Chapter 23 : A New Dawn

The morning sun bathed the garden in a golden glow as Yu sat beneath a large tree, a book resting in his hands. The soft chirping of birds filled the air, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Suddenly, Mao appeared, calling out to him with an excited expression.

"Yu! I have a surprise for you!" she exclaimed.

Yu raised an eyebrow, closing his book. "What surprise, Mao?"

Mao grinned. "Your mother is coming back! She's going to stay with all of us. Isn't that wonderful?"

Yu's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious? You're not lying, are you?"

Mao crossed her arms, feigning offense. "I received a letter, Yu. If you don't believe me, you can ask your father."

Without another word, Yu sprang to his feet. "I'm going to ask him right now!"

He dashed toward his father's quarters, his heart pounding. Finding his father in the study, Yu blurted out, "Is it true? Is Mom coming back?"

His father smiled gently. "Yes, Yu. Your mother is returning to stay with us. She's been feeling lonely there, and she misses you terribly."

Yu hesitated, a mix of emotions flickering across his face. "But… wasn't she unwell? She left to get treatment. Is she really okay now? Will she be fine here?"

His father nodded reassuringly. "She's much better now, Yu. That's why she's coming back. And yes, she missed her mischievous son too much to stay away."

Relief washed over Yu as he smiled. "Alright, Dad. Thank you."

Without wasting another moment, he ran to find Zian, who was sitting quietly near the library.

"Zian! Zian!" Yu called out.

Zian turned, surprised by Yu's excitement. "What's going on, Yu?"

"You won't believe it—my mom is coming back!" Yu announced, his face lighting up.

Zian smiled warmly. "That's great news, Yu."

Yu nodded enthusiastically. "When she gets here, I'll introduce you to her. She's really kind. You'll like her!"

Zian chuckled. "When is she arriving?"

Yu paused, suddenly realizing something. "I forgot to ask!" He scratched his head sheepishly.

Zian smirked. "Maybe it's because you missed her so much. That's why you're so excited."

"Maybe you're right," Yu admitted with a grin.

At that moment, Mao walked up to them, her arms crossed. "You didn't believe me earlier, but when your dad confirmed it, you did?"

Yu shrugged. "Of course, I believe him. He's my dad."

Mao huffed. "But you could've shared your happiness with me too. You're only celebrating with your best friend. What about the rest of us?"

Yu rolled his eyes. "The others are playing. Why would they care if my mom is coming or not?"

Mao frowned. "So, Zian is different from them? Why does it matter to him whether your mom comes or not?"

Yu's expression turned serious. "Are you jealous, Mao? Zian is my best friend. What's wrong with sharing this with him?"

Mao's face fell. "I'm not jealous. But why are you so rude to me lately? You've changed, Yu—ever since Zian came here."

Yu's gaze hardened. "Yes, I've changed. Happy now? You can leave if you don't have anything else to say."

Mao's voice trembled as she asked, "Why do you talk to me like this, Yu? Do you… not like me?"

Yu sighed. "No, I don't. That's why I don't talk to you nicely."

Mao's eyes filled with hurt. "If you keep treating me like this, what will happen to us? What about when we get married?"

Yu's jaw tightened. "Marriage? I'm not going to marry you, Mao."

Her voice rose in frustration. "If not me, then you won't marry anyone else either!"

"Fine by me. I don't need anyone," Yu replied coldly.

Mao clenched her fists, her voice breaking. "Alright, then. Goodbye, Yu. I'm leaving today."

With those final words, she turned and walked away, leaving Yu and Zian standing in stunned silence.

Yu exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Well, that happened," he muttered.

Zian watched him quietly. "Are you okay?"

Yu forced a smile. "I will be. Let's go, Zian. I don't want to think about this anymore."

As they walked away, Yu glanced at Zian, grateful for his unwavering presence.