217

th every beat.She lay there in a coma, her face pale. Rong Ling and Xiao Yi each picked up a seat and sat down, keeping company on either side of her, both with somber faces, silent. The room was lit...Chapter Name: 217

"Get down here, or your father will see you!" The words from my memory just came out like that. (..tw)

"Hehehe, my dad wouldn't see it anyway!" the child replied nonchalantly. His little body swung back and forth as he hung upside down from the tree, causing Jiang Mu's heart to flutter with worry. She called out in a low voice, "Be careful!"

"It's okay, it's okay…" The child shook their head fearlessly.

Come down, it's dangerous up there!

The child tilted his head and pondered for a moment, then let out an "oh!" He somehow managed to move his legs slightly, his body swung up onto the tree trunk, and with hands and feet working together, he scurried up the branches like a little monkey. Then, hugging the trunk of the big tree, he climbed down. Jiangmu was anxious and walked forward. When the little boy reached a place where she could reach him, she reached out her hand and hugged him tightly.

"Little Wave!" Jiang Mu hugged her little one tightly, burying her head in the child's small shoulder, sobbing quietly.

Xiaoyou furrowed his brow, remembering his mother crying in the backyard. His eyes dimmed slightly. He didn't struggle, letting Jiang Mu hold him, but softly comforted her with a childish voice: "Auntie, don't cry, it's embarrassing to cry..."

He reached out his tiny hand and patted Jiang Mu's hand in a soothing manner. A memory flashed in Jiang Mu's mind, taking her back to a time when she had been scolded by her child's father until she cried, and then her youngest son held her hand, telling her not to cry. As a result, her tears flowed even more fiercely, and she kept calling out: "Xiao Lang, my dear son... Xiao Lang... good boy... Xiao Lang..."

The little guy was a bit at a loss, he could only seek help by glancing at Miao Qing who was hiding in the dark. Miao Qing shrugged, meaning she wasn't going to help. The little guy gave Miao Qing a resentful look, then patted Jiang Mu's hand, and in a childish voice like a grown-up, soothed her: "Auntie, don't cry, you'll ruin your eyes, and it won't be good. Youyou will also be sad."

Jiang Mu was already immersed in her own world, so she could only cry.

The little guy struggled helplessly and let out a whimper: "Aunty, you hurt me!"

Only then did Jiang Mu's body tremble, and she reacted. She hurriedly squatted down and loosened her grip, releasing the little one she had been tightly holding in her arms.

"How are you Where does it hurt!" she asked urgently, twisting the little one's small frame around.

The little boy puckered his lips and shook his head. "Well, it doesn't hurt anymore!"

Jiang's mother let out a sigh of relief, holding her child's little face and giving him a kiss.

"Xiao Lang, you scared your mother to death!"

His face contorted with a mixture of tears and laughter. This unexpected display softened the little one's earlier displeasure from being suddenly kissed, replacing it with concern in his eyes instead.

"Auntie, I'm not Xiaolang, my name is Youyou. Auntie got it wrong. Xiaolang looks very similar to Youyou, doesn't he Or, shall Youyou help Auntie look for Xiaolang together"

The smile on Jiang's mother's lips froze. Her self-deception, up until this moment, had been a facade, shattered by her child's innocent words. It was over.

The child before me, he just looks a little like Xiao Lang, but it's not Xiao Lang, it can't be Xiao Lang...

Tears streamed down Jiang Mu's face. Her expression was filled with such profound sorrow, her eyes seemed on the verge of shattering. The little child had seen this look before on their own mother, so they too felt a pang of sympathy and quickly reached out a small hand to awkwardly wipe away the tears from the corner of Jiang Mu's eye.

"Auntie, don't cry, don't cry. Xiao Lang will be very sad to see you crying like this, he will... his heart will ache... he will... cry with you. So, Auntie, please don't cry, don't cry..."

This was clearly a naive consolation, yet it struck Jiang's mother like a bolt of lightning, suddenly awakening her. Indeed, her youngest son was the most empathetic person; if he saw her so heartbroken, he would surely be saddened too, even in the afterlife!

