Rebirth: Once Again With You

Unlike what she imagined, there was no reprimand or accusation in her mother's question. There was only confusion and worry. It put her mind at ease, knowing that her mother didn't blame her for this. At least for now.

"I did. Mother, you might not know this, but Xiaohua is developing a twisted way of thinking because of external influence. Living in our toxic home influenced her way of thinking badly, and she needs help."

Li Caiyi contemplated a bit before continuing. "Mother, please don't weirdly think about this, but if you feel uncomfortable and depressed or have a difficult time after the divorce, it's probably better if you seek professional help."

"Ah?" Su Suyin was taken aback before an amused chuckle escaped her. "I'm fine. I wasn't holing up in my room because I was depressed about the divorce or anything. It did affect me a little, but I was more concerned about how I should face you three."

"Mother, do you pity us?"

"I can't deny that. Li Jirong isn't a good father for you three; it's best if he disappears. But at the same time, I feel lost. Maybe I have become too dependent on other people, so I was confused when everything changed drastically like this.

"You'll get used to it soon, Mother. You are fine before you meet him, so you will be fine without him."

"I'm also not confident I can do my job right. Even thinking like that makes me ashamed of myself. My children have suffered a lot before. As a mother, I have failed."

"You can do better from now on. Unlike before, you don't have to feel afraid or oppressed anymore. We are all grown up now, so don't worry about it too much." Li Caiyi gently comforted her.

"Thank you, Xiaoyi. Sometimes, it doesn't feel like I'm talking with a kid when I talk to you. You had matured so much when I didn't pay attention." Su Suyin said in a sad tone. "It gives me a bittersweet feeling inside."

Li Caiyi felt complicated but chose not to delve further into this topic.

"So, what are you going to do with Xiaohua's request?"

"I will agree to it. After talking it to you, I feel more certain now. I'm ashamed to admit it, but you are the closest one to that child, so you'll know better about her needs. My head was too muddled in the past, and I have wronged you so many times. I'm very sorry, Xiaoyi."

"Mother, you have apologized to me enough, so please don't do it again. I'm content with what I have now, so there's nothing to regret."

"I understand. Then, I will arrange a meeting with a psychiatrist soon. Xiaohua seemed to be adamant about it. I wonder what you say to her to make her so enthusiastic about it?"

Li Caiyi smiled faintly as she looked outside the window. Shao Jingfei was currently watering the plant in front of the cafe.

"I didn't do anything. Xiaohua changes because she is surrounded by good people now. Mother, please support her just like how you support me too."

"I will." Su Suyin's voice was gentle and content, as though whatever bothered her mind had gone now. "Xiaoyi, please tell me when you are going to visit. Mother will make your favorite sweet and sour ribs."

Li Caiyi was stunned for a moment before she closed her eyes while smiling. "I can't wait. I will tell you when I have time, then."

"En. Then I will hang up now. Take care of yourself. Call me whenever you need anything."

"Thank you, Mother."

Li Caiyi's heart was light and filled with warmth. The sweet and sour rib was indeed her favorite dish.

However, the table had always been filled with her father's or siblings' favorite foods for as long as she could remember. To the point she doubted if her mother even knew what her favorite was.

It turned out Su Suyin actually knew about it. Li Caiyi felt silly that small things like this were enough to make her content.

But it was still nice to have someone cooking for her for once.

***

Meanwhile, Li Chunhua was sitting on the edge of her bed in the Li family's house while looking thoughtfully at her phone.

"Should I call him or not?" The girl muttered with a deep frown on her face. Her finger hovered above the screen, unsure of what to do.

'Why did I hesitate? He is my advisor so listening to my ranting is his job.' Li Chunhua commented inwardly.

She chased away her hesitation and finally tapped on the dial button. The call line was connected only in a few rings.

"Hello? What is it this time?"

From the other side, the first thing Shao Jingfei did was groan lazily. A small smile crept up Li Chunhua's lips at his complaint.

"What? Are you unhappy because I called you? You should feel honored instead."

"I will feel honored if you only call me once a week or so, but you have been calling me at least once every day now."

"You complained like that, but you still picked up my call in a matter of seconds. Just admit that you are actually waiting for me to call you." Li Chunhua giggled.

"I can't talk with you at all. Say it. What's the matter this time?" Shao Jingfei said in a defeated tone.

"I already told my mother I wanted to receive treatment."

There was a brief silence from the other side, and only the sound of something being put down could be heard.

"You did? Have you thought about this thoroughly?"

Li Chunhua nodded, despite knowing he wouldn't be able to see it. "I have made up my mind. I need to make my first step if I want to change, just like Xiaoyi and Brother Jie. I don't want to be the only one left behind."

"I see. You are doing the right thing. Good job, Chunhua." Shao Jingfei praised her sincerely, making her smile deepen.

She ignored it before because she was used to hearing it, but it felt good to be complimented by him. It subconsciously made her want him to compliment her more.

'I can't help it. He is my first genuine friend, so his words hit differently from the other friends I have,' Li Chunhua reasoned with herself.

"Hehe, I know, right? I called you as soon as I could because I want to let you know about it."

"Heh, you sound happy. If you are happy, then it's all worth it to sacrifice my ear to hear you out."

Li Chunhua felt the mood was suitable for telling him what she had wanted to say.