Chapter 90 The Prodigal Son Returns

"Fine, let him be."

Zhou Shufen was at her wit's end, extremely frustrated, but she didn't want to argue anymore.

She gritted her teeth and ultimately had no choice but to give in.

"Did you hear that? Mom agreed. Get up now."

Zhou Haiqing quickly pulled him up, using force while whispering a reminder.

"Don't make Mom angry anymore, stay here first and we'll talk about it later."

Zhou Shufen didn't even glance at him.

She slowly stood up, turned around and went back to her room, her steps very light.

She closed the door gently, making a soft "click" sound.

That night, Zhou Hairong slept on the sofa, with a thin blanket on it, curled up in bed.

That location is exactly the same as when Zhou Dajun came to cause trouble last time.

Even the pillows were placed in almost the same direction.

He didn't sleep well, his brow furrowing every now and then.

The next morning.

Zhou Shufen got up with a yawn, her hair a little messy, and the sleeves of her pajamas rolled up.

She rubbed her eyes and prepared to make breakfast, thinking that she would have to wake Zhou Haiqing up for breakfast later.

She stretched as she walked out.

As soon as I opened the door, I smelled the aroma of food.

The aroma of scallion oil mingled with the caramelized scent of fried eggs and the fragrance of rice porridge, filling the air with delight.

She was slightly taken aback, thinking that Zhou Haiqing was busy in the kitchen, so she called out to him casually.

"Haiqing, remember to open the windows when you cook, make sure the air circulates! Don't let the whole house smell of cooking oil."

"Mom, I made breakfast today. Why do you keep calling me 'Fourth Brother'?"

Zhou Hairong poked his head out of the kitchen with a pitiful look on his face, his face still covered in flour, and he was holding a plate in his hand.

Inside were golden fried eggs and pickled vegetables cut into small pieces.

His voice carried a hint of flattery, yet also a touch of trepidation, fearing that his mother would again coldly reject him.

Zhou Shufen was startled and took a half step back, almost bumping into the door frame.

Upon closer inspection, she noticed that he was wearing a faded apron with a knot tied around his waist, and was carrying a plate.

The table was already set, and the steaming food was rising in white vapor.

She rubbed her eyes and blinked twice to make sure she wasn't still half asleep.

This really happened.

She stood there, speechless for a moment, her mind buzzing.

That's absolutely ridiculous.

In the past, if a soy sauce bottle fell over at home, Zhou Hairong wouldn't even bother to pick it up or even glance at it.

He was always lazy, expecting to be served food and clothes without lifting a finger, and never lifting a finger to do housework.

Even her mother, Zhou Shufen, was so exhausted that her back ached.

He just sat on the sofa scrolling through his phone, not even lifting his eyelids.

What's gotten into him today? He actually cooked for himself!

Not only did they wash and chop the vegetables, but they also put on an apron.

The kitchen was bustling with activity, and fragrant aromas wafted from the stove.

This unusual behavior was as if he had become a completely different person.

It makes one wonder if he has lost his mind or is possessed.

"Okay, then go and call them over for dinner."

Zhou Shufen replied coldly, without a trace of surprise in her tone.

As she spoke, her gaze swept lightly over Zhou Hairong's back.

She then sat down, placed her hands on her knees, and waited quietly.

Zhou Haiqing and Qin Guifang were stunned when they came out, their steps halting at the doorway.

The two exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with surprise.

Then I looked at the table again.

Four dishes and a soup, a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

Who would have thought that this meal was prepared by Zhou Hairong?

He used to be so bad at cooking that he could burn an egg.

But now they've served up this kind of meal.

People's eyes kept glancing at him, full of curiosity and confusion.

Even when picking up food, there was a hint of hesitation.

The meal was eaten quietly and subtly.

No one spoke; only the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks and the sounds of chewing filled the air.

Zhou Hairong ate with her head down, a smile always on her lips. Every now and then she would look up at her mother, her eyes revealing a cautious attempt to please her.

The others, however, ate absentmindedly.

Zhou Shufen only ate a few bites before putting down her bowl and staring intently at him.

Zhou Haiqing frowned from time to time, as if he was thinking about something.

Qin Guifang didn't even drink the soup, only focusing on eating her rice, looking as if she dared not look at anything else.

After finishing the meal, Zhou Hairong took the initiative to clean up the dishes without saying a word.

As soon as he turned on the tap, bubbles billowed, and he said with a smile as he washed, "Mom, you can sit down and rest for a while. You've worried too much over the years, your back and waist ache. I'll do these chores from now on!"

As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeves, revealing his strong forearms, and walked briskly toward the kitchen, full of energy.

The water was gurgling and steaming.

He bent over, wiping the stove, and occasionally glanced back at the living room.

Qin Guifang turned her head and glanced at Zhou Shufen.

Their eyes met, both filled with confusion.

Qin Guifang opened her mouth slightly, as if to speak, but then swallowed her words back.

Zhou Shufen gently shook her head, her eyes turning cold.

The two remained silent in tacit agreement, but their hearts were already in turmoil.

This week, Hairong...

Has it really changed?

He used to never even wash the dishes, but now he's eager to wash the pots and pans?

And he even said, "I'll do the housework from now on"?

This is outrageous!

When has he ever been this diligent?

When have you ever been so considerate?

This change came too suddenly, too unreal.

What happened next was even more surprising.

After cleaning up the kitchen, without even wiping his hands, he quickly poured two glasses of warm water, handing one to Zhou Shufen and the other to Qin Guifang.

He stood beside her, bowing slightly, and asked cautiously, "Mom, what do you want for lunch? I can make it again! Would you like dumplings? Braised fish? Or stewed ribs? Just tell me, and I'll get right to it."

These actions perfectly illustrate what a thoughtful and filial son should be like.

In other people's homes, the elderly person would probably be so moved that tears would flow.

But this house made one feel like they were sitting on pins and needles.

Because it was so unusual, so unusual that it aroused suspicion.

But here's the problem: even ordinary filial piety isn't this exaggerated.

He not only served tea and water and showed concern for their well-being, but also offered to wash all the family's dirty clothes.

He then went to collect the items, searching high and low.

They even went after Zhou Haiqing's smelly socks hidden under the bed.

The washing machine hummed all afternoon.

He went back and forth to hang up the clothes, collect the clothes, mop the floor, wipe the windows, and take out the trash.

They were busy both inside and outside the house.

His forehead was covered in sweat, and his shirt was mostly soaked, but he was still full of energy.

"No need to bother anymore, you should take a rest."

Zhou Shufen finally couldn't hold back and waved her hand.

This isn't right, this is really wrong.

Can a person change just like that?

Or did it suddenly become so drastic?

He used to be lazy, selfish, and prone to slamming doors and arguing.

How can someone who yells at their parents suddenly become a filial son or grandson overnight?

She doesn't believe in prodigal sons returning home.

Human nature is not something that can be changed so easily.

Just as a stone won't turn into jade, a wolf won't change its diet to grass.

She remained wary of him.

In her past life, she was too soft-hearted and suffered because she believed his sweet words easily.

As a result, he completely deceived her, draining her of her money and trampling on her dignity.

When he finally died of illness, he didn't even come to see him.

She will never be foolish again in her life.