Mute Beauty

Chapter 64: The Past

Yuting, feeling a surge of tenderness, answered gently, "Alright." Then, a thought crossed her mind, and she lowered her gaze, asking softly, "Ling-jie, have you been to the doctor recently?"

Rang Ling wasn't sure what she meant and murmured a gentle "Mm?"—the questioning tone in her voice.

This sweet, innocent response only deepened the thoughts stirring in Yuting. She continued, "Ling-jie, have you gone to see your psychologist lately?"

Rang Ling stiffened and buried her head against Yuting, shaking her head slightly.

Yuting left the conversation there.

Noticing something unusual, Rang Ling lifted her head to look at her, a mixture of concern and nervousness in her gaze.

[Why are you asking, Tingting?] Rang Ling signed, and Yuting more or less understood.

She was curious if Ling still wanted to pursue treatment for her voice. It wasn't that Yuting minded; she just thought it was a pity. Ling's voice was lovely, and she likely wished she could speak like everyone else.

But so many years had passed, and this was not something that could be rushed. Ling was far too sensitive, and Yuting feared she might read too much into it, possibly misunderstanding her. So Yuting simply said, "It's nothing, just a passing question."

Ling nestled back into her embrace, her eyes falling softly.

September crept in unnoticed.

In early September, Yuncheng's weather was still stiflingly hot. The sun's rays seemed harsher than ever, casting the lingering warmth of summer over the city. It was almost worse than the actual summer, confining people indoors. But Rang Ling adored this time of year—she didn't mind the heat, didn't mind the discomfort, much like her love for Yuting.

Tingting's birthday was just around the corner.

In the past, while living abroad, she always felt a mix of expectation and melancholy during this time of year. She looked forward to the thought of Tingting, wherever she was, growing another year older, becoming even more wonderful. But she also lamented that she couldn't see it for herself, couldn't witness the changes.

Her biggest regret was missing the first eighteen years of Yuting's life.

She still remembered the last birthday she had celebrated for Tingting as a child. Tingting was nine, and she was twelve. Though so many years had passed, the details had become hazy, worn down by time's rough edges. Yet, Ling's memory of that day remained bright, fond, and even funny.

She remembered that day, when Tingting had annoyed her—she was so infuriating.

Eighteen years ago, at the end of summer—

As the only child of the Yu family, Yuting received all the affection her family could give. Her parents hosted a grand party for her at a family-owned hotel, with the young birthday girl wearing a crown and a princess dress, surrounded by well-wishers and friends, each one fawning over her.

She had an amazing time, receiving blessings and gifts from everyone. She even took a few sips of fruit wine, which, with her low tolerance, quickly made her tipsy. Ling was right there beside her, holding her half-finished cake and feeding her whenever she wanted, wiping her sweat now and then. Everything was harmonious, and Ling was happy, thrilled to take care of her little sister.

Until a cousin, five years older than Ling, came from overseas to deliver a gift. The adults, all caught up in the party spirit, joked that Yuting should give her cousin a kiss. Ling knew Yuting wouldn't really kiss anyone. She had taught her that a hug would suffice to show gratitude, and Tingting had always been an obedient child.