Chapter 111: Going to Kindergarten
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Because she had to take Joy for a kindergarten interview, Shu Pan had to take a day off from work. This was the first time she had requested a day off since joining “Sunrise Architecture, ” but her manager quickly approved it.
Early the next morning, Shu Pan dressed Joy and they left home ahead of schedule. Joy was wearing a neat dress and carrying a small backpack, bouncing with excitement.
For convenience in drop-off and pick- up, Shu Pan had chosen kindergartens in their neighborhood. Due to her limited financial situation, she couldn’t afford a public kindergarten, so Joy was enrolled in a simple private kindergarten called “Qiming Star.”
However, Shu Pan had secretly observed the kindergarten several times, and it had good teachers and a nice environment. Other parents’ reviews of it were also favorable.
When they arrived at Qiming Star Kindergarten, the principal welcomed them. Since it was summer school, there weren’t many children around.
“Hello, little one, what’s your name?” The principal squatted down to ask Joy. “I’m Shu Joy, and I’m over three years old,” Joy replied, her voice clear and loud.
The principal patted her head.
Seeing the slide in the kindergarten, Joy seemed eager to try it out. She asked
Shu Pan in a soft voice, “Mom, can I go play on the slide?”
“Of course, sweetheart. You can go play, and I’ll have a chat with your mom.” The principal said kindly.
“Go ahead, Joy.” Shu Pan encouraged her.
Joy ran toward the slide like a happy little bird.
“Ms. Shu, if I may ask, where is Joy’s dad? Why isn’t he here together? Parents are the best teachers for children,” the principal inquired.
“Principal, Joy’s dad and I are divorced, and now Joy stays with me,” Shu Pan replied, feeling a bit embarrassed as divorce wasn’t something to be proud of.
“I see. Well, it must be challenging for you. We not only focus on the children’s physical health but also pay attention to their psychological well-being. However, it’s clear that Joy is an optimistic and cheerful child, and you’ve done a great job in raising her,” the principal’s words made Shu Pan feel somewhat relieved.
“Principal, since I work during the day, I’d like to start bringing Joy here from tomorrow to let her adapt for a few days. Then she can officially start in September,” Shu Pan thought this arrangement would be best because she had no one to care for Joy during the day.
“That’s perfectly fine. Don’t worry. We treat all the children here as if they were our own,” the principal reassured Shu Pan.
After leaving the kindergarten, Shu Pan held Joy’s hand and took her to the mall. She planned to spend her free time with Joy, making up for any previous regrets.
“Mom, where are we going now?” Joy asked, holding Shu Pan’s hand and wearing a naive and cheerful smile.
“Mommy will take you to a big mall, and if we find something suitable, I’d like to buy you a couple of dresses,” Shu Pan patiently answered her question.
“Mommy, will that cost a lot of money?” Joy probably had been influenced by Auntie Lu’s frequent teachings about the family’s financial situation, so at a young age, she was already very thrifty.
It was often said that girls should be raised in affluence, but Shu Pan knew that with her current financial situation, she couldn’t fully provide for Joy’s needs. Still, she didn’t want her daughter to worry about money at such a young age.
“No, sweetheart, Mommy has a job now, so we have money. We won’t buy a lot, and we won’t buy expensive things,” Shu Pan reassured her and patted her head.
The mall was filled with a dazzling array of products, overwhelming to the eye.
Shu Pan tightly held Joy’s hand, afraid of being separated in the crowded space.
They explored the mall, looking here and there, both of them enjoying the experience..
