As the police car drove away, taking the troublemakers with it, Ishing Yu finally exhaled in relief. "I noticed that their so-called boss seemed afraid of you. Do you know him?" she asked, still processing the chaotic scene that had just unfolded.
Yang Mo shrugged with a casual smirk. "We've crossed paths before. Let's just say he learned his lesson the hard way. But now that they're in police custody, they'll have time to reflect on their actions."
Fong Lei, still clutching the thick stack of cash in her hands, looked hesitant. "M-Mo, are you sure this won't cause trouble?" She had braced herself for the worst, prepared to compensate the thugs to avoid escalation.
"Auntie, don't worry. I doubt they'll dare stir up trouble again after this," Yang Mo reassured her with a nod.
Fong Lei let out a heavy sigh. "I still can't accept this money, Shao Mo. Without your help, we wouldn't just be unable to do business tonight—we'd have been the ones paying them!" She tried to push the money back into Yang Mo's hands.
Yang Mo took a few steps back, waving his hands. "Just keep it, Auntie. Didn't they break your phone earlier? Use the money to get a new one, and maybe invest in some tables, chairs, and benches for your stall. It'll help in the long run."
"That old phone was barely worth a few bucks. This is too much—"
"Auntie, just take it! It's Brother Yang Mo's kindness," Ishing Yu interrupted with a cheeky grin.
"Honestly, I don't even know how to thank you," Fong Lei admitted, her voice tinged with emotion. "Not only did you teach us the barbecue recipe, but tonight… you saved us from a disaster."
"Don't mention it." Yang Mo waved it off with a smile. "When our family was struggling, you and your family helped us. It's only natural to return the favor. I still remember when Jammer got really sick, and we had no money left. The neighbors avoided us, but your family stepped in, lending us money and checking in on us. I could never forget that kindness."
Fong Lei wiped at the corner of her eye. "What a good boy… You're right, Shao Mo. Family should always help each other."
Despite their outward optimism, Yang Mo knew their situation wasn't easy. E Juna had recently lost his job, leaving their main source of income in jeopardy. With Ishing Yu still in school, the financial burden was heavy. Setting up a barbecue stall was their way of making ends meet.
"Ever since I was young, I've always thought Shao Mo was an honest, good-hearted kid," E Juna chimed in. "I really envy Dong Mei for having a child like him. I don't understand what the Lin family is thinking. To have a son like Shao Mo is a blessing, yet they just threw him away. Ridiculous!"
"Exactly!" Ishing Yu piped up. "Brother Yang Mo, it's even better now that you're no longer with them. Now we can hang out every day, just like when we were kids!"
"Hang out?" Fong Lei scolded, giving Ishing Yu a stern glance. "You're always thinking about playing. Your Brother Yang Mo is preparing for the college entrance exams. He should be focusing on his studies, not entertaining you."
"Auntie, don't worry. My studies are going well. I'm confident I'll make it into the top 100 in the city," Yang Mo assured her. "Lately, school has been a frenzy of practice exams, but there's nothing too difficult left for me."
Fong Lei nodded in approval. "That's great to hear. But don't push yourself too hard—balance is important. By the way, since it's getting late, you should head home. You've done so much for us tonight. One day, your uncle and I will cook a big meal for you to show our gratitude."
"That sounds great, Auntie," Yang Mo smiled. "I'll be looking forward to it."
After checking the time, he realized it was already past 10 p.m. "I should get going. I need to wash up and finish another practice paper before bed."
"Alright then. Ishing Yu, you should head home with Shao Mo. Your father and I will keep the stall open a little longer. Late-night barbecues bring in the most customers."
Knowing there was no use arguing, Ishing Yu nodded and left with Yang Mo.
Lin Family Villa – Late Night Meeting
It was nearly midnight, but the atmosphere in the Lin family's living room was tense. Lin Xia sat on the sofa with a solemn expression, dark circles under her eyes betraying her exhaustion. Lin Ruan and Lin Ying sat beside her, equally on edge. Their mother, Joy Fu, sat silently, her face shadowed with worry.
For days, they had been plotting their next move. The development of a new drug by Lin Yong threatened to shift power within the family. If they didn't act soon, Lin Andong could leverage the drug to reestablish himself, potentially forcing them out of the Lin family's business entirely.
"Mom, we can't delay any longer," Lin Xia declared. "We need to bring Shao Mo back, and we need to get rid of Lin Cohen."
Lin Ruan hesitated. "Big sister… isn't there another way? Lin Cohen is also a victim in all this. Do we really have to send him away?"
Lin Xia's gaze sharpened. "Second sister, wake up! Lin Cohen is Dad's illegitimate child! Have you even considered how Mom feels? And yet you're defending him?"
Lin Ruan lowered her head, unable to find the words to respond.
Joy Fu, who had been quiet until now, wiped away silent tears. In the past few weeks, she had come to a decision—Shao Mo was her only true son. Lin Cohen… she no longer wished to acknowledge him.
"I agree with Big Sister," Lin Ying suddenly spoke up. "Lin Cohen has to go. Think about it—he stole from us before. Do you really believe he won't do it again?"