Chapter 73: Number One Fan

No matter the era, being a good person is never easy.

But Lu Chunqiu also knew she couldn't persuade Mo Fei. This child had been the type to help old ladies cross the street even when he could barely fend for himself. Now that his own life was easier, it was no surprise he would lend a hand to those less fortunate. Kindness is never wrong; it's kindness without any sense of boundaries that becomes a problem.

Now that Mo Fei himself realized that showing up unannounced might cause trouble for others, Lu Chunqiu felt more relieved than anything else—it was a sign of growth. The boy had a good head on his shoulders, just never used it for the right things, letting it go to waste.

Carrying large bags filled with toys, Lu Chunqiu found the address Mo Fei had given her. She knocked tentatively. The door opened a crack, revealing half the face of a woman whose expression was both timid and wary.

“Who are you looking for?” she asked.

Lu Chunqiu raised her arms to show the packages. “I’m Mo Fei’s agent. I’m here to deliver something for him.”

At the mention of Mo Fei’s name, the door opened wide. The woman, one hand hidden behind her back, smiled and invited Lu Chunqiu in. “Oh, you’re Mr. Mo Fei’s agent. Please, come in.”

The contrast in her attitude was striking. Lu Chunqiu couldn’t help but wonder to herself as she stepped inside—just how many times had that boy helped her for his name to carry so much weight?

“These are toys Mo Fei bought for the child,” she said, setting them down on the living room floor before turning to the woman. “I’m not sure if—”

She stopped abruptly. The woman was now holding a kitchen knife in the hand she’d kept behind her back, and was heading toward the kitchen.

Noticing Lu Chunqiu’s gaze, the woman smiled and pointed to the kitchen. “I was chopping vegetables earlier and just carried it over by accident. Please have a seat—I’ll be right back.”

With that, she really did disappear into the kitchen. Through the transparent glass door, Lu Chunqiu could see her bustling about—a picture of domesticity and grace.

That uneasy feeling she’d had must have been a mistake.

Sitting on the sofa, Lu Chunqiu saw a little girl peeking out from a room. She beckoned, but the girl, instead of coming out, retreated further inside.

“Sorry, Xiao Wen is very shy,” the woman said, removing her apron as she stepped out of the kitchen. She poured Lu Chunqiu a glass of water. “Mr. Mo Fei is far too kind.”

Her gaze lingered on the pile of toys, a hint of puzzlement in her eyes. “That race car—is that for Xiao Wen as well?”

Lu Chunqiu didn’t know the family’s situation and hesitated for a moment before replying, “If there aren’t other children in your home, I suppose it’s for your little girl as well.”

“I only have Xiao Wen,” the woman replied, her eyes softening at the mention of her daughter. “Xiao Wen, come greet our guest.”

The little girl emerged, mumbling a quiet, “Hello, Auntie.”

Only then did Lu Chunqiu notice how thin she was, her clothes ill-fitting and too large. Xiao Wen’s eyes lit up at the sight of the toys, but she glanced at her mother, waiting for permission.

Her mother patted her on the head and said gently, “These are gifts from the moon—you may accept them, but…”

Before she could finish, Xiao Wen broke into a brilliant smile and gave Lu Chunqiu a ninety-degree bow. “Thank you, Auntie, I promise I’ll cherish them!”

Lu Chunqiu was stunned by her maturity. “Good child, go ahead and play. There’s no need for such formality, truly.”

Xiao Wen checked with her mother again, and only after seeing her nod did she pick the smallest box, a set of building blocks, and hurry back to her room.

“Your daughter is so well-behaved. You’ve taught her well,” Lu Chunqiu said, having seen her share of unruly children but never one quite so obedient.

The woman smiled and sipped her tea, not reacting to the compliment. Children are naturally playful—such composure had to be shaped by circumstance. If she could, the woman would rather let Xiao Wen be mischievous, for such children are raised in love.

After a moment, Lu Chunqiu’s eyes fell on the race car, which seemed oddly out of place. So, there was only one little girl in this household—who was Mo Fei’s race car for? The mother? An elderly relative?

Lu Chunqiu was confused, but the woman, following her gaze, suddenly laughed. “I think I know why Mr. Mo Fei sent that,” she said, her eyes bright. “I remember loving race cars and robots as a child, but everyone always said those were boys’ toys.”

She shook her head in wonder. “Mr. Mo Fei is truly a gentle soul.”

Hearing such genuine praise, Lu Chunqiu felt a strange embarrassment, as if her own unruly child had somehow grown into a reliable adult. She couldn’t help but wonder if they were talking about the same person.

“Did you say you’re Mr. Mo Fei’s agent?” the woman asked, setting down her cup and looking at Lu Chunqiu.

“Yes,” Lu Chunqiu replied, introducing herself. “My surname is Lu.”

“Miss Lu,” the woman inquired curiously, “is Mr. Mo Fei an actor?”

That was the only profession she could think of that required an agent.

“He is,” Lu Chunqiu said, suddenly animated. “Mo Fei has been in quite a few films lately—they’ll be released soon.”

The woman’s delight was unmistakable. “Really? I’ll be sure to support him when the time comes. I’ll be his number one fan!”

With common ground found, the two women quickly warmed to each other. Just then, a heavy, labored breathing sounded from the master bedroom.

Lu Chunqiu lowered her voice, surprised. “Is there someone else at home?”

“My mother-in-law,” the woman explained, her voice gentle as ever. “She’s been ill and, despite medication, hasn’t improved. She’s resting.”

“I see. Then I won’t impose any further.” Lu Chunqiu realized Mo Fei had been telling the truth—this family was held together by this frail woman, caring for her daughter and a sick elder. An unannounced guest could only be a burden, so she stood to take her leave.

The woman didn’t try to keep her and walked her to the door.

Once the guest had gone, the home fell silent.

“Xiao Wen, put your toys away. Mama needs to feed Grandma,” the woman called, carrying a bowl of soup.

Xiao Wen trotted out, dragging the boxes of toys back to her room, her face radiant with happiness.

The woman smiled softly and opened the door to the master bedroom.

The curtains were drawn tightly, shutting out every bit of light.

She called gently, “Mother, it’s time to eat.”