174

g up. There wasn't a trace of anger on Lin Meng's face, only the gentleness of a mother. This made the little one feel cared for, deeply loved."Mommy..."The little boy told everything that happened i...Chapter Name: 174

As for the three sons of the Ruan family, perhaps because they still had some money on hand, or maybe they hadn't fully escaped the previous life of drunken revelry, they have continued to hang out and make a living selling things on the streets these days.

Lin Meng visited Guangda Group and met with the current employees, offering some reassurance and announcing several new policies. Some of these were her own ideas, while others were the result of discussions with Ruan Cangsheng.

Of the three sons in the Ruan family, let's not mention the youngest, Ruan Chengyang. He's still a college student, studying something as antiquated and peculiar as veterinary medicine. There's no expectation for him to shoulder any important responsibilities. However, the eldest and second sons... if they continue like this, it'll be a different story altogether. Lin Meng felt a strong need to give those two a good talking-to.

The company currently has Uncle Lin looking after it, which brings Lin Meng a great deal of peace of mind. Uncle Lin is a veteran employee within the company, having worked alongside Ruan Cangsheng from the very beginning. He shares a deep connection with the Ruan family and holds significant influence within the company. He has always been a minor shareholder of Guangda Group as well. Even now, after branching out to operate independently in litigation, they still show respect to Uncle Lin. Over the years, he has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the company, being an absolutely loyal employee.

"Cheng Yi and Cheng Hui are naughty, I'm sorry to trouble you!"

Uncle Lin has always been single, and from his tone, he seemed to treat the children of the Ruan family as his own. Ruan Cangsheng had also mentioned to Lin Meng before that Uncle Lin was someone he could completely trust. For any unresolved or difficult matters, one could consult Uncle Lin. Moreover, Ruan Cangsheng had been abroad for many years and hadn't taken much care of his family here. It was Uncle Lin who had been looking after the three sons of the Ruan family all these years. Of course, Lin Meng naturally respected such a person.

“Uncle Lin, please rest assured. I know what I’m doing. As a mother myself, there isn't a single mother who doesn't want their children to succeed in life. Put yourself in my shoes; I also hope that Chengyi and his brothers can become outstanding individuals and create another prosperous era for our family.”

"Great! Great! Great!" Uncle Lin laughed. "Cang Sheng has always been decisive. After so many years of steady progress, I know that he must have a deep meaning behind this arrangement. If you have anything to say, just tell me, I'll do my best to cooperate!"

"That's wonderful! Thank you in advance, Uncle Lin!"

Lin Meng likes to associate with such people. She never plays games with her own people. Uncle Lin has been immersed in the business world for years, so he can't possibly not understand those twists and turns, but he was so straightforward and open-hearted with Lin Meng. Lin Meng felt that this trip had already yielded considerable gains.

"Is this Xiao Yuyu!"

Uncle Lin's eyes darted, landing on Little Youyou who was standing nearby. He was almost fifty years old. At this age, most people would probably already be grandfathers, even if they weren't, they would be soon. It seems that people at this age also tend to like children. Uncle Lin had always been single and childless, so perhaps he craved children even more.

Lin Meng immediately pushed the little boy forward. "Youyou, go, go to Grandpa Lin's place and keep him company!"

The little boy was sensible and smiled as he walked over. The little boy disliked his aunt, who inexplicably pinched, squeezed, kissed, and touched him. He didn't mind the approach of seemingly mature people, though.

"Grandpa Lin!" the little boy's mouth was also sweet, and he called out crisply.

Lin Shu's eyes softened instantly, he picked up the little boy and chuckled in his mouth, "Cao Sheng mentioned Xiaoyou to me many times on the phone. He always wanted to meet him. Hehe, now that we finally met, he is really a likable child. He's so energetic and looks very smart..."

It's probably true that there's such a thing as kindred spirits. Uncle Lin really liked Xiao Youyou and chatted with the little guy for quite a while. When Lin Meng was about to leave with the child, Uncle Lin didn't treat himself like an outsider, he told Lin Meng to bring the little one over to his place more often!

