Yes, it's Mrs. Cheng.
However, she was dressed much more modestly today, without any eye-catching jewelry, and her makeup was also light, lacking that imposing aura.
A hint of cautious gentleness appeared in her eyes. "Xiao Zhou, what do you know?"
Madam Cheng gave her son a reproachful look, then turned her gaze to Lu You, her tone becoming extremely soft.
"This isn't overly sweet; it's bird's nest stewed in milk. I specifically asked an old Chinese medicine doctor, and he added red dates and goji berries, which are good for women's health."
"Youyou, you work so hard managing the restaurant, you must take care of yourself."
As she spoke, Madam Cheng handed the jewelry box forward, "And this, it's nothing valuable, just an old mine icy jadeite safety buckle, with a good meaning, just wear it for fun."
Lu You's face remained expressionless, showing neither flattery nor sarcasm.
She simply looked at Madam Cheng calmly, her tone distant yet polite: "Madam Cheng, you are too kind. I am in good health. You should keep these tonics and jewelry for yourself."
Cheng Zhou suppressed a laugh, his shoulders trembling slightly.
When Madam Cheng saw that Lu You refused to accept the money, a hint of embarrassment flashed across her face.
She placed the jewelry box on the counter and then took out a file folder from her handbag.
"How about you take a look at this?"
Mrs. Cheng pushed the file bag in front of Lu You, her voice softening slightly.
"This is the equity transfer agreement for my high-end custom clothing store. I've already had my lawyer draft it. Just sign it, and the shares will be yours."
"You have a good eye and management skills. This shop will definitely be much better managed by you than by me."
Shang Wu, who was listening outside the door, was even more surprised.
That's one of the top haute couture brands in Yecheng's socialite circle.
Mrs. Cheng's years of hard work and pride were actually being given away to Lu You as a controlling stake.
This is an absolute splurge!
Lu You glanced at the agreement, remaining unmoved. She even picked up her flower tea, blew on it gently, and took a small sip.
“Mrs. Cheng, I’m not interested in the clothing industry. Besides, things are already very busy here, and I can’t spare the time.”
After being rejected repeatedly, Mrs. Cheng's face fell.
The forced gentle smile on her face was about to crumble, and anxiety and regret were showing in her eyes.
Madam Cheng sighed, looked at Lu You, and her tone was almost pleading.
"Youyou, I know that your aunt was wrong before. She was senile and said those outrageous things, which made you suffer. It's all my fault. Can you please not hold it against me?"
As she spoke, her eyes became slightly red.
"Xiao Zhou is my only son. You've been living here for so long without ever coming home to visit. I know your restaurant is doing well, and Xiao Zhou is happy. I'm genuinely happy for you."
I just wanted to make amends, to do my part, really.
This demeanor was completely different from the arrogant and domineering lady she had been in the Cheng family's old mansion restaurant.
Shang Wu was amazed.
In this world, fortune truly does change.
Back then, Madam Cheng looked down on Lu You's status, feeling that she was marrying above her station. Now, however, she's offering her entire fortune and shares to Lu You, begging her to acknowledge her as her mother-in-law.
Seeing that his mother seemed to be on the verge of tears, Cheng Zhou finally stopped watching the play.
He walked over and put his arm around Lu You's shoulder.
"Mom, please don't be like this. Youyou and I are doing very well now, and we don't need you to make up for anything. If you really want what's best for us, just come visit occasionally, have a meal together, and don't put pressure on us."
Lu You also put down her teacup, looked at Madam Cheng, and softened her tone slightly.
“Mrs. Cheng, let bygones be bygones. Cheng Zhou and I chose to leave the Cheng family not because of you personally, but because we wanted to choose a more comfortable way of life.”
"Our current relationship is better off if we keep our distance and don't bother each other. As for these things..."
Her gaze swept over the bird's nest.
"You really don't need to bother anymore."
Lu You's words were polite, but they clearly drew a line.
They can reconcile, but getting close is impossible.
Madam Cheng understood the implication, her face paled, but she couldn't say anything more and lowered her head in dejection.
Shang Wu felt it was inappropriate to watch any longer, so she coughed lightly and pushed the door open to go inside.
"Sister You, Cheng Zhou, I'm here."
She greeted him with a smile, as if she hadn't seen anything.
"I brought you some small gifts."
Lu You saw her and a genuine smile appeared on his face as he got down from the bar stool.
"Awu, you've come."
Cheng Zhou greeted him with a smile.
"Shang Wu, please sit down."
Madam Cheng quickly composed herself, put on a polite smile again, and nodded to Shang Wu.
"Hello, Ms. Shang."
Shang Wu greeted Madam Cheng, handed the island specialties she had brought to Lu You, and exchanged a few more pleasantries.
Mrs. Cheng clearly had no desire to stay any longer, so she made an excuse and left in a hurry.
Before leaving, she couldn't help but look back at Lu You, her eyes filled with complex emotions, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.
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