knows you like picture books, so I asked the nice lady at the store to save some especially for you.”

Yu Hui flailed his arms excitedly and turned to her. “Mama, I want to kiss you!”

“Alright, come here.”

Smack!

A soft, milky-scented kiss landed on Yu Wei’s cheek. Just as the kiss landed, the half-open door was pushed open.

“You’ve already started eating?” Huo Mingwang walked in, pulling on a jacket as he did. “Is there any for me?”

“Uncle Huo!”

Yu Hui hadn’t seen him in a while since starting kindergarten. As soon as he stretched his arms out for a hug, he suddenly remembered—he had promised never to talk to Uncle Huo again!

His hug froze mid-air. But the little guy had grown savvy. He quickly pulled his arms back and smoothly picked up his chopsticks again to continue eating his fried egg, acting like nothing had happened.

Huo Mingwang watched this strange little routine with puzzled eyes and ruffled the boy’s hair. “Son, did you miss me?”

These past few days, he’d been busy handling things at the factory and hadn’t had time to talk with Yu Wei and the boy. Plus, Yu Wei had been giving him the cold shoulder lately. Though it stung a bit, there wasn’t much he could do.

Still, if he wanted to win Yu Wei back, Huo Mingwang knew he needed to keep engaging with her, keep in contact—this was one of the reasons they’d gotten together in the first place.

“There’s none for you,” Yu Wei answered, but her tone wasn’t as harsh as before. “Huihui, finish up—we have to open the shop.”

“Okay.”

Yu Hui smacked his lips as if savoring the milk, sneaking a glance at Huo Mingwang. But he was a kid who valued his promises. He said he wouldn’t talk to Uncle Huo, so he wouldn’t!

Hmph! Who told him to snatch away his panda plushie last time—and not return it for days! He had already given Uncle Huo plenty of chances, but in the end it was Mama who had to go and get it back herself.

So…

He was a kid with a temper too!

Huo Mingwang sat down at the table beside mother and son, and casually picked up a steamed bun from Yu Hui’s plate.

“Ah! Uncle Huo, that’s my bun!” Yu Hui cried out. He definitely remembered that time when Uncle Huo ate his bun and he was left hungry.

But Huo Mingwang had long arms and quick hands. The bun was already at his mouth before Yu Hui could stop him. And then—his lips met the soft, milky bun in a direct “kiss.”

Yu Hui was stunned. He hadn’t expected to be one step too late.

“Want it back?” Huo Mingwang waved the bun in front of him, shaking it until it caught the light.

Yu Hui gulped down a mouthful of milk. Even though he didn’t think of Uncle Huo as gross—since the man was always neat—still!

“Hmph! I don’t want anything you’ve already eaten!”

He set down his milk with a huff, turned his head away proudly, and quickly finished his egg and the half bun left in his bowl before setting down his spoon.

Unaware he’d offended his son again, Huo Mingwang casually said, “I didn’t bite it, it’s still whole.”

“Hmph!” Yu Hui turned away again with a proud little shake. “Mama, I’m done! I’m going to put on my shoes now!”

“Okay, we’ll head to the shop in a minute.”

Yu Wei cast a sideways glance at Huo Mingwang, then cleared the empty dishes and plates from the table. Yu Hui had already gone to find his shoes, leaving Huo Mingwang alone at the dining table, holding a little bun in his hand, looking lost.

He shrugged awkwardly and then took a huge bite of Yu Hui’s favorite bun. Damn… it really is sweet!

When they left for the shop, Yu Wei didn’t ride in Huo Mingwang’s car. She hopped on her bicycle with her son and pedaled off. Huo Mingwang stood behind, next to his car parked at the alleyway’s edge, watching their backs disappear into the distance.

No problem. If he had won Yu Wei back twice, then he could definitely do it a third time.

Although Yu Wei and her son had left first, by the time they reached the dessert shop, Huo Mingwang was already there waiting for them.

“You’re so free today?” Yu Wei asked.

Seeing that she had actually initiated a conversation, Huo Mingwang quickly stepped forward. “Not really. The factory is busy. But it’s been a while since I saw you and Huihui.”

Yu Wei glanced at him speechlessly. “Didn’t we just see you the day before yesterday?”

Actually… they’d seen him yesterday too.

Huo Mingwang said no more and followed mother and son into the shop. Yu Hui hadn’t even had time to take off his little backpack before he darted toward the counter excitedly.

He shouted as he ran, “Mama! Where are my new books? Where did you put them?!”

“You really like reading, huh?” Huo Mingwang asked in surprise. “I remember you used to love reading too. Must’ve passed that down.”

He was clearly talking about the “original Yu Wei,” back when she lived in a rural northern village. She had loved books back then—and that detail had stayed with him all this time.

