chsdbacks Chapter 1289: The First Lady’s Academic Journey (Part 8)
Chapter 1289: The First Lady’s Academic Journey (Part 8)
Regarding the study abroad matter, Li Hao was the only one who objected.Li Hao’s reasoning was simple—
The three-year-old Song Xiaohua should stay with her mother.
"As the saying goes, what a child is at three, they will be as adults. The preschool period is crucial for a child’s development, and parental companionship is the best education. You’re going abroad for two years; by then, the child might not recognize her mother, and if there’s a defect in her character formation, who will take the responsibility for that?"
Tang Li didn’t believe Song Xiaohua was that fragile.
An infant who started chasing dogs and cats as soon as she learned to walk doesn’t have anything to do with melancholy. If Li Hao said the nanny might give Song Xiaohua psychological problems, that would be more credible.
Moreover, Tang Li noticed Li Hao’s excessive concern for Song Xiaohua lately.
Previously in phone calls with her, Li Ruan couldn’t say a word without becoming the messenger.
Nowadays, every call was a video call.
He hadn’t spoken two sentences before asking for Song Xiaohua to appear on screen.
Tang Li taught Song Xiaohua twice, and although she wouldn’t call the rap-loving great-grandfather, she would touch the cellphone screen and call him ’Grandpa’ when she saw Li Hao on the other end.
Li Hao felt very gratified and repeatedly turned to Li Ruan saying, "This child is smart, she already recognizes people."
Tang Li also corrected him more than once—
"She calls all men with wrinkles on their faces ’Grandpa’."
Li Hao: "..."
Despite this, Li Hao still believed he was a unique star.
Li Hao’s disagreement didn’t have any practical effect.
Although Tang Li missed the start of the academic term, after contacting her advisor, she was told it didn’t matter, just to arrive at the school by mid-October.
With less than a month to prepare for going abroad, it was inevitably a bit rushed.
Song Xiaohua seemed to know her mom was leaving. She watched her mom buried in her notebook daily and didn’t bother the cat anymore. She crawled over with hands and feet, planting herself beside the notebook.
After Tang Li took off her glasses, the little one opened her arms: "Mama!"
Tang Li picked up her fragrant, soft daughter, and as the departure day neared, her reluctance grew by the day.
It was now the end of September, and she’d return by Christmas.
Nearly three months apart, the little girl might forget her as a mother.
The Old Song’s family also had some words of disagreement about her going abroad.
The day before departure, Song Jingtian was feeding Xiao Hua milk while watching Tang Li pack her things, "I heard Northern Europe is full of handsome guys and people there are very open; they don’t date seriously, just keep dating."
Tang Li didn’t expect a ten-year-old to understand dating.
Dating is not a positive term.
To put it bluntly, it’s similar to casual hookups.
Song Jingtian’s worry was genuine.
This time Tang Li going abroad was different from going to Chiang Mai Prefecture.
Even though there would be special agents accompanying her to Norway, Tang Li was so young, and became more beautiful after having a child. Who knows if some clueless guy might try to chat her up?
In the eyes of those foreigners, love and freedom come first, and they’re not afraid of the iron fist of ethical and moral norms.
You know, last year Tang Li was voted the world’s most beautiful face, ranking first.
Although the authorities later released data suggesting Tang Li had suspicious votes, thus canceling her place in the rankings for that round.
Still, being able to get fans to spend tens of thousands on votes already demonstrated Tang Li’s immense charm.
But fortunately, Xiao Hua was staying in the country.
With a hostage like that at home, they’re not worried about Tang Li not coming back.
On the day of departure, Tang Li met Yuan Qin again after two years. For the sake of her personal safety, four special agents, including Yuan Qin, were accompanying her to Norway.
As for the news of her studying abroad, it was not disclosed to the public.
Tang Li left after having lunch.
On the eve of departure, it seemed extraordinarily calm.
