"Hua Hua’s grandmother is gone, Hua Hua’s grandfather has been sad for some time and has not recovered yet. This situation has somewhat affected Hua Hua. With a despondent person by your side, it can affect your mood too, so this exam wasn’t very ideal. But it’s just the third-year middle school exam, and she can improve gradually in the future." Qiu Hualan started by giving her daughter a basin of hot water, helping Ye Qing wash up while sharing the latest happenings with her. "Hua Hua’s grandfather is an old man, how can he take care of a child well? I suggested having Hua Hua live with me, then let her visit him on weekends, but he wasn’t happy with that idea. Well, if he doesn’t want to, he doesn’t want to. Anyway, Hua Hua’s middle school is close to where I live. I’ve talked to Hua Hua; after school, she can visit me more often."

"Aunt arrived today, it’s just right, the grandson is here too, I can take a photo of you all as I just bought a new camera. Let me give it a try." Ding Dongqin entered at the perfect moment, smiling with a new camera in her hands.

Qiu Hualan realized she hadn’t taken photos in years. Seeing it was free, she nodded immediately, "Sure, thank you."

"No problem, no problem. Oh... why not go outside? The scenery is nice, and the weather is pretty good."

"Okay, okay." Qiu Hualan cheerfully stood up, quickly tidied Ye Qing’s hair. She called Du Guangjun and Hua Hua to go out together.

Ding Dongqin helped them take several pictures outside — family portraits, singles, everyone had quite a few taken, especially Hua Hua.

She even mentioned she would bring the photos next time she visits. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

On the third day after Qiu Hualan returned with Hua Hua, something happened at the mental hospital — suddenly someone had an episode and went missing.

The hospital staff searched for two days without finding anything, realizing it was a big issue, they quickly contacted the family.

Qiu Hualan received the call from the hospital while signing Hua Hua up for a tutoring class.

Upon hearing the news of her daughter’s episode and disappearance, it felt as if the sky had fallen, she hurried to the hospital to question them, but it was too late. The hospital could only do its best to find her.

They have already reported it to the police. All they can do now is wait for results.

Meanwhile, Ye Qing got out with the materials Ding Dongqin prepared for her, disguised herself, and went straight to Z City.

Ye Qing had no idea when she got better; she always felt like she was dreaming. How could she, being so clever and sharp, stay in this place? She shouldn’t be here, this wasn’t her life. But in reality, she indeed was here, and had been for several years. Ever since her mind cleared, she kept quiet, silently contemplating her life — whether the life she’d had was what she wanted, whether it should have been like this.

Deep down, she knew what was good for her, yet she couldn’t get over the hurdle. She wasn’t even as clear-minded as her mother.

These years, her mother often visited her, always accompanied by Du Guangjun. She could sense that her mother was happy, content. Her greatest joy now was doing a small business, earning a bit of money, and being with her daughter and grandson.

Gradually, she realized this kind of life wasn’t so bad. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so headstrong. She shouldn’t have pushed forward disregarding the thorns ahead just for something trivial, ending up hurt and battered. Failed in many aspects, wasting energy and emotion. Slowly, she came to understand — perhaps one day she’d tell the doctor she’s well and wants to leave. It’s time she enjoys life.

Yet no matter where she went, the shadows of those people followed, which she didn’t want. She didn’t want to see certain people, certain things, and remember what she endured in the past.

Until she overheard Ding Dongqin’s chatter accidentally. She knew somewhat about the friend Ding Dongqin mentioned, who used to be her lover. Her daughter opposed them back then, so they still kept it secret now.

Her old lover was into immigration, handling overseas visa processes. Ye Qing promised to give Ding Dongqin twenty thousand yuan if handled successfully.

Ding Dongqin agreed, thus helped Ye Qing collude and escape.

Ye Qing had no money now, even the two hundred yuan she had when she left was given by Ding Dongqin. Heading to Z City wasn’t to settle accounts with Lin Wanhan, she just wanted to sell the house there. Mei Langchi only knew about the house in Capital City, not the others. Even if he knew she had properties elsewhere, he wouldn’t know their locations or be able to sell them. Ye Qing’s property documents were buried in each house, a habit of hers — no matter where they were, every house’s documents were sealed and buried underground.