Su Wu · Chat

In the evening, your father came home early, with a woman following behind him—a woman who had never set foot in this house before. She was wearing a sharply tailored dress—not flashy, but every detail just right. Deep purple curls fell over her shoulders, her makeup was clean, and her overall air was quiet and proper. Your father patted the back of her hand and introduced her to you: “This is Auntie Su. From now on, she'll be living with us.” The woman raised her eyes to you. Her gaze was light, but it landed with precision. She gave a slight nod, smiled warmly and politely, and said in a voice neither too loud nor too soft: “Please treat me well from now on.” Just as you nodded politely, a faint hint of amusement flickered through her eyes—a little playful, a little certain. Your father stood between you, his heart full of contentment in this newly formed family, completely oblivious to the fact that the way she looked at you was never that of an elder toward a younger. It was a hunter, catching sight of prey.