Yang Mo hadn't expected Lin Cohen to go so far just to avoid being exposed. To escape the consequences of his own actions, he had actually resorted to self-inflicted harm. So much blood—flowing freely from a wound dangerously close to his temple. That wasn't just an act. A hit to the temple could easily be fatal.
And for what? Just to drive Yang Mo out of the Lin family?
He scoffed inwardly. They didn't need to go to such lengths—he had never wanted to be part of this family in the first place. Was it amusing for them to put on this elaborate show?
Yang Mo turned slightly and noticed that the butler, Li Bo, was still standing quietly at the side. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Uncle Li, aren't you going with them?"
Li Bo offered a small, wry smile. "Young Master must be joking. I'm just a mere butler. How could I possibly be qualified to accompany them?" He hesitated before sighing. "But, to be honest, when I found that string in your pocket earlier, I was shocked. Thankfully, you reacted quickly."
Yang Mo nodded knowingly. "When you've been framed enough times, you learn to anticipate these things."
Li Bo's gaze softened. He had never believed that Yang Mo was a thief. He had watched the boy grow up—how could he not understand his character?
"Young Master," Li Bo said with sincerity, "I truly appreciate your kindness."
"It's nothing," Yang Mo replied. "I sent you a new prescription. Make sure to take the medicine on time, and within a month, you should be fully recovered."
Li Bo's eyes welled up slightly. To the Lin family, he was nothing more than an old servant—an afterthought at best. Yet here was Yang Mo, a child who had been discarded by the very people who should have cherished him, still showing kindness to someone like him.
Meanwhile, he could recall a time when Lin Cohen had seen him coughing and had covered his nose with disgust, even suggesting that he be fired, fearing he carried some contagious disease. If it hadn't been for Lin Andong's insistence on keeping him, Li Bo would have long been cast out.
The difference between the two young masters was stark.
Yang Mo gave him a small nod. "Take care of yourself, Uncle Li." With that, he turned and made his way toward the exit.
Just as he reached the courtyard entrance, he came face-to-face with Lin Xia and Lin Ruan, who had just returned.
Originally, they had left with the family, only to realize midway that Yang Mo had been left behind. Remembering that today was meant to be about welcoming him back, they had decided to return for him.
Seeing Yang Mo preparing to leave, the two sisters felt a deep sense of shame.
"Mo…" Lin Xia hesitated before speaking. "We—"
"Why don't you go check on your dear brother?" Yang Mo interrupted, his voice dripping with disinterest. "He really put on quite the show. Not afraid of actually killing himself just to get his way."
Lin Ruan frowned slightly. "Are you saying… he did that on purpose?"
Yang Mo snorted. "What else? The moment I said I was calling the police, he suddenly injured himself. What a coincidence, right?"
Lin Xia reached out and grabbed his wrist, her voice filled with desperation. "Mo, please… come home with us. Don't go. I promise—I won't listen to Lin Cohen anymore."
Yang Mo's expression turned cold as he pulled his hand away. "There's no need." His voice was emotionless. "You can keep your Lin family. I won't be involved."
Lin Xia and Lin Ruan flinched at his words. "Mo, we didn't mean to leave you behind—"
"It doesn't matter," Yang Mo cut in, shaking his head. "And I don't care."
Did they really think this was the first time something like this had happened? Did they think he would believe them now?
Yang Mo remembered a time when the Lin family had taken him along on a trip. He had been ecstatic, thinking that, for once, they had included him. Even though they had treated him like a servant, making him carry their bags and run their errands, he had still been happy. To him, it was a rare moment of togetherness.
Then, Lin Cohen had injured his foot. Everyone panicked and rushed him to the hospital—forgetting about Yang Mo entirely.
The trip had been to a remote countryside area, far from the city. Yang Mo had waited for hours, thinking they would realize their mistake and return for him.
They never did.
With no other choice, he had walked for an entire day to make it back to the city. By the time he finally reached the Lin family home, he was covered in dirt, his body aching from exhaustion.
And what had they done when they saw him?
They had scolded him. Mocked him.
Blamed him for not coming home sooner. Laughed at his disheveled appearance, calling him a beggar.
Yang Mo clenched his fists, forcing the memory away. It didn't matter anymore.
He turned his head, taking one last look at the Lin family estate.
This was the last time.
He would never return.
Lin Xia and Lin Ruan stood frozen, watching him. They had hoped today would mark a fresh start. That they could welcome their brother home.
But instead, they had lost him forever.