Lin Meng agreed!

He returned home, and the long-absent Ruan Chengyang appeared. Ever since he was defeated by Lin Meng that day, he'd been sulking like a child and hadn't shown his face again.

"Welcome back!" Lin Meng acted as if nothing had happened, smiling and greeting Ruan Chengyang.

Ruan Chengyang glared fiercely at her, then shifted his gaze to the television, staring intently. He still seemed angry about Lin Meng.

Lin Meng didn't take it to heart and asked the little guy what he wanted to do, whether he wanted to play, go watch TV with his third brother, or accompany her to the kitchen to choose vegetables. The little guy didn't hesitate and chose to stay with his mommy. Lin Meng was holding several plastic bags in her hands, which she had just bought from the supermarket.

Leading the child, Lin Meng entered the kitchen. Then she took two small stools and sat down with her little one. Soon, the sound of the mother and son whispering could be heard in the kitchen. This house, which was only 80 square meters, was indeed not very big. It was divided into a study, a living room, a drying room, and a bathroom, leaving little space for the living room. There was a small dining room between the living room and the kitchen, which could be said to have all the essential amenities, even if it was small like a sparrow's nest.

Ruan Chengyang was sitting in the living room, and he could practically hear every word of the conversation between his mother and son in the kitchen with almost no obstacles. Especially the little boy's laughter, clear and bright, as if something particularly joyous had happened, it was piercingly loud. Ruan Chengyang frowned several times, forcing himself to focus on the television, but soon he couldn't help but tighten his lips and raise his ears high, eavesdropping on the conversation between the mother and son in the kitchen.

Such parent-child interaction was alien to Ruan Chengyang!

When he was born, the Ruan family was already well-off. He could be said to have never experienced hardship from a young age. Since he could remember, he had lived in a mansion. The house was so big that even if he ran around for an hour, he wouldn't be able to finish exploring it. His mother also had the typical habits of a wealthy socialite. She delegated all household matters to nannies and maids, then went out with her hands free, either to beauty spas, shopping malls, mahjong parlors, or exhibitions and parties...

In short, her mother appeared noble and elegant, like a lady of high society, and she did things that ladies of high society would do. She kept herself busy with many affairs, but few of them involved him.

When he was a little older, after starting elementary school, his family underwent a revolution. His father and his mistress flew abroad, and his mother became somewhat hysterical, basically ignoring him and not getting close to him.

At first, he thought that all mothers in the world treated their children like this. They gave birth to them, fed and clothed them, and that was about it. But when he saw those parents picking up their kids at the elementary school gate, he realized it wasn't true. He watched as his peers rushed into their mothers' arms, smiling, while he, despite being chauffeured to and from school in a luxurious car that always drew envious stares from other children, felt a deep sense of loss.

Envy, had already unconsciously taken root and sprouted in his heart!

Now, this emotion is starting to surge again because of the mother and son in the kitchen!

He listened as she softly spoke to the little one, asking about their day at preschool, who they had met, and guiding them on how to interact with other children properly.

Rambling on and on, this is something his mother had never done with him before!

He suddenly felt upset!

The little kid's tender voice and giggles were increasingly grating on his nerves!

"Mommy, Fishy…"

"Want to play with YuYu!"

"I want, ha ha..."

The little guy laughed happily, with splashes of water occasionally heard, and the sound of the little guy shouting and cheering. It was very cheerful to hear!

Ruan Chengyang's face pulled, he stood up abruptly and went to the kitchen. As he reached the door, he growled menacingly, "Shut up!"

Lin Meng turned to look at him, the little boy following suit by raising his head. Then, he lowered his head again, smiling as he continued to chase the carp in the large basin with both hands. His smile didn't fade, and he kept babbling away, as if Ruan Chengyang didn't exist.

