Yousheng went out, and Ming Mei took off Tongtong's cotton coat.
While changing her into pajamas, Tongtong groggily woke up once. Ming Mei looked at her little face, dazed, and kissed her: "Little sweetheart, go to sleep..."
Tongtong's voice was soft and sticky, calling out once: "Mom..."
Ming Mei felt her heart melt completely. Her little daughter calling her mom was so different than when boys do. It sounded so lovely.
Ming Mei touched Tongtong's soft little face: "Go to sleep, Mom is here."
Tongtong's eyes closed again.
Ming Mei covered Tongtong with the blanket, watching over her for a little while before quietly tiptoeing out.
...
Downstairs, Wu Nian and Kang Chen were playing Go. They had battled through several rounds, with victories and losses on both sides. It seemed neither planned to sleep, intent on an all-night competition.
The old man was already feeling sleepy, and Ming Mei quickly helped him to his room to rest.