He really was… deeply devoted.

Yu Wei’s face suddenly darkened a few shades, though not very noticeably.

Poor Huo Mingwang still didn’t realize he had said the wrong thing again.

He had no idea why the atmosphere around Yu Wei suddenly grew tense—he only saw her walk over to the cashier counter, bend down, and pull out the new books she had bought for Yu Hui from under the cabinet.

“They’re all here. Take a look—whichever one you like, you can start with. This one’s a storybook with pictures, and this one’s for math problems. If you don’t understand anything, you can come ask Mommy.”

“Okay!” Yu Hui, carrying his little backpack, was about to sit on the stool, but Yu Wei chuckled and took the backpack off him.

“All right, you read for now. Mommy’s going back to work.”

“Mm-hmm!”

On the other side, Huo Mingwang had already mentally noted down all the books Yu Wei had mentioned. He planned to drive to the biggest bookstore in Lucheng later—if they had them, he’d buy all of them for his son!

And if they didn’t… then he’d drive to the next city over to find them!

Later, some customers arrived at the shop. Yu Wei came out to attend to them and saw Huo Mingwang teaching Yu Hui to read and do math problems. The peaceful father-and-son scene made Yu Wei involuntarily show a doting “auntie smile.”

Just earlier on the bicycle, Yu Hui had been going on and on about how he was ignoring Uncle Huo today and didn’t want Uncle Huo to see his little panda again.

What a forgetful little guy. Or maybe… maybe it’s just that Huo Mingwang’s pull on him is really strong—undeniably father and son.

After serving the customers, Yu Wei walked over to check on their progress. Just as she approached, Huo Mingwang suddenly looked up, and their eyes met.

“Do you want to see her?”

“See who?” Yu Hui also looked up and asked seriously. Judging by his innocent face, it was obvious he had completely forgotten about his “ignoring Uncle Huo” vow!

Huo Mingwang ruffled Yu Hui’s hair. After a brief hesitation, he said, “To see my sister.”

He added, “My sister, Mingxia.”

“Mingxia?” Yu Wei froze. Wasn’t that the same Huo Mingxia that Ge Zheng had mentioned? The one who had attempted suicide because of the original host…

With a condition that severe, how could she possibly want to see her again? She probably wished Yu Wei would disappear forever—and even more so, hoped her brother would stop associating with her.

So Yu Wei, as expected, said, “I don’t want to.”

Huo Mingwang frowned and was about to say something when a familiar, clear female voice came from the doorway.

“Yu Wei!”

“Sister Song!”

Yu Wei was pleasantly surprised and hurried over to greet her, leaving Huo Mingwang behind. “Aren’t you working right now? What brings you here?”

Song Xia’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Yu Wei, but her smile was rather bitter. “It’s nothing. I just divorced Zhang Jianguo a few days ago, so now I’m a free woman.”

“What do you mean free? You still have a job!” Yu Wei laughed and pulled her to sit down. Seeing this, Huo Mingwang knew Yu Wei was about to chat endlessly with Song Xia.

He sighed helplessly, glanced at his son deeply engrossed in his math problems, then stood up and left to return to the factory.

“Yu Wei,” Song Xia said after watching Huo Mingwang leave. She withdrew her gaze and continued, “What’s going on between you two? Things don’t look quite right lately.”

“Oh, you mean me and him?” Yu Wei shook her head. “It’s nothing, just…”

She had meant to say they were having a little spat, but then she remembered—it wasn’t really that. The truth was, she had something unresolved in her heart.

She wanted to talk to someone about what had happened before… and Song Xia seemed to be the best choice.

But instead, she sighed. “I’m fine, Sister Song. So, is there something you needed to talk to me about today?”

She thought it was better to deal with Song Xia’s matter first.

Upon hearing that, Song Xia’s face grew hesitant. “Actually… I came to tell you that I’m thinking of quitting my job at the daily chemical factory.”

“What?!” Yu Wei was shocked. “Quit your job?!”

Why quit a perfectly stable job? In the 80s, being a factory worker was a guaranteed iron rice bowl! How could Song Xia be so bold, wanting to resign?!

In that era, even for men, few had the guts to make such a move—let alone a woman!

She couldn’t understand. “Wait, why do you want to quit? Is the job too tiring or something?”

“It’s not that bad,” Song Xia replied, looking at her. “But you know. I divorced Zhang Jianguo, and the reason wasn’t exactly dignified. Everyone at the factory knows. I just can’t stand the way they look at me anymore…”

But it was Zhang Jianguo’s fault! Why were they looking at her like that? Those glances were enough to break her. She was prideful and simply couldn’t stay there any longer.