Ruan Chengyang seethed with resentment in his heart. No matter how he looked at it, the little brat was an eyesore. What kind of attitude did this dead child have! He even dared to laugh, showing off like a hooligan! He cursed inwardly.

Lin Meng then turned off the faucet and calmly suggested, "With just the two of us, we're not making enough noise to constitute a disturbance. So you have two choices: one, you can leave on your own and find a quieter place. Two, you figure out a way to ignore us!"

Ruan Chengyang's face, already pale to the point of being bloodless, darkened instantly, just like a July day on the verge of a storm! He stared at the carefree child playing by himself, his little arms and legs radiating joy. The sight was too jarring!

He stepped forward, intending to kick over the basin with one foot, and the fish inside that was foolishly playing around with the little creature!

He moved, and Lin Meng moved with him. The kitchen wasn't that big, just a few steps and you'd bump into someone.

"Interested in playing with Youyou" Lin Meng intercepted Ruan Chengyang's path, knowing full well that he wasn't here for friendly reasons. Yet, she greeted him with a smile, effectively taking the initiative. After all, as the saying goes, one shouldn't strike someone who is smiling!

"Who wants to play with him!" Ruan Chengyang stopped and retorted unhappily. "This kind of thing is only played by little kids!"

The little guy, hearing this, stood up abruptly with a startle. He tensed his body. The smiling face instantly turned cold, and his dark eyes looked at Ruan Chengyang coldly, filled with hostility. At that moment, the little guy exuded an innate pride and arrogance from the bone, causing Ruan Chengyang to let out a soft "huh" in his heart. His condescending gaze also softened somewhat.

"Ruan Chengyang!" Lin Meng's voice was heavier now. "Using your age to bully others is the most ridiculous and shameless thing. You're a smart person, you should know what I mean!"

Ruan Chengyang's face paled slightly, his lips, already pale compared to the rest of his complexion, turned crimson and were pressed into a thin line. In an instant, he seemed gloomy and possessed a chilling, demonic aura.

Lin Meng stood there calmly, looking at Ruan Chengyang, meeting his cold gaze. The little one didn't feel afraid at all. With a cold face and eyes, he puffed out his chest, standing there like a resilient little warrior. At this moment, the aura both mother and son exuded was somewhat unshakeable.

Ruan Chengyang's eyes flickered, he pursed his lips, stood there, his gaze grew even gloomier. He glared at the two of them, but he was also unwilling to admit defeat.

It seems like this standoff will continue if no one backs down.

At this moment, Lin Meng suddenly smirked and abruptly asked, "Ruan Chengyang, can you kill fish!"

This face, already stunningly beautiful, went from icy cold to a sudden bloom of smiles. That instant flash of beauty was simply breathtaking! Even someone like Ruan Chengyang, with his gloomy personality, couldn't help but feel a flutter in his heart.

"Aren't you a veterinarian! You should know how to kill fish! Come on, show your skills to Youyou, and let Youyou see how amazing our third brother is!"

A few words, yet they actively brought Ruan Chengyang closer to him and his mother.

But Ruan Chengyang wasn't appreciative. "Woman, don't try to please me, don't waste your effort!"

Lin Meng shook her head, not showing any annoyance on her face. Instead, she looked up and down at Ruan Chengyang seriously and said, "Ruan Chengyang, to be honest, I don't think there's anything about you that would make me want to please you!"

Ruan Chengyang's mood, which had just been a little smug, was instantly jolted back to reality.

"No!" he shouted, refusing and turning abruptly to leave, a bit angry.

Behind her, Lin Meng's voice echoed softly, laced with a palpable regret. "Oh dear, so after two years of studying veterinary medicine, you still can't handle a measly little fish! It seems I, an amateur, will have to step in and do it myself!"

Ruan Chengyang immediately froze.

Behind him, it was still Lin Meng's warm and soft voice, but it was absolutely the kind of voice that would make you grind your teeth in anger.