Don't cry, you can't cry, you can't cry!

Jiang's mother, forcing back tears, choked and hastily went to wipe the tears from her face. She inadvertently grasped a warm little hand, soft and small to the touch.

She was startled because the tears in her eyes had been wiped away, so she truly saw the little boy before her. Then, she was startled again, surprised by this familiarity! It turned out that her initial mistake of mistaking him for Xiao Lang wasn't a delusion. This child before her, with his eyebrows and eyes, did indeed resemble Xiao Lang. There was also his aura, the way he spoke... yes, even the things he said were... all so similar!

She suddenly clutched the small hand, inexplicably excited. She only knew that she couldn't let go of this child!

This is fate, this child ran to her face on its own accord, and appeared in this way, so...so...

She was a little dazed and unconsciously tightened her grip on the little boy's hand, until finally, she hurt him. The little boy frowned slightly, enduring it bravely. He thought, "Auntie's little stray dog is missing, so Auntie is very sad and anxious, so he has to be good and listen to Auntie!"

In the end, it was Jiang's mother who first realized the impropriety of her actions. She abruptly let go of his hand and looked at the three clear fingernail marks left on the little boy's fair, fleshy hand. Her heart ached, and she felt a sudden urge to cry.

This child, how can they be so well-behaved, how can they be so like Xiao Lang! When Xiao Lang was little, he was also tough and never complained when he got hurt. He only waited for the adults to find out before sheepishly giggling and holding up his wound.

"You naughty child, Auntie didn't hurt you, did she Why don't you say anything!"

The Jiang mother lovingly lifted the little boy's small hand and gently blew on it.

"It's nothing, not at all painful!" The little boy pretended to be nonchalant and shrugged his shoulders. He was wearing a camouflage uniform, which was bought for him by Rong Ling the day before yesterday when he was sleeping in Su Wu Zhuang as an extra set of clothes. With this outfit and expression, he looked just like a tough little warrior!

Jiang Mu's mind wandered again, recalling her youngest son when he was little. He particularly loved wearing his father's police uniform and camouflage suit. He would slouch his sleeves and pants legs and run around wildly, always leaving his father's clothes in disarray. Back then, there were no children's camouflage suits available. She couldn't help but take one of her husband's camouflage suits and spent several days carefully repairing it to create a miniature one for her son. He was overjoyed and wore the camouflage suit every day for two whole months, refusing to change into anything else. The clothes became so dirty that he finally reluctantly took them off. At night, with his innocent little face tilted upward, he whispered to her, begging her to wash the clothes quickly, dry them, so he could wear them again the next day!

So, what is this now! It's too similar, too many overlaps. This child...this child...

Jiang Mu suddenly hugged Xiao Youyou tightly again, afraid that he would suddenly disappear. She said anxiously, "Come, Auntie will take you to get some medicine!" Her feet didn't stop at all as she held him towards the house. She even had a crazy thought, she wanted to keep this child, he was Xiaolang, she had to keep him! Her Xiaolang must know that his mother was having a hard time, so he came back, back to find his pitiful mother!

"Auntie, please put me down, I can walk myself!"

The little guy is willing to be a baby in front of Lin Meng and be spoiled by her, but in front of others, he wants to be a little man!

Mother Jiang let out a laugh, and the tension she had been suppressing for so long seemed to ease slightly at this moment.

"Be good, auntie knows you're going to leave, but would you let auntie hold you for a little while Auntie wants to hold you a bit longer!"

"That..." The little boy thought for a moment, and with great consideration, compromised, "Then just for a little while!"

What conditions are there!

What a little devil!

Jiang Mu's lips curled into a slight smile as she held the little one and walked into the room, hurrying towards the sofa. She habitually looked up first at the floor-to-ceiling windows. After the renovation of this house, facing the backyard lawn was a large expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows. This way, no matter when, with this transparent window, Little Lang lying in the cemetery would be able to see them and wouldn't feel lonely. But what did she see today?!

