Momo's Gradual Change - VOL. 1

C137. True Kin.

Chapter 137: True Kin

The Chinese people must be among the most deeply rooted to their homeland in the world, bound by blood and bones, generation after generation.

Many leave home young to make their way, yet when they return with white hair and trembling steps, they’ll embrace their homeland’s soil, content even if life there is humble. This yearning to return, like a leaf falling back to its roots, is woven into their very being.

After a summer away, the moment Song Yimo stepped off the plane, she understood why elderly folks returning from abroad looked so emotional. The very air of her hometown seemed infused with sweetness, bringing an irrepressible smile to her face.

Guiding Wu Ting to the exit, Song Yimo immediately spotted Miao Dad and Miao Miao, who was waving with all her might.

“Miao Dad!”

Miao Jun nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. He knew his wife always said he’d raised Yimo “too proper,” but this sense of purpose and warmth in her made him proud beyond words.

“Momo, finally you’re back! We’re going straight to my mom’s. If she could drive, no way would my dad have gotten to pick you up!” Miao Miao teased.

Picturing Mrs. Miao once again vowing to master driving, Song Yimo’s eyes crinkled with laughter. “Alright, let’s visit Miao Mama first.”

Then she turned, noticing her elder brother approaching with a young man beside him. Straightening her posture, she remembered what her brother had told her on the plane: this was the new assistant Zhou-ge had arranged. For the times he wouldn’t be around, this young man could help her brother handle various matters.

“Uncle Miao,” Zhai Muyang greeted Miao Jun with a respectful nod. “There are a lot of us, so two cars work perfectly.”

“We’re not heading back yet, Dage. Miao Mama’s waiting for me, and we also need to visit Grandpa. Wu Ting, though, shouldn’t be making these trips; her health just can’t manage it.”

Zhai Muyang immediately understood Yimo’s intent. “Let Xiao Yu take Wu Ting and her grandmother back home, then.”

Song Yimo looked to Wu Ting. “Is that okay?”

Wu Ting gently squeezed Yimo’s hand. “I’ll follow your lead.”

“Good. Go home and rest well, don’t do anything. Even if the sky falls, there’ll be someone taller to hold it up. You’re only seventeen—get healthy first, so you’ll have a future to look forward to.”

“Don’t worry, I understand,” Wu Ting replied with a smile. Then, turning to Zhai Muyang, she added, “Zhai Dage, I’ve never had the chance to thank you properly. It’s not that I’m ungrateful—this kindness is far too great for mere words. I’ll carry it in my heart for life, and when I’m working, I’ll definitely repay the money you lent.”

Zhai Muyang ruffled Yimo’s hair. “Repay Yimo; it’s her money.”

Wu Ting looked surprised, but, with quiet maturity, she didn’t pry. She simply nodded. “I’ll remember that.”

“Alright, get going now. Too many people here watching,” Song Yimo said, helping Wu Ting out the door. Miao Miao quickly took Wu Ting’s other side, while Wu Ting’s grandmother, sensing their support, stepped back and didn’t try to take the lead.

Once Wu Ting and her grandmother were on their way, the rest climbed into Miao Jun’s car. Zhai Muyang took the front seat, while the two girls in the back leaned in close, their heads together in some lively conversation.

Miao Jun glanced in the rearview mirror, a familiar warmth lighting his smile.

At her new shop, He Yi kept stealing glances out the door, mumbling to herself, “Why aren’t they back yet?”

The three salesgirls she’d hired—friends’ daughters from Xinghu County—shared a close relationship with her, and while she treated them warmly, she kept them in line professionally.

One of them, a round-faced girl by the counter, teased, “Missus, the boss just left—already missing him?”

“Get outta here,” He Yi huffed, rolling her eyes. “We’ve been an old couple for years. Who’d be eager to see him?”

“Oooohhh!” The three girls all dragged out their disbelief in unison.

He Yi ignored them, jotting down figures in her ledger. When she finally looked up again, she saw everyone climbing out of the car.

The girl she’d fretted over for over a month had come home as poised as ever, contrasting sharply with her own daughter, who darted around like a monkey. The two approached arm in arm, climbing the steps.

He Yi hurried out from behind the counter, reaching the door before they could, smiling as she spread her arms. “You’re finally back! Miao Mama missed you so much!”

Song Yimo leaned into her embrace. Regardless of past life or present, whatever her age, this embrace always brought her peace.

“Now I know I’m invisible when Yimo’s around,” Miao Miao said dramatically, wedging herself into the hug, stretching her long arms to wrap them both.

He Yi lightly swatted her daughter’s back, embracing her “big baby” with fond exasperation.

Miao Jun strolled in after them, chuckling. “With this heat, aren’t you three melting?”

He Yi ignored him, beaming at Zhai Muyang. “Muyang, you must be tired from the journey. Go cool off near the freezer. Miao Miao, grab that half-chilled watermelon and slice it up.”

Peeling her daughter off with a chuckle, He Yi pulled Song Yimo into the shop.

Miao Miao, rubbing her nose, went to fetch the watermelon.

He Yi opened her laptop. “I tried showing you the accounts earlier, but you were busy. School’s starting soon, so you’ll have even less time. Best to look over them now.”

Song Yimo reviewed the records carefully.

Since Miao Mama was a trained accountant, the figures were spot-on. Song Yimo’s focus was on trends—what sold best, how fast funds circulated, and the monthly net profit, so she could keep everything in mind.

The Miao family treated her as one of their own, and she, too, saw herself as part of the family. Naturally, she hoped for prosperity for everyone under this roof.

He Yi handed her a slice of watermelon, seeds removed. “Well?”

“It’s great. At this rate, we could open a new shop in two months. Miao Dad could start looking for a location now. If he finds the right spot, we can open right away. I can even pitch in a little extra if needed. The sooner we grow, the better—before competitors catch on. By next year, similar shops will be popping up everywhere. Our advantage is in starting now, this year. It’s even possible others have started already.”

“Alright, I’ll mention it to Miao Dad.” She passed Yimo a napkin, then lowered her voice. “Your classmates’ treatment must’ve cost quite a bit. Do you still have enough?”

“I have some, and my monthly income keeps me from draining it all.”

“As long as you’re sure. Are they planning to pay back what they borrowed?”

Song Yimo wiped watermelon juice from her mouth. “Both families are struggling. Zuo Chun’s family may be poor, but they’re united and harmonious. Wu Ting’s, though, you can’t imagine. Her parents never even showed up; only her dad came to the hospital once, and he wasn’t there to see her. No, he came to look for my brother. Having parents like that around is worse than growing up without them, like me.”

He Yi sighed. “Parents these days, I’ll never understand. We won’t press them to repay. They’ll remember your kindness and pay it back when they’re able.”

“I know. I won’t press them.”

He Yi removed the seeds from another slice and handed it over just as Song Yimo finished her last bite. Like mother and daughter, they had a rhythm that put even true kin to shame. Miao Miao, spitting seeds out herself, threw a jealous look, pretending to choke and swallow a mouthful in protest.