I don't know what you're trying to tell me! What happened in 1985? I've forgotten.
Forgotten? You've forgotten!
Are you the friend I knew before the car accident?
Car accident!? When did you have a car accident? In 1985?
Obviously, you know more than I do, my friend. The accident left me in the hospital for a year and caused me to lose some of my memory.
Lost your memory?
Mo Jie never expected Mr. Burke to drop such a bombshell. He didn't know what to do for a moment.
"Well, then," Angela said helplessly after listening to his story, spreading her hands forward. "He doesn't remember anything. It's no use getting angry at him. You might as well tell him everything. At least then you'll have a reason to blame him."
"..."
"Maybe he'll really regain his memory, even if there's only a small chance." She asked tentatively, "Do you still want to call him 'Dad'?"
"I don't know, Angela." The little boy looked utterly confused. "I don't know."
That night, Mo Jie tossed and turned until midnight, unable to sleep.
He quietly went to his mother's room and knocked on the door. Mo Jing'er, looking tired, was surprised to see her son.
"What's wrong, sweetie?"
He threw himself into his mother's open arms. "I can't sleep, Mom."
She held Mo Jie's small body tightly. She understood her son. He usually acted like a little adult and rarely showed such anxiety. There must be something deeply troubling him or something he felt he shouldn't have done.
However, no matter what, she knew that what he needed now was a warm embrace from someone else.
"Come on!" She pulled him toward the bed. "Let's sleep together tonight. Did someone bully you at school?"
"No." He shook his head. "I just have something on my mind."
"Tell Mommy."
"I wouldn't tell a girl. This is a man's business." He spoke in a defiant tone.
Unexpectedly, his offhand remark struck her like a heavy blow.
"Mommy?" He sensed something was wrong.
His words revealed part of the truth—the age-old gender differences, neither good nor bad. Just as boys are expected to wear pants from a young age and be brave and fearless, girls are molded into being obedient and cute, with their dresses kept spotless.
Do boys play with horses and wars, while girls play with dolls and pretend to be housewives?
If a boy cries, it's seen as a sign of weakness, but if a girl cries, people just say, "Let her vent."
Mo Jie needed a father—a man, not a woman who was both mother and father. He wanted someone who could play those headache-inducing computer games with him, play basketball with him, maybe even teach him how to fish; or even how to write love letters to girls.
But she couldn't imagine herself teaching him how to "pick up girls."
Both mother and son were weighed down by their concerns, unable to sleep for a long time.
"Xiao Jie, should I find you a father?" Many people urged her: After all these years, she should start paying attention to other men and go on dates again.
She didn't consider herself a beauty, but a few men had expressed interest, and they were all honest and reliable, so there was really nothing to complain about.
Of course, no one could ever compare to Burke.
"...Mommy, do you still love Daddy?"
In the darkness, her soft arms around him stiffened.
"I didn't mean to ask. I'm sorry." It was so quiet! Was she crying? Mo Jie thought anxiously.
"It's okay." She assured her son. "Kids shouldn't ask so many questions. Go to sleep."
The next morning, he couldn't wait to call Angela. "I've decided to find a husband for Mom."
And he acted immediately.
Come to the Mo family in Lunma Town.
Early in the morning, the fax machine printed out the message left by "Betrayed Angel."
William and Leng Yan looked at each other.
"Just go," William said. "Think of it as a vacation." The soft evening sunlight shone on the azure sea, and many fishing boats were docking in the harbor. The hustle and bustle of various industries also came to an end at this twilight hour.
"Bye, Mo Jie."
Three or four young girls dressed in vibrant attire each picked up their handbags, exchanged pleasantries with the evening staff at the restaurant, and walked away. Mo Jing'er was too busy to even turn her head, only able to respond verbally. This restaurant operates 24 hours a day, with staff working in three shifts: morning, afternoon, and evening. The thrifty owner sells Chinese and Western-style meals during the day, but at night, the place transforms into a lively pub, often leaving everyone overwhelmed with work, especially on national holidays.
However, today was not a holiday, so after 7 PM, the crowd gradually thinned out, and Mo Jing'er could finally relax.
