In the afternoon, she went to the supermarket to restock and filled the fridge again. Leaning on the sofa to rest, she pondered the dinner menu.

Suddenly, a steady ringing sound echoed, startling her. She looked towards the cordless phone on the coffee table.

Who was calling?

Cheng Yu stared at the black and white phone, her heart pounding against her chest. The incessant ringing felt like a death knell, tugging at her nerves.

For some reason, she felt afraid, as if picking up the phone would reveal a stern voice on the other end, warning her that everything before her was an illusion, a dream she had woven herself.

After a long moment, she held her breath and picked up the receiver with a trembling hand.

“Hello?”

“Is this Lanxi? It’s Mom!” A slightly high-pitched female voice came through.

Cheng Yu was taken aback.

Jian Lanxi’s mother… Right, Du Lingyun had brought her home from the hospital and asked if she wanted to notify her mother, Wanghui, who was in America. He told her that her parents had divorced early, and Wanghui had remarried a wealthy Hong Kong businessman named Xian, living in Los Angeles for the past few years.

“Lanxi! Why aren’t you talking? Are you listening?”

“…Yes, I’m listening.”

“Lingyun called and said you had a car accident. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s good.” Wanghui sighed. “You’ve never given anyone a moment’s peace, always wanting to stay in Taiwan instead of coming to America with me. You said you found a man you liked and wanted to marry him. But look at you now, wanting a divorce after just a few years.”

Cheng Yu remained silent, not knowing how to respond to this so-called mother.

“Why aren’t you talking again? Is talking to your mother that annoying?” Wanghui misunderstood her silence and grew impatient.

“I’m not annoyed.” Cheng Yu paused, then tentatively asked, “He… Lingyun didn’t tell you I lost my memory?”

“He did.” Wanghui scoffed. “Do you think I’d believe that? I knew you were lying!”

Cheng Yu was shocked. “Why would you think… I’m lying?”

“I know you too well, young lady. You’re just tired, bored, and want to dump him, so you’re pretending to have amnesia to avoid dealing with him. I told you, marriage is about finding someone suitable, not about love. You had so many rich suitors, but you chose a nerdy engineer who’s only good-looking but has no money or status. His family are farmers… You’ve disgraced the Xian family!”

“I don’t think it’s disgraceful.” Cheng Yu gripped the phone tightly, feeling a surge of anger. “He’s good, kind to the kids, and responsible for the family.”

“Kindness and responsibility mean nothing! Can he spoil you? Can he give you the life of a princess? If you were truly happy in this marriage, you wouldn’t be calling me to complain all the time. You said he doesn’t understand romance or how to please a woman, and he even refused the car and house your father offered…”

“Stop it.”

“I’m telling you the truth, get a divorce soon! A woman’s youth is limited, and even if a man has no money, he should at least have charm. Staying together is just wasting each other’s time…”

“Stop it!” Cheng Yu raised her voice, unable to listen anymore.

With a mother like this whispering such distorted ideas, it’s no wonder Jian Lanxi turned out to be so self-centered.

“Why are you getting angry at me? I’m doing this for your own good.” Wanghui sounded displeased. “Never mind, take care of yourself. I’ve transferred some money to your account. Use it if you need it. Goodbye!”

With that, Wanghui hung up without giving her daughter a chance to respond.

Cheng Yu was stunned, and a moment later, a mocking smile appeared on her lips.

If this is how Jian’s mother shows her concern for her daughter, she would rather not have it.

The value of a man is not in whether he has money, his family background, or his ability to sweet-talk a woman into thinking it’s romantic.

Remembering the man’s patience when teaching the child to draw and build sandcastles, his kindness in offering her an umbrella in the rain… Why would such a man be deemed worthless by his own mother-in-law?

Cheng Yu’s heart tightened.

Just as she was thinking, there was a soft sound at the entrance. Someone was entering the password to open the door.

Was it the father and son returning?

Cheng Yu’s heart fluttered, and she quickly tidied her appearance, then put on a smile and went to greet them.

As expected, she saw Yangyang’s fair, chubby face, but the person holding his hand was not the man, but a young and beautiful woman.

“Mom.” Yangyang called out shyly.

“Yangyang is back!” Cheng Yu smiled warmly at the child, then turned to the woman. “Excuse me, who are you?”

“I am Yangyang’s nanny, Zhou Liwen.” This woman seemed to know about her amnesia and was not surprised that Cheng Yu did not recognize her. She explained, “Yangyang said you were not feeling well, and he was worried about you being alone at home, so he insisted that I bring him back early to see you.”

“Mom, are you okay?” Yangyang’s bright eyes stared at Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu felt her heart soften, and she couldn’t help but crouch down and gently stroke Yangyang’s little face. “I’m fine, Mom is doing well.”

Zhou Liwen watched the interaction between mother and son, her bright eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Cheng Yu looked up and saw her staring with a guarded and suspicious look, which made her feel uncomfortable.