Chapter 5: Returning to the Family That Matters

Xia Mo, did you have a hard time in the Lynn family?" Yang Qing asked cautiously, noticing something off in his son's expression.

Back then, he had missed Lin Mo terribly. After all, they had lived together for 17 years, and he had long considered Lin Mo his own son. Unable to resist, he had once gone to the Lynn family's villa just to catch a glimpse of him, even if it meant traveling a long distance. However, what he saw that day shattered his heart—Lynn Mo's so-called sisters stood at the entrance, badmouthing him.

"He's not our real brother.""Who knows if he's even clean-handed?"

Their cruel words stung, but even worse was the sight of Lin Mo himself—dressed in shabby clothes, his frame thin and frail. The truth was written all over him.

Lin Mo didn't answer immediately but simply nodded.

At that moment, both Yang Qing and his wife, Fang Dongmei, realized that their son had not been treated well in the Lynn family.

"They don't deserve to be my family. From now on, you are my only parents," Lin Mo declared firmly.

Hearing Lin Mo's words, the elderly couple trembled with emotion, especially Fang Dongmei, whose tears fell uncontrollably. Ever since Lin Mo left, she had spent countless sleepless nights, feeling as though life had lost its meaning. But now, hearing her son acknowledge them once again, she was overwhelmed with joy.

"Xia Mo, have you thought this through? That's the Lynn family we're talking about. They can give you everything, while we... we have nothing to offer you," Yang Qing said, his voice filled with concern.

Lin Mo nodded without hesitation. "I've thought it through. Family is more important than wealth or status."

Just then, a sweet voice rang out behind him.

"Brother Yang Mo? Is that really you?"

Lin Mo turned his head just in time to see a girl rushing into his arms.

"Shingyu? It's only been a year, and you've grown so tall!"

The girl in his arms was his cousin, Xiang Shingyu. He hadn't realized how much she had changed in such a short time.

"Hmph! Brother Yang Mo, you still treat me like a child. I'm only two years away from being 18, you know!" Shingyu pouted, her cheeks flushing slightly as she pulled away.

"Why are you here?" Yang Qing asked with a smile.

"My mom asked me to come help you guys out. I didn't expect to run into Brother Yang Mo! This is great!" Shingyu's large eyes sparkled with excitement. "Brother Yang Mo, why don't you stay a few more days? This time, we have to play together for a long time!"

"Don't worry, Shingyu. I won't be leaving again. This is my home," Lin Mo reassured her, ruffling her hair fondly.

"Really? You're not lying to me?" Her eyes widened with joy.

"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"

"That's great! Now I get to see Brother Yang Mo every day!" Shingyu cheered, bouncing happily.

"Child, your real parents have been found. His last name is Lynn now," Yang Qing said, watching the interaction.

"Oh! Sorry! Brother Lin Mo—" Shingyu quickly corrected herself, scratching her head in embarrassment.

Lin Mo smiled. "It's fine. Actually, I wanted to talk about this. From now on, my name will only be Yang Mo. I don't want anything to do with the Lynn family anymore."

Hearing this, Yang Qing's hands trembled, his eyes welling up with tears.

"Good! Good! My son!" He wiped his eyes quickly, his heart swelling with joy.

"Brother Yang Mo! Brother Yang Mo!" Shingyu called excitedly, practically dancing in place.

Seeing his family so happy, Lin Mo felt warmth in his heart. This was his real home.

"You've suffered so much in the Lynn family," Fang Dongmei said, her eyes full of pain. "At noon, I'll go buy some ribs and make you a proper meal. Look at how thin you've become!"

"The Lynn family is truly something else," Yang Qing muttered bitterly. "We gave them our son in good faith, thinking they would take care of him, and look at how they treated him!"

Back when Lin Mo had been taken by the Lynn family, Yang Qing had investigated their situation. He had discovered that, after losing their biological son, the Lynn family had adopted a boy of the same age. At the time, Yang Qing had assumed it was just a temporary arrangement until Lin Mo was found. Never had he imagined that the Lynn family would end up treating an adopted son better than their own flesh and blood.

The memory of Lynn Jindong's cold, condescending expression when he had handed over Lin Mo still filled Yang Qing with rage.

"Alright, alright, Uncle and Auntie, don't be angry," Shingyu interjected with a cheerful smile. "Today is a happy day because Brother Yang Mo is back!"

"Yes, yes, let's not talk about those unpleasant things."

"Yang Mo, your room is still the same. We never touched a single thing inside," Fang Dongmei said as she eagerly pulled him toward his old bedroom.

Lin Mo stepped inside, his heart swelling with emotion.

This was home.