Chapter 114 Song Runing

Chapter 114 Song Runing

The two parties looked at each other from a distance, both somewhat surprised. What they had thought was merely a chance encounter on the plane had unexpectedly turned into another meeting at this less popular tourist spot.

Upon closer consideration, it wasn’t all that strange. Ankou wasn’t a particularly developed city—definitely behind Pingjiang. Since the other family had taken the same flight to Ankou and were traveling with family, it was clear they weren’t here for work but rather for sightseeing or visiting family.

And in Ankou, there was really only one well-known tourist spot worth visiting.

With this in mind, both sides quickly put two and two together.

Song Runing wasn't great at interacting with strangers, but her daughter was the polar opposite. Faced with her daughter’s enthusiasm, she felt helpless but couldn’t just turn and leave, so she went over to say hello.

"Hello."

Shen Qingye leaned down slightly, smiling as she greeted the little girl.

The child shrank behind her mother, suddenly feeling shy, but her eyes lit up as she giggled and called out, "Hello, pretty sister!"

Song Runing smiled warmly. "What a coincidence—I didn’t expect to run into you here."

Beside her, Song’s mother jumped in excitedly, "We didn’t see you when we arrived by car yesterday. Did you drive here yourselves?"

Bai Xiuyu replied, "No, we spent last night checking out the city and only came here today. We just arrived, actually."

"Oh, I see!" Song’s mother nodded knowingly. "That explains why we didn’t see you earlier."

Then, perking up, she asked, "Since you’ve just arrived, have you found a place to eat yet?"

Bai Xiuyu and Shen Linyue shared a look before answering with a smile, "We were just about to go."

Song’s mother clapped her hands together. "Talk about perfect timing! We were just heading out for lunch too. Why don’t we go together?"

Without waiting for Bai Xiuyu’s response, she continued, "Let me tell you, there’s a place by the lake that serves amazing fish—the owner’s name is Wu. Somehow, even though it’s the same fish, his version is extra tender and smooth! We ate there yesterday, and even Jingjing, who usually doesn’t like fish, couldn’t get enough. She’s been begging to go back all morning!"

Song Runing watched her mother and daughter’s identical enthusiasm, getting more embarrassed. "Mom!"

This was starting to sound like a commercial.

Song’s mother quickly realized how her words might be misinterpreted and waved her hands in explanation. "Oh no, no—I’m not some kind of promoter for that restaurant! I just think it’s really fate that we’ve met again, and Jingjing has taken such a shine to you all. But if you’d rather not, that’s fine too! There are plenty of other good places around—the stir-fry spots are also quite tasty!"

Bai Xiuyu chuckled and assured her it was fine, then turned to the two younger ones. "What do you think? Do you want to check it out?"

Gao Ruiyang grinned. "Sure. It’s been a while since I’ve had really good fish."

Shen Qingye nodded in agreement. "The environment and water quality here are perfect for raising fish, so the fish should be fresh. Let's check it out."

With that, Bai Xiuyu agreed and smiled at Song’s mother. "In that case, let’s trouble you to lead the way."

Song’s mother beamed. "No trouble at all!"

She looked down at her granddaughter. "Jingjing would be thrilled to go with you all, wouldn’t you, Jingjing?"

The little girl hid her face shyly and buried herself in her father’s arms. The young father held her with a doting, indulgent smile.

Shen Qingye couldn’t help looking at them a few more times. Though she didn’t know much about how their family worked, it was clear that Song Runing was the one calling the shots, yet the child seemed closer to her father—an unusual family structure.

Out of respect, she didn’t look too long.

The two families headed together toward the lake. Along the way, Shen Qingye called Yue Lingchuan, and when they met up, he too was visibly surprised to see the familiar family of four. After sharing a look with Shen Qingye, he seemed to figure out what was going on and didn’t ask further questions.

The tourist accommodation area was not far from the lakeside, just about a ten-minute walk. Due to the cooler temperatures here and the abundance of shady trees planted around, even at noon, it didn’t feel hot but rather pleasantly cool.

As they walked and chatted, the group gradually learned more about each other.

It turned out that Song Runing had started her own business after graduation. Thanks to catching the right trends and her strong personality and skills, her company had achieved some success. This trip was caused by her hectic schedule—constant travel and overtime work—which left little time with her kid, now over five years old. With Jing Jing nearly six and about to start elementary school, Song’s mother couldn’t stand it any longer and insisted Song Runing take time off to travel with her family.

Song’s mother had her own motives. Her daughter’s demanding job meant the child was mostly cared for by her father, making her exceptionally attached to him. Whether it was treats or fun activities, her first thought was always her dad. Even at bedtime, only her father could settle her down properly. To her, Song Runing was little more than a slightly closer relative.

Still, as her own flesh and blood, Song’s mother hoped their mother-daughter bond could improve.

Who would’ve thought that on the very first day of the trip, Song Runing almost missed the plane because of work? No wonder Mom was mad—hence the scene at the airport yesterday.

Her anger had mostly been for Qu Peiyun's sake. While it was true her daughter neglected family life, it was also true that her mild-mannered son-in-law shouldered most of the burden at home.

Her daughter, as oblivious as ever, brushed it off. As her mother, she had to be the bad guy to comfort her son-in-law.

The younger generation, like Shen Qingye, tuned out such topics. Bai Xiuyu made small talk with Song’s mother, while Shen Linyue asked casually about Song Runing’s line of business. Discovering some overlap with her own company, she grew intrigued and engaged in a detailed conversation. By the end, they even exchanged contacts, floating the idea of possible future work together.

From her father’s arms, Song Zhiyi let out a world-weary sigh, “Mom’s working again.”

Qu Peiyun responded gently, “But she’s doing it for us.”

Jing Jing pouted and whispered, “But don’t we already have enough money? Grandma said we have enough to last a lifetime. Why does Mom still have to work like this?”

Qu Peiyun opened his mouth but found no words.

Watching Song Runing chat animatedly with Shen Linyue, Jing Jing mumbled, “Is Mom going to leave again?”

Hearing this, Song Runing paused mid-conversation and turned to her daughter’s downcast expression, her lips pressing together.

Song’s mother could only shake her head helplessly.

“No,” Song Runing said after exchanging a few more words with Shen Linyue. She looked at her daughter firmly. “Mom won’t leave.”

Jing Jing tilted her head skeptically. “Really?”

Song Runing nodded solemnly. “Really!”

Only then did Jing Jing’s face light up. “Promise! No leaving halfway—you have to go home with us!”

Song Runing’s expression softened as she drawled, “Okay.”

…

The group headed toward Old Wu’s restaurant.

Though called a restaurant, it was clearly a converted residential house—single-story, with only three rooms.

One served as the kitchen, another as the owners’ bedroom, leaving just one room for dining.

Before even stepping inside, the bustling noise from within was unmistakable.

Song Runing entered and looked around, only to find every table occupied.

Just then, the owner approached apologetically. “Sorry, we’re full at the moment. Would you mind… waiting a bit?”

“No seats?” Song Runing frowned and turned to Qu Peiyun. “Didn’t you reserve in advance?”

Qu Peiyun froze, then smacked his forehead in dismay. “I forgot!”

Song Runing’s tone turned sharp. “Didn’t I tell you last night to call ahead for lunch today?”

Seeing his wife’s displeasure, Qu Peiyun hastily put Jing Jing down and explained, “I was going to do it this morning, but Jing Jing was acting up, and I had to settle her down, then fix her breakfast…”

His voice faded out. “It just slipped my mind.”