“Dad, Uncle Lu is really nice. He treats me well—he’s not a bad person.”
The little guy was earnestly trying to clear up his father’s misunderstanding about Uncle Lu.
Zhou Honglin’s heart ached, but he kept a faint smile on his face as he responded, “Yes, your Uncle Lu isn’t a bad person. He’s good to you and your mom. Dad feels at ease knowing you and your mom are living with him.”
No matter how sour he felt, Zhou Honglin had to admit that Lu Dongming was wholeheartedly devoted to Yangyang and Hai Ling.
He was even better to them than Zhou Honglin, Yangyang’s biological father.
Hai Ling choosing to remarry Lu Dongming was a good decision.
Even though Lu Dongming was still in a wheelchair, it wasn’t as if he couldn’t recover. Once he did, he’d stand tall again, a reliable pillar for Hai Ling and Yangyang.
“Yangyang, Yangyang.”
Zhou’s mother called from the living room.
Zhou Honglin said to his son, “Your grandma’s calling you. Go see what she wants.”
Yangyang nodded and scampered out of the room.
“Grandma.”
Hearing his son’s clear voice calling for his grandma, Zhou Honglin’s face lit up with a smile.
He loved being with his son and parents.
He really didn’t want to hand Yangyang over to Lu Dongming, but Yangyang’s custody belonged to Hai Ling.
Besides, Yangyang was better off with Hai Ling than with him.
For his son’s future, Zhou Honglin couldn’t fight Hai Ling for custody.
He was out driving almost every day, leaving him no time to care for Yangyang.
Leaving Yangyang with his parents wasn’t an option he trusted.
He was especially wary of his sister bringing her son over. His father had wised up and wouldn’t favor Xiaobao anymore, but his mother was easily swayed by his sister’s words, leaning toward Xiaobao.
After all, his sister’s three children were raised by his parents, so their bond was stronger.
“Yangyang, this is the New Year’s red envelope from Grandpa and Grandma.”
Zhou’s mother handed Yangyang two large red envelopes prepared by her and her husband.
Yangyang didn’t take them. He looked at his grandma and said seriously, “Grandma, I have money. I don’t need yours and Grandpa’s money. Mom says Dad works hard for his money, and Grandpa and Grandma’s pension isn’t much.”
Hearing his grandson’s innocent words, Zhou’s mother’s heart filled with regret.
She crouched down, pulled Yangyang into her arms, and held him for a moment before letting go. Softly, she said, “Grandpa and Grandma still have some money. We can afford to give you red envelopes. The money you have is yours, but this is Grandpa and Grandma’s affection for you.”
“Take it, okay? Let your mom keep it for you, for university later.”
Zhou’s father also urged Yangyang to accept the envelopes.
Yangyang hesitated. “Grandma, can I ask Mom first? If Mom says I can take them, I will. But thank you, Grandpa and Grandma. I’ll have Mom bring me over to spend time with you when I’m free.”
Without his mother’s permission, the little guy firmly refused the two big red envelopes.
Zhou’s mother said helplessly, “Alright, we’ll ask your mom later.”
She tucked the envelopes back into her pocket, then picked up Yangyang. Standing at the doorway, she asked Zhou Honglin, “Honglin, have you finished packing Yangyang’s things? It’s a bit cold today—don’t keep Hai Ling waiting too long.”
Their whole family had invited Hai Ling and her husband to come upstairs and wait.
Hai Ling had politely declined.
Zhou’s mother knew Hai Ling was worried Lu Dongming might feel uncomfortable or out of place in their home.
Young Master Lu was fortunate to marry Hai Ling.
“Done, done.”
Zhou Honglin stuffed all of Yangyang’s things into the small suitcase, zipped it up, and carried it out.
Zhou’s father gathered everything they’d prepared for Yangyang, and the family escorted Yangyang downstairs.
Hai Ling and Lu Dongming were waiting below.
Lu Dongming didn’t say much, his eyes fixed on the elevator entrance on the ground floor, waiting for Yangyang to emerge.
Hai Ling chatted with the neighbors, occasionally glancing at Lu Dongming.
