Chapter 4 Why not sleep?
That year, the Lin family was embroiled in debt disputes. If they couldn't fill the huge hole in the company, her father, Lin Qiliang, would definitely face more than ten years in prison.
Lin Ke didn't know why Old Master Si had taken a liking to her. She only knew that the Lin family desperately needed this marriage that had fallen from the sky to save the family from financial ruin. During that time, Lin Qiliang and Zhu Li practically doted on her and coaxed her, afraid that she would refuse.
But no matter how strong the old man's words were, they couldn't decide everything. At that time, the Si family was in Si Yun's hands. If she didn't allow it, she had a thousand ways to obstruct the marriage.
Later, when the old man's illness worsened, Si Yun went to the Lin family and signed a five-year agreement. The agreement stipulated that no matter whether the old man was still alive or not, and no matter what happened, the marriage had to be dissolved after five years.
Si Xiaotie, who was born unexpectedly, is three and a half years old, with only half a year left until the five-year mark.
Why move out? Because I need to quit.
In recent years, Si Yuming has been stationed in other places almost all the time, but she has never complained. In fact, this has proven to be a good thing. Now, Si Xiaotie is no longer bothered by his father's absence for half a month or a month.
Si Yun seemed to have only come to offer a reminder before leaving, and Lin Ke calmly packed her schoolbag and went out.
Inside the car, the little girl who had been resting on her father's shoulder was now in his arms, sleeping soundly with her lips smacking, probably dreaming of some delicious food.
"Why did it take so long?" Si Yuming spoke softly, reaching out to take the bag from her hand and placing it in the back storage compartment.
Lin Ke smiled and said, "I can't find the small metal cup right now."
The car started.
Si Xiaotie mumbled something, and the man looked down at his daughter, gently patting her to soothe her.
Lin Ke quietly turned her head to look, gradually losing herself in thought.
Perhaps he wasn't the best husband, but he was definitely a good father. Although he was often away on business trips, he would call Si Xiaotie from time to time. He gave her gifts and showed her care just as much as anyone else. When he was home, he would spend time with her and put her to sleep.
Si Xiaotie loves her father very much. As soon as she hears that it's her father on the phone, she will immediately put down the toys she is playing. The mother and daughter always ask about him when they go to bed at night. When she introduces her father to others, her face is full of pride.
Lin Ke grasped her soft, boneless hand hanging by her side, and an unnamed wave silently surged up in his heart, gradually engulfing it.
When they got home, Si Yuming carried the child to the children's room. She put the clothes that Si Xiaotie had changed out of his schoolbag into the washing machine, then packed new clothes for him and replenished his daily necessities. Finally, she washed the water cup.
After getting ready and returning to my room, I could already hear the sound of running water in the bathroom.
Lin Ke stood by the bed for a while, then turned around and went to the kitchen to take out the half-empty bottle of vodka that she had drunk last time.
She wasn't as brave as Si Xiaotie, and she couldn't fall asleep as easily at night, so she needed something to help her sleep, like these few sips of strong liquor with ice in front of her.
The spiciness slid down my throat and spread throughout my internal organs, overshadowing the pervasive waves.
She took her last sip as footsteps echoed in the master bedroom.
The man's hair was half-dry, and his bathrobe was loose. He was leaning against the headboard, processing messages on his phone. Lin Ke naturally went to the wardrobe to get his clothes.
Having a small house also has its downsides; the lack of independent space allows people to breathe and connect at all times.
Today, the wardrobe, which was somewhat empty before, is now crammed full of his newly moved-in items, just like the outside.
Lin Ke rummaged through the room for a while but couldn't find her pajamas. A wave of irritation washed over her. "Where are my clothes?"
Si Yuming looked up and saw the woman's annoyance. He paused, then got up to help her search.
He was a head taller than her, and with a stretch of his arm, he completely enveloped her.
Lin Ke felt a lump in her throat as she smelled the overwhelming sweet scent of the milk-based shower gel she and Si Xiaotie had used behind her.
He certainly didn't like using shower gel with that scent, and she didn't care what he used, but later, at some point, this was the only shower gel they had at home.
Every time he held her or during their most intimate moments, she felt the air was so sweet it made her dizzy.
Finally found it. Lin Ke silently sniffed, took off her clothes, and turned to go to the bathroom.
When she came out after washing up, he was still busy. Their eyes met for a moment, then she looked away, walked to the other side, lifted the covers, and got into bed.
The main light and nightlight went out, and the man hugged her again.
Lin Ke removed his hand. "No."
But tonight he refused. He wrapped his arms around his chest, bit down on the bra strap of his pajamas, and kissed his shoulder. "Unhappy?"
"No," the woman murmured, her voice full of coquettishness.
Si Yuming chuckled and kissed him as he moved his lips down.
Lin Ke's body went limp from the kiss, but her mind remained clear. She held down his fidgeting hands and asked in a low voice, "Did you come back with Jiang Chengyin yesterday?"
Si Yuming frowned and explained, "Yes, it was a coincidence."
"happen?"
You don't believe me?
have no idea.
