Song Li felt a pang of heartache, instinctively stepping forward to hold her, pulling her hands into his, his face touching hers, kissing her tear-stained cheeks, murmuring, “Xiaofu, my dearest, I was wrong, I was blind, I couldn’t see my own heart, making you suffer like this. I’ve been punished, it’s my fault, can you forgive me?”
Fu Xiaotang only sobbed, her mind blank, as if all she could do was cry, letting out all the buried hatred, grievances, and bitterness in tears. Mrs. Song, perhaps understanding the situation, realized that the girl she adored and wanted as her daughter was actually her unseen daughter-in-law. What a mysterious, yet fated connection. Her eyes reddened as she tugged at Song Li’s sleeve, whispering, “Go inside, let’s talk.” Then to the others, “Come in, all of you.” They sat on the sofa. Mrs. Song held Fu Xiaotang’s hand, looking at her with mixed emotions, tears in her eyes, “Child, I had no idea you were Song Li’s wife. I’m sorry for not visiting sooner. But we haven’t missed our fate, this is the bond between us.” Fu Xiaotang sat still, moved by Mrs. Song’s words, tears flowing again. Mrs. Song continued, “Xiaotang, I know Li wronged you, but he knows he’s wrong now. You don’t know how much he’s suffered during the time you were gone. I’ve never seen my son so heartbroken over someone. Can you… forgive him?” Fu Xiaotang slowly wiped her tears, forcing a smile at Mrs. Song, “Okay, Auntie, I forgive him.” Turning to Song Li, she repeated clearly, “Song Li, I forgive you.” Mrs. Song nodded happily, while Song Li, barely believing his ears, murmured in joy and surprise, “Xiaofu.” Fu Xiaotang’s usually serene face suddenly tightened, as if a layer of frost had unexpectedly descended upon it. She looked at Song Li, whose dark eyes had just been shimmering with tears, but now they seemed to be covered with a layer of ice. “Don’t call me Xiaofu, Tang Xiaofu died long ago. She died when you said you would treat our child the same way you treat my father!” Song Li felt his heart sink straight into an abyss, plummeting into endless depths.
