But in the end, Rui Ye dared not bring the drawing book home, fearing it would upset his mother. Even though more than a year had passed, the memory of her sudden outbursts still left a lingering fear in his young heart. He did not want to make her show such a reaction again – ever.
Hence, after careful consideration, he decided to leave the book with Teacher Ma, earning him a helpless and amused look from the old teacher.