Old Shadows and New Traces
Seven-year-old Rao Xiaofeng still doesn't quite understand what the words "Dad is missing" mean.
Fortunately, Brother Zhou Yang always held her hand as before and said seriously: "I will take care of you for the rest of my life." This firm promise accompanied her day and night, like a layer of warm armor, quietly soothing the anxiety and loneliness left by her father's absence.
Xiaofeng remembers the delicate atmosphere between the two families whenever they got together: her father and Zhou Yang's father, Zhou Xiao, would withdraw from the crowd to chat privately, while the two mothers would politely sit side by side, their eyes following her and Zhou Yang as they played around. Back then, she loved playing house, and her favorite role was to be Zhou Yang's bride, her childish laughter shrouded in a naive dependence.
Time flew by. By the time Rao Xiaofeng entered high school, Zhou Yang was already a freshman. His family had chosen Business Management for him, but the tedious curriculum made him uncomfortable. So, on afternoons without classes, or even days he skipped, he'd drive to Xiaofeng's school gate and wait for her to finish. He took her to experience all the pleasures of a young girl: video games, basketball, and race cars. Those moments of laughter and joy, shared side by side, became the most delightful chapters of their youth.
Her best friend Ming Xiaoqi had hinted at this more than once, and gossip reports suggested she might be Zhou Xiao's illegitimate daughter, a half-sibling of Zhou Yang. Rao Xiaofeng was skeptical, but she didn't let the groundless rumors truly disrupt her life.
The days in high school are filled with schoolwork, especially in the third year. The life of going back and forth between home and school is as monotonous as a blank sheet of paper, but it also seems particularly fulfilling because of the clear goals.
It wasn't until the afternoon of August 1, 2010, during class, that the teacher suddenly called her, "Rao Xiaofeng, your brother is looking for you."
Xiaofeng's heart tightened, and she trotted downstairs. As soon as she rushed out of the guardhouse, she saw Zhou Yang standing by the car, his figure hazy in the summer sun. She raised her hand and called out, "Brother Zhou Yang," her voice carrying the clearness of a young man.
Zhou Yang turned around upon hearing the sound and quickly walked towards her. The moment he stopped in front of her, he suddenly hugged her tightly. "Xiao Feng," he said in a trembling voice, "Auntie was in a car accident."
Xiao Feng froze in his arms, his mind blank, and he could only mutter, "What's wrong?"
"He passed away..."
Those three words hit Rao Xiaofeng like a huge rock, and her legs gave way, forcing her to squat on the ground. Zhou Yang followed suit, and paused as he tried to support her. He finally pulled her into his arms, letting her tears soak his shoulders.
All the subsequent mourning arrangements were arranged by Zhou Xiao, while Zhou Yang ran around inside and outside, supporting everything for Xiaofeng who was almost collapsed.
Ming Xiaoqi, her best friend, couldn't bear to see Xiaofeng alone at home licking her wounds on the weekends, so she specifically asked her to work part-time at her maternity and baby supplies store. Firstly, she could help take care of the surge in customers on weekends, and secondly, she could always be with her, fearing that the silent sadness would consume her.
On Sunday, August 15, 2010, a customer came in shortly after the store opened.
Xiaofeng took a deep breath, trying to pull herself together, then walked over to greet him. The man was incredibly tall; she tilted her head back to see his profile. "So handsome," Xiaofeng exclaimed inwardly, following him around the baby food area. She cautiously asked, "Sir, how old is the child?" Xiaofeng stared at him eagerly, but he didn't seem to hear her, not reacting at all.
Xiaofeng was a little nervous, but she thought it was her job, and she couldn't ignore the customer. So she followed him to the clothing area, rubbing her hands as she walked. She was a little nervous, but she mustered up the courage to ask again, "Sir, is it a boy or a girl?" The man still ignored her.
Xiaofeng felt the man staring at her, and she ducked her head in fear, her ears burning. But she didn't give up. She followed him to the toy section. Summoning her courage, she stared at the ground and whispered quickly, "Are you using this for yourself or giving it away?" Still, there was no response.
Xiaofeng panicked and ran to the cashier to ask the store manager for help. She looked back as she ran, as if she was afraid that the man would suddenly follow her.
"It's okay, Xiaofeng, I'll go." The store manager's sister took the initiative to step forward.
In less than a minute, the customer left the store, and the store manager shook his head and said, "What a strange customer."
Those who shop at maternity and baby stores are either expectant parents, families with children, or those giving gifts. They are likely to be happy and content, especially parents who buy things for their children, who are very happy to share their children's daily lives.
The next morning, Jiang Wenqing quietly appeared at the mall. He didn't enter any stores, but simply strolled casually through the public areas, his eyes scanning the windows and entrances of the maternity and baby stores. He didn't find the figure he was worried about.
On the afternoon of the third day, Jiang Wenqing reappeared near the maternity and baby store. His gaze penetrated the glass display window, searching every corner of the store. A trace of anxiety and disappointment flashed deep in his eyes. He still hadn't found her.
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