Chapter 33: Teach Me How To Play

"Yingyue!"

Zhao Yingyue had only just stepped into the home when Hua Mengyao shouted her name out like an excited child whose favorite aunt had come over. She ignored her own biological son as she pulled her daughter-in-law into her arms and held her tightly.

"Hi, Mom! I know it's only been a day but I miss you as if a lifetime has passed!"

Hua Mengyao smiled in satisfaction. She was happy with her daughter's flattering words—even if she knew that she was only sucking up to her. She felt a wave of warmth wash over her.

"I'm just glad that you're finally out of that dreaded house and are home safe with me now, where you should be. Haoyu, go take her things upstairs while I take my daughter to eat something. Yingyue, you're much too thin!"

Liu Haoyu felt like an outsider in his own home for a moment but was happy that his mother had taken Zhao Yingyue in. He didn't even know when it started but he was already very fond of that wife of his. Maybe it had started from the first moment that he'd seen her only a couple of weeks ago.

There had to be something about her that just drew people in and attracted such positivity.

Whatever it was, he was happy to have her now. All he had to do was make her feel the same way about him and eventually fall in love. Until then, he could be patient.

Zhao Yingyue, on the other hand, obediently followed Hua Mengyao into the dining room. The woman had made sure that the kitchen prepared all of her favorite breakfast foods so that she could eat herself full. She didn't trust that she'd eaten enough at the Zhao family home before coming.

Seeing the thoughtful gesture, Zhao Yingyue looked over to the kind woman and said, "Mom, you really didn't have to. I don't want you to make yourself sick exerting so much energy every time that I come over."

Hua Mengyao didn't accept this and instead gestured for Zhao Yingyue to sit. "Of course I need to. My daughter must be taken care of in the best ways possible. It's just a little food, Yingyue. Nothing to really stress myself out about so don't you worry, okay?"

Zhao Yingyue nodded and obediently sat down at the table. Before long, the two were indulging in the spread and enjoying some small talk between each other.

Some way through, Liu Haoyu had come back downstairs and taken a seat next to Zhao Yingyue. He had immediately set out to collect her after he had woken up so he hadn't had a chance to eat either.

He did, however, notice the spread was filled with all of his wife's favorite dishes. Not even a single one was left out.

He laughed and jokingly said, "Mom, don't you think that this is a bit much? I don't think that she can eat this much food."

Hua Mengyao decided to tease him back. "Then you, as her husband, should finish the rest for her, shouldn't you? And you should stay at the table until it's all done."

Zhao Yingyue laughed at Hua Mengyao's attitude in her tone. Liu Haoyu, who was helpless against his mother, put his hands up in surrender before returning his attention to his food.

While they ate, he would occasionally look up between his mother and his wife. The two spoke like mother and daughter. One wouldn't think they met only a week before. He couldn't help but feel content in the environment at the table, knowing that no one could hurt his wife so badly again.

"Yingyue, what are your plans for the Spring Festival this year? Are you going back to that family of yours or will you celebrate with us?"

Liu Haoyu perked up. They had actually intended to be in Shenzhen by then so he hadn't thought about it. He'd really only had plans for one specific day.

"I'm not sure. Haoyu and I were planning to already be in Shenzhen by then. He wanted to make sure that I can explore and get used to the city beyond the small visits that I'd taken for work."

Hua Mengyao looked over to her son with an exaggerated expression of annoyance. She wanted to spend the Spring Festival with her precious Yingyue.

"When exactly were you planning on leaving? This is really sudden. Does that mean I only have a few days before my Yingyue is taken away from me again?"

Zhao Yingyue awkwardly looked over to Liu Haoyu. She didn't want to be the one to answer the woman's question and bear the brunt of her anger. Instead, she would let this dear husband of her's deal with it for the both of them. Hasn't he said that it's his job to bear the brunt of any negativity targeted toward her?

Liu Haoyu looked at Zhao Yingyue's expectant look and knew that he would have to explain to his mother. Doesn't this wife of his know that he'll get the worst reaction? His mother could never truly be upset with her, but he was another story.

"Actually, Mom... don't be mad, but Yingyue and I are actually leaving tomorrow."

He flinched back as his mother tightly clenched her utensils in her hands. He could only imagine what thoughts must have been running through her head.

He nervously looked over at Zhao Yingyue for help, but she was finding the situation all too funny and he could tell from the amusement in her eyes. Maybe she should allow it to go on a little longer.

Hua Mengyao scolded, "Haoyu! You've barely been home for three weeks and you leave already? And you've just married and you're jumping back into work? She hasn't even had her press conference yet so she should be allowed to stay home with me for longer!"

"Mom, it's not like that! I'm not forcing her to do anything and right now I'm acting as her husband rather than her team captain."

"Then why are you going to Shenzhen now then!"

Zhao Yingyue decided now she would intervene.

"Mom, Haoyu and I just got married. Don't we deserve a small honeymoon before the season starts and we're both engulfed with work and followed by paparazzi? It's only fair that we get some time alone first, right?"

Hua Mengyao kept her mouth shut as she thought about it. It was true. Once the news is released, the couple would have to be even more careful than they already were. If their relationship was exposed, then it would make life a lot harder for her Yingyue.

Unfortunately, what they said was logical and she couldn't argue with it. "I suppose you guys are right. But shouldn't a proper honeymoon be somewhere a little bit more fun? Maybe you two could even leave the country."

Zhao Yingyue gently replied, "Mom, this is where I wanted to go. Besides, if we were to leave the country, either we wouldn't be back in time to start training or we wouldn't be able to properly enjoy the trip without worrying about the time constraints."

Hua Mengyao lectured, "Okay, fine. You two can just go on and do whatever you want. Just remember that before you guys are professional players, you guys are, and have, family."

Liu Haoyu sighed before saying, "Don't worry, Mom. We'll make sure to take care of ourselves. But most importantly, we need you to take care of yourself. No needlessly angering yourself over trivial things!"

Hua Mengyao said, "Don't you kids worry about me. Just make sure that you call me more often and maybe I won't get so angry. Yingyue, you have to remember for the both of you because Haoyu always forgets about me."

Liu Haoyu laughed at his mom. "Don't say that. You'll make my wife misunderstand me and my values."

"Then you'd better make sure to stay in touch. That way, you won't cause any misunderstandings in your marriage."

Liu Haoyu was amused by his mother. On one hand, she could be the most intimidating person, and she put on this mask to the public and other people who weren't close to her and really, didn't deserve to see who she truly was. On the other hand, she was still a mother and wife with very youthful behaviors.

If only the people who saw the mask were able to see her real self. Even their extended family were often time oblivious to this side of her. Very few of them have seen this unfiltered version since even within their family, there were still people greedy for influence and power. She always saw right through them and made sure not to care about their schemes though.

"Alright, alright. I suppose if this is my last full day with the two of you, we should make sure that we make the most of it, shouldn't we?"

Liu Haoyu and Zhao Yingyue looked over at each other first, relieved that they have calmed the woman down, before turning back to face Hua Mengyao with a smile.

Seeming satisfied with their reactions, Hua Mengyao said, "Good. Now how about you teach me how to play this game of yours."