Movies and TV: Neighbor Qiao Yingzi, Crazy Pursuit of Song Qian and Wen Jie

Chapter 11: Qiao Yingzi: Is My Mum in Love? Is She Getting Me a Stepdad?!

After tidying up his things, Su Bai left his room to find Song Qian already preparing breakfast.

Song Qian had always disliked buying breakfast from outside, deeming it unhygienic. Almost every meal at home was made by her.

Seeing Su Bai come out, Song Qian smiled and said, “Xiao Bai, you’re up. Breakfast is ready—come and eat.”

She was still in her black nightgown, one that leaned on the more elegant and slightly sensual side.

Su Bai couldn’t help noticing that Song Qian seemed to have put extra effort into her appearance today.

Caught off guard by his gaze, Song Qian’s face flushed slightly.

“I woke up early and didn’t have time to change yet. You eat first; I’ll go get dressed,” she said hurriedly, practically fleeing back to her room—but not without a smile on her face.

At that moment, Qiao Yingzi came out of her room.

“Morning, Su Bai.”

“Morning. Come eat,” Su Bai replied.

Qiao Yingzi joined him at the table, noticing the familiar spread of breakfast dishes.

While Song Qian’s cooking was excellent, eating the same breakfast for over a decade could make anyone tired of it.

That was precisely how Qiao Yingzi felt, though she still dutifully finished her meal when Song Qian joined them at the table.

“Today is your Year Three High School Entrance Pledge Rally, right?” Song Qian asked as she sat down.

“Yeah, we need to head to school soon to get ready,” Qiao Yingzi confirmed.

Hearing this, Song Qian nodded, “Alright, you two head out first. I’ll be there a bit later.”

As a parent, attending such events was expected.

“Got it. We’re heading out now,” Qiao Yingzi said as she and Su Bai finished breakfast and prepared to leave.

“By the way, Xiao Bai, what would you like for dinner tonight?” Song Qian asked suddenly.

Hearing this, Qiao Yingzi’s head whipped around in surprise.

Dinners typically consisted of medicinal broths with strange flavours. So why is she suddenly asking Su Bai what he wants to eat? Is mum planning to cook something special for him?

The unexpected display of preferential treatment made Qiao Yingzi feel a twinge of sadness and a sense of injustice.

Noticing her daughter’s unease, Song Qian quickly added, “Yingzi, if there’s anything you’d like to eat, let me know too. You’re preparing for exams—you both need nutritious meals. What would you like?”

“Aunt Song Qian, I’ll eat whatever you make. I love your cooking. Maybe just add a couple of steamed buns?” Su Bai said with a playful grin.

The moment he said it, Song Qian’s mind conjured a few images that made her blush deeply.

“Alright, I’ll go grocery shopping later and cook you a delicious meal tonight,” she said, trying to compose herself.

Feeling overlooked again, Qiao Yingzi pouted as she headed for the door.

Su Bai followed without saying much.

In the elevator, Qiao Yingzi suddenly turned to Su Bai.

“Su Bai, do you think my mum is dating someone?”

Su Bai raised an eyebrow. “Why would you think that?”

“Well, for one, she’s been smiling more and doesn’t seem as strict lately. Most importantly, she’s started dressing up. I haven’t seen her like this in years,” Qiao Yingzi explained.

Since her parents’ divorce, Song Qian had focused solely on raising her. For years, Qiao Yingzi had never seen her mum take time to dress up—especially so early in the morning.

Suddenly, Qiao Yingzi turned to Su Bai with wide eyes.

“Wait… my mum’s changes started after you moved in. Could it be…?”

Realising how absurd her thoughts were, Qiao Yingzi shook her head.

“No way. My mum and you? That’s ridiculous! You’re so much younger than her.”

“Yingzi, if that were the case, we’d have to redefine our relationship. I’d call you my daughter, and you’d call me Dad. How about that?” Su Bai teased, maintaining a straight face.

“Su Bai! You’re shameless! I won’t let you off for this!”

Realising his playful jab, Qiao Yingzi chased after him as they exited the elevator, determined to give him a piece of her mind.

From the balcony of Apartment 301, Song Qian stood watching them.

Seeing their playful banter, a smile naturally graced her face.

Most of her attention lingered on Su Bai.

For the first time since her divorce from Qiao Weidong, Song Qian found herself truly noticing a man again—or rather, a young man.

She felt that Su Bai had brought a refreshment into her life.

Lost in thought, Song Qian resolved to take better care of herself.

“I should start taking care of my appearance again—maybe try yoga or something to stay in shape,” she thought.

Acting on this idea, she pulled out her phone to research. After all, with the pledge rally coming up, she wanted to present herself at her best.

’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

At the school, Su Bai and Geng Geng were busy helping set up for the event.

The High School Entrance Pledge Rally was a significant occasion at Spring Breeze High. Even the district mayor would be attending, so the school had been meticulously preparing for weeks.

[High School Entrance Pledge Rally (高考誓师大会, Gāokǎo Shìshī Dàhuì): A significant event in Chinese high schools symbolising dedication and unity ahead of the crucial college entrance exams.]

Everyone was occupied with decorations and logistics, including Su Bai.

Unlike the others, however, Su Bai stuck close to Geng Geng. Both were new to the school, and Geng Geng didn’t have many acquaintances yet, apart from Su Bai as her deskmate.

“Geng Geng, you mentioned you like photography, right?” Su Bai asked.

“Yes! I even have my camera in my bag,” she replied enthusiastically.

“Great. Let me see if I can get you assigned as the event photographer. I’m sure they’ll need one,” Su Bai said.

“But wasn’t Fang Yifan put in charge of that?” Geng Geng asked hesitantly.

“Yifan can’t handle it alone. What if he messes it up?” Su Bai replied knowingly, having an idea of what chaos might ensue.

With that, Su Bai went to find Li Meng.

Not long after, he returned with Geng Geng’s camera in hand, ready to make her a part of the event.