Su Li needed a mode of transportation.
She was always running around, and relying on her own two feet was inconvenient. Besides, public transportation wasn’t well-developed, making it difficult to get anywhere.
Wu Sheng was busy too and didn’t have time to drive her around.
After the new school year started in September, Su Li had bought a bicycle, which made things a little more convenient. It was useful for going out for interviews or other errands.
But... a bicycle was slow and not very practical for everything.
Su Li had been making do, but buying a car had to be put on the agenda.
Pinjun’s sales were excellent, and the profits were a sum most people couldn’t even imagine. Although Su Li kept a low profile, her net worth was actually quite high by now.
Buying a car wouldn’t be a financial strain for her at all.
With this in mind, Su Li asked Little Tang Mo, "Little Mo, I’m thinking about buying a car. What color do you like?"
Little Tang Mo paused. "Didn’t we just buy one?"
Su Li smiled. "I’m talking about an automobile."
Little Tang Mo blinked, his face immediately lighting up with excitement.
"Really? Mom, really?"
It was rare to see him this excited. Su Li chuckled and nodded. "Of course, it’s true!"
Boys just can’t seem to resist things like cars.
"That’s great! When are we going to buy it?"
"Let’s ask your Uncle Wu first and see what he suggests." Su Li patted Little Tang Mo’s head. "You’re this happy?"
"Of course. I’ve been wanting to see a car’s engine for a long time," Little Tang Mo replied instantly.
Su Li was speechless. "..."
’I just can’t keep up with his train of thought.’
The next day, Su Li brought it up with Wu Sheng.
"A car, huh? Sure, I can help you look for one. But before you buy it, don’t you need to learn how to drive?"
Wu Sheng quickly took charge of the matter.
He knew more about cars than Su Li did, but you had to know how to drive one to buy one.
If Wu Sheng hadn’t mentioned it, Su Li wouldn’t have even thought about learning to drive.
"Oh, right. I have to learn to drive." Su Li paused. "Do I have to go to a driving school?"
"I can just teach you," Wu Sheng said with a laugh. "Let’s start tonight."
With a great teacher like him right here, why would she find someone else to learn from? That would be completely redundant.
"You can?" Su Li was a little hesitant.
Many people say that learning to drive is the ultimate test of one’s mental fortitude and ability to take criticism. They say you should never, ever learn from your boyfriend or husband.
Arguing and fighting are the mild outcomes; breaking up or getting a divorce is the norm.
Su Li had heard too many of these stories, which was why she hesitated.
"Why not?" Wu Sheng asked in return. "Don’t worry, I guarantee you’ll learn."
Su Li let out a breath and asked, "Then... will you yell at me?"
She remembered how, on the internet, countless women had shared their own horror stories, pleading with others: never learn to drive from your husband!
Su Li recalled one woman who had failed her driving test for years, all because she was learning from her husband.
She said that on the first day, her husband had been great—soft-spoken and patient. But from the second day on, things went downhill. His voice went from a gentle, soothing tone and steadily rose in volume until it became a furious roar!
In the end... not getting a divorce was considered a good outcome.
Another woman had gotten her license but was too scared to drive on the road. The root cause was that her budding confidence had been severely crushed by her boyfriend, and she ended up losing it completely.
They later broke up, but she was left with the lingering trauma of being too afraid to drive.
Whenever this woman brought it up, she would grit her teeth, saying she would hate her ex-boyfriend for the rest of her life and never forget what he did.
These were just a couple of examples. In any case, women were always warning each other to remember this point.
So, Su Li decided to clarify things with Wu Sheng first.
When Wu Sheng heard Su Li’s question, he almost died laughing.
"What are you talking about? Why would I ever yell at you?"
Su Li was only half-convinced. "Really?"
Wu Sheng was exasperated. "Su Li, besides a few... special occasions, when have I ever yelled at you?"
Su Li retorted, "...Learning to drive is also a special occasion."
She pursed her lips. "Wu Sheng, how about this: you can try teaching me for two days. If you raise your voice or yell at me even once, we stop the lessons immediately, okay?"
’I really don’t want it to get to the point of breaking up.’
Wu Sheng had no idea what Su Li was thinking, but since she put it that way, he agreed.
"Fine, you’re the boss."
After settling the matter with Wu Sheng, Su Li spent a busy day at the company and went to pick up Little Tang Mo after work.
When Su Li arrived, the library had already closed for the day. Little Tang Mo was waiting outside, and standing next to him was a young man who looked to be around eighteen or nineteen.
"Mom."
As soon as Little Tang Mo saw Su Li, he waved and broke into a smile.
"Hey, have you been waiting long?" Su Li glanced curiously at the young man beside Little Tang Mo.
"Nope, I was talking with Big Brother Bai Shan." Little Tang Mo introduced Bai Shan to Su Li.
"Mom, this is Big Brother Bai Shan. He loves to read, too. We’ve run into each other a few times before. He saw I was waiting alone, so he kept me company."
Bai Shan’s hair was a bit long and slightly blondish, and he kept his head down, obscuring his eyes. He had very fair skin and a slender build.
His features were delicate. Perhaps because his skin was so pale and he was always looking down, combined with a faint air of frailty, he possessed a kind of sickly beauty.
With his looks, later generations would have called him a bishounen.
Hearing Little Tang Mo’s introduction, Bai Shan shot a quick glance at Su Li before lowering his head and greeting her in a soft voice.
"Hello, Ma’am."
Su Li: "...Uh."
Su Li replied awkwardly, a little stunned by being called "Ma’am."
’Our ages probably aren’t that different. He really didn’t have to call me ’Ma’am’.’
Su Li froze for a moment, then reflexively looked herself over, wondering if she had gotten old.
Little Tang Mo also froze for a second, but when he saw his mother’s reaction, he burst out laughing.
Su Li shot him a small glare. "How dare you laugh at your mother."
After saying that, she turned her head to the still-bowed Bai Shan. "Hello, Bai Shan."
Little Tang Mo chimed in, "Big Brother Bai Shan, you can call my mom ’Big Sister,’ too."
Hearing Little Tang Mo’s words, Bai Shan looked up at Su Li again, confused. He stared for a moment, then bit his lip and apologized, "I’m sorry."
As he spoke, his whole face turned red as if from shyness.
Su Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "It’s fine."
’Judging by his reaction, he must not have gotten a clear look at my face at all just now.’
’But he blushes so easily. He’s way too introverted.’
"Thank you for keeping Little Mo company," Su Li said with a smile.
"You’re welcome. Tang Mo is very impressive. I have to go now. Goodbye." Seeing Su Li still looking at him, Bai Shan’s face grew redder and redder. He mumbled, gave a slight bow, and turned to leave.
His steps were a little unsteady.
"Goodbye! Watch the steps."
Su Li quickly called out a warning.
Hearing her, Bai Shan immediately steadied his feet. With his back to Su Li and her son, he seemed to take a deep breath before slowly descending the stairs.
From a car parked not far away, someone immediately got out of the driver’s seat upon seeing Bai Shan come down and carefully opened the car door for him.
Bai Shan ducked his head and got in. The car quickly drove away.