After Being Scummed – Chapter 28

In the new year, everything will be better

The elderly professor sitting on the side was quickly noticed by the children. Tong Tong held a puzzle piece, her eyes shining as she happily greeted Professor Sun, saying, “Grandma, do you want to play too?”

A faint smile appeared on Professor Sun’s face, which had looked overly serious and stern: “I won’t play; you can play.”

“Okay!” Tong Tong didn’t insist and continued happily with her two sisters to work on the puzzle.

Even though Professor Sun said she wouldn’t play, she still joined in the search as Tong Tong and Wen Wen were busy flipping puzzle pieces. The old professor had sharp eyes and quickly found the next piece, handing it to the nearest Wen Wen: “This one.”

Wen Wen took the puzzle piece, looked at it, and her eyes lit up instantly: “Hey! It really looks like this one. Let’s try it!” She promptly fitted the puzzle piece in, and seeing that such a large piece had been completed, Wen Wen clapped her hands in delight.

She looked up, smiled, revealing a row of large white teeth, and said to Professor Sun, “Thank you, Grandma!”

Professor Sun hesitated for a moment, reached out to ruffle Wen Wen’s head, and said, “Good girl.”

Yin Bai, who was squatting between the two children, witnessed the whole scene, quietly shifted her gaze, and refocused her attention on the puzzle. While arranging the puzzle pieces, Yin Bai thought that the Zuo family, with all its members, was really interesting.

Next, Yin Bai, along with the two children, completed about half of the puzzle. Professor Sun, who was not supposed to participate, occasionally handed over a puzzle piece. She didn’t say much, and the two adults and two children played together harmoniously.

When Zuo Jingyou received a call from Sun Mingrui and went to the kitchen to help bring things to the underground garage, she subconsciously glanced at the first-floor banquet hall.

Yin Bai, with the two children, was enthusiastically comparing puzzle pieces, while Mrs. Sun Yulan sat on the side, occasionally adding a few words, creating a lively atmosphere.

Seeing this scene, Zuo Jingyou was somewhat surprised.

You see, on regular days when Zuo Jingyou brought people over, Professor Sun would hide in the study, avoiding trouble and not coming out all day.

But now… it seems she wanted to play with the two children. It looks like Professor Sun can finally experience some family happiness.

Zuo Jingyou smiled and headed towards the underground garage.

She had just reached the garage door when she happened to encounter Sun Mingrui parking the car. Seeing Sun Mingrui coming down from the car, Zuo Jingyou quickly greeted her, saying, “Sis.”

Upon seeing her sister’s neatly cropped short hair, Zuo Jingyou was taken aback for a moment. “Did you get a haircut?”

Sun Mingrui nodded, went around to the back of the car, opened the trunk, and began taking out the children’s new clothes while chatting with Zuo Jingyou. “Short hair is more convenient. Does it look good?”

Zuo Jingyou took the bag from her hand, smiled with raised eyebrows, and said, “It looks good, suits you.”

“Really? I think so too. If I had known it would be this way, I would have cut it short earlier.” Sun Mingrui continued to take out the children’s toys, tea for their mother, and gifts. She and Zuo Jingyou carried the bags upstairs and asked while walking, “Where are Wen Wen and Tong Tong? What are they doing?”

Zuo Jingyou followed Sun Mingrui, speaking softly, “They’re playing.”

Sun Mingrui wasn’t surprised at all. She then asked, “And Mom? Is she in the study?”

Zuo Jingyou shook her head, “No, she’s also playing.”

Sun Mingrui was somewhat surprised, “Mom actually has time today? She’s even playing with these two little rascals?”

Zuo Jingyou smiled, “You’ll see in a bit. You’ll find out.”

Sun Mingrui followed Zuo Jingyou up the stairs, and when they reached the first floor, she quickly noticed the group of children huddled together playing a puzzle on the sofa.

Sun Mingrui looked for a while before raising her voice and called out, “Sun Jingwen!”

Upon hearing her full name being called, Jingwen immediately looked up and spotted Sun Mingrui standing not far away. She widened her eyes and exclaimed, “Mom!”

Jingwen hastily set aside the puzzle piece she was holding and, with her little legs moving like a rabbit’s, rushed toward her mother.

Sun Mingrui put down what she was carrying, bent over, and opened her arms to embrace Jingwen, who was charging toward her like a missile, catching her and holding her in her arms.

Sun Mingrui lifted her hand and ruffled Jingwen’s little head, smiling as she asked, “Do you miss Mommy?”

“I miss you!” Jingwen, with her arms wrapped around her mother’s neck, pouted and planted several wet kisses on Sun Mingrui’s face.

At her age, Jingwen was not exactly lightweight. Sun Mingrui, despite being a fitness enthusiast and a researcher, struggled to support her weight. After a short while, Sun Mingrui set her down and walked over to Sun Yulan on the sofa.

