C17 Mama!
Gu Beixue had been feeling anxious these past few days, especially tonight. Tomorrow was Saturday, and she would finally get to see Qing'er. Bai Luo hadn't told Qing'er yet, planning to pick her up tomorrow without letting his parents know. If they found out, they would surely try to persuade him to stay with Gu Beixue.
His parents weren't fond of Jee Huiru, especially since she hadn't given them any grandchildren. Now, they only wished for their son and granddaughter to live well. The only person who could provide Qing'er with a complete family was Gu Beixue, as she was her biological mother.
Gu Beixue was destined for a sleepless night, tossing and turning in bed. The sun had already risen, casting a warm glow that lifted her spirits. She got dressed early, her excitement evident, and she wore a bright smile.
She had arranged to meet Bai Luo at the largest amusement park in town. Arriving an hour early, she sent him a text. Bai Luo, still at home, took his time before heading out to pick up Qing'er.
When he arrived, Qing'er ran to him, hugging his leg tightly. "Daddy, it's been so long since you came to see me," she said with a hint of a pout.
Bai Luo chuckled, picked her up, and gave her a big kiss on the cheek before heading inside the house. Qing'er kept peering into the car, hoping to see someone else, but it was just Bai Luo.
Inside, Bai Luo told his mother, "Mom, I'm taking Qing'er out to have some fun today. If you have nothing planned, maybe you could go out too."
With that, Bai Luo and Qing'er left. As they walked, Bai Luo casually asked, "Qing'er, do you want to meet your mom?"
Bai Qing'er saw him, paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Of course I want to!"
If Bai Qing'er said she didn't want to, he definitely wouldn't let her meet Gu Beixue. Seeing her eager expression, Bai Luo didn't say anything more.
Gu Beixue stood at the entrance of the amusement park, constantly checking her watch and glancing ahead. As time ticked by, her heart raced, and she clenched her hands tightly.
It was only three minutes past nine-thirty when Gu Beixue spotted a man in the distance. One of his hands was in his pocket, and the other was holding the hand of a little girl who bore a slight resemblance to her.
The little girl was lively and bouncing around, looking adorable as they slowly approached.
Gu Beixue's legs felt weak, as if she might collapse at any moment. They stood facing each other, about ten steps apart, and Gu Beixue couldn't take her eyes off the little girl. Tears began to fall uncontrollably.
Unable to hold back any longer, Gu Beixue ran over and knelt to embrace her daughter, Bai Qing'er. It was their first meeting in five years.
The sound of her heartbroken sobs quickly drew the attention of passersby. Seeing this, Bai Luo spoke with a hint of impatience, "Can you stop crying? Otherwise, people might think I'm bullying you. Why are you crying after seeing your daughter?"
Hearing Bai Luo's words, Gu Beixue quickly stopped crying and released her embrace, continuing to gaze at Bai Qing'er.
Not familiar with Gu Beixue, Bai Qing'er didn't know what to say and just kept looking at her.
Gu Beixue immediately smiled and said, "Qing'er, I'm your mom!"
She hoped Bai Qing'er would call her mom, but the little girl just stood there, staring at her.
Despite this, Gu Beixue was so overwhelmed to see her daughter that she was at a loss for words.
As Gu Beixue held Bai Qing'er's hand and started to walk inside, Bai Luo suddenly coughed twice.
"Qing'er, why don't you go play with her today? I have some work at the office, and I'll pick you up this afternoon," Bai Luo said with a smile to Bai Qing'er. However, his smile faded as soon as he glanced at Gu Beixue.
After Bai Luo left, Gu Beixue picked up Bai Qing'er. In that moment, she was the picture of a loving mother, her usual stern demeanor nowhere to be seen. Gu Beixue smiled and asked, "Qing'er, what do you want to do? I'll take you anywhere you like."
Bai Qing'er looked at Gu Beixue and gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, a gesture that touched Gu Beixue deeply. Without saying a word, Bai Qing'er was already in Gu Beixue's embrace as they headed inside.
The amusement park was bustling with families on that Saturday. Bai Qing'er rarely visited such places, as her grandparents never brought her here, so she was wide-eyed with excitement. At the park, Gu Beixue seemed to forget everything else. After spending some time together, they both laughed heartily and quickly bonded.
They explored every corner of the amusement park and even went for some Western food. With time to spare, Gu Beixue took Bai Qing'er shopping for a few outfits.
Happy moments always seem to fly by. Just then, Gu Beixue received a text from Bai Luo: "I'm waiting for you at the amusement park entrance."
Despite her reluctance to part with Bai Qing'er, Gu Beixue knew she had to. As they walked toward the park entrance, Gu Beixue asked, "Qing'er, did you have fun with Mom?"
Bai Qing'er flashed a sweet smile and replied, "Yes, I had a great time."
Pleased with Bai Qing'er's response, Gu Beixue kissed her cheek, lingering for a moment. When they saw Bai Luo, Gu Beixue paused and asked Bai Qing'er, "Qing'er, can you call me 'Mom'?"
Bai Qing'er didn't respond, simply gazing at Gu Beixue. After a moment, Gu Beixue realized she wouldn't hear the word she longed for.
Although this left Gu Beixue a bit disappointed, she understood that expecting Bai Qing'er to accept her immediately was a bit too much. She knew it would take time and was willing to be patient.
Standing beside Bai Luo, she noticed him holding a cigarette, exuding an air of authority. Reluctantly, Gu Beixue set Bai Qing'er down. Without a word, Bai Luo ushered Bai Qing'er into the car, discarded his cigarette, and got in as well.
Gu Beixue watched them leave, and as the car drove a short distance away, she saw Bai Qing'er standing at the sunroof. Gu Beixue was puzzled, unsure of what Bai Qing'er was up to.
"Mom, Mom," a sweet voice called out. Gu Beixue was momentarily stunned, and it wasn't until the car was far away that she realized what had happened. Overcome with emotion, she began to smile broadly.
She kept repeating softly to herself, "Mom, Mom."