Chapter 8 She Doesn't Deserve to Be My Mother

On the way to the hotel, Yu Yan and Shao Muyan chatted for a long time.

Yu Yan and his research group are currently focusing on novel ultra-low power micro- and nano-electronic devices. Shao Muyan is both a senior figure and an expert in the field of microelectronics.

Shao Muyan will participate in this academic conference as the director of the Shangzhou Science Research Institute and a tenured professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Integrated Circuits of Shangzhou University. He will also deliver an important speech, which will greatly help them apply for projects back in China.

Throughout the journey, Yu Yan spoke with great enthusiasm and eloquence.

She had almost forgotten the unpleasantness her ex-husband had caused.

Unexpectedly, upon entering the hotel lobby, I saw Gan Xiaoxing, whom I hadn't seen in a long time.

And... her son, Xiang Chu, whom she hadn't seen for three years.

The moment Yu Yan's gaze fell on Xiang Chu's face, she felt her ears suddenly go silent, the whole world went blank and silent, with only her son's figure in them.

Xiao Chu is six years old now. She's grown taller and more mature.

His eyebrows and eyes are extremely similar to Xiang Jingheng's, as if they were carved from the same mold.

Especially when facing her, his slightly furrowed brows and impatient expression were just like before.

Xiang Chu seemed surprised to see Yu Yan here, her mouth agape, and she stood motionless.

"Yu Yan, it really is you."

Gan Xiaoxing's cheerful and bright voice brought Yu Yan back to her senses. She warmly stepped forward and hugged Yu Yan, exchanging pleasantries with her like an old friend: "I guessed it was you when I saw the list of attendees, and I didn't expect it to be you!"

"Have you been doing odd jobs in research labs abroad for the past three years? Oh, I really envy you. Being able to do odd jobs in a research lab the size of WD is like getting a gold medal. Look at you, you can attend this kind of conference as soon as you come back to China..."

Gan Xiaoxing talked to herself for a while, but when she saw the handsome man standing behind Yu Yan, she couldn't help but take a few more glances.

Suddenly, a cry of surprise rang out: "Professor Shao!"

When Gan Xiaoxing recognized Shao Muyan, she became extremely excited, and her voice could be heard throughout the entire hotel lobby.

"Professor Shao, hello, I am Gan Xiaoxing from Xiaoxing Research Lab..." She took the initiative to approach Shao Muyan, extended her hand and bowed to greet him.

Shao Muyan glanced at her indifferently, his eyes cold, and subtly moved closer to Yu Yan.

"You just said, who does odd jobs in the research lab?"

Gan Xiaoxing was stunned for a moment. No one took her outstretched hand, so she had no choice but to pull it back.

Professor Shao's aura was so cold that even a casual remark sent chills down her spine.

At this moment, she realized that Shao Muyan had come with Yu Yan.

"Ah, I..."

Suddenly, her gaze fell upon a tall and imposing figure, and Gan Xiaoxing's eyes lit up as if she had seen a savior. "Jing Heng!"

"Xiao Chu, Daddy's here."

Gan Xiaoxing reached behind her and immediately offered her hand to Chu Li. The two of them ran towards the door together.

Yu Yan looked over and saw Xiang Jingheng picking up his son. Gan Xiaoxing was carrying Xiang Chu's children's schoolbag and talking to Xiang Jingheng with a big smile. The family of three was together happily.

It seems that her departure three years ago had no impact on anyone except herself.

The heart that she thought was dead started to ache again. Yu Yan remained frozen, her eyelids trembling slightly, and her hands, hanging at her sides, had unconsciously clenched into fists.

"Let's go, see if there are any rooms left?" Shao Muyan gently supported Yu Yan from behind, helping her to her feet as she swayed.

Yu Yan pulled herself out of her turbulent emotions and hummed in response.

She hadn't walked a few steps when Xiang Jingheng suddenly called out to her, "Yu Yan."

Yu Yan paused in her steps.

Xiang Jingheng put Xiang Chu down, took her hand and walked over, looking at her with deep eyes, then at Shao Muyan with a cold gaze.

"Third Master, it's been a long time." Xiang Jingheng extended his hand to Shao Muyan.

The call of "Third Master" startled Gan Xiaoxing, who wondered where the title came from, and she looked over at Yu Yan.

Yu Yan remained calm; she naturally knew Shao Muyan's identity.

In the scientific research community, Shao Muyan is the respected "Professor Shao." In another circle, he is the third young master of the Shao family in Beijing, a figure at the very top of the pyramid—of course, many people are unaware of this latter identity.

But they were both people in the world of fame and fortune. Shao Muyan and Xiang Jingheng had met at some grand events and naturally knew each other's identities.

Shao Muyan reached out and shook hands with him, addressing him as "President Xiang".

The two long, strong hands clasped for only a few seconds, but when they let go, the backs of their hands were somewhat pale.

It gradually returned to normal.

"Yu Yan, it's been a long time since we last met."

Xiang Jingheng gave Yu Yan a deep look, then patted Xiang Chu's head. "Xiao Chu, did you call me 'Mommy'?"

Xiang Chu's face was tense as she looked coldly at Yu Yan.

"She is not my mother."

He made no attempt to hide his disgust for Yu Yan: "She doesn't deserve it!"

As if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head, Yu Yan felt cold all over, her blood instantly froze, and it took her a long time to recover.

Now, my heart is completely cold, without a trace of warmth left.