"Come on, Youyou, Mommy will teach you how to kill fish! Watch carefully, let's try to learn it once. Next time, Mommy will let you do it, okay!"

"Great!" the little one replied, their voice high and full of excitement.

Ruan Chengyang's lips twitched uncontrollably, and the temples on both sides of his forehead jumped along with it. Behind him, the little guy waved goodbye to the coldness, and in a mischievous way, he was catching fish to make fun of Lin Meng. It's just that the fish were slippery, not easy to catch, and the continuous splashing sounds began to rise.

Ruan Chengyang suddenly turned around, without a word, walked towards the young boy. Oh, no, to be precise, he walked towards the large basin on the ground. Then he crouched down in a single stride, stretched out both hands, and somehow, with one swift motion, he stuck his hand in and grabbed the fish head. In an instant, he caught the lively, energetic carp.

"Where's the knife!" Ruan Chengyang coldly snorted, not giving any politeness. "Who said I don't know how to kill fish Today, I'll teach you what it truly means to kill a fish!"

If he were to be outperformed by a little kid, Ruan Chengyang would have no face left!

She seemed to be a bit angry, and her originally pale jade face with a hint of gloom was now tinged with a faint blush. Now that I looked at it, she wasn't as frightening!

Lin Meng immediately handed over a kitchen knife and a cutting board.

Ruan Chengyang was showing off on purpose, but he also wanted to vent his anger and not let Lin Meng look down on him. He also wanted to give the kid a warning. So he directly put the cutting board on the ground and then squatted down like a child.

I saw him raise his hand, then bring it down. The blade struck the fish's head with incredible precision. The fish, which had been struggling just moments before, went still, likely stunned by the blow.

Ruan Chengyang picked up the knife, pressed it against the fish head, and started scraping off the scales with a swish. His speed was fast, the fish scales flying like snowflakes, quite beautiful, like he was doing art. After the fish body was smooth, he put the fish down, pressed his palm on it, and with one quick stroke, sliced along the belly of the fish. Looking at it, that big cleaver in his hand felt somehow like a nimble surgical knife. It seemed that Ruan Chengyang didn't want to kill the fish, but rather perform surgery on it. The way he opened the belly was light and smooth, almost bloodless. When he pulled open the belly, it was even clearer how skilled Ruan Chengyang was. The contents inside the belly were practically untouched, as if his knife tip had only gently cut a small slit.

When the contents inside the fish belly were taken out, after the cleaned fish was rinsed with water, Ruan Chengyang drew his sword and cut the fish horizontally with a swift move. He picked out the bones, then quickly sliced like a shadow, and in a short while, there was a pile of thinly sliced raw fish as thin as cicada wings on the chopping board.

This technology is simply amazing!

It's a real shame he didn't become a chef.

"How is it!" Ruan Chengyang tossed his hand, the cleaver clattering onto the cutting board. He tilted his head back and looked at Lin Meng provocatively. That look, as if he were a child eager for praise!

Lin Meng wiped his sweat and, with a generous gesture, gave Ruan Chengyang a thumbs up.

"Wow!"

"Humph!" Ruan Chengyang expressed disdain, but inexplicably felt a surge of happiness in his heart.

Lin Meng glanced at the sashimi, which resembled an art piece, and couldn't help but remind, "This... doesn't seem like carp is suitable for sashimi, right!"

Ruan Chengyang's face froze instantly, the elation in his heart as if doused with a bucket of cold water. He glared fiercely at Lin Meng, raising his voice to mask his embarrassment with anger. "I'm only responsible for catching the fish, how you cook it is your business!"

"Humph!" He stood up, his face, already paler than most women's, growing even more sullen. He strode out.

Lin Meng hurried to call out from behind. "Chengyang, haven't you eaten yet I'll add you a serving for dinner tonight!" The address had subtly changed, revealing a newfound intimacy.

"Ke Ruiyang still wouldn't accept it. "I don't need your flattery!"

