Chapter 929: Still Good Friends

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As the lunch hour arrived, the air was thick with an awkward tension that hung over the table like a dense fog.

Su Li and Gao Ming, both acutely aware of their unresolved argument, sat at opposite ends of the round table—one at the east, the other at the west. It wasn’t that they were unwilling to speak; rather, each was too prideful to take the first step toward reconciliation.

Observing this subtle standoff, Gu Zi, ever the perceptive one, noted the way Su Li cast glances at Gao Ming only to have Gao Ming deliberately avert his eyes, pretending to be fascinated by something off in the distance. This game of avoidance continued until they both instinctively looked away, each stubbornly refusing to break the silence.

Gu Zi couldn’t help but wonder: Was pride truly so important, even among little boys? It seemed that even at their tender age, the weight of saving face loomed large.

Recognizing the need for a gentle nudge towards amends, Gu Zi exchanged a knowing look with Su Bing. “Su Bing,” she said, “why don’t you go and buy three bottles of drinks? Just three, remember.”

Su Bing raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Why only three bottles when there were so many of them? Yet, he trusted Gu Zi implicitly and soon returned with three small, fizzy drinks in hand.

“You and the little ones can have one each,” she said nonchalantly, “as for Gao Ming, let his dad buy his own. After all, it seems he and Su Li aren’t friends anymore, are they?”

Upon hearing this, Gao Ming’s expression fell, his lips forming a tight line.

Su Li’s eyes widened in indignation. “Mom, you said we should share everything! I can’t let Su Le drink a whole bottle by herself. She’s too young. She can share with me!”

Su Bing saw that his mother’s words were obviously not in line with her character. He also saw his brother’s anxious and embarrassed look. He suddenly understood his mother’s intention of only buying three bottles of drinks. This wasn’t about the drinks; it was about giving the boys a chance to mend their rift. So he said coldly,” No, Su Le should have a bottle to herself.”

At this, Su Le, who was already reluctant to share, clutched her fizzy drink closer, her small face scrunching up in protest. “Yeah! I can share the drink with Mommy!” she added defiantly.@@novelbin@@

Meanwhile, Su Shen, understanding his wife’s clever scheme, silently admired her perceptiveness. She had a unique talent for sensing their children’s emotions and guiding them. He felt a pang of gratitude as he slid a piece of braised pork toward Gu Zi, silently commending her for her ingenuity.

Gao Lang, although he might have seemed bookish, had learned enough from raising Gao Ming to recognize Gu Zi’s intentions. He was surprised to find that parents could indeed play a role in resolving childhood conflicts. He had always thought that little squabbles would eventually resolve themselves over time.

“Hey, if you want to drink something, how about I buy you some after lunch?” Gao Lang offered, trying to comfort his son.

Gao Ming simply shook his head, still looking a bit defeated.

Seeing his friend’s despondent state, Su Li’s frustration boiled over, overpowering any lingering pride. He jumped off his chair and walked over to Gao Ming, placing his drink in front of him with an earnestness that surprised even himself. “Gao Ming, you can have my drink. Can we talk now? I’m sorry for ignoring you after our fight. Mom, you misunderstood. We’re still good friends!”

Gao Ming’s eyes widened in shock. He hadn’t expected Su Li to make the first move. The tension between them seemed to evaporate as he quickly slid off his chair, grasping the drink with gratitude. “I should apologize too. It was my fault for arguing. Let’s share the drink and sit together!”

Without a second thought, he took Su Li’s hand and the two boys settled down together, completely oblivious to the adults, including Gao Lang, who was left sitting alone, a smile creeping onto his face as he watched his son’s spirit lift.

Su Bing maintained his cool demeanor as he glanced at the boys, who were now chattering animatedly, hand in hand. “Although you were both rooting for different teams,” he remarked playfully, “both ended up as runner-ups. But I suppose that’s a kind of synergy in itself.”