Jiang Mu first squinted her eyes, and after she could see clearly, she widened them in shock!

She's that girl! How did she get here! Who let her in!

A torrent of rage boiled within her chest. This girl, she had killed his son, his precious son, simply because this girl said no. She didn't want to see her, not even for a second! She refrained from harming her, already showing incredible restraint, yet she dared to show her face here!

That's too much! That's going too far!

Jiang Mu was blinded by hatred, unable to see anything else. She rushed out, charging into the backyard, and screamed in a shrill voice, "Who allowed you to come here!"

Lin Meng was stunned, raising her face from the cold tombstone. Her tear-streaked eyes saw Jiang Mu, who looked much older than before. Her heart skipped a beat, her body stiffened, then slowly she let go of her hand that had been wrapped around the tombstone.

She knew that she could only visit here today.

The river's mother walked over with blazing anger, kicking away the flowers and fruits placed on the tombstone in a fit of rage.

"What are you doing! What kind of garbage did you give our Xiao Lang! Don't you think you've already tormented him enough He's dead, can't you just let him rest!"

"No, I just came to pay my respects..." Lin Meng mumbled in defense, her heart aching with a painful tug. Then, she suddenly realized the little boy was being held by Jiang's mother and immediately felt a jolt of alarm. She quickly scrambled to her feet.

"You don't need to mourn for her!" Jiang's mother roared, staring into Lin Meng's eyes, bloodshot with rage. Her gaze could have eaten Lin Meng alive!

Lin Meng completely understood the hatred Jiang's parents had for her, so she wasn't at all surprised by how much Jiang's mother disliked her. Now, what worried her most was Youyou. She feared that Jiang's mother would extend her hatred onto her child and do something harmful to Youyou.

"Yoyo!"

Lin Meng stepped forward and reached out her hand, intending to bring the little guy back.

Jiang Mu's pupils shrank, a dull pain rising in her heart. Her head buzzed, and she raised her hand with all her might, without thinking, slapping Lin Meng hard across the face.

"What do you want to do!" she shouted, protectively hugging Yoyo!

"Mommy—"

"Mom..."

The little boy and Jiang Chengfeng's shouts came out almost at the same time. As soon as Jiang Chengfeng saw his mother enter the backyard, he knew something was wrong and rushed down from the second floor, but it was still too late.

Little fellow, seeing the blood-red palm print that instantly appeared on Lin Meng's face, his big eyes widened in shock. He turned his head and glared at Jiang's mother with hatred, using a childlike, sharp voice to angrily question: "Why did you hit my mommy!"

He reached out his little hand, about to beat up Jiangmu! Lin Meng cried out urgently: "Youyou, no!"

A stern voice abruptly stopped the little guy's punching movements. Youyou felt wronged, pouted her mouth, and looked at Lin Meng unhappily.

Jiang Mu was stunned, and only then did she realize the relationship between the child in her arms and Lin Meng!

Is she his mother! How could he be her son! He shouldn't be her child! He could belong to anyone, but not her!

Seeing that the Mother Jiang was stunned, Lin Meng quickly took the child from her arms and held him back. Miao Qing at this time also seamlessly inserted herself between Lin Meng and Mother Jiang, standing slightly to the side, clearly acting as a bodyguard for Lin Meng.

Jiang Mu looked at her child, then at Lin Meng. Her pale face was full of disbelief, which made people feel sorry for her!

Lin Meng lowered her eyes, blinking away the last two tears in them, wiped them with her hand, and suppressed her sadness.

"Youyou," she said earnestly, "This is Uncle Jiang's mother. You mustn't be rude to Grandma, understand"

"But Mommy, she hit you!" the little one cried out angrily.

Lin Meng held down the little boy's still restless arms and whispered, "This is what Mommy deserves!"

"Well..." The little guy frowned, seeming to understand a little but not fully. His little mouth opened and closed, but he couldn't say anything else.

Over there, Jiang Mu asked with difficulty, "Your... child!"

Lin Meng nodded and introduced, "His name is Youyou!"