Ruan Chengyang strode out without looking back, his bearing was very proud. Then he heard the sound of small footsteps running behind him, a little radish head suddenly darted in front of him, forcing him to stop.

"What are you doing!" he glared at young Lin Chengyou.

The little guy smiled, his dark eyes unusually bright.

"Wow, Third Brother, you're amazing!"

After he said that, he ran away. It seemed like he rushed over just to say that one sentence. Um, was that praise! Worship!

Ruan Chengyang furrowed his brows, the feeling in his heart was truly a mess!

You little brat!

He hummed a tune under his breath, but all that flashed through his mind were the smiling faces of his mother and child!

"What are you doing!"

He muttered under his breath, shaking his head, driving the two smiling faces away.

When it came to dinner, in order to show his disdain for the two mother and son, uh, actually the main target was Lin Meng's, so when Lin Meng invited him to dinner, Ruan Chengyang didn't go. He remained seated in the living room, seemingly engrossed in watching the ball game on TV. The TV was full of noise, the commentator describing the events with great passion, but this mechanical excitement seemed rather hollow. Listening to Lin Meng already at the table talking and eating with her child, his eyes couldn't help but drift towards them.

So, we see Lin Meng serving the little ones food!

Thus, one could hear Lin Meng coaxing the little kid to eat a bit more, saying it was important to have a balanced diet.

And then, he saw the little guy's beaming face!

Ugh... It's an eyesore!

Ruan Chengyang hadn't had dinner, that was beyond doubt. He now felt like he was asking for trouble. He could have simply left, gone to his small apartment on the third floor, and then the commotion between Lin Meng and her son wouldn't affect him at all. But he didn't. For some reason he couldn't even explain himself, he just sat in the living room, and could only watch helplessly as the mother and son ate and drank happily, while he was left here with an empty stomach!

Ruan Chengyang reacted, he felt foolish! So, he suddenly stood up and unceremoniously plopped down on the edge of the dining table.

"Hey, where's my dinner!" he huffed, acting like a little lord.

A smile flashed in Lin Meng's eyes, she didn't scold him aloud, and went into the kitchen to serve him some rice.

Ruan Chengyang glanced at the three dishes and one soup on the table, he couldn't help but take a deep breath. The fragrance he smelled from afar while sitting on the sofa just now was indeed not an illusion. He hadn't noticed that this woman who looked like a vase was so capable. Her cooking skills were pretty good.

He curled his lip, thinking to himself, "This woman shouldn't get too cocky. Everyone knows a lady of status wouldn't be caught dead in the kitchen. That would be beneath her, unladylike. Her good cooking skills just mean she's destined to be a nanny—so common!"

While inwardly grumbling, when Lin Meng offered him the white rice, he unceremoniously accepted it and immediately picked up a chopstick to grab the fish slices. Compared to tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi lacked both flavor and hygiene. Lin Meng seasoned the salmon sashimi with oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, star anise, cinnamon, etc., then fried it in oil. To his surprise, the taste was really delicious. Ruan Chengan ate it, feeling a little proud inside, thinking to himself, "This plate of fish is also thanks to me!"

This human son is a little awkward. Don't look at his tall figure, he has everything in place where he should be, and he is also handsome. Although the whole person looks eerie, he still gets the love of a group of cute vampire girls. So, his conditions are not bad, but his character... is not very admirable!

"And what about me!"

Seeing Lin Meng put a green, glistening dish of small oil vegetables into Xiao Youyou's bowl, he grumbled unhappily.

Lin Meng's chopsticks suddenly stopped, a strange feeling rising in her heart. Ruan Chengyang just stared at Lin Meng coldly. After thinking for a moment, Lin Meng still picked up some small oil vegetables and placed them in his bowl. Afterwards, it wasn't Lin Meng's illusion. Once she put something into Xiao Youyou's bowl, Ruan Chengyang's eyes would shoot daggers at her until she treated him the same way she treated Xiao Youyou, only then would his face soften a little.

