Surviving In Another World With My Three Cups!-Chapter 159 -

Lin Xu rode out of the Mo Residence together with Yan Mei and the kids, and just seeing the morning sunrise that followed made her feel like she was alive again.

Freedom. That was all she was looking for, and just a little taste of it already made her feel replenished.

They arrived at Wu Village some hours later, and their house was like nothing had changed. It was the same, though it was obvious no one had lived in it for a while. It still looked welcoming.

"It looks like the maids are doing a great job," Yan Mei commented as she happily took the kids inside.

Lin Xu followed slowly behind them, her steps steady as she crossed the familiar threshold. The moment she entered, a soft breeze blew through the open door, carrying the faint scent of old wood and memories she thought she had buried long ago.

Yan Mei set the children’s small bags down and turned to her. "Lin Xu, it really has been too long. But the house... it still feels warm."

Lin Xu nodded once. "This place doesn’t change easily. It remembers us."

Together, they moved through the rooms, pulling open windows one after another. Dust swirled into the sunlight before drifting away. Curtains lifted, wooden floors creaked softly, and the house slowly awakened just like a sleeping old friend.

The kids ran toward the back courtyard, the sound of their footsteps echoing with laughter.

"Look! The flowers grew wild!" Mo Bao shouted from outside.

"They grew taller than him," Mo Yuen added, not missing the chance to tease.

Yiling bent to touch the petals, smiling. "It’s pretty..."

Yan Mei watched them with a warm sigh. "They already look happier. This place suits them."

"It suits all of us," Lin Xu replied, her voice calm but firm.

After settling the courtyard sweeping leaves, shaking out the old mats, checking the water jars—Lin Xu stood still for a moment. For the first time in days, something in her chest loosened.

She felt... peaceful.

"I feel like making something sweet," she said suddenly.

Yan Mei blinked, surprised. "You? In the kitchen this early?"

"Why not?" Lin Xu turned toward the small kitchen. "It’s quiet. And I want the kids to eat something warm."

Yan Mei grinned. "Then I’ll prepare the water and bowls."

Lin Xu stepped into the kitchen. Dust clung to the shelves and pots, a thin reminder that time had passed. She tied her sleeves back and began cleaning wiping the counters, rinsing the pans feeling the old routine fall back into place effortlessly.

Once the space felt clean enough, she gathered what ingredients were left behind: rice flour, honey, a few dried fruits. Simple things, but enough.

The scent of warm batter soon filled the kitchen, soft and sweet. She folded everything together with steady hands—not rushed, not stressed. Just working... existing... breathing.

When she finished, she arranged the small, soft desserts on a tray and carried them out.

Yan Mei turned first. "Lin Xu! That smells heavenly."

The kids came rushing in from the courtyard.

"Is that for us?" Mo Bao asked, already reaching out.

Lin Xu raised a brow. "Wash your hands."

All three ran at once.

By the time they returned, Lin Xu had set the tray on a low table near the window. Sunlight streamed over everything, warm and golden.

The children sat eagerly, biting into the treats.

"It’s sweet!" Yiling said, cheeks puffed.

"It tastes like when we used to live here," Mo Yuen added softly.

Mo Bao simply nodded with his mouth full.

Yan Mei took one and smiled. "Lin Xu, you still cook better than most people who do it every day."

Lin Xu sat down finally, calm and composed. "It’s just simple food."

After everyone finished eating, the children lingered near the low table, still nibbling on the last crumbs. The sunlight fell softly over their faces, making the moment feel warm and whole.

Lin Xu looked at them, her expression calm but firm.

"Now that we’re no longer staying at the Mo Residence," she began, "we need to discuss how things will be from today."

The kids straightened, sensing the seriousness in her tone.

"Mo Yuen," she said, turning to the oldest boy first, "your private tutors will continue to come daily. Nothing changes with your studies."

Mo Yuen nodded without complaint. "I understand, MAMA."

"And for you, Mo Bao," she continued, "you will follow the same schedule. Lessons in the morning, martial training in the afternoon."

"Yes, MAMA," Mo Bao answered, wiping honey from the corner of his mouth.

Finally, she looked at Yiling. The little girl blinked up at her with wide eyes.

"And you, Yiling," Lin Xu said, "your private governess will come every morning starting tomorrow. She’ll help you with etiquette, writing, and other study classes."

Yiling’s lips curved slightly. "Okay... but only if I can still help in the garden."

Lin Xu’s eyes softened. "You can help as long as you finish your work."

Yiling nodded quickly.

Yan Mei stretched her arms. "So the house will be lively again."

Lin Xu stood and carried the empty tray back toward the kitchen. "It should be. We’ve been away almost a week. We need to call the maids back to start cleaning properly."

Yan Mei followed her. "Should we send someone to inform them?"

