Chapter 5 — Today, I’m Done Waiting

The small blue bed was meant for the little boy. At four o'clock in the afternoon, I arrived at the kindergarten precisely on time. After verifying my pickup credentials, however, the teacher refused to release the child into my custody.

Teacher Ta, little Jia Mu's paternal grandmother just called a moment ago, stating that the family driver would be coming for him today.

I am the boy's mother.

The teacher looked rather distressed.

According to our system, the primary authorized pickup person is currently the child's grandmother.

The father's side has also confirmed this.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Wen Chuan's number. It rang for a long time before he finally answered. In the background, I could hear the sound of weeping. It was Shen Rou's voice.

What is it? His voice sounded rushed.

I want to pick up Jia Mu.

Mother has already arranged for a driver.

I promised him yesterday.

Qing Sui, the bookstore still hasn't been tidied up yet.

Just let him stay at the main estate for now.

I will take care of him.

You should take care of yourself first.

On the other end of the line, Shen Rou sobbed and called out, Brother Wen Chuan. Wen Chuan immediately lowered his voice to comfort her. I did not hang up. A few seconds later, he asked again, Is there anything else?

Wen Chuan.

Hmm.

You said earlier that things shouldn't have turned out this way.

The other end of the line fell dead silent. Through the glass pane of the kindergarten, I saw Jia Mu standing and waiting for me with his small backpack on.

On what grounds do you presume to know how things ought to have turned out?

Wen Chuan did not reply. A few seconds later, he abruptly hung up. After the call disconnected, the kindergarten teacher wore an apologetic expression.

Teacher Ta, perhaps you could discuss this matter further with the boy's father?

Through the glass door, I caught sight of Jia Mu. The boy spotted me as well. Having been seated on a small chair, he instantly hoisted his backpack and scrambled toward the door. The teacher had not yet unlocked it. He pressed himself against the glass and waved at me.

Mom!

I walked over. Separated by a single pane of glass, I pressed my hand against the surface. The little boy pressed his tiny palm against mine as well.

Mom is here to pick you up.

The boy's eyes lit up brightly.

Then shall we go home now, Mom?

I parted my lips, but before I could utter a word, a black luxury sedan pulled up before the kindergarten gates. The Wen family driver stepped out. After verifying his identity, the teacher unlocked the door. Yet Jia Mu did not walk toward the driver. Instead, he grabbed tightly onto the hem of my shirt.

I want to go with Mom.

The driver wore a troubled look.

Madam, the Old Madame instructed me to bring the young master back to the main estate.

I am here to pick him up too.

The master has already confirmed the arrangements.

I lowered my head to look at Jia Mu. The boy raised his face, the anticipation in his eyes gradually giving way to unease.

Mom, am I not allowed to go with you today?

Of course you are. I took hold of the child's hand.

The driver stepped forward to block our path.

Madam, please do not make things difficult for me.

Then tell Wen Chuan to come here himself.

The driver hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside to make a phone call. Barely a minute later, he returned.

The master says the young master must return to the main estate today, without exception.

Why?

The bookstore is still cluttered and not suitable for a child to stay in.

I am not asking him to sleep over.

He is merely coming to share a meal with us.

The driver gave no further reply. His sole duty was to take the child away; he bore no responsibility to explain Wen Chuan's decisions. Jia Mu gripped my hand even tighter. I chose not to argue in front of the child.

Mom will come visit you tomorrow.

The edges of the boy's eyes grew red.

You said that yesterday too.

But Mom is here today, aren't I?

Yet I still cannot go with you.

A lump rose in my throat, choking me. I crouched down to adjust the straps of his small backpack.

Jia Mu, Mom needs to finish cleaning up our new place first.

Once the little bed is fully installed, you can come over.

Really?

Really.

Will Dad agree?

I looked down at the child. At only four years old, he already understood that even if his mother consented, it still required his father's permission.

This is my own home. It does not require his permission.