They were "on a date" together, on the same flight, and she couldn't tell if there was anything else going on between them.
She asked again, "Why did she come back? To celebrate her sister's birthday?"
"No, her father was diagnosed with something, so she came back early to take over the family business."
How did you know?
The man frowned again. "Of course I know that the Jiang family and Entropy Domain have a partnership."
oh.
Lin Ke thought to herself, "If I had known, I wouldn't have asked. What's the point of asking? The result would be the same whether I asked or not, now or in the future."
She was silent for a few seconds, then sat up, hugged her pillow, and said in a muffled voice, "I'm going to sleep with Xiao Tie."
But when he reached the door, he stopped again.
Turning around, I looked directly at that sharply defined face; even with his brows furrowed, his exquisite features were unbelievably perfect.
My gaze moved down and settled on the barely visible, hard chest.
His eyes darkened.
Lin Ke walked back, got on the bed, sat on that lean and strong waist, and kissed his face.
snort.
Before the divorce, he was his own.
If you're not close, you're not close.
If you don't sleep, you might as well.
Overcome with passion, the man with cloudy eyes pressed against her waist, a faint smile playing on his lips as he asked, "Not sleeping with our daughter anymore?"
The intimacy after two or three months left her feeling weak all over. Lin Ke glared at him, her voice incredibly sweet, "I can't soothe her if I wake her up."
The woman was beautiful, but not ostentatious; her eyes and brows reflected her gentle nature.
But now something else was added; her eyes held a charming and affectionate quality with a hint of petulance, making her incredibly captivating.
Si Yuming's eyes curved into a smile as he kissed her cheek and leaned down again.
......
Si Xiaotie's surname is Si. She will never have to worry about food or clothing in her life, but money is only a tiny fraction of what parents can give their children. She hopes to become the mother her daughter is most proud of.
Furthermore, the Si family is too powerful, and she cannot guarantee that Si Xiaotie will be completely hers after the divorce, so she needs to secure the most reliable bargaining chip.
Working hours at Entropy Domain are flexible. After finishing her work in the morning, Lin Ke went back to the company.
Two years ago, Wanxiang Wisdom was just an ordinary translation company in the vast northern city, with sixteen or seventeen employees and five or six common languages.
Lin Ke was sincerely grateful that such a small company was willing to give her a chance after two years of unemployment and with a one-year-old baby.
The company owner's surname is Wan, and his name is Wan Lei. He's only a few years older than her. He used to work in foreign trade and had a lot of resources. When foreign trade wasn't doing well, he opened a translation company. Recently, the translation company has taken off, and foreign trade is also booming. If it weren't for the prior arrangement, Lin Ke wouldn't have been able to see him at all when she returned.
Although Wan Lei was not old, he had old-fashioned ways of doing things. He loved to brew tea for everyone who came. Lin Ke carefully tasted the tea he pushed towards her and praised, "Mr. Wan, where did you get such good tea leaves this time?"
"You're smart to know your place." Wan Lei glanced at him sideways. "What, got into trouble?"
No, not at all.
“I heard that the big boss of Entropy Domain is personally overseeing this project. What’s his name again?” Wan Lei thought for a moment before remembering the name. “Si Yuming, right? The grandson of the Si family in Beicheng. He’s quite capable. I’ve heard he’s a big shot. The fact that he’s personally managing it is to make things more difficult for you.”
Lin Ke silently took another sip of tea.
“I didn’t know about this before, otherwise I wouldn’t have taken it on. But now that I’m doing it, I’ll do it well. If you make a mistake, I’ll cover for you.”
Lin Ke laughed: "President Wan, I won't give you any chance to cover the losses. Just sit back and settle the payment."
She then said, "Mr. Wan, I've come today to discuss something with you."
"What?"
"I saw the notice. We have a meeting with Moscow later, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is recruiting Russian translators. Could you keep an eye out for me and try to get me another opportunity?"
Wan Lei looked up, amused: "So you've got your eye on me?"
“Yes, thank you.” Lin Ke said seriously again, “Mr. Wan, I’m going to resign after I finish the Entropy Domain project.”
Wan Lei's smile froze instantly, and he began to panic. "Why did you resign? Was your commission not enough? Or your vacation time not enough? If it's not enough, just say so. Xiao Tie is indeed still young, like this..."
Lin Ke interrupted him, her gaze firm: "No, Mr. Wan, I plan to take the exam to join the Translation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
Wan Lei was stunned for a moment, then sighed after about half a minute, "Are we really going to have to take the test?"
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as the Ministry of Magic, offers a monthly salary that might not even amount to a fraction of what you could earn from a single project outside, yet the pressure can be so immense that it can crush a person. But it is the dream of countless people.
Wan Lei knew from the first moment he saw her that she didn't belong here, and that day had finally come.
"Lin Ke, getting in isn't easy. It's like a thousand soldiers crossing a single-plank bridge. Are you ready?"
I was ready, or rather, I had been preparing for many years, from every day of my school days on this path, to nine months of pregnancy, a year of breastfeeding, and two years of work; I was preparing all the time.
