"Mother? Do you also know that you are my mother?"
"Which mother in this world would remarry with one son but leave the other son behind? Not even came to see him for several years, but when finally meeting, the attitude is cold and indifferent as if saying one more word will make your mouth dirty."
"If I hadn't dated Xue Xue, I'm afraid you wouldn't know about my return to China, right? Yes, after all, in your heart, An Yang is your son, and I'm afraid I'm about the same as the strangers on the roadside? Oh no, at least you don't have such a blatant disgust with strangers."
"I respect you because you gave birth to me, but since you haven't done your duty for more than 20 years, don't try to use your motherhood on me now, I won't compromise and I won't listen to you."
After Jiang Ping Yang said this, he grabbed the glass of water on the table and gulped it down.
His emotions had never been so out of control.
Until today, Ding Rou completely shattered his expectations, Jiang Pingyang was no longer disappointed, and even more, felt relieved and happy.
This should have been the case.
Jiang Pingyang thought, Ding Rou's constant indifference over the past decades has made it clear that he was insignificant in the other party's heart. It was ridiculous that he even delusionally wanted to get even a little bit of warmth and affirmation from Ding Rou.
It was simply a fool's dream.
She didn't care about him, no matter how well he does, she still won't care about him.
It is more important for people to respect and love themselves, rather than seeking approval from others' attitudes.
Jiang Pingyang once again realized that his destiny with Xue Xue was the most precious gift he had received since he was born.
It was impossible for him to let go of her.
Even if…she and Jiang Anyang have a past that he wasn't involved in.
Ding Rou didn't notice the determination in Jiang Pingyang's eyes, she was just immersed in her own thoughts.
The person in front of her looked like Jiang Pingyang, but he didn't seem to be Jiang Pingyang.
In Ding Rou's memory, Jiang Pingyang was a child whose sensitivity could be provoked even if she stood on the side. Ding Rou knew better than anyone about Jiang Pingyang's innocence, but whenever she saw that face that looked like Jiang Huaide, she couldn't help but be angry.
It felt good to have someone take her anger, even if the other person was her own son.
It was only at this time that Ding Rou realized how terrifying the selfishness she had hidden in her bones was.
But even if she realized this, she did not have any intention to change. A person's love is limited. After her failed marriage with Jiang Huaide, Ding Rou decided to keep most of her love to herself and a small part of her love to Jiang Anyang. As for Jiang Pingyang…he was Jiang Huaide's responsibility.
With this idea in mind, Ding Rou lived through the decades with peace of mind.
Unexpectedly, her actions would one day be challenged by the eldest son who she has neglected.
After recovering, the guilty conscience dissipated, replaced by anger and shame.
Ding Rou extended a trembling finger and pointed at Jiang Pingyang.
"What do you mean by that? Jiang Pingyang, I'm telling you to leave Xue Mi for your own good. Did you get bewitched by that woman? How dare you say that about your own mother–"
Since the two of them were in open seating, and it was now close to dinner time, many guests were already seated, and Ding Rou was too angry to pay attention to the volume of her voice, so many people were now looking at their table.
She noticed the scrutiny eyes falling on her from all directions, even if it was subtle, it still gave Ding Rou a strong sense of shame of being watched naked.
How long has it been since she was so embarrassed? It seemed that as long as she was involved with Jiang Pingyang, nothing good has happened to her.
If Jiang Pingyang could get a glimpse of Ding Rou's inner thoughts, he would probably laugh uncontrollably.
This was his mother, who was used to putting all the blame on him, a mother who still thought he deserved to be treated like a punching bag even when she realized she was the one in the wrong.
It was a pity that Jiang Pingyang couldn't get a glimpse of Ding Rou's heart, so he seemed to be calm, but it was Jiang Pingyang's calmness that made Ding Rou's gaffe even more embarrassing and ridiculous.
Even the whispers of the next table could be faintly heard.
Ding Rou's face turned blue and then white, and finally, it gradually returned to normal.
Seeing the change in Ding Rou's expression with his own eyes, Jiang Pingyang thought of what Xue Xue said to him: "Actually, I think Aunt Ding's marriage to my father really buried her talents. If she is in the entertainment industry, she will definitely have a very good development."
At that time, Jiang Pingyang didn't quite understand the meaning of Xue Xue's words, and Xue Xue did not intend to explain, but now he understood.
About Ding Rou's "acting skills".
"Ping Yang, I know you resent me for not taking care of you for so many years, but I can't help it…"
"I have brought already An Yang in, although Wan Gui doesn't care, but my words and deeds all symbolize Mrs. Xue's identity. If I see you more often, what would others think of your mother?"
Ding Rou's words were not entirely false.
Although it was also a second marriage, everyone would not be curious about the rich man, but speculate and imagine the intention of the woman who brought a son in.
Although Ding Rou has a good skill and a flexible mind, it took her a lot of effort to break into the circle of those noble ladies and gain recognition. Before that, she had been blatantly ridiculed and ostracised. There were also cold words from others behind her back.
Ding Rou, who was now firmly seated in Mrs. Xue's position, rarely remembered this past, but when she mentioned it, the sadness that fell on her eyes was still touching.
Not to mention the teardrop in the corner of the eye that will not fall.
"And when I handed you over to your dad, your dad took you abroad. He didn't tell me where you were, but just left me with a phone number. I was afraid that calling you too often will affect your schoolwork abroad ..."
"That's enough."
Hearing this, Jiang Pingyang had completely lost his patience.
He picked up the paper bag that he had prepared in his briefcase and put it in front of Ding Rou.
Ding Rou raised her eyebrows at this unexpected action of Jiang Ping Yang.
"What is this?"
"You will understand when you open it up." Jiang Pingyang stood up as he spoke. "The lies are not likely to become true. You know how you have treated me over the years."
"As for Xue Xue…. I don't know why you insist on letting An Yang be with her, but I can tell you clearly, it's impossible."
"Xue Xue is a real person, not an object. She has her own mind and will make her own decisions, and you have no right to interfere with her choice." Having said that, Jiang Ping paused. "Then again, even if one day she really says she wants to break up… that's because I haven't done well enough. I will improve until she is willing to accept me again."
"You…" Ding Rou was stunned when she heard the words, and then scolded with a tone full of hatred. "Not mature!"
"It's none of your business whether I grow up or not. I've grown up since I was a child, and you haven't taught me anything."
Jiang Pingyang's unexpected calmness gave Ding Rou an uneasy feeling that things were out of control, but before she could think of what to do next, Jiang Pingyang had already taken the step of leaving.
Just then the waiter was about to bring the meal.
"Sir, you…"
"Pay the bill, and then deliver Ms. Ding's meal. As for mine…" Jiang Pingyang saw an old man with his grandson begging outside through the floor-to-ceiling window. "Just invite that pair of grandfather and grandson."
After the words were finished, regardless of Ding Rou's anger behind him, and completely forgetting the image shouting, Jiang Pingyang took firm steps and pushed open the door of the restaurant.