Momo's Gradual Change

C108. Capturing the Leverage.

Chapter 108: Capturing the Leverage

Song Zhi, usually the doting husband, was beginning to show signs of impatience. "What’s the harm in asking? Go on, Yu Mei, say it."

Yu Mei brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, forcing herself to stay calm under the gaze of her children and Yimo. "Very well, I’ll ask—what are your conditions, Yimo?"

Song Yimo couldn’t hold back a smirk, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "Simple. All you need to do is write a formal guarantee promising that, under any circumstances, you will never trouble Grandma again."

That’s it?

Song Zhi and Yu Mei exchanged a glance. They hardly ever came around as it was, and once the house was theirs, why would they bother?

Almost as if she could read their minds, Song Yimo nodded. "Yes, that’s the only request."

Then, glancing at the two siblings—knowing full well what they’d be like in a decade—Song Yimo added, "And every single one of you has to sign it, the whole family of four. If even one name is missing, the deal is off."

Song Zhi disagreed. "We can sign, no problem, but the kids don’t need to. They don’t understand any of this."

"They’re part of the Song family," Song Yimo replied, pulling out paper and a pen and placing them on the coffee table. "Think it over before you write—I’m in no rush."

With that, Song Yimo turned her back on them, helping her grandmother up. "Grandma, I’m starving. Let’s go cook."

"Alright, alright." Grandma Song looked at her granddaughter, who had taken control the moment she returned. A smile crept across her face, lifting her spirits as her steps grew lighter.

In the kitchen, Song Yimo rinsed the rice and set it to cook, bringing out the vegetables to wash. Grandma Song took meat from the fridge and began slicing, glancing outside from time to time.

"Yimo, do you think they’ll really write it?"

"Oh, they will. Only a fool would think that the property values won’t rise once Xinghu becomes a scenic area. That’s why they rushed over here." Song Yimo spoke over the sound of running water without lowering her voice. She wasn’t worried about eavesdroppers.

Rumors were swirling lately, enough that Yu Mei believed them in part, which was plenty to get her moving on this.

With leverage over Song Yi already in her hand, securing evidence against Song Zhi’s family would mean that not only she and Grandma would be left alone, but they’d also have solid ground to stand on, making it hard for anyone to find fault with them.

Grandma Song, worried about having nowhere to go later, sighed as she chopped. "If they make us sign the house over, what if they throw us out right after? They’d do something that heartless."

"We’ll rent a place for a while. With the holiday break coming up, I’ll have time to look for a bigger apartment, so when Dage returns, he won’t be short of space."

Grandma was tempted. "Do you have enough money? Hasn’t Junzi’s loan still not come back to you? We can’t ask him; Grandma has saved a bit…"

"Grandma, don’t worry. There’s plenty—more than enough to buy an extra apartment." Song Yimo grinned. She’d recently checked her bank account, which had surpassed seven figures, with over 200,000 yuan just last month from rewards and royalties—her highest earnings yet.

She knew more about Xinghu’s development plans than anyone else. She had a few ideas but thought about a trip to H City over the summer.

After researching property prices in major cities, she found she could afford something even in top-tier cities like B City or S City, though it would empty her funds. But H City was different; while now wasn’t the ideal buying time, it was still far more affordable than it would be in nine years.

If only she could bring a trusted adult along. Her top choice, naturally, was Dage, but…

For some reason, Song Yimo felt reluctant to let him know just how well-off she’d become.

Miao’s parents were busy, so she didn’t want to bother them. That left only Grandma, though Grandma wanted to visit B City.

Maybe they could visit both?

The summer break was long enough. Song Yimo was lost in thought, washing vegetables, when she heard footsteps.

Song Zhi tossed the paper at her, which she ignored, letting it fall to the ground as she turned back to the sink and resumed washing vegetables.

Seeing her indifference, Song Zhi grudgingly bent to pick up the paper, then slapped it onto the counter.

"Just like your mother—always so infuriating."

Grandma, worried it would get wet, quickly took the paper, her gaze toward her son sharp. "No one invited you here."

Song Zhi sneered but said nothing.

Song Yimo dried her hands, took the paper, gave it a quick glance, and tossed it back. "Rewrite it. Tell your wife to make an effort. She’s done clerical work for years—no reason she can’t manage a proper guarantee. Don’t think you can pull a fast one on me. I understand what’s written."

Song Zhi’s face darkened. "Yimo, don’t push it."

"You’re free not to give me the chance."

He clenched his fist, stepping forward, clearly ready to act.

Without hesitation, Grandma picked up a knife, pointing it at Song Zhi. "If you lay a finger on Yimo, I’ll fight you to the death."

Song Zhi stepped back, startled, as Yu Mei rushed in, clutching his sleeve and eyeing the knife with terror, ready to drag him out of harm’s way.

A whiff of someone else’s cooking drifted in from outside. Song Yimo looked at the spread on her own counter and suddenly felt tired of dealing with them.

"Write the guarantee clearly, and the house is yours. We’ll move out tomorrow. If you can’t even wait one night, we’ll leave after dinner. So hurry, before I change my mind."

Yu Mei’s face twitched. "What, you want people to call us heartless?"

"When have you ever been anything but? If you had any heart, you wouldn’t be standing here. If you don’t want people talking, leave now and stay out of Grandma’s house."

Song Yimo turned back, lighting the stove and preparing to cook.

Gritting her teeth, Yu Mei tossed the paper aside, hurrying out to rewrite it. This time, she had the kids sign their names, added her own, and then handed the paper and pen to Song Zhi.

Song Zhi hesitated, an odd, uncharacteristic pause before signing. What kind of foundation was Yimo standing on, anyway?

Was it that “big brother” of hers?

Yu Mei gave his sleeve a tug, and Song Zhi, snapping out of it, glanced at Song Yimo before signing his name.

To hell with it. Once the house was in his name, he’d sit back and let the value rise. The location was prime; once the scenic area came through, this old place would likely be torn down and rebuilt, bringing in a handsome sum. Grabbing it now was the smart move.

Song Yimo took the paper, folded it, and placed it in a nearby cabinet. "You can handle the paperwork. When Grandma needs to be there, she’ll go."

Song Zhi and Yu Mei hadn’t expected her to agree so quickly, now leaving them feeling strangely uncertain.

The stove hissed as Somg Yimo poured oil into the pan, and the rich aroma of sizzling meat filled the room.

Yu Mei tugged at Song Zhi, who still had more to say, guiding him and the kids out the door.

"Just like that? What if Song Yimo changes her mind once we’re gone?" he muttered.

Yu Mei shook her head. "She won’t. If she were going to back out, what would be the point of going through all this trouble?"

"True." Song Zhi nodded. "You figured out all the steps, right? Let’s just follow through."

"Yes, let’s head home first."