68 Chapter 68

Ye Feng and Ye Bai are seated at a barbecue shop. This is Lin Miaomiao's favorite spot, where they often dine together.

Ye Feng poured some liquor into his cup and then into his son's. "How's your conversation with Miaomiao?" he asked as he took a sip.

Ye Bai raised his cup. "I confessed my situation to her, and she understood," he said, taking a sip from his glass. "At first, she didn't believe me, but eventually, she did," he added, gazing into the liquid in his glass.

Ye Feng tapped his son's shoulder. "Everything happens for a reason," he said, refilling his son's cup.

"Dad, whatever happens to me, please help Miaomiao and her family," Ye Bai said to his father.

Ye Feng smiled. "You don't need to remind me of that. We consider Miaomiao as our own daughter. Especially your mother, you know she wants a daughter. She won't let Miaomiao suffer," he replied to Ye Bai while eating barbecue.

Ye Bai poured a drink into his father's cup. "Dad, I just want to ask, how are my grandparents in Bluestar? Are they similar to those here?" he asked curiously. He had been wanting to ask his father this for a long time, as he hadn't met his grandparents since he was a child in Bluestar.

Ye Feng paused in his eating, shaking his head. "So, they didn't come to my funeral either," he said sadly.

Ye Bai shook his head. "I don't know," he said, trying to use his Photographic Memory to recall the day of his father's funeral, but the faces of the visitors were blurred. He could recall clearly what he remembered, but things he couldn't remember were blurred when he used his Photographic Memory. Memories saved before he acquired the Photographic Memory were unaffected. It was like a memory card with a saved 3gp file video. No matter what high-end phone you put it in, it would play the same video. He could enhance the main points of the video, but the blurred parts remained blurred.

"Yes, they're the same," Ye Feng said, with a hint of sadness. "The only difference is that your grandfather here is understanding, but your grandfather in Bluestar is stubborn. He insists on having his way," he said, taking a sip from his glass.

Ye Bai poured another drink into his father's cup, but Ye Feng snatched it away.

"Did you know that I'm not the only one who was cut off? Your Aunt Xinyi was also cut off from the family," Ye Feng revealed.

Ye Bai was shocked. He didn't know that Aunt Xinyi had also been cut off from their family.

"Your grandfather wanted Sister Xinyi to be betrothed to one of his friend's sons. But she already had a long-term boyfriend at that time," Ye Feng laughed. "Grandma Li begged your grandfather to stop being stubborn and let Xinyi love who she loved. Because of this, he cut off Xinyi. Otherwise, Xinyi wouldn't have been able to go against Father Ye's wishes, and I don't know what would have happened to her lover."

Ye Bai got goosebumps thinking about it. He didn't know that his grandfather had such a personality. Remembering his grandfather's smiling face, he never thought that his personality would be different in Bluestar.

"Then Dad, do you also know about the Qi Renewal Brew?" Ye Bai asked curiously.

Ye Feng nodded. "This is a secret concoction of our ancestors, passed down through generations. I remember Aunt Meili was supposed to inherit it. In Bluestar, Meili was always the one who followed our father's commands. Sister Xinyi and I always teased her as 'Little Commander'," Ye Feng laughed, remembering their childhood days. "I hope their lives are good and happy."

Ye Feng took a deep breath and looked at his son. "Ye Bai, if the day comes when you return to our world, always take care of your mother," he said.

Ye Bai nodded. Even though his father didn't need to remind him, he would still do it.

"And if you meet my family, tell them that I love them, including your grandfather. Tell him that I didn't harbor any resentment towards him because thanks to him, I met my beautiful and loving wife, and I have a son like you," Ye Feng said, a little drunk, with a tear in his eye. "I guess this is one of my regrets in our world. I didn't even get to speak to my father one last time."

Ye Bai had his own regrets, but now his regret was fulfilled because he was with his father again. So, he understood how his father felt.

...

It's been a month since the new school term began. Today, Tang Yuanming, standing tall behind the podium, addressed the eager faces of his students, anticipation hanging thick in the air as he prepared to unveil the news of an upcoming field trip.

"Everyone, the moment we've all been waiting for has arrived," Tang Yuanming announced, his voice ringing out with authority, drawing the undivided attention of his students.

A ripple of excitement swept through the classroom as Tang Yuanming's words settled in. The students leaned forward in their seats, their eyes locked on their teacher, eager for the announcement.

With a smile that reached his eyes, Tang Yuanming savored the moment, relishing in the anticipation reflected in the faces before him. "This week!" he declared triumphantly, and igniting loud cheers and applause.

The classroom erupted into a chorus of excitement, with students exchanging gleeful looks and sharing enthusiastic whispers. Lin Miaomiao and Deng Xiaoqi, seated side by side, exchanged a knowing glance, their faces lit up with excitement.

"Our 11th grade class will embark on an unforgettable journey to Suzhou and Wuxi, spanning three exhilarating days and two unforgettable nights," Tang Yuanming continued, his voice brimming with excitement. "I will send out a detailed itinerary for everyone to review, and don't forget to have your parents sign the permission slips when you get home. Understood?" he reminded them, his tone firm yet filled with warmth.

"Yes!" the students chorused in unison, their voices ringing with anticipation.

"In addition to the exciting destinations we'll explore, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your individuality, as there's no need to adhere to the school uniform for this trip," Tang Yuanming announced.