Song Baiyan placed his hand on her shoulder. Just this gesture stirred Tang Li’s emotions.
"I won’t accompany you to the airport."
He didn’t repeat the words of advice.
There was certainly reluctance.
However, he, as an adult, needed to understand priorities.
Showing excessive emotions could only make the atmosphere oppressive.
...It’s really not necessary.
Going to Norway is a good thing for Tang Li.
Disturbing the farewell needlessly wasn’t wise.
Once it was confirmed Tang Li hadn’t forgotten her passport or any other documents, Song Baiyan briefly reminded her: "Take care of yourself once you get there; if you don’t understand something academically, communicate with your advisor timely, and avoid getting stubborn."
Tang Li nodded: "Okay."
Song Xiaohua was taken upstairs by Xiao Minglan and didn’t come down.
Tang Li walked to the car but couldn’t resist looking back.
She had already said everything she needed recently, and at this moment, words failed her.
Without the special agent’s urging, Tang Li bent down and got into the car directly.
What Tang Li took to Norway, besides the luggage, were two photos: one was an artistic shot of Song Xiaohua on her first birthday; the other was a photo of her and Song Baiyan at her graduation ceremony.
In October, Norway was already in winter weather.
As soon as Tang Li set foot in the country, she switched to a trench coat and turtleneck.
Since the University of Oslo is located in the center of the capital of Norway, Tang Li’s residence was chosen nearby. For security and having other accompanying individuals, the lease agreement at the time was for renting an entire building for two years.
Initially encountering the courses, it wasn’t easy for Tang Li.
Even though she had passed the IELTS exam, actually interacting with blonde, blue-eyed advisors and classmates, she’d still miss or misunderstand due to their speed in speaking. She never talked about these communication barriers to anyone, only sharing fun stories about study and life when video calling back home.
After a month of adaptation, she gradually got on track.
That Christmas, despite being busy with coursework, Tang Li returned home.
As the car drove into the Tan Palace gates, she noticed from afar a tall figure standing in front of the main building. As the distance closed, she recognized it was Song Baiyan holding their daughter.
In the over three months’ time, the only change in Song Baiyan was swapping his shirt for a high-necked black cashmere sweater.
Meanwhile, little Xiao Hua had her hair styled in small pigtails.
Her big head already had few hairs, and styling it this way made it look even balder.
Without asking, Tang Li could guess whose handiwork it was.
Only the daughter-loving Song Baiyan could be blinded by such a filter.
Though she complained inwardly, when she truly faced her husband and daughter after getting out of the car, especially seeing Song Baiyan’s smile, Tang Li couldn’t even bother with her bag, running to them. As she stepped on the stairs she received a reminder from Song Baiyan: "Watch your step."
Once at the front, Tang Li inspected the father-daughter duo while Song Baiyan inspected her.
"You’ve become more intellectual."
This was Song Baiyan’s remark.
In Tang Li’s ears, it was equivalent to a compliment.
Song Baiyan was speaking the truth.
Tang Li had cut her hair much shorter, colored it cherry-rich brown, accentuating her fair skin, styled in low ponytail, pairing her white turtleneck with a café-colored coat, and with black diamond studs, after studying abroad for several months, her gestures now carried a scholarly air.
Although Jingtian sent Tang Li a photo of Song Xiaohua every day, now seeing the child in front of her, Tang Li genuinely felt the growth.
The little girl was holding a water gun and watching Tang Li.
Tang Li could sense the child’s emotion; it wasn’t fear, just curiosity. So she clapped for Xiao Hua and opened her arms: "Xiao Hua, come, let Mama hold you."
Song Xiaohua turned to look at her daddy holding her and then looked at Tang Li.
As if distinguishing between friend or foe.
And then, she attacked Tang Li with a splash.
Being splashed in the face with cold water, Tang Li: "..."
——
——
Side Story Also Known As: The Love-Hate Relationship Between My Daughter and I.
Goodnight!