1.25

From childhood through adulthood, Su Mo had always excelled academically and was pursued by countless girls. Su's father and mother were also kind and came from a scholarly background.

In Jinxiang Town, it was widely believed that any girl who could marry Su Mo was truly blessed.

Despite Su Mo's many admirers, he studied abroad, and Su's parents respected his personal choices regarding love and marriage. Nonetheless, matchmakers were persistent, coming frequently with potential matches for Su Mo.

Four years ago, when a matchmaker visited again, they learned that Su Mo had married someone outside their circle. While everyone was curious about the lucky woman, they were left speculating as Su Mo had not brought anyone home. He only occasionally visited with a young boy, who bore a striking resemblance to him. If it weren't for the child, many would have doubted Su Mo's marriage.

It had been over half a year since they last saw Su Mo and the little boy, who should now be around three years old.

"Look, Teacher Su, that's your Xiaomo," the neighbor exclaimed, drawing Su's mother's attention.

A taxi had stopped in a nearby space, and the family of three emerged. The man held the child and assisted the long-haired woman in a mask with their luggage.

"Xiao Mo!" Su's mother called out, rushing to greet them.

Upon seeing his mother, Su Mo's face brightened. "Mom!" he called out, then to Su Yuanjin, "Dudu, say hello to Grandma."

"Grandma," Su Yuanjin said sweetly, "Dudu missed you so much."

Mother Su's heart melted at the sight of her adorable grandson. "Grandma missed our little Dudu too."

"Grandma, hug me," Su Yuanjin said, opening his arms.

"Okay," Su's mother responded. Despite her age, she was still able to lift her three-year-old grandson with ease.

Although Su's mother had reservations about Yin Yin, her daughter-in-law, she adored Dudu. Despite previously pushing for a divorce, she hoped Su Mo would retain custody of Dudu if it came to that.

As Yin Yin removed her mask and addressed Su's mother, she called out, "Mom."

Su's mother turned to see a young woman, around twenty years old, dressed elegantly in a long dress. With light makeup that softened her usual beauty, Yin Yin appeared more approachable and gentle.

This was Yin Yin's deliberate choice to present herself in a more subdued manner, avoiding any negative impressions that might come from her public image.

Su's mother was taken aback by Yin Yin's soft and respectful demeanor. Though she was aware of Yin Yin through television and did not disdain celebrities, her feelings were mixed. Su Mo had not hidden his relationship, but Yin Yin's limited exposure on screen and the lack of controversial roles had created a more complex image of her in Su's mother's mind.

Though Su's mother was displeased with Yin Yin for not returning with Su Mo over the past four years, she hadn't really gotten to know her. Thus, she wasn't inclined to dislike Yin Yin solely for this reason. Moreover, considering that the call she made to Su Mo two days ago was answered by Yin Yin, Su's mother felt somewhat embarrassed.

With a neutral demeanor, Su's mother greeted them: "I'm glad you're back. Come in; your father is cooking."

While Su's mother had complex feelings about Yin Yin, her affection for her grandson, Dudu, was profound. As her only grandchild, Dudu was cherished and well-loved.

Su Mo and Yin Yin followed Su's mother into the house, carrying their suitcase and New Year's gifts. Su Mo moved closer to Yin Yin, took her hand, and whispered with concern, "Ayin, don't take it personally. My mother doesn't have any issues with you."

Yin Yin gave him a reassuring look. "I understand. Even if she has objections, they're reasonable. After all, I did take their son away."

At the mention of "kidnapped," a slight blush appeared on Su Mo's face.

"You're back, so you must be hungry. Come in and eat," Su's father said warmly.

The family was indeed hungry, and Su's father's cooking was excellent. They enjoyed a hearty meal, filled with conversation and laughter, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Seeing her daughter-in-law's amiable nature, Su's mother softened and smiled more.

After dinner, Dudu settled on the sofa to watch TV. Yin Yin approached Su's father and mother, saying, "Dad, Mom, I need to talk to you."

"Sure," they replied.

Su's father and mother led Yin Yin to the study. Su Mo wanted to join but was asked to stay with Dudu while Yin Yin spoke privately.

Once in the study, Yin Yin bowed deeply and said, "Dad, Mom, I'm sorry and thank you."

"Why are you apologizing? If Xiaomo knew, he'd say I was unfair to you," Su's mother said, surprised and a bit awkward.

Yin Yin lifted her head and explained, "I'm grateful to you for raising Su Mo so well and giving me such a wonderful husband. I also owe you an apology for not fulfilling my responsibilities as a wife, mother, and daughter-in-law these past years. That's my fault."

Upon hearing this, Su's mother's composure broke. Her eyes welled up, and she choked on her words, "You understand your shortcomings. Do you know how much Xiaomo has suffered over the years? How hard it's been for Dudu?

Xiaomo has always been sensitive and insecure. Though he seems gentle, he is stubborn. Once he decided on you, nothing could change his mind.

You left for work, leaving Xiaomo to care for Dudu alone. He waited for you in an empty house for four years. As his mother, it broke my heart to think of him in that situation. Xiaomo is my own flesh and blood. I've never wanted to hurt him, yet he has faced so much hardship, and I've felt powerless.

I don't regret asking for the divorce. Rather than having him wait in vain, it's better to end things early.

And Dudu, a child whose mother has been absent for so long, how do you think he's fared? As a grandmother, it pains me deeply."

Su's mother sobbed quietly, trying to keep her tears from being heard by Su Mo and Dudu outside.

(End of this chapter)