Deng Xiaoqi's face lit up with excitement at the prospect, her mind already racing with thoughts of the stylish outfits she would wear. "Miaomiao, can you believe it? I'm so excited!" she exclaimed, turning to her friend with a wide grin.

"However," Tang Yuanming continued, his tone taking on a note of seriousness, "while we encourage you to express yourselves, please remember to dress appropriately. You'll be representing our school, and it's important to maintain the image of modern high school students," he cautioned them, his words laced with a sense of responsibility.

"Got it!" the students responded in unison, their enthusiasm undiminished.

"Alright, it's time to head home and start preparing for this unforgettable adventure," Tang Yuanming concluded, his gaze lingering on his students with pride as he exited the classroom, leaving behind a buzz of excitement and anticipation.

Lin Miaomiao quickly glanced behind her to see Ye Bai's reaction, but she was surprised to find him asleep at his desk.

Deng Xiaoqi also noticed Ye Bai sleeping. "What's wrong with Ye Bai? Is he asleep again? He must be staying up late all the time, that's why he keeps falling asleep in class," she remarked, assuming he's always tired.

Lin Miaomiao gently brushed Ye Bai's hair and offered a bitter smile, but she didn't respond to Deng Xiaoqi's comment. Even though she knows the cause of Ye Bai's sleeping problem.

...

Ye Bai stirred from his slumber, noticing that only a few students remained in the classroom. His gaze met Lin Miaomiao's, her eyes silently questioning.

Lin Miaomiao met his gaze and offered a gentle smile. "It's time to go home," she said softly, though Ye Bai detected a hint of sadness behind her words.

But Ye Bai detected a hint of melancholy in her tone. Quickly gathering his belongings, he stood up. "I'll walk you home," he offered, his voice firm with determination.

With Lin Miaomiao's things neatly packed, she stood up and made her way out of the classroom.

"Sorry, Miaomiao," Ye Bai apologized softly, a tinge of remorse coloring his words.

"Don't worry about it. You've already explained," Lin Miaomiao replied, her gaze fixed on the distance. "I just can't help but feel a bit sad, knowing that our days are slipping away like this."

Ye Bai followed Lin Miaomiao as they boarded the bus. As she settled into her seat, Lin Miaomiao leaned against Ye Bai, seeking comfort.

""I'm sorry, Ye Bai," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Regret washed over her for her earlier coldness, and she couldn't hold back her tears.

Ye Bai took a deep breath, fighting back not to cry. With a gentle embrace, he offered comfort to Lin Miaomiao, understanding her turmoil. They both knew that no one was to blame for their circumstances.

After a moment, Lin Miaomiao straightened up, a faint smile gracing her lips despite the traces of tears in her eyes. "The field trip is coming up this week," she explained, breaking the silence as they traveled.

Ye Bai listened attentively as Lin Miaomiao recounted the events of the day in the classroom.

"Let's make this field trip unforgettable," Lin Miaomiao exclaimed, her excitement evident in her voice.

Ye Bai nodded in agreement. "Okay," he replied, determined to make the most of their time together.

...

"Wow, Auntie, your wardrobe is so overflowing with beautiful clothes that it's about to burst," Miaomiao exclaimed as she surveyed Aunt Dingnan's closet.

Lin Miaomiao invited her mother to visit Aunt Dingnan's house to borrow some clothes for the upcoming field trip.

Now, Lin Miaomiao rummaged through the clothes, searching for something suitable to wear.

Wang Dingnan stood up and moved beside Lin Miaomiao. "Feel free to take anything. I think there are two new ones. You can take a look," she offered, handing Miaomiao a dress. "Here, this one is new. And the one you're holding is also new."

Lin Miaomiao examined the clothes she was holding. "This one?" she confirmed.

"Yes, that's the one," Wang Dingnan replied before returning to her seat.

Lin Miaomiao studied herself in the mirror, shaking her head. "Too mature," she muttered.

"Don't take your Aunt's clothes," Wang Shengnan intervened, taking the clothes from Lin Miaomiao's hands and hanging them back in the closet. "I didn't take them; I only looked. I even said this one is too mature," Miaomiao defended herself.

"Do you think I don't understand you?" Wang Shengnan retorted before closing the cabinet.

"These clothes you bought for me are too ugly," Lin Miaomiao complained as she reopened the cabinet and searched for something else.

Wang Shengnan stood by the bed and nudged Dingnan. "You're always on your phone," she commented.

Dingnan stood up in response. "Why?"

"Are these clothes for laundry?" Wang Shengnan inquired.

Wang Dingnan nodded, and Wang Shengnan walked away to the washroom. "I don't know how Tang Yuanming can stand you," she remarked as she exited.

Wang Dingnan suddenly sat down beside Miaomiao. "Miaomiao, let me ask you, besides your uncle, are there any other teachers accompanying you this time?"

"All of my grade teachers and several dorm teachers," Lin Miaomiao replied as she continued to select clothes from the closet.

"Are there any beautiful female teachers?" Wang Dingnan inquired, striking a pose.

"Beautiful female teachers?" Lin Miaomiao furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"Younger than me, more beautiful than me?" Wang Dingnan clarified, gesturing to herself.

"Haha, there's no one who could surpass you," Lin Miaomiao laughed, looking fondly at her aunt. "I know what you mean. Don't worry; I'll keep an eye on my uncle for you," she reassured her, giving her aunt an okay gesture.

Wang Dingnan smiled and returned the gesture.