Chapter 29: Repeatedly Rebuked

I knew it—this was just another emotional ploy by Mrs. Liu.

I also knew that the scenario she described was highly unlikely to ever come to pass.

But… given Ning Yuanzhou’s history of abandoning Liu Zhuyin, no one could say for sure. What if he truly was a shallow man blinded by greed? A scumbag who toyed with people’s feelings?

Although I had completely let go, seeing her face such a fate would naturally be difficult for me to bear. Yet, reconciling with her was absolutely out of the question. I was caught in a dilemma.

Mrs. Liu kept a close watch on my expression. Seeing that I remained silent, she did not push me further.

"Well, enough about that. Children and grandchildren will have their own fortunes; it’s useless for me to worry about it."

She shook her head with a troubled look, and I could only offer some comfort.

"I believe... Liu Zhuyin won't end up like that."

"Alright, Mom, what would you like to eat? I’ll make it for you."

Mrs. Liu immediately beamed. "Anything! As long as you’re the one cooking, I love it! Xiao Chen, it’s been such a long time since I’ve had your cooking."

I smiled without a word and headed into the kitchen. Before long, four dishes and a soup were served. Mrs. Liu was beaming from ear to ear, enjoying the meal immensely.

"Xiao Chen, my appetite hasn't been great lately. Why don't you come over and cook for me? Don't worry, I won't have you work for free. I'll pay you ten thousand a day!"

As she spoke, she pulled out a card. "There are two million in here. Take it first; I'm hiring you for the next six months."

I couldn't help but laugh wryly. Mrs. Liu hadn't changed; whenever she wanted to show me affection, she just threw money at the problem.

"That's enough, Mom. It's just a few meals; there's no need for so much money."

I pushed the card back into her hand and sat down to briefly discuss my project. However, I didn't mention the potential cooperation with the Luo family. That matter was still far from certain, and there was no point in bringing it up.

Once we had finished chatting, I intended to leave. To my surprise, Liu Zhuyin arrived. She hurried into the house, not even bothering to change her shoes before rushing over to her mother.

"Mom, you... what's wrong? What exactly is your illness?" She was panting, her face etched with anxiety.

"Oh, look who it is—my precious daughter has returned? That’s truly a feat. You only just realized I was sick, even though you’re flesh and blood? You’re not even as quick as my son-in-law!"

Mrs. Liu’s tone was dripping with sarcasm, and her words caused Liu Zhuyin’s expression to sour. It was only then that she noticed me sitting to the side, and her brows furrowed instinctively.

She had no time to spare for me, however. "Mom, tell me! What kind of illness is it?"

Mrs. Liu scoffed, "Don't worry, I’m not dying yet! As long as you stop making me angry!"

Liu Zhuyin was rendered speechless.

"It’s a good thing I have a good son-in-law to comfort me; otherwise, I’d be angered to death by you sooner or later. Hurry up and thank him properly."

Mrs. Liu was deliberately steering the conversation toward me. I knew her motive—she wanted Liu Zhuyin to acknowledge my kindness. But I truly didn't need it.

"Mom, I have some things to attend to, so I'll be going now."

I didn't give Liu Zhuyin a chance to speak to me; I stood up and walked toward the door. Her expression grew even darker at my behavior.

"What are you standing there for? Go see him out!" Mrs. Liu barked. "What's the matter? He came all this way out of the kindness of his heart and even cooked a full table of food for me, and you can't even see him off?"

Liu Zhuyin, having been scolded by Mrs. Liu several times in a row, was ready to lose her temper. But knowing her mother was ill, she didn't dare say anything, so she could only hurry after me.

"Gu Yichen, wait... wait a moment."

I stopped and turned to look at her, offering a direct explanation. "I came to visit Mrs. Liu because she has always been kind to me. Don't for a second think I’m trying to curry favor with you. You don’t need to thank me, and I don't want to hear insincere gratitude. It saves you from feeling awkward and keeps me from feeling embarrassed. I’d rather not have to feign politeness and say 'it’s nothing'—it’s just tedious."

Liu Zhuyin had been suppressing her anger, but hearing this, she finally snapped. Yet, beneath the frustration in her voice, there was a hint of grievance.

"Gu Yichen! What is wrong with you? Did I provoke you? How can you talk to me like that? In your heart, am I really the kind of person you describe?"

Her words left me feeling puzzled. "Aren't you?" She really should have some self-awareness!

Liu Zhuyin clenched her fists tightly, taking several deep breaths to compose herself before speaking again.

"Gu Yichen, I am not as heartless as you make me out to be. And I’m not as evil as you say, either! I am truly grateful to you. In fact, I have always been grateful. You are very considerate, whether it’s taking care of me or my mother. It’s just... I never said it out loud because I felt it wasn't necessary between a husband and wife. It was my coldness; I apologize."

Her sincerity caught me completely off guard. This was not the Liu Zhuyin I knew. In the past, she barely spoke to me—let alone anything meaningful or emotionally charged. A sincere apology was unheard of!

I nodded slightly, feeling somewhat satisfied. "Fine. That was sincere. I accept your apology, and I accept your thanks. But if there’s nothing else, I’m leaving."

She stepped forward, blocking my path. "Gu Yichen, what is going on with you? Why have you seemed like a completely different person lately? You’ve become someone I don’t even recognize. You weren’t like this before..." She frowned, her eyes filled with confusion.

I chuckled lightly. "Liu Zhuyin, that’s a strange thing for you to say. Did you ever really understand me in the first place? Did you ever actually know what kind of person I was?"

Her face changed instantly. She looked somewhat at a loss. She must have realized that she didn’t know me at all.

"Enough, I really don't have time to waste on this. Make sure you find the time to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau and finalize the divorce. Thank you."

I waved my hand and got into my car, driving away. Liu Zhuyin stood where she was, watching my car disappear until it was out of sight, before letting out a bitter laugh.

Returning to the room, she saw Mrs. Liu still eating the food I had prepared and couldn't help but question her. "Mom, aren't you sick? Why does it seem like... your appetite is perfectly fine?"

Mrs. Liu paused, gave a light cough, and said, "I haven't been eating well lately. It’s just that the food Xiao Chen made suits my palate, that's all. Why? Are you happy seeing your mother lying sick in bed, unable to eat or drink?"

Liu Zhuyin felt stifled. "You know that's not what I meant. Why has your temper become so strange, too?" She felt utterly helpless; it was as if the world had suddenly shifted. Both I and Mrs. Liu seemed so different.

"Hmph, must we be in a good mood for you? Who do you think you are? Go, go, stop bothering me. Go look after your precious Ning Yuanzhou. Since Xiao Chen is taking care of me, I’ll just pretend I don’t have a daughter like you."

With that, Mrs. Liu slammed the door and headed upstairs. Liu Zhuyin stood there, her pretty face turning pale and then flushed, eventually settling into a long, weary sigh.