Under Li Ye's repeated prodding, Cui Aiguo, who had been sitting there like a wooden puppet, finally spoke.
"Let's talk about getting back together some other time! We came today to pay New Year's respects to Grandpa and old mother. Don't bring up all this messy nonsense."
"."
Tong Mingyue froze for a moment, then hurriedly said, "Aiguo, don't be angry. No life is smooth sailing. Our family's been down on its luck lately, so we're counting on your grandma and grandpa to give us a hand. Just one hand up is all we need."
But Cui Aiguo shook his head firmly. "I've thought it through. Our family may be down on its luck, but we've been walking steadily, one step at a time. As long as my arcade keeps running smoothly, we'll be able to turn things around in a few years.
"But if I get back together with Xia Yue, I'd actually be dragging her down. She should be an eagle soaring freely through the skies, not sinking into household drudgery like laundry, cooking, and childcare. If she wants to fly, then let her fly! Don't worry, I can take good care of the child."
Tong Mingyue stared blankly at her son and said nothing for a long while.
People often said that "environment reshapes people," and the military and prison were even hell-level instances for remolding a person. Ever since Cui Aiguo had been released from prison, he had seemed like a different person—quiet, dull, and wooden—and it had broken Tong Mingyue's heart.
Tong Mingyue had believed that Xia Yue's divorce had dealt her son a crushing blow. That was why she had swallowed her pride and begged Xia Yue to come back and remarry him.
But Cui Aiguo's current demeanor was completely out of character, as