C27 The Crescentshaped Birthmark

"Mr. Fu, do you also think my singing is pleasant?" Soong Ruanruan's tone was light and easy, even playful. "I believe so too, especially the high notes—I think I have the potential to be a star."

"Don't try to deflect," came the man's icy response through the phone, tangible in its chill.

Unfazed, Soong Ruanruan replied, "Deflect from what topic? The difference in my speaking and singing voice? That's quite normal. Many people sound ordinary when they talk but become enchanting when they sing."

It was a fact that couldn't be denied; several famous singers were known for this very trait.

In essence, voice alone wasn't sufficient.

The man remained silent for a moment until Soong Ruanruan gently reminded him, "Mr. Fu, it's getting late. We shouldn't disturb Dear Sui's sleep."

Fu Jingchuan glanced at his son, who was sleeping more peacefully than usual that night.

Finally, the call ended, and Soong Ruanruan exhaled in relief.

If she wasn't mistaken, Fu Jingchuan's seemingly accommodating stance might just be... a test!

...

The following day, Fu Sui arrived at the hospital for his routine treatment. After the psychological assessments, Soong Ruanruan felt much more reassured.

Thankfully, the child was still young, with a better chance for early intervention and correction.

Waiting until adolescence or adulthood, when personality traits are nearly set, would make it much harder to adjust Dear Sui's mindset—it could take a lifetime.

"Dear Sui, why haven't you gone back yet?"

After wrapping up her work for the day, Soong Ruanruan stepped out of her office to find Fu Sui still waiting in the hallway.

That was unusual; the Fu family was always on time.

Fu Sui looked up and simply said, "Swimming."

That's when Soong Ruanruan remembered—it was time for Dear Sui's swimming lesson.

As the Little Young Master of the Fu family, he wasn't like other children who waited every day. His schedule was filled with various specialized classes and a variety of extracurricular activities designed to foster his intellectual and physical development.

Fortunately, the child was not averse to these activities. In fact, he was particularly eager to soak up knowledge, almost as if it were a hobby of his own.

Zhou Chi approached them after ending his phone call.

"Little Young Master, Mr. Fu can't make it right now."

Fu Sui wasn't taken aback by the news; it seemed to have become a routine expectation.

Soong Ruanruan's brow furrowed upon hearing this. "Didn't Mr. Fu promise to go swimming with Dear Sui?"

"Yes, but Mr. Fu is too busy today, so..." Zhou Chi didn't see any issue with the situation.

Soong Ruanruan's frown deepened, and her voice took on a stern tone. "One shouldn't make promises if they can't keep them. Once a commitment is made, how can it be so casually broken?"

She thought about how let down Dear Sui must feel each time his hopes were dashed.

Zhou Chi paused, realizing she had a point. However, without children of his own, he wasn't quite sure what the right parenting approach was.

"Dr. Soong, I have to head to the office soon. Could you please take Little Young Master to the natatorium? Someone will be there to meet him."

Soong Ruanruan softened her expression and looked down at the child. "Dear Sui, would you like to go to the swimming pool with your auntie?"

A glimmer of hope shone in Fu Sui's eyes as he nodded quietly.

Zhou Chi watched the exchange and had an epiphany.

Before making decisions for the child, it would be better to ask his opinion first. This was something the CEO rarely did, often making choices unilaterally.

...

Half an hour later, Fu Sui was the sole patron in the expansive swimming pool.

Watching the coach devote full attention to her son, Soong Ruanruan turned to the receptionist and inquired, "Isn't the pool open to others? Why is there only one guest?"

"Young Master Fu's area is best kept free from crowds."

Soong Ruanruan was at a loss for words. How could a natatorium be subject to congestion?

She had assumed that visiting such public venues would allow Dear Sui to mingle and observe the diverse tapestry of life, perhaps even fostering a sense of empathy, not realizing he would receive such exclusive treatment.

Although the Fu family was unique, it wasn't to an extreme degree.

She suddenly realized why her son struggled to express himself—his social difficulties were quite severe.

With a furrowed brow, she gazed silently at the center of the pool.

The coach offered minimal communication with the child, providing only instruction as if any additional words might upset the precious Little Young Master.

This brought to mind the strained interactions between Fu Jingchuan and Dear Sui.

She couldn't stand by and let this continue!

"Could we take a brief pause?" Soong Ruanruan interjected, "I know how to swim. Allow me to teach the Little Young Master. It won't take long."

The receptionist hesitated before calling Zhou Chi, then, after hanging up, gave her consent.

Shortly after, Soong Ruanruan donned her swimsuit and stepped into the pool.

"Dear Sui, watch how Auntie swims first."

"Just like that, use your shoulders in coordination, take it slow, and try not to tense up."

"After a bit of practice, we'll grab a bite to eat. Remember, never swim on an empty stomach, okay?"

Soong Ruanruan engaged with the child in a gentle, conversational manner, a stark contrast to the coach's rigid approach. Unbeknownst to her, Fu Jingchuan watched her with a cold gaze from the spectator's stand.

Her dark yellow skin dipped into the water, a far cry from the pale, smooth complexion he remembered Soong Ruanruan having.

His eyes grew heavy with thought.

After completing a swimming stroke, Soong Ruanruan turned her back to him, and Fu Jingchuan's attention sharpened.

He vividly recalled the faint crescent-shaped birthmark near Soong Ruanruan's shoulder blade, once so noticeable against her porcelain skin.

Yet, there was no such mark on the back of the woman swimming in the pool, only her plainly visible, sallow skin.

His assumptions had been mistaken.

Once the swimming demonstration was over, Fu Sui had grasped the basics.

Soong Ruanruan paused and turned to the coach, Chen Li.

Chen Li felt somewhat embarrassed. Despite his skill and experience in teaching children from affluent families, he had failed to interact with the Fu family people with the ease he typically maintained.

Hearing that the Little Young Master had psychological issues had initially made him quite apprehensive.

But after witnessing Soong Ruanruan's demonstration, he had an epiphany.

"Apologies, Little Young Master. Allow me to teach you once more," Chen Li mustered his courage, speaking as one would to a child, "Uncle Chen knows many swimming techniques. I promise you'll master them all!"

Fu Sui regarded him with mild astonishment.

This was the first time that Chen Li had spoken to him without a rigid tone. Previously, Fu Sui had thought the coach disliked him.

Fu Sui gave a nod.

Chen Li's face lit up with joy. It turned out the child was capable of responding after all.

During previous lessons, the little boy had remained silent, barely making eye contact. Clearly, Chen Li had been using the wrong approach to communicate.

The pair resumed their swimming training, the mood noticeably lighter.

Soong Ruanruan's lips curved into a smile as she climbed out of the pool, feeling cheerful. She reached for the thin blanket nearby, intending to wrap it around herself.

The poolside was slick, and before she could steady herself, her feet slid out from under her, sending her tumbling back towards the water!

Just as Soong Ruanruan braced herself for a mouthful of water, her arm was gripped tightly, and she was yanked back to safety.

Who was this kind-hearted soul?

She quickly regained her footing, exhaling in relief as she met the gaze of her rescuer, "Thank..."

Her words trailed off as she caught sight of Fu Jingchuan's stern expression.