Whats there to be scared of? His mother doesnt bite, does she? An Xiaxia was bewildered.

Su Xiaomo sighed.

It was nothing like that. She was only afraid that it would upset He Jiayu.

Ill think about it.

That night, Su Xiaomo officially made the suggestion to He Jiayu, who, after a long silence, said, Its not a bad idea.

Su Xiaomo said anxiously, I wont go if you dont want me to.

Its ok. After all, shes still my mother. He Jiayu smiled wryly. Alright, go to bed now.

It was well into the night.

Sleep evaded He Jiayu. By the moonlight shining in through the window, he looked closely at Su Xiaomos face next to him.

He realized that he had been the cowardly one all along.

Caressing Su Xiaomos pretty eyebrows, He Jiayu whispered, I dont hate her. The person I hate is myself.

Lantern Festival arrived fifteen days after the Spring Festival.

With Cuddlie in her arms, Su Xiaomo went to visit He Jiayus mother with him.

His mother stood there dazed when she opened the door, her eyes filled with disbelief. Her mouth fell open and she stammered, unable to put together a coherent sentence.

He Jiayu said mildly, Momo and I thought we should come to visit.

D- do come in A long moment passed before his mother finally came back to herself. After they entered, she crouched down to fetch slippers for them. Su Xiaomo stopped her right away. Please, we can do that ourselves.

Biting her lip, his mother stood back up and rubbed her hands together, looking uneasy. What would you like to eat? I have everything here chicken, duck, fish, seafood If you fancy none of those, I can go get something else! Or we can eat out!

It pained He Jiayu to see her so humble and timid.

Eventually, he sighed. Anything will do.

Ah Ying, whos here? It was a mans voice, which surprised He Jiayu. Turning around, he happened to look into that mans eyes.

He was of a similar age as his mother, had an ordinary face, and a simple and honest smile a very down-to-earth man, in a word.

Why, Jiayu, isnt it? He smiled. Your mum has shown me photos of you!

He Jiayu didnt reply.

Su Xiaomo quietly tugged his sleeve, and only then did He Jiayus face soften a little.

His mother went up to the man anxiously and whispered something. The man then smiled awkwardly at He Jiayu and Su Xiaomo, saying, I Ill go get a bottle of soy sauce.

And he didnt come back until hours later.

He Jiayu knew perfectly well that his mother had sent the man away so as not to upset her son.

Are you going to marry him? He Jiayu finally spoke after the long silence.

His mother hesitated, then nodded. Old Li is a kind man. He has a small business of his own and his children are all good kids. He didnt have much schooling, but hes honest and very nice to me

He Jiayu was silent again.

His mother said hastily, If, if it upsets you, Ill leave him!

No, He Jiayu replied. I have no objections, as long as youre happy.

His mother blinked and looked at him in disbelief.

Taking Cuddlie from Su Xiaomos hands, he rubbed her little head and said, This is your grandma.

Cuddlie said in a clear and melodious voice, Nice to meet you, Grandma!

Recalling that she was supposed to say something propitious during the festival season, she added, Grandma, I wish you good health and good luck in everything!

Her grandma was dazed. Tears then welled up in her eyes before rolling down her cheeks.

Grandma, whats wrong? asked Cuddlie gingerly.

Her grandma waved her hand. Nothing! Grandma is just so happy!