Chapter 1057: In Time, You’ll Understand

Gu Zi stepped into the study and, just as expected, found Su Li fast asleep, sprawled over the desk. Scattered across the polished mahogany surface were sheets of calligraphy practice, the ink still glistening under the soft glow of the lamp.

This little rascal–he really had been practicing all night!

With a careful touch, Gu Zi collected the calligraphy sheets and set them aside. Then, she gently draped a small blanket over Su Li’s slumped figure, tucking him in like a mother hen fussing over her chick.

A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes as she plucked a small red flower sticker and lightly pressed it onto his forehead. For once, the usually playful Su Li had shown such dedication–how could she not reward him?

When Su Li awoke, he groggily reached up, only to feel the blanket over his body and the little flower stuck to his forehead.

Instantly, his drowsiness vanished, replaced by uncontainable excitement. He bolted out of the study, his feet barely touching the floor.

Who would have thought that diligently practicing calligraphy could earn him a coveted red flower from his mother? This was a revelation! If he worked even harder, maybe–just maybe–he could get more red flowers than his brother!

Bursting downstairs, Su Li eagerly searched for his mother, but she was nowhere to be found. Instead, he spotted Gao Ming, who was practically bouncing on his toes, eyes shining with excitement.

“Su Li! Guess what? My grandma just signed me up for a calligraphy class too! We can go together later!”

Su Li’s face lit up. Learning with Gao Ming? That meant twice the fun!

To be honest, the past few days had been mind-numbingly dull, and he was practically dying for some company. “Great! If you don’t understand anything, I’ll teach you. Don’t worry!”

The two boys quickly abandoned their quest for Gu Zi and dashed into the courtyard to play. They barely got through a few rounds of hopscotch when their attention was caught by a tall, distinguished-looking man walking down the street across from them.

There was something undeniably striking about him–his presence commanded attention, his posture was straight as an arrow, and his gaze unwavering.

Gao Ming nudged Su Li, whispering in hushed awe, “Hey, Su Li, have you ever seen that guy before? I swear, I’ve never seen him around here. And he’s heading towards the Xu house!”

Su Li remained remarkably unbothered. “I know who he is. That’s Xu Sheng’s father. He recently started living with Xu Sheng.”

Gao Ming’s jaw practically hit the ground. “What?! Xu Sheng has a father? I thought… I mean… I never once saw the guy before!”

Su Li frowned, puzzled by his friend’s reaction. “Of course, Xu Sheng has a father. Everyone has a father and a mother. Why would you think otherwise?”

Gao Ming’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Think about it! Ever since Xu Sheng and his mom moved here, we’ve never seen his dad–not even once! And now, all of a sudden, when Xu Sheng’s mom is in trouble, this so-called father appears? Don’t you think that’s suspicious? And how do you even know that he’s really Xu Sheng’s dad?”

Su Li’s mind whirred. Could it be? Could this man not be Xu Sheng’s father at all, but some dangerous impostor taking advantage of the situation?

His heart pounded as he sprang into action, sprinting toward the man just as he reached the Xu family’s front gate.

“Hey!” Su Li called out, planting himself firmly in front of the man. The stranger, who had just been about to push the door open, glanced down at the little boy blocking his path. A flicker of irritation crossed his face but disappeared almost instantly, replaced by a polite, measured expression. “Yes? Can I help you?”

Summoning all his courage, Su Li puffed out his chest and declared, “Yes, you can! I don’t think you’re really Xu Sheng’s father. Why are you pretending to be? What’s your real motive?”

The man’s gaze darkened slightly, but he gave nothing away. He regarded Su Li with an unreadable expression, then spoke in an even tone, “And what makes you think I’m not his father?”

Su Li didn’t hesitate. “Because you never lived with him before! And now, when his mom is in trouble, you suddenly show up. That’s not normal!”

The man let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “Xu Sheng is indeed my son. As for why I wasn’t around before… well, that’s a complicated matter, one that’s not for you to know just yet. But trust me, in time, you will understand. And tell me this–do you really think Xu Sheng wouldn’t recognize his own father?”

Su Li faltered. That was a good point. Xu Sheng was no fool–he was one of the smartest kids in class. Surely, if this man wasn’t his father, Xu Sheng would have said something, right?

“Fine then!” Su Li crossed his arms. “Where is Xu Sheng? I need to ask him myself.”

The man’s expression softened ever so slightly. “Xu Sheng hasn’t been feeling well lately. He’s been resting at the hospital. I just came to get some of his clothes. Would you like to visit him?”

A pang of worry tugged at Su Li’s chest. Xu Sheng had indeed looked pale and unwell recently, and now, with everything happening to his mom, things must be even worse for him.

Without hesitation, Su Li grabbed Gao Ming’s hand and turned back toward his house.

“Wait here! I’ll go tell my mom, and then we’ll come with you!”

The man nodded. “Alright. I’ll wait.”

As Su Li and Gao Ming dashed away, the man remained standing at the gate, watching them go. His gaze softened, and for the briefest moment, a trace of nostalgia flickered in his eyes. He tilted his head up toward the sky, lost in thought, as the clouds drifted by in the endless blue expanse.