Feel… how does he look even more like a child than Xiao Youyou!

Through so many encounters, Ruan Chengyang appeared calm and collected on the surface, but the little one was not happy. The little one was also jealous. Mommy was his alone, why should she be nice to others! Although the third brother was very skilled, he killed fish with ease, but that didn't mean he could openly compete with him for mommy!

"Mommy, hug me!"

The little boy puckered his lips, slyly slid off the chair, and snuggled up beside Lin Meng.

Lin Meng frowned slightly. "Yoyo, eat by yourself!" In some aspects, Lin Meng was unwilling to indulge the child!

"But my hand hurts!" The little one was also sensible, and at the same time knew what was Lin Meng's soft spot. So he stretched out his arm and looked at Lin Meng pitifully. "Mommy, my hand hurts!"

"How come your hand hurts!" Lin Meng nervously scooped the little one up, lifting his two little arms to examine them carefully, but found nothing amiss.

"Playing with YuYu, my hands are tired!"

The little guy didn't lie either. Taking advantage of the situation, he snuggled into Lin Meng's embrace and said in a childish voice, "Mommy, you feed me. Yoyo will help Mommy wash the dishes later, okay"

Lin Meng smiled, shaking her head slightly.

The little guy looked at Lin Meng with tearful eyes, his black eyes almost overflowing with tears. He kept pleading. "Mommy, please, please, Mommy..."

The little one's soft, tender voice, coupled with his big, pleading eyes, was irresistible! Lin Meng finally nodded. The child is still young; it's not that he can't be fed, but Lin Meng wanted to use this process to teach the little one that what he was asking for wasn't something he could get just by opening his mouth. Agreeing too easily would spoil him and make him think everything was owed to him. This would lead to him repeatedly making such requests as a matter of course!

"Alright, you'll help mommy wash the dishes later, okay!"

It's also important for him to understand that getting something requires effort.

The little guy nodded happily, his purpose achieved.

"Mommy, I want to drink some soup..."

Thus, the little guy began to eat with glee, pointing and gesturing as he went. While Lin Meng was focused on picking up dishes, the little guy nestled in her arms turned his head to look at Ruan Chengyang and quickly made a mischievous face at him.

Humph, Mommy wouldn't feed you like that!

The little one's big eyes were plainly expressing this meaning!

Ruan Chengyang's face darkened, he immediately dropped his chopsticks, kicked over his chair, got up, and walked out. There was still half a bowl of rice left!

Lin Meng saw it, her face turned cold.

"Halt!" she hissed. "Chengyang, finish your meal before you leave!"

Ruan Chengyang ignored him and just left.

Lin Meng pursed her lips slightly and said in a cold voice, "Well then, don't come over to eat my food anymore!"

Ruan Chengyang's figure froze!

Lin Meng lowered her head and ignored Ruan Chengyang. The little boy was delighted in his heart, his big beautiful eyes twinkling with joy, not affected at all. He still chirped in a childish voice, asking Lin Meng to give him more food, and also thoughtfully waited for Mommy to have a bite before he took another mouthful himself.

Ruan Chengyang snorted angrily and turned back to sneer, "This is my house. I eat what I want and don't eat what I don't want. What do you mean by 'eating your food'"

Then, I ask, who bought this dish Who cooked this rice!

"Discuss money with me!" Ruan Chengyang narrowed his eyes, his blood-red lips curling into a sneer. "Grandpa's money is everyone's money, anyone can spend it, anyone can use it. As Grandpa's wife, you have the obligation to cook for us!"

“Obligation!” Lin Meng smiled faintly, feeding a spoonful of soup into the little one’s mouth, then turned to look at Ruan Chengyang and said: “Cooking for you isn’t my obligation. As agreed, I only cook for myself and Youyou. It's not that I'm your stepmother, I have to serve like a maid. Besides, the grandfather’s money is the grandfather’s money, my money is my money. Although we are a family, so-called close brothers still keep accounts clear. So my money and the grandfather’s money have always been kept separate. I buy groceries and cook with my own private money!”