Jingwen, like a little sidekick, held a gift in one hand and Sun Mingrui’s hand in the other, making her way back to her friends.

Sun Mingrui greeted Sun Yulan, then picked up Tong Tong, ruffled her little head, and only then turned her gaze to Yin Bai. “Hello, I’m Sun Mingrui, little Yu’s sister, Wen Wen’s mom. You’re the neighbor from next door, right?”

Yin Bai’s identity was easy to guess since, after all, Jingwen and Tong Tong had mentioned her during their video calls.

Before Yin Bai could respond, Jingwen started enthusiastically introducing her, “Yes, Mom, this is the big sister from the next-door family, she’s my good friend!”

Yin Bai lowered her gaze, smiled at Jingwen, and then extended her hand towards Sun Mingrui. “Hello, I’m Yin Bai.”

Sun Mingrui shook Yin Bai’s hand and her eyes crinkled with a smile. “Welcome to our home!”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Sun Mingrui allowed the children to continue playing while she took the gifts and put them away. Then, she headed to the kitchen to assist Zuo Jingyou in preparing dinner.

Shortly after she left, there was another burst of lively and animated discussions in the living room.

Sun Mingrui shook her head, entered the kitchen, put on an apron, and stood at the countertop with Zuo Jingyou to prepare the ingredients. The kitchen sink gurgled with water, and faint voices from the living room conversations could be heard. Sun Mingrui sighed as she helped wash the vegetables and said, “I think I understand why Jingwen and Tong Tong always go to the neighbor’s house.”

Zuo Jingyou smiled and asked, “Why is that?”

Sun Mingrui sighed and said, “Our next-door neighbor is really interesting and patient. You know how energetic Jingwen is, she’s like a little monkey, always acting up. I didn’t have the energy to play with her when we were living next door. Now that she’s with Mom, having someone next door who can play with her happily, why wouldn’t she go there every day?”

Zuo Jingyou chuckled and then nodded seriously, “You’re right, but there’s something even more important—she’s really fascinating. She’s the kind of person you rarely encounter, very pure.”

Sun Mingrui turned her head and looked at Zuo Jingyou, saying, “You seem to have a very high opinion of your new friend. Speaking of which, your friend is really beautiful.”

“She has fair skin, thick and black hair, long eyelashes, big eyes, and very attractive irises. She looks like an exquisite princess.”

Sun Mingrui paused for a moment and asked with curiosity, “Is she of mixed heritage? Based on her appearance, she leans towards Eastern European features.”

Zuo Jingyou nodded, “Yes, she is. Three-quarters of her heritage is from abroad, leaning towards Eastern Europe.”

Sun Mingrui realized, “Oh, so she really is an Eastern European princess.” Sun Mingrui rarely joked, but she added, “Being so good-looking, it’s no wonder the kids like her. Don’t be fooled by Tong Tong’s obedient appearance; I noticed a while ago that she’s particularly fond of people who look good.”

Zuo Jingyou was a bit exasperated, saying, “Come on, don’t talk about her like that.”

Sun Mingrui placed the washed vegetables in a basket to dry and looked at Zuo Jingyou, who was marinating the chicken for roasting. She said, “Oh, come on, it’s true. Tong Tong follows your lead and likes good-looking people. You’ve always been so happy whenever you see someone attractive, right?”

Zuo Jingyou was a bit resigned, “Sis, why do you have to bring me into this conversation about Tong Tong?”

Sun Mingrui sighed, “Who made you so shallow? Oh… I remember now!”

Zuo Jingyou was puzzled, “Remember what?”

Sun Mingrui leaned in close to her ear and said mysteriously, “I was just wondering why Mom had so much free time today and was willing to play with those two little rascals. Now, thinking about your friend, I understand.”

Zuo Jingyou blinked, looking at her sister with confusion. “Understand what?”

Sun Mingrui sighed and said, “Don’t you think Mom also likes good-looking people? Do you remember when you brought a friend from high school home, and Mom praised them for being good-looking and cute? I think she finds Yin Bai attractive, so she’s willing to spend time with them.”

Zuo Jingyou lowered her gaze and chuckled lightly, expressing her resignation, “Sis, you’re quite… even involving Mom…”

Zuo Jingyou paused, then glanced at Sun Mingrui, “But, well, I have to admit, I agree with your perspective.”

Sun Mingrui blinked, “See, even Mom likes good-looking people.”

Zuo Jingyou pursed her lips and nodded. The two sisters exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

While they were chatting in the kitchen, the four people in the living room had nearly completed the puzzle.

At 3 o’clock in the afternoon, Zuo Jingyou had the children go take their baths. With no one to accompany her, Yin Bai and Professor Sun each claimed one end of the couch and picked up a book to read.

Professor Sun was typically reserved, and Yin Bai was quite reserved as well. Maybe it was because they both had a similar aura, Yin Bai didn’t feel as awkward as usual. When the children finished their baths, they began dinner.

