"You used to not care about anyone else's opinion. Why does it matter so much to you now?" Mrs. Song pressed gently, her voice tinged with frustration and worry.
Ironically, it was her son's disregard for others' opinions that had been one of her greatest concerns when he was younger.
Yet now, when she and her husband hoped for him to embrace his individuality and strength, he seemed weighed down by the judgement of others.
Song Chengfeng raised his head, his deep, unwavering gaze meeting his mother's. For a brief moment, Mrs. Song thought he might speak, that he might finally let out the emotions he kept buried.
"Chengfeng," she began, her voice quieter now, "you've always carried too much on your shoulders. You don't have to fight this alone. You're still my son, and your father's son. Nothing—no words from anyone—can change that."
Mrs. Song could only try to reason with her son, knowing how deeply ingrained his stubbornness was.
