Momo's Gradual Change

C102. Talking of the Future.

Chapter 102: Talking of the Future

As Zhai Muyang dialed back, the call was picked up on the very first ring.

He chuckled softly, gazing at the opulent world of skyscrapers and neon lights stretching before him, though his heart ached for the cozy little apartment in that old neighborhood he once called home.

Hearing Song Yimo’s question from the other end, his tone softened in response.

"Sending those photos to Chen Biling’s email would only deepen her pain. She might even endure it in silence for her son’s sake, which isn’t what you wanted. So, I found her son’s email through Chen Biling and sent the photos directly to him. Did you call to tell me how it turned out?"

"Yes. Word is it caused quite an uproar, but it shouldn’t affect Miss Chen much. She even came to class today, acting just as usual."

"As long as it doesn’t disrupt your studies, the rest is theirs to sort out. Don’t dwell on it, alright?"

"I understand."

He could easily picture Song Yimo’s obedient little nod on the other end, his smile growing softer.

Hearing footsteps, he glanced back to see his assistant, Zhou Xin, waiting. Muyang nodded in acknowledgment.

"Get some rest soon, and don’t stay on the computer too long."

"Okay."

"And when you get home tomorrow after school, Dage will already be waiting."

"Alright. Are you still working?"

"Yes, the discussions aren’t over, but they’re close."

"Then I won’t keep you. Rest early, too, Dage. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

After hanging up, Zhai Muyang stretched before turning back.

"How are things?" he asked.

Zhou Xin adjusted his glasses. "Eighty percent done."

"Push it a bit more, and we’ll be finished here," Zhai Muyang said as they walked back inside. "Is everything else ready for the handover?"

"Yes, I’ll be leaving with you tomorrow."

"Good. Once there, first secure a four-bedroom, two-living-room home. Ground floor, ideally with a small garden. I’ll specify the location later—it has to be within that area."

"Understood, Boss."

Zhai Muyang turned to him with a slight smile. "Any complaints about relocating from the S City headquarters to open new ground?"

"The boss’s vision is never wrong." Zhou Xin adjusted his glasses again. "While S City is a mature, established market, there’s value in second-tier cities too. If we take the lead, we may shape the rules ourselves. On that front, I’ve always trusted your judgment."

Right before pushing open the door, Zhai Muyang’s voice was resolute. "Watch and see. That city will be the nation’s next growth center."

Days passed neither hurriedly nor slowly, and in that gentle drift, spring gave way to the sweltering summer.

June— for the Chinese, a month carrying a special meaning.

After three years of grueling effort, millions of students across the nation are finally approaching their fated examination day.

The freshmen and sophomores have been granted an early break, and Song Yimo, staying behind as a class representative, finishes setting up the examination hall before heading home.

A few students from Class 1-2 walk together.

Miao Zhiruo lifts her gaze to the deep blue sky. "Two more years, and it’ll be our turn."

"Zhiruo, please don’t remind me," groans Vice President Liu Dinghong, giving her a playful nudge. "I wasn’t even nervous, but now I’m stressed just hearing you say that."

Miao Zhiruo gives her a sidelong look. "What’s there to worry about? With your grades, you’ll have no problem getting into a top-tier school."

"Who knows? Plenty of good students mess up during exams," Liu Dinghong says, glancing at Song Yimo. "Yimo’s probably the least of our worries."

Before Song Yimo can say anything, Miao Zhiruo beams as though they were talking about her. "Obviously! Our Yimo is absolutely going to ace her way into B University or A University."

Song Yimo playfully pinches her cheek. "Who said I was aiming for those?"

"Huh? You’re not aiming for them?" Miao Zhiruo's eyes widen. "After seeing how ridiculously fast you’re improving, where else would you go if not those top two? Are you planning on studying abroad?"

"No," Song Yimo replies. "I wouldn’t feel right leaving my grandma."

"So, where do you want to go, then?"

Song Yimo shrugs honestly. "Haven’t thought about it yet. We haven’t even split into arts and sciences classes. Aren’t you guys jumping ahead a bit?"

Reminded of this, everyone nods—true, next term they'll need to choose between arts and sciences.

Class President Chen Zhen stops, turning to face Song Yimo. "The other day, I overheard the teachers discussing whether you should take arts or sciences. What do you think?"

"Probably sciences," she replies. It’s more about problem-solving, while arts involve so much memorization—she just don’t have the time for that. Plus, she studied sciences in my last life, so she has some experience.

Liu Dinghong sighs. "I’m not as well-rounded as you, Yimo. I’ll probably have to go into arts."

Song Yimo smiles but says nothing, and no one seems to mind.

Having been in the same class as Song Yimo for a year, everyone knows her gentle, easy-going nature well. With her looks and grades, anyone else would probably have a bit of an ego by now, but not her. Whenever anyone from her class—or any other—needs help with their studies, she’s always patient, explaining everything until they understand.

Few would ever think of taking advantage of her kindness. Not only does she have Miao Zhiruo, who’s fiercely protective, but she’s also someone who’s genuinely liked by everyone, with few in the whole school boasting her popularity.

Occasionally, someone does try to stir up trouble, but all it takes is a few pointed glares from the other girls and boys to make them back off. It’s like when someone started a rumor about her and Yu Xi, causing the teacher to pull her aside. That rumor didn’t last long before dying out, and few dared mention it again.

After all, you need a reason to pick a fight with someone, and with Song Yimo, even Chen Fangfei lost her motivation to cause trouble.

Returning to the classroom to retrieve her bag, the classmates say their goodbyes, with Song Yimo and Miao Zhiruo naturally sticking together.

As they walk, a soft buzzing sound fills the air.

Miao Zhiruo hears it, too, and stops. "Is that a cell phone vibrating? Yimo, do you have a cell phone?"

She does. Zhai Muyang had given her a nearly-new pink phone to keep in her bag for emergencies. She keeps it on vibrate and hasn’t made or received a single call on it. Knowing her quiet, unassuming nature, Zhai Muyang never calls during the day.

If Miaomiao hadn’t pointed out the vibration, she wouldn’t have even thought of it.

She digs the phone out of a side pocket, finding a missed call from a familiar number.

She dials it back.

"Dage."

Miao Zhiruo leans closer to listen.

"Everyone else left already; why haven’t you? Did you get permission to leave early?"

"I’m here. Did you come back? I’ll be right out."

Hanging up, Song Yimo grabs Miao Zhiruo, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"My Dage's here! Let’s hurry."