Yesterday wasn't the catalyst, nor did she suddenly make any decision. She had made this choice from the first day she entered the campus; it was just that this marriage and Si Xiaotie delayed this choice until now.
The woman smiled gently: "We should at least give it a try, shouldn't we?"
......
Kindergarten is most noisy during dismissal time.
Teacher Bai clapped her hands to quiet the children, but they were still noisy, and some children were not even in their seats.
Si Xiaotie's face fell; he was unhappy.
She turned around and shouted, "Don't talk!"
The child's voice was full of energy, and the children fell silent instantly, even startling Teacher Bai.
After a moment of surprise, Teacher Bai said, "The weather forecast says it will get cold tomorrow, so kids, remember to wear warm clothes. Okay, now put on your backpacks and line up."
Si Xiaotie was the first to loudly reply, "I know, Teacher Bai Bai!"
Gu Yiyi echoed, "Okay, Teacher Bai."
Yuan Yuan stuttered a little and struggled to keep up, "I know..."
Before she could finish speaking, Si Xiaotie, with his little backpack on, reached out and took her hand, then took Gu Yiyi's hand with his other hand, and they joined the first place in line.
The three-and-a-half-year-old girl was quite tall, but her build was smaller than Yuanyuan and Gu Yiyi. She looked thin and frail, but the way she held hands and walked with the air of a big sister was just like that of a boss.
Looking at the little girl with her back straight, and then at the other children who were following along obediently without needing any supervision, Teacher Bai whispered to another teacher who was working with her, "I wish she were my daughter."
The co-teacher also looked regretful, saying, "We can forget about it in this lifetime."
After lining up, the teacher led them to the small playground to wait for school to end.
Upon arriving at the playground, Si Xiaotie looked outside and saw the first person in line. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she excitedly told her friends, "My mom was the first one to pick me up today!"
Gu Yiyi looked outside and exclaimed in surprise, "Xiao Tie, your mother is so beautiful!"
"Of course, my mom is the prettiest!" The little girl put her hands on her hips, her face full of pride.
The teacher quickly called her name, and Si Xiaotie waved hurriedly, his steps quick, but he still wanted to finish saying each word clearly, "Yuanyuan bye-bye, Gu Yiyi bye-bye, Teacher Baibai bye-bye."
Then they disappeared in a flash.
After parting ways with his best friend, Si Xiaotie took his mother's hand and skipped around excitedly as he ordered food: "Mom, I want to eat a big chicken leg tonight."
"no problem."
"Little Yellow and Little Green want to eat something delicious too."
Lin Ke didn't know much about what crabs eat, and only did her research the night she bought them. "Let's go buy some feed for them later."
"Um!"
But as soon as Lin Ke got home and put on the newly bought flowers, she heard the girl crying loudly and sadly.
"Waaaaah~ Mommy!"
She panicked and immediately went over.
Si Xiaotie's short legs had already reached him, his little face full of grievance, large tears streaming down his face, as he sobbed, "Mommy... Xiaoqing and Xiaohuang aren't moving... Are they dead...?"
Lin Ke understood; the little girl's first experience of raising a pet was coming early.
She knelt down, hugged the little figures, and comforted them, saying, "Xiaoqing and Xiaohuang have gone to another world."
Si Xiaotie sniffed, his big eyes darting around, "What world?"
"Baby, everything has a lifespan. One day, everyone will leave..."
Lin Ke felt a lump in her throat as she spoke, and it took her a while to continue, "Just like when Dad goes to work in another city, the baby will be separated from Dad. Xiao Tie lives with Mom, while Dad is alone outside, which is another world."
Si Xiaotie didn't understand and was still very sad. "Will Xiaoqing and Xiaohuang come back?"
Lin Ke said with difficulty, "No."
"But Dad is back."
She touched her daughter's face and said slowly, "One day, Dad will also leave us for a long time."
The little girl's eyes reddened again, and she pouted.
The next second, she ran off to the living room to find her phone.
Lin Ke followed, "Little Tie?"
"I want to call my dad!"
Three-and-a-half-year-old Si Xiaotie can already make and receive simple phone calls; he can dial the number in just a couple of swipes.
The call was answered quickly, and after a brief period of noise, the voice became clear, "Wife?"
"It's Xiao Tie."
Hearing the girl's sobs, the man's tone softened: "Xiao Tie, what's wrong?"
"Waaah, Daddy, Xiaoqing and Xiaohuang are dead." Si Xiaotie looked at the water tank next to him, feeling even more sad. Tears started falling again, and his crying was heartbreaking. "Daddy, don't die. I don't want you to go to another world."
Lin Ke bit her lip, wanting to laugh, but she couldn't manage to.
The person on the other end sounded cheerful: "Dad won't die, Dad will always be with Xiao Tie."
"Let's pinky swear!"
"Pinky promise."
The phone call ended, the little girl wiped her eyes with both hands, tilted her head back and laughed so hard her face was covered in smeared tears, "Hehe, Mom, Dad said he won't die."
A note from the author:
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Didi, Chapter Two for Today
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