CHAPTER 249: CHAPTER 206: WHEN CHILDREN GROW UP, THEY’RE OUT OF MOTHER’S CONTROL_3

"And don’t think you can just hire someone for me! We’re best friends, but I can’t keep taking advantage of you like this! What would that make me? If you keep this up, I’m seriously going to be mad!"

Bai Shasha knew Li Si had money now, but she didn’t want their friendship to be tainted by financial issues.

"What would it make you? You just think too much! Didn’t we say before that I’d make money to buy you things? Why is it suddenly not okay now?"

Li Si, influenced by the memories of her past life, constantly looked for opportunities to repay Bai Shasha’s kindness.

Bai Shasha looked at Li Si, half annoyed, half amused: "Si, you’re still the same. Even after you got rich, you didn’t change. But this is about me—what if it were someone else? Didn’t you ever hear the saying, ’Grateful for a cup of rice, resentful over a bushel’?

If you go all out to help someone, over time they’ll start thinking they’re entitled to it. Then, the moment you fall short once, it turns into resentment.

You don’t want us to end up like that someday, do you?"

Li Si raised her hands in surrender, unable to stop herself from laughing. "Fine, you’re right! It’s my fault, okay?" She was a little impatient, but she’d find a way. People could be hired to send meals to Bai Shasha, or they could simply hang out for meals together often—it wasn’t hard.

"That’s more like it! By the way, tell me, where did you buy this monkey? Get me one too, will you? If I had a little monkey to keep me company, I wouldn’t be so lonely." Bai Shasha’s eyes were filled with envy—this little monkey was absolutely adorable.

Li Si didn’t tell the truth. She just made up an excuse, saying Leng Mochen had bought it through someone and promised to get one for Bai Shasha when the chance arose, ending the conversation there.

...

Mrs. Leng had truly discovered the joys of being a grandmother. The way the little boy moved and acted, all so polite and sweetly sensible, made her heart ache with affection.

John’s mood swings directly affected hers. Since this morning, the little boy had been sulky. She asked him what was wrong, but he didn’t say.

Still, he behaved and stayed with the two elderly folks, chatting with them like an adult. Clearly only a five-year-old child, he was talking like a grown-up, filling her with both joy and a pang of sorrow.

This child sure had a tough life. Otherwise, what kind of little one would be this mindful and cautious at such a young age?

She suddenly wondered if John might be missing his mother. Last night, while sleeping, he had seemed distracted. Mrs. Leng had to tell countless stories before he finally fell asleep. She guessed he must be missing his mom, which explained his low spirits!

Unexpectedly, her guess was correct. When she said it, John’s face flushed as he admitted it. No matter how mature he acted, he was still just a child!

How could she bear to be harsh with him?

So, she arranged for Qian Rouxuan to come over, letting John see his mother and discussing with her about keeping him with them for a few more days.

Ever since the little one arrived, apart from Leng Ning’s commotion yesterday, every single person in the house had grown fond of him!

Mrs. Leng thought that if Mr. Leng Sr. hadn’t been away for recuperation in Beidaihe, he would probably be overjoyed to see his great-grandson.

Qian Rouxuan saw Mrs. Leng holding John’s little hand, chatting and laughing as they walked toward her. A smug smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

Looking at Mrs. Leng now, she guessed that if she were to take John away right this moment, the old woman might even beg her while crying.

Hmph! The memory of the past came rushing back again. Back then, how imposing Mrs. Leng had been—calling her ’cheap woman’ without hesitation, throwing a check right in her face.

Although she’d ultimately picked up that dignity-crushing check, she’d inwardly sworn that one day, she’d make Mrs. Leng grovel before her.

Look at this. Such a scenario was about to unfold before her very eyes. It was only a matter of time.

She was still young; she had plenty of time to wait!

John spotted his mom standing there gracefully, and with excitement, he let go of Mrs. Leng’s hand and ran to her, throwing himself into her arms. "Mommy!"

Mrs. Leng smiled warmly at the child. Just hearing that he was going to see his mom had transformed him into a different person—his happiness couldn’t be contained.

Qian Rouxuan apologized to Mrs. Leng with a sheepish smile: "Auntie, look at him, he’s spoiled by me. He must have caused you a lot of trouble, hasn’t he?"

Mrs. Leng waved it off with a laugh: "You’ve raised him very well! And honestly, what kid isn’t mischievous? John is already a remarkably sensible little boy! Come here, John, come to Grandma. What would you like to eat?"

John glanced at his mom, then walked over to Mrs. Leng of his own accord, standing properly in front of her. He said politely, "Grandma, you should order first. Mommy taught me to respect my elders. It’s polite to let elders order first at the table!"

Mrs. Leng was absolutely overjoyed at his words: "Rouxuan, you’ve raised him wonderfully. Just look—a gentleman at such a young age!"

"Auntie, please don’t praise me too much! It’s not really my parenting. A lot of it comes down to what’s innate—his genes shaping his personality! I work abroad and can get really busy, so I don’t always have the time to spend with him!"

She casually mentioned her circumstances, subtly implying that John’s remarkable traits were inherited from someone else.

During this, Mrs. Leng reviewed John’s preferences and ordered accordingly. Once the waiter left, Qian Rouxuan diligently poured water for Mrs. Leng.

"That’s true, actually. John does remind me a lot of Mochen when he was young—polite, considerate, and so sensible! Back then, he even took care of Xiao Ning for me!

It’s just that as he grew older, he became far less endearing!" Mrs. Leng ended with an odd tone in her voice. She thought of how challenging Mochen and Xiao Ning had become—their adult selves were nothing like the comforting children they once were.

Qian Rouxuan immediately picked up on it, her eyes lighting up briefly before she softly suggested, "Auntie, perhaps Mochen is just caught up with work and hasn’t been able to focus on other things. Once he gets married and has someone to take care of him, it’ll all be better!"

Mrs. Leng’s expression darkened slightly, but she simply responded with a few curt words: "Maybe. They say sons grow up and aren’t controlled by their mothers anymore. He’s old enough to make his own decisions—I can’t interfere much."

"By the way, Rouxuan, the reason I wanted to meet you today is two-fold. First, the child has just left you, and he’s really missing you. Let him see you so he doesn’t fret and get upset. Second, I wanted to discuss with you the possibility of letting John spend a bit more time with us. We really enjoy having him here." (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)