A Ming's child was already asleep under Apple's care.
Now there were four adults in the house, paired by gender, finding places to chat separately.
On the balcony, A Ming leaned against the railing with a beer can, gazing at the two women inside with Ou Yunchen.
A Ming: "Brother Yunchen, I'm truly grateful to you. The stocks you recommended to me have all surged."
Ou Yunchen: "It was your good luck."
A Ming: "I, A Ming, am not a greedy person, but I want to earn some quick money to give my child a better life."
Ou Yunchen: "Have you considered changing your job?"
A Ming: "With only a primary school education and limited literacy, I'd be a waiter elsewhere. Besides, Sister Hong pays me well; I'm content."
Though Ou Yunchen and A Ming chatted idly, his gaze never left Mo Qingyun, who sat with her back to him.
A Ming: "Brother Yunchen, what kind of girls do you like?"
Ou Yunchen: "Why the sudden question?"
A Ming: "Ah, it's just that you seem to envy and like children, so I thought I'd urge you to find a good girl, perhaps marry and have children sooner."
Ou Yunchen: "I like quiet ones."
A Ming: "But opposites attract, don't they? You're already quite serious. If you find someone who doesn't talk, wouldn't your life be rather boring?"
Ou Yunchen: "Is that so? Perhaps the right person hasn't appeared yet..."
In the room, Mo Qingyun communicated with Apple in her own way. Apple loved to talk, and Mo Qingyun loved to listen, occasionally writing down her thoughts with a pen and paper to respond to Apple's questions.
Apple: "Xiao Yun, thank you for not revealing my secret."
Mo Qingyun wrote: "Besides being mute, who else can keep a secret?"
Mo Qingyun gave a self-deprecating smile, which also made Apple laugh.
Mo Qingyun continued writing: "A Ming is a good man. He treats you very well. You should cherish him."
Apple: "Actually, I wanted to get an abortion. But the joy on his face when he found out I was pregnant made me unable to tell him that the child isn't his..."
Mo Qingyun pointed to her mouth, then waved her hand, implying not to say more.
Apple: "Look, all the baby's things in this house were bought by him. He accompanied me to every prenatal check-up, and even does the night feedings and diaper changes."
Mo Qingyun followed Apple's gaze, surveying the home's furnishings.
All sharp corners were covered with bumper guards. Baby products filled the shelves. The crib in the bedroom and the car seat by the door all seemed to have been prepared by A Ming.
Apple: "Every time I take the baby for vaccinations, neighbors who meet A Ming say he's a good father."
Mo Qingyun wrote: "That's wonderful!"
Apple: "But the more he does, the stronger my guilt becomes. I fear he'll hate me if he ever learns the truth."
Mo Qingyun turned her head again, following Apple's gaze to A Ming, who stood on the balcony with the door closed, drinking. Ou Yunchen, standing beside him, looked away unnaturally.
Seeing Apple look up, A Ming smiled happily and waved. Apple forced a smile in return. Perhaps A Ming believed Apple was looking at him out of affection.
Mo Qingyun wrote: "You'll have your own children. Everything will be alright."
Apple: "Enough about me, let's talk about you."
Mo Qingyun pointed to herself, unsure what there was to talk about.
Apple: "Do you like that man?"
Mo Qingyun tensed immediately, feeling flustered and uneasy, as if a deeply buried secret had been discovered.
Apple: "What's there to be shy about with me? I've noticed your gaze towards him has been different several times."
Mo Qingyun pursed her lips, a little shy.
Apple: "Aren't you planning to confess? You know he's not the bartender he used to be anymore; he's the boss of a company now. Do you understand the principle of striking while the iron is hot?"
Mo Qingyun quickly shook her head. She didn't dare to reveal her feelings. Because Ou Yunchen was so outstanding now, like a star in the sky, so distant, she couldn't possibly confess.
Mo Qingyun wrote: "I'm mute, and an orphan. I'll just like him silently."
Apple: "What if he likes you too?"
Mo Qingyun wrote: "Impossible... Actually, it's good just like this, at least like friends."
Apple: "But he was standing there just now, constantly looking at you."
Mo Qingyun's mouth fell open slightly. She found it hard to believe what she was hearing.
Apple: "See, he's looking at you again."
Mo Qingyun quickly turned her head. Before she could meet Ou Yunchen's eyes, he, sensing her movement, naturally turned away, facing outward.
Now Mo Qingyun could only see Ou Yunchen's back.
Mo Qingyun turned back with a hint of disappointment, looking awkwardly at Apple. Perhaps Ou Yunchen had looked at her, but it wasn't as exaggerated as Apple claimed.
Mo Qingyun checked the time. She had to go; she had work at Athena tonight.
Apple: "Leaving already? I'll walk you out."
Seeing Mo Qingyun and Apple stand up, A Ming realized Mo Qingyun might be leaving and opened the balcony door, intending to see her off.
A Ming: "Xiao Yun? Is it time? Shall I call you a car?"
As A Ming reached for his phone, Ou Yunchen stopped him.
Ou Yunchen: "I'll take her."
A Ming: "You can't leave; we still have so much to talk about."
Apple: "We can talk next time. It's not safe for Xiao Yun to take a taxi to the bar alone. Please, Brother Ou Yunchen, take her."
A Ming: "But..."
Apple: "No buts. It's settled. Xiao Yun, we won't see you two off then. The roads are wet and slippery; drive carefully."