Gu Xuelan: "... It's the second day since his... birthday."
Exley: "So you stood there letting him curse for an hour."
Gu Xuelan remained silent.
In Exley's tone, there was no emotion, but his words were increasingly cutting: "Mother, did you kill him? Did you steal his father from me?—He loved to curse. You went and cheered him on; what a show of support."
At this moment, Gu Xuelan was far less assertive than when she was in the car earlier. She sighed softly: "Don't say that."
Exley said: "No one owes him anything. He has no shame?"
...
Exley poured two cups of milk from the kitchen and handed one to Gu Xuelan, trying his best to remain calm: "Mom, drink this before you go back up to bed. It's late."
"If I hear you standing there again next time he curses, I'll beat him until he can't talk anymore."
"I'm serious."
Gu Xuelan took the glass of water.
The boy in front of her had grown so tall that Gu Xuelan momentarily lost her balance.
Her son's eyebrows and eyes were a reflection of hers. This appearance should have been delicate, but some sharpness and coldness broke through his appearance, making him seem distant and strange to his mother.
Eventually, she looked at the loose strands of Exley's hair from when he was sleeping, noting that they were as soft as ever, just like in childhood.
Not knowing what to say, Gu Xuelan turned away until she regained her composure. By then, Exley had already climbed upstairs.
Exley's sleep quality was terrible; after being disturbed, even milk couldn't help him fall asleep. He stared at the dark night outside and suddenly wondered what time it was.
Originally just to check the time, but once he found his phone, he lost all intention of sleeping.
"Rey, King of Barbecue Stands": "Your mom's a bitch, I'm quitting!" [Image]
"Rey, King of Barbecue Stands": "I really am quitting this time!" [Image]
"Rey, King of Barbecue Stands": "This is the last time! If I continue to play, I'll be a pig!" [Image]
Two hours ago, Zhou Dali had sent three screenshots in quick succession. Each one read: "Your score is too low; you need more practice."
Zhou Dali was currently playing a new season of a game that required him to increase his scores. Otherwise, he would have been scrolling through WeChat at this odd hour.
The atmosphere in the internet cafe was even livelier than during the day. A few buckets of instant noodles were laid out near the keyboards as Zhou Dali blew smoke rings and pressed the butt of his cigarette into the ashtray, then added: "Did you drink?"
Exley replied: "I don't drink; fake alcohol is harmful."
Zhou Dali asked: "From your tone, I'll guess that you're in love now?"
Exley retorted: "Love? What love."