"Dad, these shoes must've cost a lot, right?" Yang Mo asked as he lifted the price tag, examining the new pair in his hands. They weren't extravagant, but at a couple hundred yuan per pair, they were still a considerable expense for his parents. With their income, it would take days of hard work to save up that much.
"It's fine. It's your birthday today; spending a little money is worth it. Don't worry about it. Just try them on and see if they fit," Yang Qing urged as he placed the shoes at his son's feet. "I figured your feet must have grown after being away for over a year, so I bought them a little bigger on purpose. Try walking in them and see how they feel."
Yang Mo slipped the shoes on and took a few steps. They fit well, snug but comfortable. "They're perfect. Thanks, Dad."
"Good, good!" Yang Qing let out a hearty laugh, visibly relieved. "I'll head out and grab some wine later. We should celebrate properly at lunch."
"Drinking again? Do you want to die early?" Feng Dongmei, his wife, twisted his ear with one hand.
"Ouch, ouch! Honey, mercy!" Yang Qing winced.
"Mo, this is your birthday cake. We'll have it after lunch," Feng Dongmei said, holding up a beautifully decorated cake.
Yang Mo felt warmth spread in his chest. They remembered his birthday. After all these years of being neglected in the Lin family, where no one acknowledged his existence—let alone celebrated his birthday—this moment felt surreal. In the past, even if he got a cake, it was always the leftover scraps from Lin Cohen's birthday.
"Brother Yang Mo, I have something for you too!" A cheerful voice rang out. Yang Mo turned to see Xing Yue appearing out of nowhere, holding a pink scarf embroidered with an adorable bear. It was clearly handmade.
"When did you learn how to do embroidery?" Feng Dongmei raised a brow, impressed. "That's some fine work."
"I noticed it's been getting cold lately, so I thought this would help keep you warm," Xing Yue said with a small smile.
Yang Qing nodded approvingly. "Such a thoughtful gift. You really understand how to take care of others."
Yang Mo held the scarf in his hands, feeling the delicate stitches and the care put into every detail. His heart warmed. "Thank you, Xing Yue. I love it." He chuckled. "Though, pink might not be my best color."
Xing Yue's face flushed red. "I-I just made it casually! Don't overthink it!" she stammered.
"Got it, got it," Yang Mo laughed, reaching out to pat her head.
"Hey! No more head pats! If you keep doing that, I won't grow any taller!" Xing Yue stomped her foot in mock anger, her face growing redder.
If her schoolmates saw her now, they would be shocked. The once cold and intimidating school bully was now acting all soft and flustered.
Feng Dongmei sighed wistfully. "Today is your 18th birthday. After today, you'll be considered an adult. Time flies... In the blink of an eye, 18 years have passed."
"Alright, alright, enough reminiscing!" Yang Qing grinned. "Let's go prepare the food."
As they disappeared into the kitchen, outside the neighborhood entrance, two figures dressed in luxurious clothing hesitated.
"Xing, are you sure Yang Mo lives here?" Li Xia frowned as she took in the run-down environment. The buildings were old, cracked, and the air carried an unpleasant, musty scent. "I can't believe people actually live in a place like this."
"Dad mentioned it when he brought Yang Mo back. This should be the right place." Li Ying replied, though she didn't react as strongly as her sister. Studying medicine had desensitized her to uncomfortable sights and smells.
Nearby, several children were kicking around a leather ball. Li Ying approached them. "Excuse me, little one. Does Yang Mo live here?"
A boy paused his game and looked up at her, puzzled. "Big Brother Yang Mo? Yeah, he lives in 2011—that building over there."
Following his pointed finger, the sisters' gazes landed on a particularly decrepit building. It looked like it could collapse at any moment.
"Thank you," Li Ying said before the two made their way toward the building.
"I can't believe people actually live in such a rundown place. And no elevator?!" Li Xia huffed as she climbed the stairs. "This is absurd."
"Big Sister, quit complaining. We're almost there. Also, adjust your attitude. If you piss Yang Mo off, it'll just make things harder," Li Ying warned.
"What? Since when did we care about his feelings? We used to talk down to him all the time!"
Before they could continue their bickering, they arrived at room 2011. After hesitating for a moment, Li Ying knocked on the door.
When Yang Mo opened it, his expression immediately darkened. "What do you want?"
"Not even a 'sister' anymore?" Li Xia sneered at his cold greeting.
Yang Mo smirked. "Oh? I thought Ms. Li made it clear that I wasn't worthy of calling you that. I was just respecting your wishes. Besides, we signed the document. I'm no longer part of the Lin family. So, unless you have a valid reason for being here, you're not welcome."
With that, he moved to shut the door, but Li Ying quickly wedged her hand in the gap. "Wait! We have something urgent to discuss. It's about Big Sister's hand."
Yang Mo's gaze flickered to Li Xia's right hand. It hung limply by her side. An uninformed person might have assumed it was broken.
"Yeah, I know. But that has nothing to do with me. Not my problem," Yang Mo replied flatly. "Now, goodbye."
He moved to close the door again.
"Wait!" Li Xia snapped. "If you help heal my hand, I'll let you call me 'sister' again."
Yang Mo paused for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Get out." His voice was ice-cold as he slammed the door shut in their faces.