"Youyou!" Mother Jiang murmured, looking at the little one with a complex expression.

The little guy was wearing a grim expression and didn't say a word, probably still holding a grudge!

Lin Meng hugged the little one tightly, glanced at Jiang Chengfeng, then looked at Jiang's mother, lowered her head, and apologized: "I'm sorry, I disturbed you. I'll leave now!"

After finishing her words, she put the little boy down and picked up the plastic bag she carried with her. She started packing up the fruits and remnants of incense that had been kicked away by Jiang's mother. Jiang's mother stood on the side watching, her arm tightly held by Jiang Chifeng. Her mood became very complicated, it was no longer pure hatred!

She glanced at Xiaoyou again, then looked at Lin Meng, and took a step forward. The little boy was startled and, very bravely, suddenly stood in front of Lin Meng, spreading his arms wide, like a little warrior protecting Lin Meng, and shouted in a childish voice to Jiang's mother.

"You're not allowed to bully my mommy!"

Jiang's mother was stunned, and tears welled up in her eyes again. Once upon a time, there was also a foolish boy who opened his arms to stand in front of her, shouting at his father: "Don't you dare bully my mother!"

Now, the little fool is still protecting her, but she's not her mother anymore!

Jiang Chengfeng frowned, he didn't expect his mother to return so quickly. His mother's expression seemed off, and he didn't want to upset her too much, so he told Lin Meng: "You go first, you don't need to tidy up here, just leave it to me!"

Lin Meng also knew how unwelcome she was in this family. With a soft "hmm," she put down the plastic bag in her hand. She picked up the child again and looked at Jiang's mother, all she could offer was an apology.

"Excuse me!"

After she finished speaking, she took the little boy and left.

Jiang Mu's figure moved, as if to chase after. Jiang Chengfeng immediately tightened his grip, grabbing Jiang Mu's arm. The little boy was held by Lin Meng, his head pressed against hers, his chin resting on her shoulder. He stared at Jiang Mu with wide, black eyes, looking very wary. But the more he looked, the slower his gaze became until finally, he lowered his eyes. Children may not understand as much as adults, but their instincts are strong. He felt a maternal feeling from the tears that kept streaming down Jiang Mu's face, making it impossible for him to feel hostile towards her. So, after moving a little distance away from Jiang Mu, he turned his head slightly and burrowed into Lin Meng's shoulder, closing his eyes gently. He stopped looking at Jiang Mu, but unconsciously tightened his grip on Lin Meng's neck.

When Jiang Mu saw this, her heart ached. She turned around and rushed into Jiang Chengfeng's arms, crying softly. Her voice choked with sorrow as she called out, "Xiao Lang, my Xiao Lang... woe is me... my Xiao Lang..."

Jiang Cheng rode the wind, his eyes half-closed, and filled with pain.

Suddenly, Jiang Mu lifted her head from Jiang Chengfeng's chest and pushed him away, shouting anxiously, "Wound... he still has a wound on his hand... Apply medicine... apply medicine..."

She staggered out, passing through the living room in Jiang Chengfeng's puzzled gaze, into the front yard, but the little figure was gone!

"Mom—" Jiang Chengfeng, who followed closely behind, called out with some concern.

The mother stared at the empty courtyard and then at the bare branches above her head. She looked up, and soon began to cry out helplessly like a child.

"I want Xiao Lang... I want Xiao Lang... Give me my Xiao Lang back... I want Xiao Lang..."

Jiang Chengfeng listened, his eyes reddening. He abruptly raised his head, forcing the tears back into his eye sockets. After a deep breath, he stepped forward and tightly embraced Jiang Mu, comforting her in a hoarse voice.

"Mom, don't cry, Little Wave will be heartbroken if he sees this, please don't make him sad, okay Don't cry, please..."

When Jiang Mu heard this, she thought of the innocent childish voice that was still in her ears, but she cried even harder!ed against killing him violently. Keeping him alive could be useful for finding out what was going on tonight!What a pity!He actually committed suicide!This is so rude!He couldn't help but scoff, a hi...