"Private money!" Ruan Chengyang's eyes flashed with anger. "You shameless woman, you dare to have private money!"

Lin Meng wasn't upset. "This is what I earned myself, I don't feel like I've done anything shameful. The old master knows too, and he usually doesn't care either!"

“Your money, every single cent, was given to you by me!” Ruan Chengyang’s voice sharpened. “You have the nerve to say that. You are truly a woman of no upbringing, an outsider with no manners!”

"Ruan Chengyang!" Lin Meng's voice suddenly turned cold. "Please don't say things like that in the future. I don't mind hearing them, but you should consider the child. Don't use your own dirty thoughts to insult the child's ears! The fact that such words just come out of your mouth makes me curious about how you were educated all these years. The Ruan family is quite well-respected, isn't it Don't you feel ashamed of what you just said"

Ruan Chengyang's face flushed red, embarrassed and annoyed by Lin Meng's words. He clenched his fists quietly, brooding for a while before letting out a self-deprecating sneer: "I was born but never raised by a father. What upbringing do you expect from me! Don't talk to me about the hypocrisy of high society, it makes me want to vomit!"

This tone is rather cynical, isn't it

Lin Meng's heart skipped a beat because she resonated with Ruan Chengyang. He was born without a father, while she had a mother who left and...

Lin Meng lowered her head slightly, the little one in her arms sensitively sensing Lin Meng's low mood.

"Mommy~," the little one reached out and lightly touched Lin Meng's face, which had a hint of sadness. Black eyes full of childish worry and concern shone through.

Lin Meng's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately cast aside those feelings of sadness and dejection. She was a mother now, and she couldn't burden her child with her worries!

"Mommy is fine!" Lin Meng softly smiled at the little one.

The little guy quickly returned a sweet smile to Lin Meng.

Lin Meng gently touched the little boy's head, then turned to look at Ruan Chengyang with a serious expression. "Chengyang, there are some things that we are powerless to change. Because we were young once, we could only bear them silently, but this shouldn't become an excuse for you to wallow in self-pity. What you need to do is bravely step out and use your own strength to create a bright future for yourself. And never repeat the mistakes of your parents. In this world, others can only help you to a limited extent; ultimately, the person who can truly help you is always yourself!"

Ruan Chengyang's body visibly shook, and his gaze met Lin Meng's with an expression of deep surprise. In twenty years, no one had ever spoken to him like this before!

After a moment of silence, Lin Meng thought to herself that Ruan Chengyang could probably hear some of what she said. She then continued speaking.

“I want you to keep eating, not out of anger, nor intentionally to cause you trouble. I just hope you won't waste food. You might find this quite ridiculous, but I still remember the poem we learned in my elementary school textbook: "When the sun is high in the sky, sweat drips onto the soil, Who knows that every grain on your plate is hard-earned." You have the money and resources to waste it. It's just my personal opinion that if you're not feeling unwell or something that prevents you from eating, then you should still finish your meal. This is a respect for food, and also a respect for farmers. This has nothing to do with worldly interests, it's simply a matter of personal morality!”

Ruan Chengyang remained standing there, motionless. Lin Meng stopped speaking and began to eat calmly with the little one. The little one, probably feeling embarrassed by what had been said, started trying to pick up rice with his chopsticks, taking a bite now and then, but he still stayed nestled in Lin Meng's arms, unwilling to come down. He looked like a little bird, tilting his chin and opening his mouth wide, waiting for Lin Meng to put food into it.

Later, Ruan Chengyang did come back. He quietly finished his meal, and at the same time, he quietly ate the vegetables Lin Meng sometimes piled into his rice bowl. the time, figuring it was about right, so she woke up Lin Meng first, then went to nudge the little one awake. The little one was just like his mother, particularly unwilling to wake up, grumbling in...