Momo's Gradual Change

C89. Settling the Matter.

Chapter 89: Settling the Matter

The Song Zhi's family left, far more quietly than Song Yimo had expected.

She had thought they’d need to be thrown out, causing another public humiliation for the Song household before they’d finally go.

"Grandma, don't be sad. You still have me." Song Yimo leaned gently against her grandmother’s shoulder. "With his pitiful salary, he can barely scrape by. Just think—what I make in a month..."

Glancing at her older brother, who was pouring water in the kitchen, Song Yimo leaned closer and whispered in her grandmother’s ear, "Even two years of his wages wouldn’t match my monthly royalties."

Her grandmother patted her head with a fond sigh. "Let them regret it later. But Yimo, always remember one thing our ancestors taught us."

"Hmm?"

"Never flaunt your wealth. Keep your cards close, even from me. As long as I know you’ll have a bright future, that’s all I need."

Just then, Zhai Muyang emerged from the kitchen, prompting grandmother and granddaughter to fall silent.

Her grandmother patted Song Yimo’s hand and propped herself up to stand. Zhai Muyang quickly moved to support her.

"I’ll go rest for a while. You two chat—don’t let Song Zhi’s nonsense ruin your mood."

Song Yimo nodded, watching her grandmother head to her room. The elderly woman lay down, burying herself beneath the covers.

Song Yimo couldn’t understand it—how could some people act so righteously after doing such heartless things?

When Zhai Muyang returned from grandma's room and sat beside her, he scooped her—blanket and all—into his arms, cradling her head gently. He held a cup of perfectly cooled water to her lips, and she obediently drank half the glass.

"Are you worried about Grandma?"

Song Yimo shook her head. "They’ve worn her down over the years. She’s sad, but not shattered. What annoys me is how they stirred up trouble during the holiday. It’s just... pointless."

"The problem lies with them." Zhai Muyang gave the bundle of blankets a reassuring pat. "After the New Year, I’ll send a team to negotiate development in Xinghu County. Once it becomes a tourist destination, property prices will rise dramatically. Song Zhi won’t give up on this house easily."

Song Yimo shot upright. "It’s confirmed?"

"Pretty much." Zhai Muyang smiled. "The county has excellent natural conditions, and the water and soil tests came back perfect. You wouldn’t believe how pure the drinking water here is."

Song Yimo’s lips curled in satisfaction. She knew—soon, Xinghu County would be famous for its water. Mineral water companies would open factories here, bottling and selling it nationwide with great success.

Seeing her smug expression, Zhai Muyang chuckled. "Xinghu is a hidden gem. Sooner or later, someone would’ve capitalized on it. I just happened to seize the opportunity first. Anyone wanting a piece of the pie will have to follow my lead. And it’s all thanks to your idea—how could I not give you a 30% share?"

At the mention of this, Song Yimo sighed. Two 30% shares combined were an astronomical amount. If things went as expected, she’d practically be sleeping on a mountain of gold.

"I know what you’re worried about," Zhai Muyang said with a chuckle. "Once you sign the contract, you won’t have to handle any of the logistics. These projects won’t yield quick returns, so there’s no need to stress. Who knows, I might even steal your share!"

"Feel free." Song Yimo rubbed her brother’s shoulder absentmindedly. "I’ll sign. Just manage everything however you see fit. Keep the contracts too—they’re too hot for me to hold."

Thinking of the potential pitfalls of tourism development, Song Yimo added, "I’ll write up some suggestions. They might seem trivial to businessmen, but they could make all the difference for visitors deciding whether they want to return."

"Take your time. There’s no rush—developing a tourist destination is a long process." Zhai Muyang looked at her thoughtfully. "But keep in mind, when property prices rise, Song Zhi will be even more determined to claim this house. You’ve never been one to fight with others—what will you do? Let him have it?"

"I don’t like fighting, but I hate letting unpleasant people get their way even more." Song Yimo huffed. "Don’t worry, Brother. I’ve already got a plan."

Satisfied, Zhai Muyang didn’t press further. He reached for a dried longan on the table, peeled it, and popped it into her mouth.

On the fourth day of the holiday, Miao Jun and He Yi set aside time to accompany them to Ning’an Clinic.

After checking Song Yimo’s pulse, Doctor Chen Feng nodded approvingly. "It seems you’ve been taking your recovery seriously. Keep it up. I’ll prescribe another formula—traditional medicine works slowly, but it addresses the root cause. Stick with it."

"Got it. Thank you, Doctor Chen."

Chen Feng, a scholar at heart, had little patience for pointless small talk, but he was naturally drawn to those with a scholarly demeanor.

There was a quiet elegance about Song Yimo, which made Chen Feng take an immediate liking to her. His manner toward her was noticeably kinder than with other patients.

"Your constitution is weak, not ideal. But since you’ve avoided heavy medication in the past, you don’t have much drug resistance. That actually works in your favor—your body is responding remarkably well. While you’re young, focus on nourishing yourself. Even if the medicine tastes bitter, you must drink every drop."

Song Yimo obediently promised, further endearing herself to the doctor.

While the medicine was being prepared, He Yi approached the counter. "Doctor Chen, is Yimo out of danger?"

Chen Feng glanced at the prescription and opened a drawer. "I’ve treated many patients after bone marrow extraction, but her symptoms were among the most severe. She must have suffered a great deal during the procedure."

He Yi, unsure of the specifics, turned to Miao Jun.

Miao Jun nodded. "The mobilization injections caused her intense pain for three days straight. She only began to recover after stopping the injections and resting for two more days."

"No wonder she lost so much weight!" He Yi glared at Miao Jun. "Why didn’t you tell me earlier?!"

"What good would it have done? Would you have rushed to City Y to argue or fight with Song Yi?"

Miao Jun turned back to Chen Feng. "Doctor, we rely on you to help Yimo recover fully. She grew up with us, but she hates being a burden. She probably endured all the discomfort silently. This is the perfect chance to restore her health."

"I’ll take good care of her," Chen Feng promised.

As a local, Chen Feng knew a bit about the Song family’s affairs. Meeting Song Yimo for the first time, he was struck by how serene she was, despite her troubled upbringing.

There was no resentment, no bitterness—only a quiet resolve to live her own life, on her own terms. That, he thought, was truly admirable.