Chapter 45: “Childlike

Song Mo's parents were on a business trip.

It had been exactly one month.

It was about time they came back.

Song Wanrou nodded.

"Really? Neither of them told me."

"When do you think they'll return?"

"The day after tomorrow."

Song Mo knew the truth inside.

In his past life, his parents only gradually handed over the family's businesses to him after he demonstrated his business acumen.

【Now that I've achieved something ahead of schedule—even if not in business—my parents should still hand me part of the family's assets when they return.】

【Song Wanrou won't inherit any property, since she was adopted, but my parents have prepared many properties for her—enough to ensure she lives comfortably.】

Emotionally and morally, Song Mo's parents cared more for Song Mo; after hearing his inner thoughts, Song Wanrou felt not the slightest resentment.

On the contrary, she felt lucky.

If not for Song Mo's parents, perhaps…

Her life would have either been a desperate struggle in an orphanage, or been cast out into society to be bullied…

In short, the likelihood of a bad outcome far outweighed a good one.

She had nothing to complain about.

Song Wanrou felt deep shame.

【I haven't fulfilled my duty as an older sister, yet I've accepted so much from the Song Family—I'm truly sorry to Mom and Dad, and to Xiao Mo…】

【But… I don't even know what I can do to help my brother…】

As usual, Song Mo played two piano pieces before bed, casually grinding his proficiency.

Then he went inside to sleep.

…

After visiting Teacher Xia Shuqin.

Song Mo put on a grand show in front of a crowd of elderly men and women, then made a hasty escape.

He got into the car, fastened his seatbelt.

Only then, still shaken, did he begin to complain to Song Wanrou.

"Sis, that was terrifying."

"These teachers were just too enthusiastic."

Song Mo gave a bitter smile.

Just now, a group of elderly men and women had tried to set him up with dates.

Without exception, they were all their own grandchildren or great-granddaughters who were desperate to marry—even distant nieces and nephews' daughters, all sorts of messy relations.

The intensity was fiercer than an emperor selecting concubines.

Unbearable—truly unbearable!

Song Wanrou covered her mouth and giggled.

"I think they meant well—helping you find a partner isn't a bad thing, right? You're in college now; dating would be fine."

At this, Song Mo's mood grew slightly cold.

"Forget it."

"Even the closest people can betray you."

"Sometimes it's just a matter of insufficient leverage."

"I have no plans for this right now."

After noticing Song Mo's mood shift,

Song Wanrou instantly grew tense.

She figured this must stem from Song Mo's past-life experiences, which had hardened his heart and made him disdain all girls.

If she traced it back, was she partly to blame?

Thinking this, Song Wanrou felt ashamed.

She believed she owed him something.

Even though in this life she had never done anything wrong to Song Mo—not even entertained a thought of harming him.

【Even the me from my past life was still me—did I truly betray my brother… or was there just a misunderstanding back then?】

【Did either me or my brother get deceived, causing him to misunderstand me?】

Regardless, Song Wanrou dared not provoke Song Mo's emotions further.

She quickly changed the subject.

"By the way, after such a long business trip, do you think Mom and Dad even know about your astonishing achievements lately? They didn't even video call me before coming back…"

"Of course, you're their biological son."

Song Wanrou pouted, feigning grievance.

But in truth, she was just pretending.

Her tactic worked perfectly.

It instantly shifted the focus.

Song Mo hurriedly said: "They didn't video call me either!"

"You know Mom and Dad—say they're on a business trip, but really they're just sneaking off for a romantic getaway, having so much fun they don't care about us two light bulbs."

"They should know that once public opinion is settled, they were the ones who panicked and called me, demanding I return home immediately—now they've been silent for so long, they must have figured it out."

"Sis, don't overthink it."

"Mom and Dad treat you so well—since childhood, I'm the only one who ever got beaten and yelled at!"

Song Wanrou smiled gently.

"I know. I was just teasing you."

"It's only right that Mom and Dad treat you well. Even if they didn't treat me well, I'd still be grateful."

{I promised Mom and Dad I'd take care of you. If you're happy, I'm happy, little brother. }

Song Family Villa.

A man in a sharp suit and a girl dressed with striking freshness walked in, arms linked.

Song Mo and Song Wanrou, who were having breakfast, saw them.

"Dad! Mom!"

They both called out in unison.

Song Wanrou stood up to greet them.

Song Mo didn't move, sipping his century egg and pork porridge leisurely.

"You brat, I haven't seen you in a month—don't you miss your mom?"

"You didn't even call me once this whole month!"

"Tell me, shouldn't you be beaten?"

The freshly dressed "girl" let go of the man's arm and rushed forward, grabbing Song Mo's ear, her eyes fierce—but her voice sweet and coquettish.

Like she was pouting.

Song Mo glanced at the woman.

The woman was Song Mo's biological mother—only she was petite and naturally looked young, making her appear more like his sister.

Perhaps that was exactly it.

Song's father had always been devoted and deeply affectionate toward his wife.

This was beneficial to Song Mo.

At the very least, he didn't have to worry about random illegitimate children popping up to disrupt his peaceful life.

Nor would he suddenly gain a "stepmom."

Song Mo sighed softly.

Facing the woman's accusation, he calmly pulled out his phone and opened a WeChat chat log.

A voice message from a month ago played.

"Baby big son, your mom's traveling on business with your dad. This time we'll probably be away... cough... about a month. Traveling's tiring, so don't bother us unless you have to... mua~ Love you~"

"Bai Jiaojiao, what do you have to say now?"

The evidence was undeniable.

Song's mother immediately grew embarrassed.

She cleared her throat a few times. "Son, you did very well."

"I was just testing you..."

"Wait—no!" Her tone suddenly turned sharp.

"You really didn't call just because I told you not to?"

"I was just testing whether you love your mom!"

"I never expected love to be this fragile!"

"Enough, enough!" Song Mo could no longer bear it.

"Song Tiancheng, take your wife away."

"I have to go to school after I finish eating!"

Song's father sighed and stepped forward, taking Bai Jiaojiao's hand.

"Alright, let him finish eating and go to school."

Bai Jiaojiao pouted.

She slapped Song Mo on the head, catching him off guard.

"Son... don't hang out after class today. Tonight there's a banquet at Dihao Hotel—everyone there is young."

"Here's your invitation. Go take a look."

"No thanks. What's there to see?" Song Mo didn't want to go.

"You have to go!"

"My son is so amazing! If you just stay home all day, how will anyone else know you're my son?"

"Go on—make your mom proud!"

(End of Chapter)