Chapter 330

Thirty minutes later, Ann Yichen, having finished washing the dishes, exited the dining area with Loong Xiaoyi, only to find Xu Mo absent.

“Auntie, are you heading back?” Ann Yichen inquired, scanning the surroundings.

“We'll discuss once we're home,” Loong Xiaoyi replied.

Straight to his chamber, Loong Xiaoyi discovered Xu Mo assisting in packing his belongings.

“Dishes are done! I'll tidy your closet. Any unwashed clothes? I'll take care of them too,” Xu Mo offered.

Since her arrival, Xu Mo remained tirelessly active, organizing Loong Xiaoyi's residence and preparing meals.

“I washed up yesterday. You should rest, Mom,” Loong Xiaoyi insisted. “No need to rush.”

Loong Xiaoyi's heart panged; despite Xu Mo's lifelong toil, he felt incapable of reciprocating her care, now witnessing her endure.

“I'm fine. It's been a while since I've been here, I wanted to assist with your packing,” Xu Mo reassured.

Smiling, Xu Mo planted a gentle kiss on Loong Xiaoyi's cheek, radiating warmth and grace.

“Son,” Xu Mo's tone turned earnest. “Don't mind Mom's nagging. My time is limited. I only wish to witness your marriage and hold my grandchild before departing.”

Xu Mo's sudden plea carried a weight of concern as she tenderly caressed Loong Xiaoyi's face.

His resemblance to his father grew more pronounced with age. Despite Xu Mo's decade-long struggles, Howling Firmament remained steadfast without complaint.

Tears welled in Xu Mo's eyes, a testament to her solitary upbringing of her son.

Emotions surged within Loong Xiaoyi; though aware of Xu Mo's eventual departure, her words proved difficult to accept.

“I'll make you a grandmother soon,” he pledged, cradling Xu Mo in his arms. His once robust frame now frail.

“Mom trusts you,” Xu Mo affirmed unwaveringly, patting Loong Xiaoyi's back as she did in his youth.

Ann Yichen, eavesdropping from outside, closed his eyes, grappling with his own emotions.

Knowing he must relinquish Loong Xiaoyi to pursue a conventional life, Ann Yichen found himself unable to do so, unable to envision life without him.

“Alright, I won't disturb your rest, Mom. Go take a bath,” Loong Xiaoyi urged gently.

“Alright.”

When Xu Mo exited the room, she noticed Ann Yichen waiting outside.

“Is the teacher staying over tonight?” Xu Mo asked with her characteristic smile.

Ann Yichen quickly masked his sorrow with a forced smile, “No need, I'll return shortly. Please keep Loong Xiaoyi company, Auntie. I won’t impose.”

“But it’s quite late, and it’s unsafe to travel alone at this hour! You should stay,” Xu Mo insisted. Yet, the more thoughtful Xu Mo was, the more it made Ann Yichen feel remorseful.

“It’s okay, really. What should I be afraid of as a man? I’ll head back now. Auntie, you should get some rest too,” Ann Yichen said before quickly departing. As he turned away, his heart ached tremendously, feeling as though he was about to abandon Loong Xiaoyi.

“Alright, alright then.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Xu Mo was taken aback, sensing that something was off in Ann Yichen’s demeanor.

“Son, go see the elder out.”

But before Xu Mo could finish, Loong Xiaoyi zoomed past her at lightning speed and vanished.

This left Xu Mo even more confused as her son’s expression seemed troubled.

“What’s happening?”

As Loong Xiaoyi caught up to him, Ann Yichen was just entering the elevator. Without a word, Loong Xiaoyi pulled him back and embraced him.

Ann Yichen, anticipating this, let tears fall as he was pulled back.

“Am I overthinking again? If you dare leave like this and cut off contact, I’ll come to your house and make a scene, understand?”

“Didn’t you hear your mother pushing for you to get married? She’d be heartbroken if she knew about us,” he cried again.

“My mother just wants to embrace her grandson; can’t you give her that joy?” Loong Xiaoyi soothed him softly.

“But what if I fail?”

Do I have to leave when that happens? Do you want to watch me marry someone else?

“What should we do, Loong Xiaoyi? I can’t let you go. It feels like my heart is dying. The pain is unbearable.”

“Then stay with me, and you won’t hurt,” Ye Zichen embraced Ann Yichen tighter, speaking softly.

Ann Yichen stayed silent, his pain stemming from the impossibility of being with Loong Xiaoyi.

“Come inside! How can I not worry when you’re out alone so late? The streets are chaotic, and it’s dangerous for a young master of the An clan like you to be out,” Ye Zichen took Ann Yichen's hand and guided him back.

“I’ve just told Auntie I was leaving, how can I show my face there again?” Ann Yichen dabbed his tears.

“My mom won’t mind. She was concerned about you, which is why she sent me to check on you.”

Subsequently, Loong Xiaoyi escorted Ann Yichen back inside. They planned to explain to Xu Mo that they wouldn't be home late, but upon seeing them, Xu Mo became visibly unsettled.

“Mom’s going to take a bath,” Xu Mo said abruptly, something peculiar in her tone as she glanced at Loong Xiaoyi and Ann Yichen. Before they could respond, she hurried into the bedroom and was gone.

Loong Xiaoyi and Ann Yichen exchanged bewildered looks.