She grabbed a ham and egg sandwich from the kitchen and sat down to eat it.
"Eating so quickly, be careful not to choke." Wen Ni, who was on good terms with her, handed her a cup of hot tea. "There are still people to handle, and there aren't many of them." She looked at the food in Mo Jing'er's hand with disapproval. "Another sandwich! Can't you eat something more nutritious?"
"This is the cheapest." Mo Jing'er smiled good-naturedly.
"You..." Wen Ni didn't know what to say to her, shook her head, picked up the tray, and went outside to busy herself.
She swallowed bite after bite. Did she really like sandwiches? But the reality of life left her with no choice. She shook her head, stopped thinking about it, and finished her black tea in one gulp.
"Mo Jie, there's a call on the second line." Another female attendant peeked in to notify her.
The phone was on the counter, and she ran over to answer it.
It was Mo Jie calling. "I'm going to Angela's house to study, and I'll be home by 9:30."
"Are you really studying? Not playing on the computer?"
Sigh, all parents hope their children are geniuses, and computers are the cutting edge of technology, but Mo Jing'er is the exception.
Mo Jie assured her repeatedly before hanging up.
"Mo Jie, come help out." The kitchen was calling her.
She didn't know how long had passed when Wen Ni peeked in again. "Mo Jie… someone is looking for you outside."
"Who is it?"
"Um... I don't know him, but he looks familiar..."
Mo Jing'er walked out of the kitchen with her, her mind elsewhere. "You don't know him, but he looks familiar? Don't be silly—" As soon as her eyes met the person in front of her, her smile froze on her lips.
Before her stood a rather fashionable couple!
The woman had curly long hair, making her messy, sweat-soaked short hair look even more disheveled. She wore a hand-knitted long shirt and a black leather skirt, showcasing her long legs and curvaceous figure.
The man was dressed in a branded casual outfit; paired with a pair of genuine leather casual shoes. Though his attire was very casual, it did not diminish his charming presence. She couldn't help but stare at his black hair, blue eyes, high nose, and full lips—
Burke!
But… could it be?
She didn't realize she was staring at him like a lovesick fool, completely oblivious to the frequent glances Winnie was sending her way.
The woman noticed her as well, smiling as she gracefully approached. "Are you Miss Mo Jing'er?"
She had to compose herself, but her gaze lingered on him. "I am."
"Hello, I'm Mei Yi, and this is Yan. We're from New York."
"Yan? From New York?" Something was off. Though the man before her was so cool even ice would bow down, he was indeed... "Burke." She couldn't help but whisper his name.
The suspicion in his blue eyes turned into absolute certainty and anger. "We finally meet, 'Betrayal Angel.'"
"What?" Mo Jing'er furrowed her brows, looking completely bewildered.
"Don't play dumb!" He hated such hypocritical people the most. What was this little woman up to, daring to disrupt his company?
"Wait, Yan..." Leng Mei Yi was more observant, sensing something was off.
"What?" Leng Yan impatiently interrupted his cousin. "I've seen this type before. They just want money."
Such anger was uncharacteristic of his well-trained composure, but the fact that this petite woman was a criminal was undeniable, and he felt a helpless sense of frustration.
Winnnie couldn't help but snap. "Sir, what do you mean—"
Mo Jing'er calmly interrupted her. "It's okay, Winnnie. Go back to your work."
"But Mo Jinger—"
"What are you talking about? I don't understand a word you're saying, Burke." After Winnie left, Mo Jing'er finally managed to rein in her mesmerized gaze, but her tone still carried an unconscious intimacy.
But the angry cold flame didn't notice.
"I don't care who you are. Speak! How much money do you want to get out of my life?"
Mo Jing'er's face turned pale. "Burke, what do you mean?"
"Don't keep calling me Burke. I don't even know you."
"You—you don't know me?"
"Why would I know a woman like you?" Of course not! Why would he go out of his way to get to know a woman working in a small-town restaurant?
The sudden blow left Mo Jing'er dizzy, her legs weakening so much she nearly fell to the ground.
"Are you okay?" Leng Mei Yi was startled and rushed forward to help her up.
