“You earn your own money. I’m asking for yours, you’re my son, and it’s only right to support your parents.” Li Guizhen spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“That’s not happening.”
Li Guizhen and Yang Jiabo argued for a long time, but in the end, they parted on bad terms. Yang Jiabo knew she wouldn’t give up easily and would surely come back, so he called a relative to ask about Li Guizhen and Li Mingyi’s situation.
Three months ago, Li Mingyi’s wife and child had gone to visit relatives but died in a car accident. The sudden loss of his wife and son left Li Mingyi devastated, and he fell ill for a time. Fortunately, Li Guizhen took care of him tirelessly, and he eventually recovered. The two had a past connection, and since both were single, they got together after the hundred-day mourning period for Li Mingyi’s wife and child. The relative also told Yang Jiabo that the driver responsible for the accident had paid Li Mingyi a substantial amount in compensation.
Later, Li Guizhen came by twice more, but Yang Jiabo, knowing they weren’t short on money, refused to give in to her demands. Aside from Li Guizhen’s pestering, Yang Jiabo’s life was sweet and fulfilling. Distance did nothing to weaken their bond, and Yang Jiabo often felt like he was living in a dream.
Two months later, Yang Jiabo’s mental state improved even further. His treatment came to an end, and Dr. Luo left the farm. Wei Feng and Dr. Chen also departed. Wei Feng needed rehabilitation for his leg, and the local rehab center was far inferior to those in the capital. Yang Qing also returned to school.
With fewer people at home, the place grew quieter, but Yang Jianjun was happy. However, just two days later, a regular guest referred some out-of-town visitors for a short stay, and the bamboo house became lively again.
After arranging accommodations for the guests, Yang Jiabo headed down the path toward the pond. A newly arrived guest had ordered grilled fish, so he needed to catch one and bring it to the kitchen for the chef to marinate. Focused on fishing, Yang Jiabo didn’t notice the tall figure appearing behind him.
"Jiajia—" Wei Jing gazed at the person he had been longing for, his eyes filled with warmth.
Yang Jiabo turned around in disbelief, then, overjoyed, threw down the fishing net and rushed into his arms.
"Brother, how many days off do you have this time?"
"Only three." Wei Jing opened his arms to embrace him.
After a brief hug, Yang Jiabo happily led Wei Jing to the most secluded pavilion to sit down. The two, deep in the throes of love and separated for over two months, knew best how much they had missed each other. No matter how restrained they tried to be, small intimate gestures were inevitable.
"What are you doing?!" A shrill voice shattered the peace of the secluded corner.
"Why are you here?" Yang Jiabo stared at Li Guizhen in surprise but showed no panic. He and Wei Jing had grown up together and had always been close.
"What were you doing just now? What’s your relationship?" Li Guizhen was agitated, looking at them as if they were monsters.
"What do you think our relationship is?" Yang Jiabo felt a flicker of unease, had she noticed something? He hadn’t figured out how to tell his father yet, and given his mother’s temperament, the secret might not hold.
"Auntie Li, Jiajia and I grew up together. You know we’re as close as brothers," Wei Jing said, subtly shifting to shield Yang Jiabo.
"Don’t lie to me! I saw you hugging earlier, and I heard everything you said!"
They had been followed, Li Guizhen had been quietly trailing them. Wei Jing’s expression darkened. Yang Jiabo paled slightly, but Wei Jing clasped his hand tightly, interlacing their fingers.
"Since you’ve found out, Auntie, I won’t hide it anymore. I love Jiajia and want to spend my life with him," Wei Jing said solemnly.
Li Guizhen ignored him, her furious gaze fixed on Yang Jiabo. "All these years, how has your father raised you? If people find out my son is a pervert who likes men, where will that leave my dignity?"
Yang Jiabo could only sigh inwardly, this was just like her. His mother’s only concern was always her own reputation.
"Leave Dad out of this. My life is none of your business."
"None of my business? Everyone knows you’re my son!" Li Guizhen’s shrill voice carried far.
Noticing people approaching in the distance, Wei Jing said calmly, "Someone’s coming. Auntie, let’s discuss this properly back at the house."
Though this was a secluded spot, Li Guizhen’s loud voice could be heard from afar.
"I have nothing to say to you!" Li Guizhen ignored Wei Jing, her emotions running high. "Cut ties with him immediately!"
"Let’s go back first," Yang Jiabo said, ignoring her outburst as he pulled Wei Jing toward home.
Li Guizhen reached out to grab Yang Jiabo, but Wei Jing blocked her. Seeing Wei Jing protect Yang Jiabo, she glared at him hatefully, then began cursing as she called Yang Jianjun.
Caught completely off guard, Yang Jianjun was deeply shaken by the revelation of Wei Jing and Yang Jiabo’s relationship and remained silent. Li Guizhen made a scene, demanding they break up, but Yang Jiabo ignored her, only watching his father with concern.
Furious that Yang Jiabo disregarded her, Li Guizhen raised her hand to strike him. Unable to reason with her, Wei Jing shielded Yang Jiabo firmly.
"Enough!" Yang Jianjun snapped. "I’ll handle Jiajia’s matters. You haven’t cared for him all these years, no need to start now."
"I’m his mother! Why can’t I interfere?" Li Guizhen retorted.
"Then shall we calculate all the child support you never paid?" Yang Jianjun glowered at her. "Or would you prefer I have a talk with Li Mingyi?"
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