Celebrating the New Year in the city meant there were fewer customs to observe. The family enjoyed a lively dinner, and afterward, Professor Sun brought out red envelopes and distributed them to the younger members of the family.

Even the guest, Yin Bai, received one. Yin Bai was pleasantly surprised and said, “Thank you!” She hadn’t received a red envelope from an elder since her grandmother’s passing, and she hadn’t had such a festive New Year’s dinner in a long time.

Perhaps she displayed her joy too clearly. Professor Sun smiled and gave her another red envelope. Yin Bai considered declining it, but Professor Sun paused and said in a gentle tone, “I really liked the folding screen you showed this morning. I want to thank you too.”

Compared to the initial brevity, Professor Sun had found a sense of comfort conversing with her two daughters. Her words flowed more smoothly now.

Yin Bai didn’t refuse any longer and happily accepted another red envelope.

She didn’t notice that Zuo Jingyou, who was nearby, observed the scene and exchanged a knowing glance with Sun Mingrui across the table, a sisterly, unspoken understanding reflected in their eyes.

After giving out the red envelopes, Zuo Jingyou turned on the TV and watched the Spring Festival Gala with her family. In the past, she might have attended the gala, but in recent years, she hadn’t been involved in many projects, so she opted to stay at home and spend time with her family.

Watching the Spring Festival Gala could be a bit dull for the kids, so Wen Wen suggested playing Monopoly, and everyone agreed. The whole family, along with Yin Bai, gathered around the TV, listened to the gala while playing Monopoly.

Although Zuo Jingyou didn’t attend the evening gala this Chinese New Year, Lin Xiao did. His earlier scandals didn’t seem to affect him in the first half of the year, and he gained support from He Zhiwen. This led to his appearance in front of the whole nation.

Not just Lin Xiao, even Xiao Nian joined a group of young talents and performed a song. When Yin Bai heard the familiar voice, she glanced at the TV instinctively. However, it was just a brief look, and she redirected her attention to the Monopoly game.

It was New Year’s Eve, and there was no way she was going to lose the game. To secure her luck for the whole year, she had to win!

The children played until late, and Yin Bai accompanied them to set off small fireworks in the backyard before ending the night’s gathering.

It was past midnight, and after tucking the kids into bed, Yin Bai made her way back to her home with her cane. The night was dark and quiet. Zuo Jingyou walked her to her doorstep.

As Yin Bai was about to enter her house, Zuo Jingyou handed her a small gift box and said, “This is for you, a New Year’s gift.”

Yin Bai smiled and accepted the gift, saying happily, “Thank you.”

Zuo Jingyou urged her to go inside, saying, “You should go in quickly, and be careful on your way back.”

Yin Bai nodded, took out her phone, and said to Zuo Jingyou, “You don’t need to worry; my house is well-lit.” After her words, she took out her phone and activated all the lights inside her home.

In an instant, the villa enveloped by the night was illuminated. Brilliant light radiated from every window, brightening the surroundings.

Zuo Jingyou looked at the brightly lit villa and then back at Yin Bai standing before her. She smiled and said, “In that case, I won’t escort you further. I’ll head back now.”

Yin Bai nodded, saying, “Yes, Teacher Zuo, good night!”

Zuo Jingyou replied with a smile, “Good night…” She paused for a moment and added, “Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year!”

Zuo Jingyou turned and walked towards her own home. As she reached her doorstep, she instinctively turned her head to look in Yin Bai’s direction and immediately spotted the person still standing under the streetlight.

Zuo Jingyou hadn’t expected Yin Bai to remain in the same spot, seeing her off. She was momentarily taken aback.

Soon, the figure under the streetlight seemed to notice that Zuo Jingyou was looking in her direction. She waved at Zuo Jingyou and called out, “Teacher Zuo, Happy New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!”

In the darkness of the night, with her pale complexion, Yin Bai leaned on her cane under the streetlight, facing the well-lit villa. Unintentionally, it gave Zuo Jingyou the impression of a little prince who couldn’t leave her castle—a character reminiscent of the fairy tale where a prince was cursed to become a beast.

Zuo Jingyou’s heartstrings quivered slightly as she smiled. She waved back at Yin Bai and then turned to enter her own home.

As she walked toward her home, she kept thinking about the image of Yin Bai standing under the streetlight. In her mind, she contemplated that perhaps in the past year, things hadn’t been as bad as she had initially believed.

At the beginning of the year, she had discovered her husband’s infidelity, divorced him, and faced the presence of the other man, thinking it might be the start of an unfortunate period in her life. However, the reality had turned out differently. She swiftly secured investments, directed her first film, and made an interesting new friend.

In life, things often appear differently in the end. How could one judge whether an experience was lucky or unlucky before it had been fully lived?

At this moment, Zuo Jingyou felt lucky. She believed that in the new year, her life would only get better.