The next morning, sunlight sprinkled across the lotus pond, Jian Xi woke up in bed. Beside her, it was empty — no Nan Mufeng, nor Little Pumpkin.
She remembered being in the living room all evening, but when did she return to bed?
Thinking of last night, Jian Xi felt sweetness in her heart. She got out of bed barefoot and went outside, seeing Nan Mufeng at the pond teaching Little Pumpkin how to row a boat.
A child not yet five years old, how could he row a boat? It was entirely for show. Yet, the adults were happily teaching, and the child joyfully learning; bursts of laughter scattered over the pond.
Jian Xi yawned and sat on the terrace watching them play.
The morning sunlight was very warm, making her feel extremely comfortable. It would be Little Pumpkin's birthday at the end of the month; as a mother, she had neglected to celebrate it for him. She wanted to come up with an idea to let her son have a joyful birthday.
...
