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Chapter 610: The Rumors

Due to this impending change, Gu Zi and Su Shen had to return to Daqing Village earlier than planned with their children. After breakfast on the sixth day of the New Year, Gu Zi’s family left the red brick house.

After tidying up the kitchen, Mother Lin and her daughter-in-law, Li Hua, discussed the upcoming plans. Mother Lin then changed into clean clothes, picked up the New Year’s gifts, and headed out alone. She walked a considerable distance before arriving at a dilapidated old house that barely provided shelter from the elements. Just as she was about to knock on the door, it swung open, and a familiar face stormed out.

Mother Lin was taken aback for a moment before recognizing the man. Wasn’t this Yang Tao, Aunt Yang’s son? He had grown a beard and put on a considerable amount of weight, complete with a beer belly. His aura was far from the purity it once held, which was why Mother Lin almost didn’t recognize him at first glance.

Yang Tao also recognized Mother Lin. He quickly masked his anger and greeted her casually, “Happy New Year, Auntie. Are you here to see my mother?”

Mother Lin nodded, unsure of what to say. She simply replied, “Happy New Year!” and watched as he walked away. His appearance had changed, and he was no longer the handsome boy she had watched grow up. He had changed, and not for the better.

Mother Lin didn’t dwell on this for long. She entered the house and saw Aunt Yang wiping away tears. It was clear that Yang Tao had caused a scene.

Upon seeing Mother Lin, Aunt Yang didn’t hide her sorrow. She let out a bitter laugh and said, “I never thought my son would listen to that woman and abandon me in my old age. I understand he has his own life and pressures. I’m not a wealthy woman, and I didn’t leave him much money. But now, I don’t need him to support me. I can earn my own living. Why does he still belittle me?”

Yang Tao’s earlier comment, “You’re getting too big for your boots, ever since you made the papers!” had chilled her to the bone. But she had no one to blame but herself. She had chosen this path, and he was her son. All she could do was confide in her good friend, An Yun.

As a mother herself, Mother Lin understood Aunt Yang’s pain. She set down the New Year’s gifts and said, “Don’t think too much about it. It’s the New Year. That woman is just trying to upset you and make you submit. Why should you let her have her way? I brought you these gifts. Instead of dwelling on this, why not cook something delicious to cheer yourself up?”

With red-rimmed eyes but no more tears, Aunt Yang led Mother Lin to the cooking area. The kitchen in the old house had long since collapsed and was unusable. Aunt Yang had sectioned off a part of the outer room to serve as a makeshift kitchen. Despite its simplicity, she was content with her living conditions.

She said to Mother Lin, “You’re right. Why should I worry so much? But An Yun, I’m grateful for your guidance. Without you, I might have lost hope. Let’s not talk about them anymore. The shop is opening in a few days, right? What preparations are needed?”

Mother Lin replied, “You need to move. We’ve decided to settle in town and need a larger house. You can live in the house we rented before. Consider it a staff benefit. Would you like to settle down in town?”

Aunt Yang knew that Mother Lin had paid two years’ rent for the house in town. By offering her to continue living there, Mother Lin was trying to help her improve her situation. This time, Aunt Yang didn’t refuse the help. Settling in town would indeed make it more convenient for her to work in the shop.

The best way she could think of to repay Mother Lin’s kindness was to work hard in the shop. She didn’t refuse the offer, saying, “I’m willing. I work for you, so I’ll follow your lead.”

Aunt Yang didn’t have many belongings, so she was the first to move. She settled in town before the shop’s grand opening for the New Year. On the eighth day, Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop officially opened its doors to customers. Firecrackers were set off for a full half hour, creating a festive atmosphere.

However, it was strange that not many people came to support the shop during the New Year. The customer flow in the morning was even less than on their worst days.

Aunt Yang frowned, saying, “It must be because of the rumors. I heard from my neighbor that the rumors in town are getting worse. They’re saying we put inappropriate ingredients in our food.”