Xiang Ri's mother spent two days in Beihai, with Chu Chu and Shi Qing, the two young women, almost inseparable from her side. Especially Chu Chu, who even rested in her room at night.
The one suffering the most was Xiang Ri. Accustomed to sleeping with Chu Chu in his arms, he now found himself without his usual companion, tossing and turning through sleepless nights.
Moreover, since his encounter with the female police officer, her captivating image had taken over his mind whenever he closed his eyes, making sleep impossible as he turned restlessly throughout the night.
However, today brought some relief, as "Mother" was about to leave. This not only spared him from the awkwardness and discomfort but also brought a sense of relief.
Unfortunately, Xiang Mu had no intention of letting him off so easily. Before leaving, she took him aside for a private, mother-son conversation.
"I need to ask you something," Xiang Mu began, her tone stern. "Which of those two girls do you like?"
Xiang Ri, feeling embarrassed, pushed up his glasses in an attempt to shield himself from his mother's sharp gaze.
Xiang Mu's face darkened. "Do you plan to have both of them?"
The thought had indeed crossed Xiang Ri's mind, but seeing the clear disapproval in his mother's expression, he wisely kept the thought to himself.
Seeing his hesitation, Xiang Mu continued, "It's only natural for you to have such thoughts. Both of those girls seem fine to me, but remember, our country follows a monogamous system."
"Don't even think about having one openly and one secretly. Even if they agreed, your father would never allow it, and their families would never approve. One is the daughter of a wealthy tycoon, the other the daughter of a mayor. Why would they settle for being your mistress? Besides, you've got quite the nerve—after only a month, you've already found two wives. Aren't you afraid your father will beat you?"
"Alright, I won't say much more about your personal life, but remember this: don't cause any trouble for me!"
"Yes, I understand," Xiang Ri replied with a wry smile. *Is this what you call not saying much?* Just as he thought the conversation was over, Xiang Mu asked a question that left him speechless: "By the way, have you and Chu Chu... consummated your relationship?"
Discussing such matters with an elder made Xiang Ri feel extremely awkward, but he couldn't help but admire his mother's sharp instincts.
"Although I'd love to hold a grandchild soon, you're still in your academic years. You'd better not rush into having children. Of course, after graduation, I wouldn't object."
Xiang Ri could only laugh bitterly in response. Thankfully, her following questions turned to trivial matters, giving him a chance to relax.
"Do you have enough money?"
"Yes."
Xiang Ri's mother gave him a strange look. "You're not spending someone else's money, are you?" Her unspoken implication was clear—she was concerned. Given that both girls were from wealthy families, and seeing their devotion to him, she knew they would never refuse if he asked them for money.
Xiang Ri understood her concern. Though somewhat displeased, he knew an explanation was necessary. "Do I look like the kind of person who would do that? No matter what, I, Xiang Ri, am an upright man. How could I spend a woman's money?"
"Ha, ha," Xiang Ri's mother seemed satisfied with his response but, noticing his somewhat proud expression, teased, "I'm a woman too. Do you think it would be beneath you to spend my money?"
"Not at all, I didn't mean that," Xiang Ri quickly clarified.
"Alright, I know you didn't mean that. But listen—if you find yourself running low on funds, don't hesitate to call home. Your father's monthly allowance is decent, and my salary isn't small either. With a bit of frugality, it should be enough, even if you need to support two more people." Her tone then became pointed. "But enough about that, they're probably waiting for you. Go on."
Xiang Ri followed her out, feeling somewhat frustrated, but there was no real resistance in his heart.
Xiang Ri's mother took the train back, and Xiang Ri, Chu Chu, and Shi Qing saw her off at the station. With over ten minutes left before the train's departure, they lingered nearby to chat.
What they didn't expect was that, not far away in the waiting hall, someone had noticed their presence.
Yi Tianxing was already in a foul mood about being forced to come to this dreadful place to see someone off. Not only was it hot, but the air was suffocating. However, when his third uncle insisted, he had no choice but to obediently arrive. Sitting in a chair, he casually observed the women passing by. His attention was drawn to two stunning beauties, and naturally, he could not bring himself to divert his gaze elsewhere.
Yet, the more he looked at these two women, the more they seemed familiar. When he caught sight of a certain annoying face beside them, he finally realized they were the same group he had encountered in the restaurant a few days ago.
