Old Lin was sent back to his hometown, and despite the doctor's repeated advice, those people wouldn't listen.

"The hospital just wants to rip us off. Why are we even staying in the ICU? The ICU costs tens of thousands of yuan a day. How can we afford that? Let's just go home," the eldest complained.

Little did he know, the doctor was merely going through the motions. For patients with this condition, treatment was actually of little use, but he couldn't openly tell the family that.

Anyway, he had already tried to persuade them, but the family members wouldn't listen, so he couldn't be blamed.

Lin Jingyue did not go back to her hometown. The old house, which held no fond memories for her, was not worth her going back to.

She went back and brought Li Chengyi back to her side to take care of him, while also waiting for news.

As she expected, news came from her hometown three days later.

Old Lin passed away in his sleep. Whether he was in pain or not is unknown, since he was already unconscious at the time. Anyway, he was found in the morning, and when his mother wiped his body, it was completely cold.

Regardless, she had to go back to pay her respects. After the funeral, her only remaining connection with her maternal family would be her mother.

However, it's highly likely that the next time we meet will be at the funeral.

She didn't bring the child along; he's just a grandson, so there's no need to. What if he has nightmares because of the environment?

However, this time she wasn't dressed up in a glamorous way, but rather in all black, which didn't show any wealth, only cleanliness.

Inside the mourning hall, Old Lin lay peacefully in the coffin, surrounded by his three sons who wept uncontrollably. Outside, a group of villagers had come to help; some were setting up pots and pans to cook, while others were moving tables and chairs.

Funerals in rural areas can be quite lively.

After paying her respects, Lin Jingyue had lunch and then left.

The subsequent matters are not something she, a married woman, should concern herself with. Besides, if she interferes too much, those people will probably have complaints.

As for Lin's mother's care in old age, that's none of her business. Her sons should be able to take good care of her.

But a month later, Lin's mother called her.

"Daughter, when are you coming to pick me up? I'm so hungry, I can't stand it anymore."

Lin's mother was like a rubber ball, being kicked from one house to another; in short, she never had a good life. She dared not eat too much, but she couldn't go without eating either.

It's unlikely they're going hungry; after all, in this day and age, people don't starve to death. And those daughters-in-law wouldn't do that—wouldn't they become a laughingstock among the neighbors?

Elderly people tend to talk nonsense as they get older.

“I’ll ask my older brother and the others how they could not feed you. If they don’t feed you, then I’ll call the police and say they are abusing the elderly.”

"No, no, no, I'm just hungry. They gave me food, but I don't like their food. Honey, I want to stay with you for a while. Don't you have a son? Mom can help you take care of him."

See, the moment her son's interests are touched, she immediately drops the pretense.

They even helped her take care of her child; they'd be more likely to harm the child.

Lin Jingyue didn't indulge her, "I'm busy right now, let's talk about it when I'm free."

When are you free? She's never free.

Li Chengyi, who was standing nearby, heard the whole thing. He looked at her curiously and asked, "Mom, is that your mom?"

He seems to have never met his maternal grandparents. He met them once when he was just born because he was very young, but he forgot about it. After his mother divorced, he only met his paternal grandparents.

However, my grandparents passed away early, so I don't have many memories of them.

"Yes, that's my mother, your grandmother."

"Doesn't Mom like Grandma?" he asked, somewhat puzzled.

"This matter is actually a very simple matter. Because Grandma doesn't like Mom, Mom doesn't like Grandma either. Do you understand?" Lin Jingyue wouldn't explain things in too profound a way; she would only state some simple truths for him to understand.

Li Chengyi nodded thoughtfully, "Because I like my mom, my mom likes me too, right?"

"That's right! Xiao Yi is so smart!"

"If Grandma doesn't like Mom, then I don't want to like Grandma either."

Lin Jingyue was amused by his childish words.

But the logic is that simple: if you don't like me, then I won't like you either. However, some children who lack love spend their entire lives chasing after being loved.

After thinking about it, she still mentioned it in the family group chat.

She sent the recording to the group chat, but she wasn't interested in knowing their reaction.

All I know is that she hasn't received any more calls since then, and it seems like her family's affairs have completely disappeared from her life.

Six years have passed in the blink of an eye, and today is the day Li Chengyi is transitioning from primary to junior high school.

The little boy who used to follow his mother around has now grown into a tall teenager.

He developed early, starting to grow taller in fifth grade. Lin Jingyue went to great lengths to prepare delicious meals for him, supplementing his nutrition. He took various milk and calcium supplements, all to prevent him from developing horizontally.

Fortunately, he's developing vertically; his body has grown rapidly, reaching over 1.7 meters tall, and he'll likely continue to grow. With improved nutrition, his height naturally increases.

Now, standing next to Lin Jingyue, he is much, much taller than her.

She's just too thin, giving the impression that she's not getting enough to eat at home, and she's afraid people will misunderstand and think she's abusing her child.

What's also encouraging is that over these six years of growth, his withdrawn symptoms have improved significantly. He's made friends at school and now invites them out to play.

However, unlike other boys who are playful and roughhousing, he belongs to the quieter, more reserved type. If he dressed up, he would probably look like a frail, scholarly gentleman.

He probably inherited his father's genes; his grades are below average, neither good nor bad.

Hmm... it seems the original owner's grades weren't much better either.

But it doesn't matter, as long as she finishes junior high school, that's enough. She doesn't have that many demands. As long as she's okay and doesn't get driven crazy by studying, that's fine.

But that doesn't mean he can just relax at home after finishing junior high. This kid seems to have some artistic talent and is interested in drawing. If he wants, we can enroll him in an art class during the summer vacation and see if he can get into a good art college after graduating from junior high.

"Do well on the exam, and Mom will take you on a trip after you finish." Lin Jingyue straightened his clothes.

Li Chengyi pursed his lips, and finally asked, "Mom, you and Uncle Tang... if you want, I have no objection."

"You silly child, are you teasing your mother? Just focus on your exam and don't worry about anything else."

Lin Jingyue blushed and pushed the person away.