"We’ll do that after we return," Lin Xu replied. "We’re going to Weilei Pavilion later today to check how things are. I want to see what happened while we were gone."

Yan Mei sighed. "That place is probably still waiting for you. The business must have slowed since you weren’t around."

"Exactly why we should go."

Just as Lin Xu stepped into the hallway, the front door swung open and hurried footsteps rushed toward her.

"Lin Xu!"

A familiar voice filled the entryway.

Xu Shi.

She practically threw herself forward and wrapped Lin Xu in a tight hug before Lin Xu could even react.

"When did you come back? Why didn’t anyone tell me?" Xu Shi stepped back, eyes wide, her voice full of shock. "And what happened to Mo Ying? Are you okay? Why are you suddenly here?"

Lin Xu remained steady, her expression unreadable.

Yan Mei folded her arms beside her. "Xu Shi, breathe first."

Xu Shi didn’t. She just stared at Lin Xu like she expected a disaster to fall from her lips.

Lin Xu simply answered, calm and direct,

"We came back because we needed peace. As for Mo Ying... he’s alive. That’s enough."

Xu Shi blinked, confusion and concern mixing together. "Alive? But why aren’t you with him? What happened between you two?"

Lin Xu looked toward the sunlit courtyard where the children were playing, then back at Xu Shi—her voice firm, not shaken, not weak.

"A lot happened," she said. "And for now, this is where we need to be."

Xu Shi looked between the two women, still waiting for an explanation. Yan Mei took a slow breath and stepped closer to her.

"Xu Shi... a lot happened in that house," Yan Mei said gently. "Lin Xu was insulted, pressured, cornered, and treated like she was a burden. Even the children saw everything. It wasn’t a place for any of us anymore."

Xu Shi’s eyes widened. "They... they really treated her that badly?"

Xu Shi’s chest tightened as she looked at Lin Xu.

"You went through all that alone?"

Lin Xu didn’t flinch. "I’m not alone. I have the children. I have Yan Mei. And now you’re here."

Xu Shi’s eyes softened instantly. She reached forward and hugged Lin Xu again—this time, gently but full of warmth.

"We’re here for you. Whatever happens next... you’re not facing it by yourself."

Yan Mei joined the hug with a grin. "Exactly. If anyone dares stress you again, they’ll deal with me first."

Hearing that, the children hurried over.

Yiling hugged Lin Xu’s waist. "Mother, we’re always with you."

Mo Bao wrapped around her other side. "We’ll protect you."

Mo Yuen stood tall, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Whatever you decide, we’ll support you."

Surrounded by their warmth, Lin Xu finally allowed herself to exhale. Not weak, not shaken—just human.

Later that day — Weilei Pavilion

The sun was dipping lower in the sky by the time they arrived at Weilei Pavilion. The familiar dark wooden sign, the neat lanterns, the clean courtyard... everything remained just as she left it.

The moment Lin Xu stepped inside, the staff spotted her.

"Lady Lin!"

"Madam, you’re back!"

"Welcome home!"

MainMian, the head staff, rushed over first breathless and nearly teary.

"Lady Lin, thank the heavens. We were starting to worry something had happened to you. The customers kept asking when you would return."

Lin Xu offered a small, steady smile. "I’m fine. And I’m here now."

MainMian bowed deeply. "Everything is prepared just as you left it. The kitchen is stocked, the halls cleaned... all we need is your guidance."

Lin Xu nodded. "Good. Because Weilei Pavilion will continue running exactly as before. We’ll increase the number of banquet orders, and I want to review the upcoming event schedule later today."

MainMian’s face lit up. "Yes, Lady Lin."

She turned to the rest of the staff, who were gathered expectantly.

"Listen carefully," Lin Xu said, her voice calm but authoritative.

"Weilei Pavilion is a restaurant and a catering pavilion. Nothing changes just because I was gone for a few days. We will continue providing meals, banquets, event services, and reservations. And I expect the same level of professionalism."

"Yes, Lady Lin!" they echoed loudly.

Yan Mei chuckled beside her. "Look at them. They’re happier to see you than half the Mo Residence ever was."

"That’s because we respect her," MainMian replied boldly. "Lady Lin built this place with her own hands. We’ll always follow her lead."

Lin Xu paused for a moment, warmth touching her heart.

It felt good... to be somewhere she was valued.

She placed a hand on MainMian’s shoulder. "Thank you. All of you."

The workers bowed again, smiling brightly.

The children ran to the courtyard garden at the side, laughing as they explored the familiar paths. Xu Shi followed them, still amazed at the lively environment.

Yan Mei nudged Lin Xu lightly. "We’re really home now."

Lin Xu looked around the cheerful staff, the sunlit dining hall, the scent of spices drifting from the kitchen and she nodded.

"Yes," she said softly but firmly. "We are."