Momo's Gradual Change

C138. Building a Dowry.

Chapter 138: Building a Dowry

By late August, the health resort in Mang City was framed by branches heavy with ripe peaches, painting a scene of bountiful harvest.

Miao Jun had come along with the two siblings, and as he took in the scene before him, a gentle smile played across his face.

He’d worked for years, facing the undercurrents of corporate competition, and ultimately paying the price for his integrity by taking the blame for others—a hit that tainted his reputation within the industry. Yet, while his personality was steadfast, Miao Jun was not unaware of the ways of the world. He knew that this deal with the health resort might open doors to further collaboration.

As a native of Mangshi, he understood the reputation of the Mangshi Health Resort. The residents here were affluent, and naturally, their daily fruit selection would need to be nothing short of exceptional. Securing this business meant gaining the leverage to approach other high-profile clients.

He knew that someday Yimo would soar, and until then, he was determined to build a solid foundation for her. She had called him “Dad” for over a decade, and he would not let her stand alone when facing life’s trials.

Zhai Yansong, already informed of their visit, had sent someone to wait at the gate. The moment they arrived, he was notified and walked out to greet them.

Yimo hadn’t come by that summer, and he’d grown worried that something had happened. One phone call to his grandson had reassured him of her whereabouts. Some might have thought her actions were foolish, but to a lifelong educator like him, Yimo’s moral compass was flawless.

A person who holds kindness and a sense of duty within their heart is unlikely to falter in life, even if they stumble in other areas. And Yimo? She was competent in all respects.

“Grandpa,” Song Yimo called out, breaking into a light jog toward the elderly man. “You look well! How’s your health?”

“Good, quite good,” Zhai Yansong replied, his gaze warm as he sized her up with a gentleness Zhai Muyang had never witnessed. “Have you grown a little taller? I’d say you’re looking taller.”

Song Yimo’s height, which hadn’t quite reached 1.6 meters, had always been a sore spot for her. At his words, her eyes lit up. “Really? Grandpa, is there somewhere I could measure?”

“There is. I’ll have someone take you there in a bit, but I can already tell you’ve grown some.”

Zhai Muyang rolled his eyes, recognizing the flattery to cheer her up. He hadn’t noticed any height difference, and he could only hope she wouldn’t be too disappointed if it turned out otherwise.

This was Miao Jun’s cue to step forward and greet Zhai Yansong. “Mr. Zhai.”

Zhai Yansong gave him a genial smile. “You’ve come.”

Zhai Yansong liked Miao Jun, this straightforward man, and knowing he had played a major role in raising Yimo only deepened his fondness. After all, no scheming person could bring up a child like Yimo.

Besides, over the past few months, Miao Jun had occasionally sent him seasonal, flavorful fruits—nothing extravagant, but each delivery a genuine delight. His old friends looked at him with envy; it wasn’t money or reputation they lacked, but caring young visitors.

“The peaches are nearly ripe. I’m here to discuss things with the director,” Miao Jun explained, handing a bag to Zhai Muyang. “I’ll skip going inside for now. Once we’re all set, I’ll come back.”

“Want me to go with you?” asked Zhai Yansong.

“No need. Business matters are best handled in a straightforward, professional way. Cleaner that way, with no strings attached.”

It made sense, and seeing how clear-headed he was, Zhai Yansong didn’t insist. “Alright, come by later.”

As the sun dipped low, the three of them finally emerged from the health resort, where Xiao Yu was waiting by the car.

Zhai Muyang loaded two boxes of peaches into the vehicle, while Song Yimo said her goodbyes to Miao Jun.

“Miao Dad, we’ll head straight back.”

Miao Jun nodded. “It’s time you did. Registration is the day after tomorrow, and I likely won’t be back until morning. Be ready at home; I’ll pick you up then.”

“Got it.” Song Yimo had grown used to Miao Dad handling anything school-related. At parent-teacher meetings, he’d even arrange to sit between her and Miao Miao, proudly acting as both girls’ parent.

“Oh, Miao Dad, you and Miao Mama shouldn’t let the shop keep you tied down. Start training a few managers now—it’ll pay off later. Don’t wear yourselves out. Life isn’t worth sacrificing for a little extra money if it means working harder than before.”

Miao Jun chuckled, his eyes warm. “Understood. We’ll ease into the boss life at our own pace. It’s getting late—better get going.”

“Alright, goodbye, Miao Dad.” Song Yimo took a few steps before turning back. “Oh, let Miao Miao know that I’ll have an assessment test right after registration.”

Amused, Miao Jun gave a nod.

Zhai Muyang opened the car door for her, waving to Miao Jun as he climbed in after her.

Watching the car drive off, Miao Jun let out a breath, feeling lighter than he had in years. Gazing at the sunset, he thought of his two daughters. He would work hard to prepare a dowry for each of them. As for his eldest, that was one thing, but what kind of man could possibly be good enough for Yimo?

It was a worrying thought, indeed.

At the Miao household, Grandma Song had been staying to keep Grandma Miao company. When Song Yimo arrived, Grandma Song greeted her with a smile. “I was wondering why you hadn’t come back sooner—Wu Ting and her grandmother got here ages ago.”

“Grandma,” Song Yimo responded, placing the name Wu Ting with the image of her grandmother.

“Did you meet them?” she asked.

“Oh yes, Ma Qun even brought gifts,” Grandma Song pointed to a beautifully arranged spread on the table. Judging by the quality, Song Yimo knew they hadn’t come cheap. If accepting these gifts brought Wu Ting’s family peace, she wouldn’t refuse.

Ma Qun... should be Wu Ting's grandmother. Song Yimo made a note and guessed that it was.

She offered gifts from Beijing to Grandma Miao, then, after a bit of conversation, Song Yimo and Zhai Muyang helped Grandma Song head home.

Throughout, Zhai Muyang found himself charmed by this cozy family atmosphere. Unaccustomed to such warmth yet feeling oddly at ease, he even chimed in now and then, completely fitting in as the attentive young man among them.

If his friends had seen him now, their jaws would’ve dropped.

It had been over a month since she moved into her new home, but only tonight did it feel like she was truly living there.

Lying on her bed, Song Yimo looked around at all the things that were hers, completely hers. Her heart was so light, she felt as if she might float away.

Hugging her big stuffed animal, she fell asleep with a smile on her face.

The next morning, Song Yimo was hardly surprised to see Zuo Chun and her mother at her door.

Zuo Chun’s first words were, “Yimo, from now on, my life is yours.”

“What would I need your life for, to go commit arson?” Song Yimo replied with a laugh, adding, “Auntie, please come in and have a seat.” She went to make tea, her carefree manner the same as always, which brought a glimmer of tears to Zuo Chun’s eyes, as the careful reserve she had carried finally melted away.