"Little Sister Xiaohui!" The little boy ran over, picked up a toy, and invited the little girl to play with him.
The little girl was rather shy. She probably didn't have many friends, so she first moved closer to her mother. Only after receiving some encouragement did she join the little boy.
Just then, Ms. Yao's phone rang. The moment she saw who was calling, her expression darkened slightly. She glanced at Xiaohui's mother, who smiled warmly at her, then stepped aside to answer the call.
Whatever the person on the other end said was inaudible in this fake Reflection World, but Ms. Yao's words came through clearly. "Didn't I send you money at the end of last month? You've spent it all in just ten days?"
Her voice wasn't angry, but calm, with a hint of mockery.
After a pause, she said as if giving in, "We'll talk about it in a couple of days. I can't keep asking Chengren for money. He has to ask other people for it, too."
After a couple more perfunctory remarks, Ms. Yao hung up and returned to the sofa.
Seeing her troubled expression, Xiaohui's mother said, "Blood ties are a natural bond, but they're built on the people involved. No matter how someone's circumstances change, their nature is hard to change. Mutual respect is the foundation of getting along."
Ms. Yao smiled at her. "Sister Jun, I understand."
"Good. You have a family of your own now, and soon you'll have a child, too. Think more about yourself." After speaking, Xiaohui's mother stood and went to her daughter. She gently asked if the girl needed to use the restroom, then carried her away for a while.
Ms. Yao watched them leave, then turned her gaze to Xiaohui's father, who was talking with