Momo's Gradual Change

C87. The Song Zhi's Family.

Chapter 87: The Song Zhi's Family

The Song family had only a handful of relatives, and their interactions were few and far between.

In previous years, Song Yimo would visit to pay her New Year’s respects on the third or fourth day of the Lunar New Year. This year, however, due to her illness, Grandma Song decided that a phone call to each household would suffice.

As for Song Zhi, no one expected him to return.

In years past, Grandma Song would think of him during ancestral worship, but this year, her granddaughter’s illness had pushed him from her mind.

Yet just when they had almost forgotten, he returned, family in tow.

Upon seeing Zhai Mu Yang, Song Zhi was momentarily taken aback, then broke into a wry chuckle, “Mom, isn’t it a bit early to be finding a partner for Yimo?”

Grandma Song’s face remained stern. “If you’re here to irritate me, you might as well leave while the door is still open.”

“Mom, what are you saying? Is it wrong for me to come back?” Song Zhi paid no heed to his mother’s displeasure and turned to beckon his wife and children, who stood at the doorway, “Come in! What are you standing there for, letting the wind blow on you?”

His wife, Yu Mei, was petite and graceful, always wearing a gentle smile that hinted at her pride when she lifted her chin just slightly.

Hearing him, she led the children inside, softly calling out, “Mom, don’t mind Song Zhi; he’s just got that stubborn temperament. Li Li, Zi Xin, why haven’t you greeted your grandmother?”

“Grandma!” the siblings chorused in unison.

Though Grandma Song was not particularly worldly, having lived for decades gave her a certain insight. She could at least discern whether someone liked her or intended to show filial piety.

Her daughter-in-law was genuinely filial, but regrettably only towards her own parents. Apart from the first year after marrying into the Song family when she spent the New Year with them, every subsequent year she returned to her own family.

Song Zhi was firmly under her thumb, almost becoming a son-in-law in another household.

Looking at her unfamiliar grandchildren, a bittersweet feeling welled up in Grandma Song’s heart. She hadn’t had a chance to hold them when they were babies, and now that they were older and had memories of their own, they barely saw her. How could they feel close to her?

Wasn’t she the same…?

She smiled at them and retrieved two red envelopes from the pocket of her brand-new down jacket. “Grandma doesn’t know what you like, so take these and buy something you enjoy.”

The siblings received the envelopes without hesitation.

“Mom, you shouldn’t have spent so much.”

Grandma Song didn’t invite them to sit and instead busied herself with her sleeves, saying, “I don’t often get the chance to give, and it’s not like it’s a large amount.”

Her words left Yu Mei momentarily speechless; she could only manage a faint smile and fell silent.

“Are we not supposed to come today, then?” Song Zhi’s displeasure mounted as he noticed his niece sitting calmly and showing no intention of greeting anyone. Anger surged through him, and he forgot the purpose of his visit, letting slip a cutting remark, “Song Yimo, have you gone mute? Can’t even greet someone?”

Zhai Mu Yang frowned, his eyes cold as ice. “Mr. Song, didn’t you rinse your mouth before stepping out?”

Song Zhi recognized that this man wasn't one to take insults lying down; he decided not to provoke him further and turned back to Grandma Song.

“Mom, I still have the surname Song, don’t I? What is this? Are you saying you don’t want me in your home? Fine, it’s simple. I’m the only son of the Song family, and I have a rightful claim to half of this house, don’t I? I won’t even ask you to share it with me; just give me the property deed so I can use it as collateral. After that, I won’t bother you anymore.”

“I see. You’ve come back for the property deed.” Grandma Song nodded knowingly and glanced at Yu Mei. “This was your idea, wasn’t it?”

Yu Mei remained silent, neither confirming nor denying, her attitude tacitly accepting the accusation, all while maintaining a façade of gentility.
“Don’t even think about it; I won’t give it to you.”

Song Zhi took a step forward, but Zhai Mu Yang rose to his full height, looming over him and causing Song Zhi to hesitate.

“Mom, I don’t want your house. I just need the property deed to handle something; I’ll return it to you afterward.”

“I don’t believe a word you say. If I hand over the property deed, me and Yimo might end up without a roof over our heads.”

Grandma Song’s tone was flat. “And there’s no need to threaten me with not supporting my old age. Do you think I don’t know you? When have you ever considered supporting me? Don’t say it’s now; even five or eight years ago, I wouldn’t have dared to entertain that thought.”

Song Zhi’s face shifted from pale to red, then to a deep shade of anger. He pointed at Song Yimo, raising his voice, “Do you think she’s reliable? She’s Song Yi’s daughter. The only reason she’s behaving well now is that she has to rely on you. Once she’s grown and doesn’t need you anymore, she’ll be just like Song Yi. By then, don’t expect her to support you; you’d be lucky to see her at all!”

Song Yimo was wrapped tightly in her blanket, with only her face peeking out. Instead of fuming at his words, she smiled softly.

Song Lian and Song Song Zixin exchanged curious glances at her reaction.

“Don’t worry, if that day ever comes, I won’t disturb you,” Grandma Song met Yimo’s gaze and smiled reassuringly, “Grandma believes in you.”

Fuming, Song Zhi felt an urge to smash something. Yu Mei tugged at his sleeve from behind, her tone gentle as she tried to interject, “Mom, we’ve been wrong before…”

“Yu Mei, there’s no need for these empty words. When you speak insincerely, it only makes me uncomfortable.” Grandma Song interrupted her, “It takes only ten days or half a month for someone’s true feelings to show. We’ve been in this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship for so many years. How many times have you called me ‘Mom’? How many times have you actually visited me? I could count them on my fingers. There’s no need for pretense.”

Yu Mei’s smile faltered; she had never expected the previously quiet old woman to suddenly become so articulate. Who had given her the courage?

Her gaze fell upon Song Yimo, who had once regarded them like enemies, always throwing them disdainful looks. This time, however, Song Yimo seemed to disregard them entirely, as if she had suddenly matured and deemed them beneath her concern.

Something felt off.

And then there was this imposing man; she knew well the background of this grandmother and granddaughter duo. How could they be acquainted with such a person?

They were even gathered together for the New Year!

What kind of relationship was this?

Had she known this day would come, she wouldn’t have been so unyielding before; a little accommodation wouldn’t have cost her much.

Yu Mei furrowed her brow, lowering her gaze and falling silent.

Song Zhi, oblivious to his mother’s feelings, was renowned for being kind to his wife. Seeing Yu Mei’s expression fall ignited his ire. “Mom, Mei Zi not only has to take care of the two children but also has to work. It’s one thing for you to expect Song Yimo to help out, but why are you blaming her? On what grounds do you blame her?”

Song Yimo opened her eyes slightly, propping herself up as she spoke, her voice weak and laced with illness.

“Dage, they’re being too loud. Please help to get them out. If they won’t leave on their own, give them a nudge.”

“Song Yimo! How dare you?!”

Song Yimo tugged at the corners of her mouth, leaning against Grandma Song. Her hand, hidden beneath the covers, sought out Grandma’s hand, and she closed her eyes, choosing silence once more.