"Really, I'm fine."
Yang Chengrou smiled.
"I've learned quite a bit from my second and third brothers lately."
"Oh, right."
He suddenly seemed to remember something, his voice turning lighter.
"The next time I come home, I might be richer than the entire Luo Family!"
"Nonsense!"
At those words, Luo Rou's voice immediately grew stern.
"Chengrou, I've always told you."
"Our Luo Family cannot compare to the lineages of your other two mothers."
"This is your opportunity, and you must make the most of it."
"But you must never let other people's affection for you make you forget your place!"
"What others are willing to give you is your opportunity, but you must never take the initiative to ask for it."
"Do you understand what I mean?"
On the other end of the call, Yang Chengrou fell silent for a moment.
"Rest assured, Mother. I understand."
"Good."
Only then did Luo Rou's tone soften.
"And remember, don't always put on airs as the eldest brother in front of your two younger brothers."
"I know."
Yang Chengrou answered with a smile.
"Mother, I'll hang up now."
"All right."
The call ended. Yang Chengrou lowered his wrist, leaned back in his seat, and slowly let out a long breath.
"Aunt Li..."
"I'm sorry."
His voice was very soft.
"My status is too low. There are some things I can't afford to be willful about."
"Mom Lu once said: either don't do it, or take it all the way."
"Everything I have now is built on Father's affection and the brotherly bond my second and third brothers share with me."
"I cannot afford to lose a single one of those things."
"So... even if there's only the slightest risk, I won't gamble on it."
Yang Chengrou raised his right hand.
The next instant,