Yi Tianxing, who had been warned by his family not to cause any more trouble with them, felt a rising sense of displeasure. But with his third uncle right there, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. Surely, with his third uncle's deep affection for him, he would resist the family's objections and help him take revenge. Perhaps he could even enjoy the company of those two lovely women.
"Third Uncle, that's the one," Yi Tianxing nudged the middle-aged man beside him, who was engaging in a conversation with someone and appeared to be in his forties, his face full of affability.
"What?" The affable middle-aged man looked mildly irritated, as there was nothing more unwelcome than being interrupted when in the midst of a pleasant discussion.
Yi Tianxing, oblivious to his tone, continued to point toward a distant target. "It was that guy who hit me a few days ago."
The affable man glanced over, then froze, his entire body trembling. Among the group of people talking and laughing, he saw someone whose image was deeply etched in his memory. For a moment, he was lost in thoughts of the past, unable to speak.
"Third Uncle, what's wrong?" Yi Tianxing, noticing his silence, asked, a little confused.
The affable man snapped back to reality, his eyes sharp as he turned them on his nephew. "Which person are you referring to?"
"The one next to the older woman. See how close he is to her? I bet that guy..."
"Enough!" The affable man cut him off sharply, his face filled with fury. "You're useless, and now you want me to step in? What has happened to the Yi family that it produced a worthless fool like you?"
"Third Uncle..." Yi Tianxing was stunned. He had never seen his usually amiable third uncle this angry, and he didn't understand what he had said wrong.
"Don't call me 'Third Uncle.' I have no nephew like you!" With that, the affable man fixed his gaze on the group of men and women, particularly the young man among them. He looked strikingly similar to someone from over twenty years ago, and there seemed to be a trace of her in his face as well. He must be their son.
"Third Uncle, it was me who was hit! He's my enemy!" Yi Tianxing tried to explain.
"Enemy? I warn you, don't cause any more trouble with him. If I hear of it, I'll deal with you!" The affable man spoke with finality.
"But... why is this happening?" Yi Tianxing asked, bewildered.
The affable man's voice grew cold. "Don't ask! The train is about to arrive. See Mr. Ouyang onto the train."
"Alright, I understand." Yi Tianxing lowered his head, but inside, his resentment toward the young man grew deeper.
As he watched his nephew see the "important guest" off, the affable man took out his phone and dialed a number.
"Third Brother, is there something wrong?" A voice full of authority came from the other end.
"Old Brother, I saw her again."
"Oh? At the train station?"
"Yes, she's about to leave."
"Sigh, it's for the best. At least..." The voice trailed off, filled with a deep melancholy.
"By the way, Old Brother, do you think she's here for what purpose?"
"You know?"
"I think she came to see her son."
"Her child? Are you sure?"
"Yes, he looks very much like that person, only not as strong in build."
"Since you're in the city, if you have time, look after him. After all, he carries the blood of our Yi family. But keep it discreet—don't let the old man find out."
"I know. But there's one thing I need to mention. Do you know who that kid is?"
"Who?" The person on the other end was now intrigued.
"It's the one who hit Tianxing."
"Oh, it's him? In that case, stop causing trouble for him. After all, they're cousins."
"Of course. But Old Brother, did you forget? That kid is now a son-in-law of the Tie family."
"Son-in-law of the Tie family? Interesting. It seems this might be her opportunity."
"Old Brother, what do you mean?"
"The old man is eager to find allies, isn't he? He even tried to arrange a marriage between Tianxing and the Tie family, but they didn't look at him. Now, here's a golden opportunity right in front of him. Do you think he'll let it slip by?"
"Are you saying the old man might let Fourth Sister return to the Yi family?"
"If we tell the old man about this, it's very possible."
"Then what should we do?" The affable man was moved. After all, these were siblings who had lived together for over twenty years, with deep affection. If they could reunite, it would be a great joy.
"Fourth Sister and we get along well, but her deepest affection is for him."
"You mean, tell Xiao Jun? Then have her pass the message to the old man?"
"Do you think there's a better option?"
"Exactly! I thought we'd never have the chance to reunite. I'm so glad, Old Brother, I'm truly happy."
"Yes, it's all thanks to her giving birth to such a fine son."