Momo's Gradual Change - VOL. 1

C90. Yu Xi's Visit.

Chapter 90: Yu Xi’s Visit

The winter in Xinghu County never lasts long. During a mild winter, the cold barely lingers, but this year’s chill was the harshest Song Yimo could remember.

Shivering uncontrollably as she got out of the car, Song Yimo wished she could shrink into herself like a cocoon. Even though the sunlight gleamed down upon her, it brought no warmth.

Zhai Muyang quickly stepped out from the other side, shrugging off his coat to wrap it around her. “Let’s hurry.”

The walk wasn’t far, and rather than standing around exchanging pleasantries, it made more sense to speed up. Song Yimo, without hesitation, broke into a light jog toward home.

“Grandma, we’re back!” Song Yimo called out as she tugged her brother inside and draped his coat over him again.

Her grandmother greeted them warmly. “Yimo, your classmate has been waiting for you for quite a while.”

Turning her gaze toward the living room, Song Yimo saw Yu Xi standing there.

Yu Xi gave her a friendly smile. “Happy New Year, Yimo.”

“Happy New Year,” she replied, shutting the door behind her. Approaching the sofa, she suddenly recalled the promise she’d made to him over the break.

Yu Xi’s eyes remained steady on her. “Your grandmother mentioned you were sick. Were you at the doctor’s just now? Are you feeling any better?”

Zhai Muyang lifted the paper bag of herbal medicine in his hand, shaking it slightly before heading to the dining table. “The doctor said she needs more rest. Yimo, go change your clothes first.”

Obediently, Song Yimo started toward her room, but halfway there, she hesitated. Turning back, she said, “Senior Yu, take a seat. It’ll get too warm by the fire in that coat.”

Yu Xi smiled and nodded.

Zhai Muyang draped his coat over the armrest of the sofa, settling beside the grandmother, casting a curious glance at Yu Xi—a familiar yet distant figure from a past encounter.

“This winter’s been hard on Yimo. I’m afraid she can’t go out to play. I hope you understand,” Zhai Muyang said plainly.

Though a bit disappointed, Yu Xi was reasonable. “Of course, health comes first.”

“Thanks for your understanding,” Zhai Muyang replied with a courteous nod.

Yu Xi’s gaze wandered briefly to the man in front of him, noting the fine quality of his attire and the limited-edition Swedish watch on his wrist—one of only a hundred in the world, with a price tag in the six figures.

Despite the stark contrast between his refined demeanor and the modest home, Zhai Muyang’s manner felt effortlessly natural.

Yu Xi remembered his grandfather’s words: The mark of true talent isn’t in wealth or achievements but in one’s ability to adapt—to neither belittle nor overestimate others, to remain calm without arrogance or impatience.

Today, he felt as if he had finally met such a person.

The grandmother scooted closer to Zhai Muyang, her voice tinged with concern. “Muyang, tell me honestly—what did the doctor really say about Yimo’s condition?”

“Don’t worry, Grandma. I’m not hiding anything from you. Yimo just needs some rest and will recover soon. She does need to take her herbal medicine daily, though, so it’ll be a bit of a hassle.”

“That’s nothing,” Grandmother Song chuckled, visibly relieved. “You two treat me like I’m fragile, forgetting who raised Yimo all these years. I’ve long since recovered from my surgery.”