Momo's Gradual Change - VOL. 1

C172. A Child with a Mother.

Chapter 172: A Child with a Mother

He Yi hadn’t slept well all night, and by early morning, her spirits were low.

Miao Jun, dressed and ready for the day, poured her a glass of warm water. “Why don’t you take today off from the shop and rest at home?”

“What’s the use?” He Yi sighed, sipping the water before setting the glass down and getting out of bed. She muttered as she moved about, “Song Yi spent decades climbing and scheming to reach wealthy circles. If she knew that Yimo was now connected with a military district commander, she’d come running back, all sweet and caring for Yimo in an instant. Junzi, do you think I should…?”

“No need.”

“But I haven’t even finished—”

“Yimo doesn’t need someone who’s only willing to care for her because of the Fang family,” Miao Jun replied, pulling a dress out of the wardrobe. Ever since his wife had gained a little weight, she preferred dresses over pants. “I still remember every detail of what Yimo went through with that painful bone marrow transplant, and Song Yi didn’t lift a finger to check in. Not even a word to ask if Yimo was recovering. Anyone with a shred of heart wouldn’t have broken ties with you, even if it was just to inquire about her wellbeing. Since she cares so little for Yimo, let her stay out of her life. Whatever happens to Yimo from now on, good or bad, it has nothing to do with her.”

“And if Song Yi suddenly calls?”

“Just say a few words and keep it brief. Aunt Song has already given up on her and even changed her number to avoid her. Don’t interfere; older folks tend to soften up too easily. We don’t want to put Yimo in a difficult position.”

At the mention of Yimo, He Yi’s heart immediately leaned in her favor. “You’re right. If Song Yi tries to appeal to Aunt Song, Aunt Song might end up softening, and Yimo will be the one caught in the middle. Let’s say nothing and let Song Yi wallow in her own choices. One day, when Yimo succeeds, Song Yi will realize that everything she’s chased after all these years could’ve been hers, if only she’d done right by Yimo. That’ll be her own bitterness to bear.”

Seeing that his wife understood, Miao Jun let the matter rest.

He didn’t just lack goodwill toward Song Yi; he was wary of her. Someone as shamelessly self-centered as she was could stoop to anything to get her way. If Yimo did indeed make something of herself, Song Yi would likely show up, bringing more trouble.

He’d have to stay vigilant, ready for anything. And he needed to keep those files he’d accumulated over the years well-protected—who knew when they might come in handy.

"Mom, Dad, are you up? Yi Mo and Zhai Dage are here," a voice called.

He Yi looked surprised, "So early?"

"I'll go out first. You two get ready," came the reply.

Miao Jun stepped out of his bedroom to see Yi Mo at the door, wrapped in a hug with Zhi Ruo, exchanging whispers. Yi Mo's gaze was gentle.

"Uncle Miao," Zhai Mu Yang greeted with a smile, explaining, "I need to head back to the county soon, just dropped by to pick up Yi Mo’s things—and maybe grab some breakfast."

Grandma Miao came out from the kitchen, wiping her hands, "There's plenty, plenty. Zhi Ruo, set the table."

"Got it!" Zhi Ruo answered cheerfully and floated off to the kitchen.

"Miao Grandma, Miao Dad," Yi Mo called out politely.

Unaware of what Yi Mo had gone through yesterday, Grandma Miao laughed, "Perfect timing. I’ll catch a ride with you—I have family in town holding a wedding. We’re close, so I can't miss it."

Song Yimo joined Zhi Ruo to help set the table and asked, "How long will you stay with them?"

"At least three or four days. It’s been months since I visited—need to drop in on some folks."

"Since you’ll only stay a few days, don’t bother tidying up back there. Stay with my grandmother; we’re leaving for the Tibetan city tomorrow, gone for over ten days."

Grandma Miao looked at her son, and Miao Jun nodded, "That works. I'd feel better knowing you're not alone."

Just then, He Yi came out of the room, "Why up so early?"

"Dage has to get back," Song Yimo said, slipping her arm around He Yi's in a friendly gesture. "Miao Mama, I'm going with Dage, and tomorrow he’ll arrange a car straight to the airport, so we won’t swing by here again."

He Yi glared at her but didn’t shake her off. "Mu Yang, you’re okay letting her go off like this? Should just keep her locked up."

Zhai Muyang chuckled at Song Yimo’s innocent blink. "I can't bring myself to do that. But I could provide the place, Auntie—care to handle it?"

He Yi tapped Yi Mo's forehead. No way could she do anything to ruin her future.

Miao Jun's gaze lingered briefly on Yi Mo and Mu Yang’s matching outfits, saying nothing. So long as someone was good to Yi Mo, that was all he needed.

Along with Grandma Miao, Zhi Ruo also planned to hitch a ride back. Before they left, He Yi handed each of them a bank card. "Three thousand each. Call if it’s not enough. Wu Ting and Zuo Chun don’t have much at home. Be considerate; don’t let them overspend. University expenses are no joke, save wherever you can."

"Miao Mama, I have money..."

"Take it," He Yi said firmly. They’d managed in the past without much, but now that things were easier, she didn’t want the kids deprived of anything. Thanks to Yi Mo, their family had come this far—helping out this bit was the least they could do. If she thought Yi Mo would accept it, she’d cover everything, including tuition.

Mu Yang took the card and placed it in Yi Mo’s hand. "One doesn’t refuse gifts from elders."

Yi Mo held the card tightly. "Thank you, Miao Mama."

It was settled then. He Yi felt a sense of satisfaction; with the card, sending Yi Mo her college allowance would be easier. No matter how much Yi Mo had on her own, this was what family was supposed to do. Yi Mo wasn’t some child without a mother.

He Yi recalled Mu Yang mentioning he'd have someone accompany them, so she didn’t say much more, only packed some imported fruit for them to take along.

On the ride, Song Yimo and Miao Zhiruo chatted in whispers in the back seat, while Zhai Muyang occasionally glanced at them in the rearview mirror. Before they knew it, they had entered Xinghu County.

Miao Zhiruo, glued to the window, commented, "Yi Mo, doesn’t it seem like there are way more cars?"

Song Yimo leaned over her shoulder and nodded, "Should we call Zuo Chun to check things out?"

"Let’s just head over. If she's busy, we can help," Miao Zhiruo said, giving Song Yimo a knowing look.

Song Yimo caught on instantly and leaned forward to ask her brother, "Dage, can we stop by the scenic area?"

"I’ll take you there." Zhai Muyang reached over and patted her head, then pulled a new phone from the car’s storage. "Sim’s copied over, but your contacts are gone."

"Thanks, Dage." Song Yimo examined the white phone. Compact and sleek—even by future standards, it wasn’t bad. Although she’d never heard of the brand.

Miao Zhiruo took a glance, not even bothering to guess the price. Zhai Muyang never gave Yi Mo anything cheap.

The phone had just two numbers: Mu Yang’s and their home landline.

With her excellent memory, Song Yimo saved what contacts she recalled. Those she didn’t remember, she figured, probably weren’t essential.

Zhai Muyang dropped them off at the scenic area entrance. "I’ll take Grandma Miao back. Call if you need me."

"Will do. Bye, Dage! Grandma Miao, please tell my grandma I’m back."

Grandma Miao waved a hand, "Yes, yes."