The Sweetness of the Seventies-Chapter 1117 - 1086: The Price of Being Sensible

Three days later, Huo Yingqi’s condition had improved somewhat, and Song Chunli prepared to return to Yanjing. Now, her daughter’s health was of utmost importance, and going back to Yanjing would allow her to receive better treatment.

As for the Xu Family in Guang City, she left matters to her subordinates; they would surely handle everything better than if they had been left to their own devices, following her instructions.

"Doctor Yingqi said you can move now," Song Chunli said, "I want to take you and Xiao Jian back to Yanjing. Everything at home is ready, your dad, grandfather, and grandmother are all waiting."

"I..." Huo Yingqi felt somewhat afraid, too ashamed to face anyone.

Song Chunli smiled and comforted her, "Yingqi, don’t be afraid. Everyone has forgiven you. As long as you don’t do anything foolish in the future, no one will talk about you."

Huo Yingqi shook her head, "Mom, I’m already dead in Yanjing. Now that I’m going back, how will the Huo Family explain it to others?"

"Don’t overthink it," Song Chunli said, "We’ll just say that you were thought to be dead after an accident, but in reality, you were just missing."

"Mom, even I can’t convince myself of that excuse, let alone make others believe it," Huo Yingqi said, "Since I’m already supposed to be dead, I might as well continue living as Yu Weiwei from now on. I don’t want to bring shame to the Huo Family because of me, and with my current situation, I don’t want people from my past to know. So, Mom, as long as I can live in the same place as you all, with you occasionally coming to visit, I’m already very satisfied and don’t dare to hope for too much."

"This..." Song Chunli said with some reluctance, "Why must you make things so difficult for yourself, child?"

"Mom, I know you love me very much, but I can’t enjoy your affection with a clear conscience like before," Huo Yingqi said, "In the future, it will be enough for Xiao Jian and me to live together. Really, Mom, don’t make it hard on yourself."

Seeing her daughter’s insistence, Song Chunli sighed, "Well, if that’s the case, I won’t force you. I previously secured a small courtyard near your second brother’s house. When we’re back in Yanjing, you and Xiao Jian can move there. Maybe you’ll feel more comfortable in that place."

"Thank you, Mom," Huo Yingqi said, knowing she couldn’t be selfish like before. Moving out was indeed the best solution.

"I also understand the suffering in your heart," Song Chunli said, "Living outside on your own will be more comfortable. Being near your second brother’s house, Xiao Jian can go to school with Ruihua and Ruimin. He also likes swimming, so we can send him to practice swimming. After we get back, you just focus on recuperating, and we’ll take care of everything else for you."

"Mhm," Huo Yingqi nodded, feeling choked up, finally escaping from that hellish place of the Xu Family.

It was good to have a mother and the care of relatives.

"Your eldest brother and sister-in-law have gone to work in the Soviet Union and probably don’t know about your situation yet. We haven’t told him either, as his job is dangerous and he cannot leave without permission. Don’t hold it against her in your heart," Song Chunli explained, not wanting her daughter to bear a grudge because Huo Yingjun wasn’t there to pick her up.

She hoped her daughter would get along well with her sons and nephews in the future, to provide support for Huo Yingqi.

"Mom, my elder brother cares a lot about me. I know that. If he’s busy, I understand and won’t think too much about it," said Huo Yingqi, moved by the meticulous and careful care from her family. She was deeply grateful and only thought about living well in the future to repay her relatives’ kindness.

"Ah, child, you’ve matured, but the price of maturity was too high," Song Chunli said, feeling proud but also more distressed.

Huo Yingqi smiled, feeling content with her current situation, "Mom, I’m already very content with what I have now. I didn’t cherish the happiness I had before, and only after suffering, do I understand those past lessons. So, Mom, you should be happy for me. I don’t feel bitter about it in my heart."

"Good, good child," Song Chunli said, "When we return to Yanjing, start over. Don’t worry about money issues. I have shares in Tiantian’s shop, which bring in a lot of money every year. Your sister-in-law also owns some shares and doesn’t need me to give her money to spend. From now on, Mom will take care of you. When your dad and I are gone, the shares will go to you, ensuring you and Xiao Jian a lifetime without any financial worries."

Huo Yingqi forced a bitter smile. At the moment, she had no capital to refuse her mother’s aid; once her health recovered, she would have to earn a good living to support herself and her son, unable to rely on others forever.

"Mum, I’m sorry for worrying you," Huo Yingjie said with guilt, vowing to never do such things again that would hurt his family and bring shame to his clan.

Song Chunli looked at Huo Yingqi with loving eyes and said, "Yingqi, you are my daughter. As long as you are before my eyes, I will do everything within my power to take care of you. That’s what a mother should do. When I’m gone, you will still have your brother and your relatives. It’s better than you being here alone. If I can’t make proper arrangements for you, even in death, I wouldn’t be at peace."

Huo Yingqi’s condition had improved, and with medical staff accompanying her, they chartered a flight directly back to Yanjing.

With Huo Yingjie on board, He Tiantian wasn’t worried about the plane having any trouble.

The group safely returned to Yanjing.

Song Chunli had already phoned the house servants to clean the place up. The house she bought near Maoer Alley was now spotless.

This was Huo Yingqi’s request—living outside, not in the old mansion, so that her grandfather wouldn’t need to explain her situation to others.

At the same time, she had changed her name, not wishing to bring shame to the family.

Old Master Huo and Old Madam Huo, hearing of their return, came over together. Huo Zheqian had gone to work, but he would come over after finishing at noon.

Huo Yingqi sat nervously in the car, a little at a loss.

Xu Jian snuggled up to his mother, equally nervous, but holding her hand, he said, "Mum, don’t be afraid. You said that if Xiao Jian makes a mistake and learns from it, you would forgive me. Grandpa will forgive you too, Mum. Don’t be nervous."

Hearing her son’s words, Huo Yingqi was moved and also felt that her son was very sensible.

These years had been hard, but having her son was her greatest happiness.

Song Chunli, sitting beside them, heard Xu Jian’s words and hugged him tightly, saying, "Xiao Jian is so obedient and filial. Granny likes Xiao Jian very much. When we get home, Granny will make you something delicious."

"Thank you, Granny," Xu Jian said with a smile. "Granny is so nice."

Huo Yingqi looked out the window, her eyes ablaze. She hadn’t expected to return in her lifetime and to see the scenery here again.

Yet so many years had passed, and Yanjing had undergone earth-shattering changes, which took her by surprise and was quite astounding.

"Mum, the buildings here are so tall," Xu Jian remarked. "In the future, Xiao Jian will take Mum out to play."

"Yes, Yanjing has many scenic spots. I’m looking forward to it," Huo Yingqi said, looking at her son with love.

Xu Jian, speaking like a little adult, said, "Then Mum, you need to take good care of yourself, eat more, and then we can go out together."