"Don't touch me!" Mo Jing'er fiercely swatted her hand away, showing no gratitude.
"Miss Mo..."
"Get lost." Mo Jing'er heard her own calm voice, too calm. "Wendy, these two guests are leaving."
"Yes, thank you for coming." Wendy shouted immediately. She also sensed something was wrong and hoped they would leave quickly.
"I haven't finished speaking—"
"Yan, let's go." Leng Mei Yi pulled his arm forcefully. This stubborn mule—didn't he notice they were already attracting a lot of attention? "Miss Mo, I'm truly sorry. We'll come visit another day."
As soon as they stepped out the door, Leng Yan angrily shook off his cousin's hand.
"What are you doing? I wasn't finished speaking yet."
"Please!" She hurriedly grabbed him again, afraid he might rush back inside. "Where did your composure go?"
"...Alright!" He took a deep breath, trying to steady his breathing. "What did you want to say?"
"She knows you."
"Of course she does!"
She was the "Traitor Angel," so how could his enemy not recognize him?
Leng Mei Yi clearly knew what he was thinking. "No, I don't think she's the 'Traitor Angel,' but she knows you."
Unless Mo Jing Er was a skilled liar, Leng Mei Yi would never mistake her innocent eyes.
"She knows you, 'Burke.'"
These words finally sparked his full attention. "Are you saying... she knew me before?"
＊ ＊ ＊
Mo Jing'er drank an entire bottle of whiskey, cried all night, and got drunk all night.
He—how heartless!
First, he disappeared without a trace for so many years. Just when she had finally regained some peace in her life, he suddenly reappeared, bringing with him a woman so stunningly beautiful that she felt ashamed of herself. He shouted at her, how could she not be heartbroken?
By the time Wen Ni brought her home, completely drunk, it was already 1 a.m.
"I've already taken a day off for her."
"Thank you." Mo Jie repeatedly thanked him. He had been waiting anxiously at home, but hadn't expected his mother to come home reeking of alcohol.
"What's wrong with her?"
"A man suddenly ran into the store and started yelling at her for no reason. It was really outrageous," Winnie said, still feeling angry.
"Who was it?"
"I don't know, but he didn't seem to be from the town." Winnie turned to leave, but she kept muttering to herself.
"Thank you, Aunt Winnie." Mo Jie saw her off and turned to look at his mother lying on the sofa.
"Mom, get up, Mom. You'll catch a cold sleeping in the living room." Mo Jie gently shook her shoulders. She mumbled something and finally managed to open her eyes slightly.
"Mom, get up and go to bed." Mo Jie exerted all his strength to get her to move her feet.
"Burp! I'm... I'm so thirsty." Oh my god, he almost fainted from the smell of alcohol coming from her mouth.
"I'll get you some water." He managed to take a step, but the twenty or so stairs now felt harder to climb than Mount Everest.
Mo Jing'er followed her son's instructions dazedly. "Hurry up," she urged.
"Alright. Lift your right foot first, step up—step down. That's right, good. Now switch to your left foot..."
"You're so... talkative." Mo Jing'er obediently followed his instructions. "I'm... a grown woman. I can take care of myself."
"Yes, yes. Of course you are. You're so capable." He hurried to reassure her. Words were useless when someone was disoriented, but fortunately, the room was already in sight.
"Come, sit down." Mo Jing'er turned her face slightly, kicked off her shoes, and swayed her body from side to side, looking just like a three-year-old child.
"Don't move, okay? I'll be right back. Don't move, okay!" He repeated his instructions and rushed downstairs to the bathroom, bringing back warm water and a towel.
"Here, drink this." Mo Jie held the cup to her lips and watched as she drank it in big gulps.
"Ugh—" Mo Jing'er's face suddenly turned pale. Mo Jie only had time to jump aside and quickly grabbed the trash can in the bedroom with his left hand while pinching his nose and holding his breath.
The hair-raising sound continued for three minutes before finally stopping. Mo Jing'er suddenly leaned over to the bed beside her and fell asleep.
Mo Jie was startled by her sudden movement but soon fell into a deep sleep from exhaustion.
The sky began to grow light.