“Then how will you support Shu Ya and Shu Le if you quit? Raising one child is already hard enough, let alone two! And that bastard Zhang Jianguo doesn’t even care about his daughters—can he be relied on?”

“Zhang Jianguo gave me a thousand yuan on the day of the divorce. Shu Ya and Shu Le don’t spend that much day-to-day, so even if I quit, I won’t have to worry about money for a while.”

A thousand yuan wasn’t a small amount. For most people, it would take two years of frugal savings. So Song Xia now had some financial cushion.

Besides, Zhang Jianguo had been a leader for so many years—one thousand yuan was only a year’s salary. Who knew how many more thousands he had stashed away? It probably didn’t even hurt him to give it.

Though Yu Wei didn’t know Zhang Jianguo had recently been demoted at the factory—otherwise, that thousand yuan wouldn’t have been such a trivial matter.

Yu Wei frowned. “But you can’t just go without a job forever, right?”

Song Xia nodded and glanced at obedient little Yu Hui, working on his problems at the table. Her resolve only grew stronger.

“Right. So I want to do what you did—take some money and open a small shop to support myself.”

She said it firmly, and Yu Wei could tell she had thought long and hard before reaching such a decision.

Yu Wei covered her mouth in surprise—she could hardly believe it. “Sister Song! You want to open a shop?!”

Song Xia gave a small smile. “Mm.”

“But… opening a shop isn’t just about money…”

A woman like Song Xia, who had worked in a factory every day, couldn’t possibly have the shrewdness of a businessperson. Honestly… it’d be hard for her. She simply didn’t have a business mind.

Not that Yu Wei looked down on her—but Song Xia’s temperament just didn’t suit business.

Being a businesswoman took a sharp mind. Unless you were like Yu Wei, who could earn a decent income from livestreaming, making her sweet shop low-risk and stress-free.

But Song Xia was different. She had pressure—massive pressure. She had to support herself and her two daughters. Everything from now on would rest on her shoulders. You can imagine the stress.

Under such circumstances—running a business and managing a household—honestly, even a machine wouldn’t hold up.

And before doing business, you had to prepare, research, run around checking things. It’s not as simple as it sounds.

Hearing Yu Wei’s concerns, Song Xia sighed helplessly. “But tell me—what else can a divorced woman like me do, besides take the money I have and open a shop?”

Seeing how content Yu Wei looked after opening her shop, she couldn’t help but want the same.

Yu Wei frowned—it really wasn’t an easy problem.

Honestly, if Song Xia could ignore what people said, she might have been able to stick it out at the factory. But her personality just didn’t allow for that. The fact that she even managed to divorce Zhang Jianguo under Yu Wei’s encouragement had already taken tremendous courage.

The pain of divorce was already enough—she couldn’t bear the pain of rumors and gossip too.

Yu Wei understood—but doing business… Song Xia would likely suffer.

She pondered for a long time, silently exchanging glances with Song Xia. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in her head. She slapped her thigh and said, “Ah! Sister Song! You could work at my shop!”

Song Xia was stunned. “Work at your shop?”

“Yes!” Yu Wei almost wanted to praise her own clever brain out loud.

“Look—business here has been booming lately. Most days I can’t handle it all on my own, so I either have to turn down orders or delay them to the next day—it’s a big loss. You’re great with your hands. How about helping out at my shop?”

“This… Yu Wei…”

She had already troubled her so many times. And now, for work, she wanted to come help at her shop…

“It’s really fine, Sister Song. My shop is getting busy, so I wanted to invite you sincerely. Please don’t say no.”

Song Xia still looked troubled. “Yu Wei, it’s not easy for you either, raising a child alone…”

“Sister Song, don’t be polite with me! I only have Yu Hui, and he hardly costs anything!”

“But… but I don’t even know how to make these beautiful, delicate cakes of yours!”

Yu Wei chuckled and pulled her hand over. “Come on! That’s not a problem! You’re so handy—if I teach you, you’ll pick it up in no time!”

Yu Wei didn’t want to hear another word about how it might inconvenience her. She insisted firmly, “Alright, it’s settled. You rest at home for a few days, and once you’re ready, come to my shop. I’ll teach you how to make cakes—and from now on, you’ll be part of Yu Ji Desserts!“

Yu Hui, sitting nearby and overhearing, looked up in surprise. “Mom! Is Auntie Song really going to work at our cake shop?”

Yu Wei patted his little head, warm and affectionate. “That’s right. From now on, Auntie Song Xia will be working with Mommy. When you’re at school, Mommy won’t be alone in the shop anymore.”

Yu Hui was clearly happy. He liked this auntie too!

Listening to Yu Wei and her son’s conversation, Song Xia’s eyes grew red with emotion. Her hands trembled as she held Yu Wei’s.

“Thank you, Yu Wei.”