303 Friend Request from Su Li (2/2)
”Daddy is not in a cell phone, I'm in a faraway place. This cell phone is just like 'Clairvoyance and Clairaudience[3],' they let us see and talk to each other, Bei Bei.”
Xiao Luo, who had never had much experience with children, tried his best to comfort the little girl, and it felt incredible the moment the words flowed from his mouth.
”Daddy, didn't you say you were coming to see Beibei? Why haven't you come, sob, sob...”
Su Xiaobei cried again but tried to contain her tears, and it was a heart-wrenching sight. Even after returning to Xiahai, she remembered the promise that Xiao Luo had made her. She had looked forward to seeing Xiao Luo ever since and counted the days until Chinese New Year arrived. Finally, she exhausted her patience and started throwing a tantrum. Su Xiaobei insisted on seeing Xiao Luo, and no amount of persuasion could help. Su Li was at a loss of what else to do.
Hmm, Bei Bei actually remembered the promise?
Xiao Luo laughed, he had just been trying to fool her, and he hadn't expected Su Xiaobei to take it seriously.
”Bei Bei, don't cry, I'll come to see after the Chinese New Year.”
”Really, promise?”
Su Xiaobei sniffled and rubbed her tiny nose, choking as she spoke.
”Really. And if I break my promise and don't to come to find you, I will turn into a puppy.”
Xiao Luo comforted her with his gentle. ”Now, eat well and be with mommy, okay? Be a good girl, and soon we'll be able to meet again.”
”But Beibei wants to see daddy right now! Waahh, waahh...” And she burst into tears once again without warning.
”Aren't you seeing me now? You can see me, and I can see you, and we can even chat together.”
It worked and she slowly stopped crying. On the screen, Su Li's hand appeared holding a tissue to wipe away the tears on Xiaobei's face. ”Alright now, didn't you promise to eat your meals properly and not cry anymore after seeing him? Su Xiaobei, have you forgotten everything I taught you before?” Su Li could be heard saying.
Su Xiaobei shook her head and said, half crying, ”I didn't forget. Mommy said I must keep my promise.”
”Good that you remember, now quickly go and eat your meal.”
”But, I want to talk with daddy for a bit longer.” Su Xiaobei was reluctant to end the call with Xiao Luo.
Su Li said, ”You shouldn't cry when you talk to people, you must always smile and be polite.”
”Oh, okay.”
Su Xiaobei held back her tears, then slowly smiled, obeying Su Li's words.
Xiao Luo was so tickled that he laughed out loud, this little girl was simply adorable.
”Daddy, when are you coming over to see Beibei?” Su Xiaobei asked again for the umpteenth time.
”Soon, I'll come over very soon,” Xiao Luo said.
Su Xiaobei said in her tender voice, ”Daddy, Beibei misses you.”
”I miss you too.”
Xiao Luo smiled at her. He really missed her, and what he had told her was no lie. He had even dreamed of this little girl several times.
Footnotes:
[1] Lian Po: a military general of the Zhao state in the Warring States period of Chinese history. Named by Chinese historians as one of the four greatest generals of that period.
[2] Lin Xiangru: the enlightened chief minister of Zhao, whose meteoric rise to the top created enmity with Lian Po. Putting his nation's needs before his own, Lin's act of humility shamed the general who duly sought his forgiveness by offering to be flogged the birch rod he proffered.
[3] Clairvoyance and Clairaudience: two fictional characters in the classic Chinese novel ”The Investiture of the Gods.”
...