Luo Wei received a call from Zhu Shulan, who asked her to meet. Zhu Shulan's tone was slightly pleading, indicating that she was anxious about Luo Wei's response. Her voice, softer and more subdued than usual, piqued Luo Wei’s curiosity, but she agreed to meet, hoping to resolve their strained relationship. Deep down, Luo Wei still longed for maternal love.
When Zhu Shulan heard that Luo Wei agreed, she visibly relaxed and urged her to come quickly. Luo Wei decided to keep the meeting from Mo Huai, telling him only that she was going out to see Su Yuxin to avoid causing him unnecessary worry.
At noon, Luo Wei was in high spirits, smiling brightly. Even Aunt Wang noticed and asked, "Weiwei, why are you in such a good mood today? Tell me so I can share in your happiness!"
Luo Wei smiled and glanced at Mo Huai, casually saying, "No particular reason. I’m just going out to meet friends."
Mo Huai, observing her, thought to himself that Luo Wei’s excitement seemed a bit excessive for a casual meeting with Su Yuxin. Nevertheless, he chose not to probe further and simply said, "Have fun."
"Yeah, I will," Luo Wei replied, nodding and changing her shoes at the entrance.
"Let me take you there," Mo Huai offered politely, his gaze sharp.
Luo Wei was momentarily taken aback but responded with an awkward smile, "No need. Sister Xinxin will pick me up."
She quickly changed her shoes and left. Shortly after she departed, Mo Huai took out his phone and dialed a number.
——
Luo Wei arrived at the Leisure Time Store at the appointed time. Upon entering, she saw Zhu Shulan sitting elegantly in a booth with her LV bag prominently displayed. The store’s waiter approached with a smile and asked, "Miss, how many people are you with?"
Luo Wei smiled and replied, "I’m looking for someone." She pointed toward Zhu Shulan.
The waiter nodded and went to attend to other guests. Luo Wei quickened her pace and adjusted her demeanor as she approached Zhu Shulan.
Upon seeing Luo Wei, Zhu Shulan immediately stood up with a smile. "You’re here. I ordered your favorite white peach oolong milk tea for you."
Luo Wei sat down and responded calmly, "Thank you."
As she looked at the white peach oolong milk tea, Luo Wei's thoughts wandered. Although she didn’t particularly like it, she had once pretended to enjoy it to please Zhu Shulan, as it was her sister’s favorite. In reality, her preferred drink was mint lemon tea.
Zhu Shulan, sensing the awkwardness, broke the silence. "Weiwei, how have you been lately?"
"Very good," Luo Wei replied neutrally.
"That’s good to hear. If you want to leave home, go ahead. We won’t stop you," Zhu Shulan said with a hypocritical tone.
Luo Wei remained silent.
Zhu Shulan continued, "Where did the 20 million you transferred to me come from? I’m concerned that you might go astray."
Luo Wei was taken aback. The question about the source of the money, which was not raised when she made the transfer, seemed unnecessary now. However, she maintained her composure and replied firmly, "I didn’t steal or rob. Don’t worry."
Zhu Shulan, hiding her embarrassment with a smile, said, "Although you’re not my biological daughter, we’ve raised you for over 20 years. You should understand the principle of repaying kindness. Today, I..."
Luo Wei interrupted, her impatience clear. "Just get to the point."
Realizing that the meeting’s purpose was merely to ask for money again, Luo Wei’s frustration grew.
With tears in her eyes, Zhu Shulan said, "Weiwei, I’m in desperate need. I owe gambling debts. If I don’t repay them, the debt collectors will cause trouble for our family, and you’ll be affected too."
Luo Wei sneered, unsure whether Zhu Shulan’s tears were genuine. Her excitement before leaving the house now felt misplaced.
"I’m pregnant," Luo Wei said coldly.
Zhu Shulan was surprised, her eyes darkening before she quickly masked her reaction. "Weiwei, you’re pregnant? Who’s the father? What does his family do? How did this happen before marriage?"
Luo Wei clenched her fists, feeling a deep, painful ache throughout her body. She laughed bitterly, "You and Luo Qianqian know very well why I’m pregnant."
Confused, Zhu Shulan thought Luo Wei was trying to blame her. "Weiwei, how would I know you were pregnant? You didn’t discuss it with your family."
Luo Wei interrupted coldly, "What exactly do you need from me today? If you don’t tell me, I’m leaving."
"No," Zhu Shulan said impatiently, blocking Luo Wei’s path. "Mom needs two million. You managed to come up with 20 million before; two million should be easy for you."
Luo Wei was speechless. The request for two million was outrageous. "I don’t have it."
Zhu Shulan’s face showed a flash of anger. "You may not have it, but the father of your baby does. Can’t you borrow it from him? Do you want to see me suffer?"
Zhu Shulan’s loud outburst only increased Luo Wei’s sadness. She remained silent, feeling overwhelmed.
Seeing Luo Wei’s reluctance to help, Zhu Shulan continued to criticize her. "Speak up. The Luo family raised an ungrateful person. Do you want me to die?"
Zhu Shulan kept on, but Luo Wei, unwilling to engage further, attempted to leave. However, Zhu Shulan blocked her way.
"I don’t have two million, and even if I did, I wouldn’t give it to you," Luo Wei stated firmly, her tone cold.
——
Gu Xiu was driving back to the hospital when he saw something that made him stop and look sharply. He noticed Luo Wei struggling with a woman, and their argument seemed intense.
Gu Xiu quickly parked and called Mo Huai.
Mo Huai, working in his study, saw Gu Xiu’s call and answered without hesitation.
An anxious voice on the other end said, "Your wife is at the Leisure Time Store, arguing with a woman. Do you want to come and check it out?"
Mo Huai’s heart skipped a beat. He had suspected that Luo Wei was hiding something from him.
Earlier, he had called Xiao Qiu to ask if Su Yuxin was in the store. Xiao Qiu’s surprise indicated that Su Yuxin was indeed present.
"I’ll be there right away," Mo Huai said, hanging up and heading to the Leisure Time Store with urgency.
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