"Ly Mo, even if you put your heart and soul into it, there's no way you can take the family fortune away from me."
That thought echoed bitterly in Lin Coen's heart as he continued to play the role of a devoted son in front of Xyong. The tension in the household had been rising, but Coen still believed he had the upper hand.
"Mom, here, eat some mango," he said with a gentle smile, as if he were the most caring child in the world. "I picked these myself. I know you don't like those big, fibrous ones, so I made sure to choose the small, tender Ataulfo mangoes."
He placed a beautifully arranged plate of golden-yellow fruit slices in front of Joy Fang. Despite his carefully crafted demeanor, Joy had no appetite for such shallow affection. She instinctively waved her hand to push the plate away.
"If you don't want to eat now, you can have them later," Coen said quickly, trying not to let her cold reaction ruin the atmosphere he was trying to control. Then, not even waiting for a reply, he pushed forward with the real purpose of his visit. "By the way, Mom, how's the matter of me going abroad coming along? I asked you the other day, but you didn't give me a clear answer."
Lin Coen's voice was casual, but his eyes betrayed his urgency. He had been waiting for the final word on his departure. As soon as he saw a flicker of softness in Joy Fang's eyes, he seized the opportunity.
Joy, however, was not the same woman she used to be. Her heart sneered, even if her face didn't. Do you people really take me for a fool? she thought coldly. Maybe I was confused all these years, but I'm wide awake now.
She had heard enough—about the shares in the family's pharmaceutical company, the new drug development project, the overseas investments. She had seen through the father and son's scheme clearly now. Their calculations were so loud, it was as if they were smashing abacuses into her face.
As Lin Coen sat there, trying to appear sincere, Joy turned the conversation sharply.
"Little Coen," she said, her tone surprisingly tender, "do you really want to go abroad?"
Lin Coen was stunned. His expression froze. Something felt… off.
"If you leave," Joy continued slowly, "then I'll only have your brother left by my side. I'll feel lonely."
The moment the words left her lips, Lin Coen felt like his soul had left his body. What? Who will stay with you? His face paled instantly, and a tremor ran through his body.
What the hell is she saying?
He hadn't even left yet—nothing was finalized—and she was already saying Lin Mo would stay? That had to mean…
Lin Mo… that bastard… he agreed to come back?
Rage ignited in his chest, rising like a flame licking at his ribs. His heart pounded, and he clenched his fists under the table. He had always known Lin Mo was a threat, but he never thought he would stoop so low, return so willingly, crawl back into the house like a dog just to bite at Coen's future.
This wasn't just a betrayal—it was a humiliation.
But Joy, observing his reaction, saw even more clearly now. Just moments ago, Lin Coen had pretended to care about his brother's return. But now? His carefully constructed mask had cracked.
With a heavy sigh, Joy turned away and said quietly, "It's just a pity. When we tried to get Shao to come back… he refused. That child is too stubborn."
Lin Coen exhaled slowly, masking his relief with a forced smile. So, Lin Mo hadn't come back after all.
Good. He hoped he never did.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the city, Yang Mo was staring at a glossy real estate flyer spread out in front of him. It was one of four or five promotional brochures he had gathered recently, each detailing new residential developments around Jinghai.
He flipped through them carefully, his eyes scanning every detail with intense focus. The scent of fresh ink still lingered on the paper.
Buying a house—especially in such a high-end area—was something Yang Mo would never have dreamed of in the past. He used to walk by luxury apartments and imagine what it would feel like to live there, to stand by the window with no one shouting orders, no one questioning his worth.
But now… now he had over 30 million yuan sitting in his bank account. More than enough to buy not just one, but two solid properties.
This was a new chapter in his life, and he was determined to write it on his own terms.
Looking back, he could see how far he had come. When he had fallen into the abyss, it was Yang Chang and Fang Dimei who had stood by him, silently enduring, silently carrying him forward. Their sacrifices, the quiet debts they took on, the things they gave up… Yang Mo had never forgotten.
He wouldn't let them keep living in hardship. Not anymore.
"Dad… Mom… soon you won't have to suffer," Yang Mo muttered to himself as he finally set his eyes on one specific brochure.
It was for the Imperial Deluxe Court.
Located in the bustling heart of Jinghai, the Imperial Court was nestled among upscale malls, near several major transport hubs, and just minutes from a top-rated hospital. But the real reason he paused was its location: it was within the Qing Bay School District.
His future plans involved schooling at Qing Bay. Buying a home in the Imperial Court meant stability, opportunity, and a strategic foundation.
A place he could build a real life.
And tomorrow was Saturday. The perfect day for a site visit.
Next Morning
Yang Mo arrived at Imperial Deluxe Court bright and early, holding the brochure tightly in his hand. The sun was already warming the glassy buildings, and the air was filled with the scent of spring blossoms.
The development was still in its promotion stage, but many curious potential buyers were already there, bustling around the site with their own dreams in mind.
As he stepped onto the property, Yang Mo didn't feel like an outsider anymore.
This time… he belonged.
(To Be Continued.........)