The CEO’s Dancing Wife – Part Two

On this day, after hosting a banquet at the flagship store of “Tang Li,” Song Li, the CEO of New Song Technology, felt a bit dizzy. He stepped out to the corridor to rest, lighting a cigarette and smoking leisurely. Those who knew him well knew that CEO Song had a particular fondness for Tang Li’s cuisine, arranging most of his events there. But what they didn’t know was that his visits were subconsciously in hopes of seeing Tang Xiaofu. Although he had only encountered her a few times in the past years, and only when she didn’t see him, he was content. After his conversation with Cheng Yu years ago, he remembered Cheng Yu’s final words, ‘Unless you remember everything, don’t disturb Tang Xiaofu. You’ve owed her enough, let her start her new life.’ He agreed. A gentleman keeps his word, so he truly hadn’t sought her out, except for that one glimpse at “Tang Li Jing Jie,” and only in his dreams at midnight did they meet again. As he was lost in thought, puffing smoke… Suddenly, a small figure wobbled up to him, speaking in a babyish voice, “Uncle, don’t smoke.” Song Li looked up to see a three or four-year-old girl, dressed in a frilly little dress, leaning on his leg. Her big, dark eyes, as clear and pure as the finest gemstones, were staring at him with a serious, inquisitive look. Her jelly-like pink lips were pouted, her fair little face was sweet and adorable, with a shallow dimple on her right cheek. Song Li felt a sudden tremor in his heart, the soft, tender body of the little girl leaning against his leg made his whole body tingle. He quickly hid the cigarette hand behind him, extinguished it, and tossed it aside. Without thinking, he picked up the little girl and sat her on his lap, softly teasing, “Why shouldn’t I smoke?” The little girl, not at all shy, earnestly explained, “Smoking smells bad.” She even pinched her little nose, making a rabbit face. “And mom says smoking is bad for your health, she won’t let grandpa smoke, or else she won’t let me hug him. But grandpa secretly gives me chocolate, and we pinky swear not to tell mom.” Her voice was like the sweet song of a young oriole, and Song Li couldn’t help but smile. “Doesn’t your mom let you eat chocolate?” The little girl’s cute little brows furrowed as she nodded, sticking out her tender index finger with an infinite grievance, “She only allows me to eat one piece every day.” Song Li, looking at her infinitely lovable face, couldn’t help but think if she were his daughter, he would cherish her to the bone, willing to offer the whole world to her. “What’s your name?” The little girl chirped, “My name is Xiaomin, but only mom, grandpa, and auntie call me that. Everyone else calls me Junjun. Ugh…” She exaggeratedly shook her body, “They always laugh mischievously when they call me Xiaojunjun.” Song Li hesitated, “And your dad, what does he call you?” The little girl lowered her face, “Dad went to a very, very far place. I’ve never met him.” Song Li felt a pang of sorrow and instinctively hugged her tiny body. The little girl seemed to like him, her soft little arms wrapping around his neck, and she happily discussed, “Uncle, you smoke, but you don’t smell bad. Would you be my dad?” Song Li felt a surge of emotion, just about to say something when he heard a gentle, watery voice calling, “Xiaomin.” The little girl raised her voice in response, “Ah!” then slid off Song Li’s knee, “Mom’s here.” As she spoke, a graceful figure approached, and upon seeing Song Li, she froze. Song Li also seemed to turn to stone; it was the first time in years they had been this close. Although they hadn’t formally met since the hospital, he felt an overwhelming familiarity with her. Fu Xiaotang had grown her hair long, and motherhood had added a mature charm to her, yet her eyes remained as clear and pure as ever. At this moment, she was beautiful like a pearl, gentle, lustrous, and radiant. After a moment of silence, she calmly smiled and nodded to Song Li, “Hello.” Song Li, feeling lost, glanced at Xiaomin, “Is she your daughter?” Fu Xiaotang nodded, looking down at her daughter with infinite affection. Xiaomin hugged her mother’s leg, looking up, “Mom, do you know this uncle? Is he my dad?” At these words, both adults were shocked. Song Li’s heart pounded as if all his blood was rushing to his heart. Fu Xiaotang bent down, picking up Xiaomin with a playful scold, “Silly child, haven’t I shown you dad’s photo?” Xiaomin pouted, “But why doesn’t he ever come home?” Fu Xiaotang furrowed her brows, turned to Song Li, “Mr. Song, that’s how it is, we’ll be leaving now.” She was about to leave with her child when Song Li stepped aside to block their path, staring intently at Fu Xiaotang, his eyes burning with passion, but unable to express his thoughts. Fu Xiaotang calmly looked back at him, teasing lightly, “Mr. Song, you don’t take children’s words seriously, do you?” Song Li reached out, grasping Fu Xiaotang’s wrist, “Tang Xiaofang, I dream of you almost every day.” Fu Xiaotang glared at him, whispering sternly, “Don’t say that in front of the child.” Song Li smiled at Xiaomin, who smiled back; she indeed liked this handsome uncle. Turning to Fu Xiaotang, Song Li said in a calm yet determined tone, “I still can’t remember now, but when I do, Tang Xiaofang, I will come find you.” Fu Xiaotang silently gazed at him for a moment, then gave a dismissive smile, said no more, and walked away with Xiaomin in her arms. Xiaomin waved her chubby little hand back at the uncle, blowing him a kiss. Song Li watched as their figures gradually disappeared into the distance.