As soon as Meng Hao spoke, his mother, who had just picked up a piece of shredded meat, became displeased. They had only been back for a few hours, and he was already planning to leave again. With a clatter, she slammed her chopsticks onto the table. "You're leaving again so soon after coming back?" she demanded. "How long will you be gone this time?" She continued, "You might as well pretend this family doesn't exist. Mu Yan, you don't need to be my daughter-in-law. I'll adopt you as my daughter, and find you a good man to marry."
Meng Hao, who had been discussing company matters with Qin Mu Yan, was startled by his mother's outburst. He found her words both amusing and exasperating. While Qin Mu Yan was his woman, she hadn't even married into the family yet, and his mother was already calling her daughter-in-law, and then even talking about adopting her.
Seeing the once harmonious atmosphere suddenly turn tense, Meng Hao could only offer a conciliatory smile and try to explain. He had no choice; she was his mother, after all. He couldn't afford to offend her.
"Mom, what are you talking about?" he said. "I was detained by the US for half a year. After returning, I naturally have to report the specific circumstances to the higher-ups. There needs to be accountability, and we need to demand an explanation from the US. We can't just be detained for half a year for no reason."
Meng Hao's reasoning was sound. His mother, who had been fuming, now looked at him with suspicion. "So, you're not going to disappear for another half a year this time?"
Facing his mother's worry, Meng Hao smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, I'll call you every day."
His mother's expression softened slightly. She picked up her chopsticks and resumed eating. "Forget it, forget it," she said. "Don't act like a mama's boy and give people something to gossip about. I don't need you to call me every day."
After a pause of a few seconds, Meng Hao's mother continued, "You can call Qin Mu Yan every day, so that poor girl doesn't have to worry constantly."
Meng Hao thought to himself that since Qin Mu Yan was basically living with his parents, calling her would be no different from calling his mother.
Ultimately, under his mother's persistent entreaties, Meng Hao stayed home for one night. The next day, as dawn was just breaking, he took a taxi to the airport, preparing to fly to Kyoto.
***
Around ten in the morning, the sky in Kyoto was exceptionally bright, a clear, cloudless day. Elder Ouyang held a purple clay teapot, his emotions running high. His slightly dark eye circles indicated that the old man had barely slept the night before. However, unlike his previous worry, this time it was purely due to excitement. Meng Hao had finally returned.
"Elder, you didn't sleep well again last night?" a senior official who had arrived early greeted Elder Ouyang with a smile.
"Yes, I was a bit too excited to sleep," Elder Ouyang replied. "This kid Meng Hao, he's truly capable. He's surpassed our expectations again by escaping from under the noses of the US."
Meng Hao's importance was not just recognized in Daxia, but also in the US. Otherwise, Lieutenant General Tommy would not have gambled with the US's national reputation and prestige to forcibly detain Meng Hao. It could be said that Meng Hao was a young man who could influence the technological progress of a nation, and even humanity, for centuries to come.
"Of course, I'm also thinking about something else," Elder Ouyang continued. Since the attendees of his meeting were all high-ranking officials of Daxia, he didn't intend to keep anything hidden. "How should we account for this to Meng Hao? More accurately, how should we hold the US accountable? This kid Meng Hao has suffered greatly these past six months. We can't just do nothing."
Indeed, striking the right balance was difficult. Meng Hao's return was the greatest fortune. However, they couldn't just suffer in silence and let the matter pass without a word. But how to seek accountability? Directly confront the US? It wasn't yet time for a third world war. Besides, why fight when there were interests to be gained? That would be an irrational act.
"This matter is both easy and difficult to handle," Elder Ouyang mused. "We will explain all the implications to Meng Hao, and then let him decide. Even if it means confronting the US, we will stand behind Meng Hao and fully support his decision."
Elder Ouyang nodded. For now, this was the only way. Everything depended on Meng Hao's decision.
***
A little past eleven, as lunchtime approached, the passenger plane from Shilin landed in Kyoto. With lunch time nearing, the meeting had to be adjourned. Upon meeting Meng Hao, Elder Ouyang, with great emotion, embraced the young man. "Meng Hao, you've suffered..." he said. "I, this old man, need to apologize to you. If it weren't for my misjudgment, you wouldn't have been detained by the US for half a year..."
Meng Hao was somewhat taken aback by Elder Ouyang's apology. "Elder, you are being too hard on yourself. All responsibility lies with the US, it has nothing to do with you. Who could have imagined that such a powerful nation, a nation that claims to be number one in military technology and economy, would stoop to such despicable actions?"
It was evident that Meng Hao's words were heartfelt, and he held no grudge against Elder Ouyang. Elder Ouyang patted Meng Hao's shoulder again. This young man was teachable. "Let's go," he said. "I've prepared a family dinner. Let's eat together."
***
Elder Ouyang was not exaggerating. He had indeed prepared a family dinner. There weren't many guests, only the high-ranking officials who were scheduled to continue their meeting after lunch. The food itself was not overly extravagant, but the table was adorned with many dishes personally cultivated by Elder Ouyang. These lush, home-grown vegetables were far more precious than any so-called delicacies.
During the meal, they chatted. First, the guests, who were all incredibly influential figures capable of shaking Daxia, were introduced. They offered Meng Hao polite smiles, their eyes filled with recognition.
"Young Meng, I must say, you are truly a talent..." said a top official from a Daxia state agency, his voice kind. "Even the US spares no effort in trying to recruit you. By the way, did you actually choose to become a US citizen back then?"
He asked gently, as even if Meng Hao had agreed to become a US citizen, it would have been under duress and understandable. To his surprise, Meng Hao shook his head directly. "From beginning to end, I never agreed to even half a word about becoming a US citizen," Meng Hao stated decisively.