Ou Yunchen successfully lingered at Mo Qingyun's outdoor open class.
A silent sign language class paradoxically attracted more onlookers, with many strangers pausing to watch.
Mo Qingyun boldly brought these students, who had no language or hearing impairments, to face the public. She wanted more people to understand and accept individuals with disabilities.
While not an easy task, it was also a test of the students' resilience.
Mo Qingyun, who also communicated through sign language, understood better than anyone that one could never embrace the world if they didn't overcome their inner struggles.
The teachers from the training institution used colorful flags to demarcate a sufficiently large area on the lawn. Students and parents would interact with the teachers within this circle.
As the main instructor, Mo Qingyun brought out her prepared props. To help students express their feelings more clearly through sign language, she used drawing and touch. She poured all her emotions into it, hoping only to make the world understand them a little better.
Ou Yunchen stood outside the circle. At this moment, he was moved by this girl.
Mo Qingyun was not as fragile as she appeared; instead, she possessed immense inner strength and a bravery that many lacked.
This endeavor, like many others, was sure to make her students feel the yearning to be accepted by the world.
***
A little girl stood timidly beside her mother, outside the circle. She pointed at the students within the circle and then looked up at her mother.
Her mother knelt down, gently stroking her child's head, and told her in a very, very slow voice, "The older brothers and sisters are in class."
The little girl pointed to her ears and then waved her hand. Her mother said again, "Like you."
The little girl nodded this time, but her eyes were filled with curiosity. This was the first time she had encountered someone special like herself. Before this, she thought she was the only one who was incomplete. Perhaps at this very moment, this little girl wouldn't feel alone, as long as she was willing to take a step forward, everyone in that circle would warmly welcome her.
***
Ou Yunchen picked up his phone. Mo Qingyun, bathed in sunlight, seemed to sparkle. Even the incomprehensible sign language appeared like a dance.
She was like a fairy, her fingers moving nimbly. Everywhere she pointed seemed to be imbued with magic, colorful and dazzling.
Perhaps sensing Ou Yunchen's gaze, Mo Qingyun turned her head and gave a shy smile towards the camera. This moment made the man outside the lens's heart flutter, and he even forgot to capture the most beautiful instant.
By the time he came to his senses, Mo Qingyun had already turned back to continue teaching her students.
During the lunch break, Ou Yunchen leaned against a tree, closing his eyes to rest.
The students found shaded spots to eat their lunch. Once everyone had rested, they would board the bus back to the training center.
As Mo Qingyun was packing up, Xie Youlin walked over with a bag of food.
Xie Youlin stopped the busy Mo Qingyun. "You've worked hard. Have something to eat, and I'll help you pack."
Mo Qingyun heard Xie Youlin's voice and quickly stopped what she was doing, looking up at him. She then asked with concern through sign language, "Why didn't you come this morning?"
Xie Youlin took out a bottle of water from the bag, opened it, and handed it to Mo Qingyun. He then opened a sandwich box and placed it in her hands as well.
Xie Youlin said reluctantly, "My mother was hospitalized."
Mo Qingyun wanted to put down the items in her hands to ask further, but Xie Youlin saw through her. He ruffled Mo Qingyun's hair and smiled, "It's okay, she'll be fine after a few days of rest. You've been busy all morning, eat up."
And as Mo Qingyun and Xie Youlin sat side-by-side on the grass, eating sandwiches, Ou Yunchen watched the scene unfold clearly from not far away.
Xie Youlin's appearance seemed to ignite a spark in his heart. He knew very well that this man named Xie Youlin was not that kind.
Ou Yunchen had seen all sorts of people. As a man himself, he understood the meaning behind those small gestures.
Wasn't it all about having an agenda?
Even if it wasn't for Mo Qingyun's looks, he was deliberately approaching this little mute for future gain, wasn't he?
The lunch break was over, and students and parents had gradually returned to the bus. Since Xie Youlin had driven, he had to follow behind in his own car.
However, Mo Qingyun was looking around outside the bus.
Xie Youlin asked with confusion, "Are there any students still not on the bus?"
Mo Qingyun shook her head. She was waiting for Ou Yunchen. She hadn't seen that guy since the lunch break began.
Xie Youlin asked again, "Then who are you waiting for?"
Mo Qingyun used sign language to indicate a friend, which made Xie Youlin even more puzzled.
Mo Qingyun took out her phone and sent a message to Ou Yunchen, but after a few minutes, there was no reply.
"Did he leave already?" Xie Youlin also looked around.
Mo Qingyun's expression showed disappointment and anxiety, but she wasn't sure if Ou Yunchen had truly left on his own. She wondered if perhaps Ou Yunchen had fallen asleep nearby and hadn't seen the message. If she were to call, how could she communicate since she couldn't speak?
Her finger had already reached the contacts list on her phone screen. Xie Youlin saw Mo Qingyun's predicament.
"Make the call, I'll ask," Xie Youlin said, pointing to the phone.
Mo Qingyun quickly nodded. She dialed the number and handed the phone to Xie Youlin.
What they didn't know was that Ou Yunchen hadn't left. He had been observing from a place they couldn't see until the phone rang.
"Hello."
That single "Hello" made Xie Youlin instantly recall this somewhat hostile man! He was actually saved in Mo Qingyun's phone contacts as "Mr. Dinosaur"?! And Mo Qingyun had brought this man, whom she called a friend, to the open class today?!
Xie Youlin insincerely continued to ask, "We're about to depart. Are you coming?"
"Oh."
Ou Yunchen hung up the phone. He was too lazy for further conversation.
Mo Qingyun took back her phone and inquired with her eyes about what had been said on the call.
Xie Youlin shrugged. He didn't know what that "Oh" meant either.
Xie Youlin comforted her, "Get on the bus. I'll wait here for a bit."
Slightly disappointed, Mo Qingyun was escorted onto the bus by Xie Youlin. The bus driver was already asking if they could depart.
Mo Qingyun glanced out the bus window again. Ou Yunchen was still nowhere to be seen. She slowly nodded. The bus driver pressed the button to close the door, and it shut tightly.
After the bus started moving, Ou Yunchen finally emerged from the distance. As Xie Youlin watched the bus carrying Mo Qingyun drive away, he felt someone standing behind him.