Atlas Studios

  Atlas Studios

  “You don’t know how to write properly,” Qiao Jiusheng said.

  Fang Zikai said, “Then teach me. I’ll learn it now.”


  Fang Yusheng squatted down and used a tree branch to write Fang Zikai’s name on the ground. Seeing that Fang Zicheng was also looking at him, he wrote Fang Zicheng’s name again. The two little fellows tried their best to remember their names and then copied them. They carved their crooked names on the stone.

  After writing their names, Fang Zicheng said, “It still lacks Mom.”


  Qiao Jiusheng also picked up a stone and wrote her name beside Fang Yusheng.

  A stone with four names meant family.

  Lisa’s grave was under an oak tree in the middle of the forest.

  Lisa’s grave only had a black tombstone. Behind the tombstone was a flat grassland. Fang Yusheng said, “After my mother was cremated, I buried her urn under this tree.” Fang Yusheng sat in front of the grave and looked at the black tombstone.

  There was only Lisa’s life introduction on the tombstone. It was in English, and every letter was painted gold.

  They only brought two bouquets of fresh flowers.

  Fang Zikai and Fang Zicheng placed the fresh flowers in front of the tombstone respectively. The yellow daisies were placed on both sides of the black tombstone, which served as embellishment. It did not look that lonely anymore.

  Fang Yusheng spoke English as if he was nagging his mother.

  Fang Zicheng and Fang Zikai only knew the simplest English. Their father’s English was especially smooth, and they were confused when they heard it. Qiao Jiusheng understood what he meant. Fang Yusheng was just telling her mother that he was married and living a happy life. He had children, and the children were very obedient.

  When translated, it was probably—


  Mom, I’m here to see you.

  Yes, after all these years, I am finally not alone. I also dragged my family here with me.

  In the past, I would feel at a loss every morning when I woke up. If there was nothing to do, I would still have time to take a shower. Now, it is different. When I wake up early in the morning, I have to be with my lover and dress the children. The old and young people in my family are especially mischievous. Sometimes, they would even be beaten up when they were wearing clothes. Then, I have to supervise them brushing their teeth. They have to brush their teeth cleanly. When they wash their faces, they also have to wash their necks…


  Every day was messy, but I feel fulfilled and happy.

  My lover is a very good person. Her personality is a little jumpy, but she’s very good and treats me very well. If there’s anyone in this world who treats me better than you do, it must be her. I’m just stating the truth. Mom, don’t be angry.

  Your daughter-in-law is very beautiful and very powerful. Although her grades in school are not good, the food she cooks is not good, and her sleeping posture is not elegant, the jade pieces she sculpts are especially beautiful. By the way, she even carved me and I look just like a young monk.

  Mom, I’m finally living the kind of life you’re hoping for—


  I will be safe and happy for the rest of my life.

  Mom, I think love should be what I have now. Although I don’t know why you like my father, I think you have poor taste. Alright, since you’re no longer around, I won’t dislike you anymore.

  Oh yes, your daughter-in-law and grandson both think you look beautiful.

  Well, then they must have never seen you lose your temper and chase me around with a frying pan.

  Yes, the weather is very good today. My family will accompany you to bask in the sun…


  Qiao Jiusheng’s heart warmed as she listened to Fang Yusheng’s nagging.

  They were sunbathing beside Lisa’s grave. Fang Zicheng squatted on the grass and studied the ants moving while Fang Zikai was busy digging for earthworms. The sunlight was very warm, and Qiao Jiusheng lay on Fang Yusheng’s legs and gradually fell asleep.

  They walked home against the sunset. Along the way, Fang Zikai kept chattering.

  When they reached home, Fang Yusheng booked a flight back.

  At night, Fang Yusheng and the rest went to the restaurant Le Gavroche for dinner.

  Fang Zikai was like a curious child. When he took the menu, he could not understand the words, so he used his fingers to order randomly. Fang Yusheng listened by the side and did not say a word. The four of them ate and drank their fill. When they paid the bill, Qiao Jiusheng saw Fang Yusheng take out a large stack of British pounds and felt a little heartache for him.

  Her Yusheng was the stingiest. He had spent nearly four thousand yuan for this meal, but his heart did not ache?

  After leaving the dining room, the family got into the small Ford car. Qiao Jiusheng could not help but ask Fang Yusheng, “You spent so much money. Doesn’t your heart hurt?”


  Fang Yusheng asked, “Aren’t you guys eating happily?”


  Qiao Jiusheng was stunned.

  Then, her eyes moistened.

  Fang Zikai was still nibbling on the plate of strawberry thousand-layer chocolate that he had not finished. He ate until the corners of his mouth were covered in cream. When he finished eating, he even licked his fingers once. Fang Zicheng frowned when he saw this, so he pulled out a tissue for him to wipe his mouth.

  In the end, the little fellow said, “No, it’s all money. I have to lick it clean.”


  Fang Zicheng was speechless.

  “Your hands are dirty.”


  “It’s not dirty. I washed my hands. When I got into the car just now, you opened the car door for me. It’s really not dirty.”


  Fang Zicheng refused to communicate with his brother.

  Fang Zikai finally licked his fingers clean. He said to Fang Yusheng, “Dad, let’s come again next time.”


  Fang Yusheng sneered. “Dream on!”


  The next day, the family packed their luggage and went straight to the airport after lunch.

  Qiao Jiusheng received a call from Wei Xin halfway.

  Wei Xin had customized a pair of wedding rings for the Crown of Love some time ago and had already done it. She asked Qiao Jiusheng to help bring them back. A few years ago, Qiao Sen moved the design headquarters to England. After the rings were done, he naturally had to go to England to collect them.

  Qiao Jiusheng could only ask the driver to turn around halfway and return to London City.

  If they went back, they would definitely miss the flight. They could only take the next flight.

  When they arrived, Fang Yusheng and his sons waited for Qiao Jiusheng in the car. Fang Yusheng took out his phone and booked the next flight. Qiao Jiusheng left with the rings and entered the car. She said to Fang Yusheng, “Have you bought the tickets?”


  “Yes.”


  They returned to the airport via the same route.

  Qiao Jiusheng touched the ring box and chatted with Wei Xin while listening to the three of them.

  Night Song: [My Xin, can I see the rings?]

  Wei Xin was probably busy and did not reply.

  Qiao Jiusheng looked at the scenery by the roadside and occasionally spoke to the children. When they were about to reach the airport, Wei Xin replied.

  Sister Xin: [You can worship them but not touch them.]

  Night Song: [I’ll worship your head!]

  Qiao Jiusheng opened the ring box and was surprised to discover that Wei Xin, who had designed beautiful and high profile clothes, had custom-made rings that were surprisingly low-key and simple. What surprised Qiao Jiusheng even more was that the rings that Wei Xin customized were not the popular platinum, but gold.

  There were some strange numbers carved on the ring. The numbers were divided into two rows with a rose-red line in the middle. Qiao Jiusheng could not understand it. Seeing that Fang Yusheng was driving, she did not ask him.

  She asked Wei Xin: [What does the number on your ring mean? Special anniversary?]

  Sister Xin: [Do you really want to know?]

  Night Song: [Yes.]

  Sister Xin: [The day I slept with her, and the day I proposed to her.]

  Night Song: [This move is amazing……]