Chapter 32: You're the Best!

Yu Zhile turned the car around and returned. As soon as he pulled into the old neighborhood, before he could even park properly, he saw his father pushing the baby in her stroller, wailing at the top of her lungs, all set to go out.

Getting out of the car, he asked, “Dad, where are you off to?”

His father jumped in surprise. “I—I’m just going out for a walk! What are you doing back here?”

Yu Zhile stepped forward, scooping up his fiercely crying little girl, and then eyed the paper bag in his father's hand with a knowing smile. “Dad, are you heading to the chess room, or is it cards today?”

“Nonsense!” his father retorted, evasive. “I’m just returning these things to Old Liu, that’s all!”

“Yeah, right!” Yu Zhile had only recently learned, from his mother’s frequent complaints, that after making his father retire early, the old man had spent the last two years haunting the local games room. Apparently, on weekends, he’d go hiking or fishing with a group of old friends. In short, he was anything but a worry-free retiree.

Yu Zhile had barely driven off when his father, undeterred by the baby's tears, was ready to take his granddaughter along to the games room.

“Forget it. You go have your fun; I’ll take care of the baby myself.” Yu Zhile cradled his daughter, popped her pacifier back in, and soothed her until she stopped crying. In that moment, Yu Zhile realized she’d already come to recognize and depend on her father—otherwise, she wouldn’t have burst into tears the moment he left.

His father coughed awkwardly, “Alright, fine! I won’t go anywhere. Give me the baby, you go do what you need to! Otherwise, your mother will come back and nag me to death.”

“No, it’s nothing urgent anyway. Dad, you go enjoy yourself. I’ll wander around a bit—I haven’t walked these streets in a long time.”

Counting the years since his rebirth, it had been five years. Though the family still lived in this county’s neighborhood, both it and the town had changed a lot.

Since he was back, he might as well stroll around with his daughter and take in the changes.

His father frowned, “I told you, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll watch the baby at home! Don’t you trust your old man?”

“To be honest, I really don’t! If I hadn’t turned back suddenly, you’d have taken your granddaughter to the games room for sure. You’d get so absorbed in your game, someone could walk off with her and you wouldn’t even notice!”

The thought sent chills down Yu Zhile’s spine—his father was just too unreliable. Thankfully, his conscience made him come back.

He said seriously, “So I’d better stay and take care of her myself.”

His father protested, “I told you, I was just going for a walk! And dropping these things off at Old Liu’s! Believe what you like, but I had no plans to go to the games room today!”

Yu Zhile laughed scornfully, “Then why are you bringing formula, a bottle, and diapers on your stroll?”

His father replied, self-righteously, “That’s in case she gets hungry or needs a change on the way!”

Yu Zhile shook his head, chuckling. “Come on, Dad. I know you too well. Go on, meet up with your friends—I’ll wander around and head back after dinner.”

His father snapped, “If you’ve got urgent business, go do it! I swear I’m not going anywhere today, alright?”

“No need, it’s not that important.” Yu Zhile hugged his daughter securely. “Dad, take these things back inside, and do as you please. I’ll take a walk.”

His father pushed the stroller back home, but not without warning, “Don’t go tattling to your mother!”

Yu Zhile wiped the tears from the baby’s cheeks, sighing, “Don’t worry, I won’t sell you out. Unlike you—always trying to get one over on me and now on your own granddaughter!”

His father muttered inwardly: If you weren’t trying to set me up, you wouldn’t have come back today! I told you I was busy and couldn’t watch the baby, but you brought her over anyway—isn’t that setting me up? I had a grand match lined up today!

…

Meanwhile.

At Dragon TV Studios, the first half of the “I Am a Singer” grand finale was about to begin recording.

All the singers were backstage, ready. Qin Haiyu had finished her makeup and hair—her figure and looks were already outstanding, so just the lightest touch of makeup made her shine.

She then changed into the blue pleated skirt her husband had bought for her; she looked like a fairy—beautiful and elegant. In a place with few beauties for comparison, the moment she appeared, she became the most dazzling presence on stage.

“If only my husband could be here to see me perform…” Qin Haiyu muttered regretfully as she stepped out of the dressing room. With the show yet to start, she took out her phone and sent her husband a message: “Honey, the recording is about to start. I’m so nervous…”

Well, that was a lie.

Just as Yu Zhile was leaving the neighborhood with the baby, planning to find his mother at the nearby elementary school, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

He shifted his daughter to one arm, checked the message—it was from his wife.

He shot a quick video in reply: “Honey, the baby and I are back home. Don’t be nervous—sing your heart out! We’re both waiting for you to bring home the champion’s trophy!”

She replied, “Why did you suddenly take the baby back home? It’s Thursday—doesn’t Mom have classes?”

Yu Zhile fibbed, “Dad missed his granddaughter, so I brought her back for a visit.”

She asked, “When will you come back?”

He answered, “Probably after dinner. When do you finish recording? If you’re done before dinner, why not drive over and join us?”

Qin Haiyu replied, “It’ll probably go very late. I’d better not come—if the paparazzi or neighbors spot me, it’ll only bring trouble to Mom and Dad.”

Yu Zhile encouraged her: “Alright, don’t be nervous! Even if you don’t win, I’ll still love you. Don’t put pressure on yourself.”

She typed back, “No, I have to win!”

“Okay, okay, then do your best! The baby sends Mommy a kiss—mua! Go, Mommy!”

Yu Zhile sent another short video. Seeing her husband and daughter, Qin Haiyu felt even more motivated and confident.

…

Half an hour later.

The show began recording.

The host, Ni Qiqin, delivered the opening remarks, thanked the sponsors and advertisers, then announced the return of the revived contestant, Qin Haiyu, and invited the eight singers to draw lots.

As the revived singer, Qin Haiyu was first to draw. She reached into the box and pulled out a ball—number one.

She hadn’t expected her luck to be that rotten—first up on stage!

But this number only strengthened her resolve to win—to take the crown.

She cheered herself on: It’s fine! Being first isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I’ll sing my best. I can’t let down the two songs my husband prepared for me. I must bring home the trophy for him!

Come on! Qin Haiyu, you’re the silliest—wait, no. Come on, Qin Haiyu, you’re the best!