Seeing that the atmosphere was getting a bit tense, the nanny, Aunt Yu, quickly tried to lighten the mood with a laugh, "Oh dear, it's so chilly at night, let's go inside and talk about it."

The group sat down in the living room on the first floor of the detached house. Aunt Yu quickly poured them hot water and then left.

Zhong Yuan also made an excuse to go to the toilet and left the living room.

Zong Jia asked the same question again, "Chi Haiyao, you're lying, aren't you?"

Chi Haiyao smiled slightly, "Jiayu, do you really think your mother would make up such an easily exposed lie just because she wants to see you?"

Zong Jiayu suddenly lost control of his emotions, "If you're sick, go get treatment! What are you doing? Lying down and waiting to die?"

Chi Haiyao put down the water cup she was holding to warm her hands. "Jiayu, just like I told Xiaoli today, three months and a year of survival make no difference to me. I just..."

"Bang!" A water glass suddenly fell to the ground. Zong Jiayu, her eyes red, said, "Chi Haiyao! You'll always be so selfish!"

This was the first time Jiang Xiaoli had ever seen him so furious. She gripped his hand tightly, his veins bulging, and said, "Ayu, calm down."

Zong Jia took a deep breath, then stood up and pulled Jiang Xiaoli outside.

Startled by the sound of things being smashed, Zhong Yuan quickly followed.

On the way to the hotel, Zong Jia remained silent the entire time.

Once inside the room, Jiang Xiaoli pressed his shoulder and made him sit down. "Ayu, let's get some rest."

She was about to go to the bathroom to get a wet towel to wipe his face, but he held her tightly and refused to let go.

Zong Jia rested his chin on her shoulder. "Little Pear, isn't it ridiculous? I still feel heartbroken when I hear that someone like her is sick."

Jiang Xiaoli gently patted his back, "Perhaps you still think about her in your heart."

She felt a wet patch on her shoulder, and Zong Jiayu's choked voice came through, "I always thought the word 'mother' was just a label, but today I realized that she is a thorn in my heart, causing me pain yet also being a part of me. This thorn will soon disappear, but I don't feel happy at all; instead, it hurts even more."

Jiang Xiaoli sighed, "Ayu, there are too many variables in life's journey. No one knows what will happen in the future. All we can do is seize the present."

"Now?"

"Yes, now!"

She thought for a moment and said, "Actually, I understand why she doesn't want to get treatment. For so many years, she has been beautiful on her own. Endless and painful treatment can only prolong her life by a few months, which is really too painful for someone who yearns for freedom."

Zong Jia was well aware of this.

He sighed deeply. "She wouldn't want me to see her in such a vulnerable state."

Jiang Xiaoli hugged him and nodded, "Ayu, there are many things we are powerless to change. As long as we have no regrets, that's fine, don't you think?"

Zong Jia hesitated for a long time, but finally compromised, "Let her be."

The next morning, Aunt Yu brought breakfast in a food box. She said nervously and ingratiatingly, "Young master, Miss Jiang, this is breakfast that Madam asked me to bring. Please try it and see if you like it."

Jiang Xiaoli took the food box with a smile and said, "Thank you."

Aunt Yu beamed when she saw that Zong Jiayu didn't refuse. "Miss Jiang, I'm glad you like it. If you like anything else, I'll make it for you!"

Zong Jia interrupted her, saying, "Please go back and tell her that I will go see her at noon."

"Okay, okay, no problem!"

Aunt Yu was both happy and worried. She was happy that her beloved child was coming home to see her, but she was also worried that the stubborn mother and son would start arguing and smashing cups again.

After closing the door, Jiang Xiaoli pinched a small steamed bun and tasted it. "What are you planning to say to her?"

Zong Jia rubbed his temples. "I don't know either. Should I just let her do as she pleases?"

Forehead……

Jiang Xiaoli thought for a moment and said, "Let nature take its course."

She didn't go to see Chi Haiyao with Zong Jia at noon, giving the mother and son some private space.

She and Zhong Yuan went to Hu Jingxin's house for a meal.

Mrs. Hu greeted Zhong Yuan warmly, "Ah Yuan, come and sit down!"

Hu Jingxin, pulling Jiang Xiaoli along, said with a smile, "My mom is definitely asking about A Yuan's income!"

Jiang Xiaoli's gossip radar went off: "Because of your cousin's boyfriend?"

“Yes!” Hu Jingxin nodded repeatedly. “You don’t know, that man is just an ordinary civil servant, but he thinks he has a secure job, while my cousin can only earn a living by managing a small business at home. She feels very superior!”

Jiang Xiaoli was speechless. "Your cousin would introduce someone like that to a family gathering?"

"Who says otherwise!" Hu Jingxin smacked her lips. "What's most infuriating is that my cousin thinks her boyfriend is right, and she's working hard to pass the civil service exam!"

This... she could only say it's hard to judge! May it stay locked up forever!

She said with great confidence, "Brother Yuan is much better than this guy!"

Hu Jingxin nodded in agreement, "That's right! But luckily I didn't let A Yuan attend my grandfather's birthday banquet, otherwise my mother would have fought with my aunt!"

Jiang Xiaoli couldn't help but laugh, "Auntie looks so refined, she'll probably suffer a loss, won't she?"

"Uh..." Hu Jingxin waved her hand haphazardly, "That's not important! What's important is that attitude!"

Zhong Yuan briefly introduced his current financial situation, and was then completely overwhelmed by his future mother-in-law's enthusiasm.

Mrs. Hu said with a smile, "Don't worry, Yuan, Xin Xin definitely won't be after your money. But your father and I are really happy for you that you've developed so well in such a short time!"

Mr. Hu chimed in, "Yes, business is tough these days. Yuan, you've really chosen a good path."

Recently, various skincare products, including "Dr. Pei," have emerged in large numbers, causing the Hu family's "Starry Night Cosmetics" business to decline sharply.

Based on Hu Jingxin's description of her family situation and the industry trends he had heard from Jiang Xiaoli, Zhong Yuan suggested, "Uncle, the market is changing too fast these days. We need to keep innovating."

Mr. Hu said with a worried look, "Sigh, product upgrades are no simple matter!"

Zhong Yuan whispered, "Uncle, if you fall behind, you'll be bullied. If you don't keep up with the times, you'll be swallowed up by them sooner or later."

After thinking for a moment, Mrs. Hu said, "Old Hu, I think what A Yuan said makes sense. Those old formulas in our factory really won't last much longer."

Hearing their discussion, Hu Jingxin interjected, "Dad, A-Yuan is right. If we don't innovate, we'll be left behind by brands like Xiao Li's 'Dr. Pei' sooner or later!"