I didn't say anything this time, and left their place directly.

My mother's sudden concern for me, I could already hear some of the reasons in her words. After all, I'm her son, so old and still achieving nothing, not even a girlfriend. Compared to Lin Hai, she just had a little more kindness, wanting to help me as much as possible.

My life, after they abandoned me, was like a leather ball, pushed back and forth, while they each had their own families and children, all well raised.

Thinking of this, my heart suddenly became very fragile, and my eyes started to moisten. Was I crying for my own lack of ambition, or was I sad for so many years of being alone and helpless? I really didn't want to come to a conclusion.

I quickened my pace, forcing back the tears. Crying has never been my strength; resilience is my support for survival.

Her appearance seemed to have changed me. I think the main reason was that I thought she could understand the grievances I had suffered. Even the strongest man has a vulnerable side after being understood, but tonight, I was beaten back to my original form.

The weather was fine just now, but now it suddenly started to drizzle. I looked up at the sky. Even if you want to match my mood, you don't have to be so timely, right? It's like nakedly mocking a man "exiled" by his parents.

Taking advantage of the night, I didn't take a taxi, but replaced it with walking. I walked all the way, thinking a lot, thinking about future plans, thinking about various ways out, and then overturning them one by one.

After being released from prison, I thought I could stand up again with Li Zong's help, but Lin Hai and Chen Biao were like two roadblocks, instantly shattering my hopes again.

I walked five or six kilometers, all the way to the bar door. It was only when I got in the car that I realized my calves were a little stiff. The reason was that I hadn't exercised for too long, which led to a feeling of fatigue all over my body.

.......

The next day, I was still in a dream when I was awakened by the doorbell. Wearing pajamas, I looked through the peephole and saw it was my mother!

I hesitated for a while, not directly opening the security door. Returning to my previous life was the best choice at the moment, so I neither made a sound nor wanted to open the door.

"A'Che... A'Che..."

The sudden call made me a little caught in a dilemma...

"Open the door first, I see you."

Only then did I quickly open the door, and immediately stood in the center of the doorway. Suddenly, I felt a little annoyed with her. If I wanted to dispel her supervision over me, I could only greet her with a positive attitude.

I turned and went into the living room. After she came in, she didn't sit down like last time, but stood in front of me and looked at me, asking, "What's wrong with you? Mom doesn't have any malicious intentions."

"Sit down, I happen to have something to say to you."

As soon as she heard that I had a request, she immediately sat down, her eyes still fixed on me, seemingly apologetic for her attitude yesterday. She opened her mouth and said, "Whatever you want, Mom will definitely help you to the best of her ability."

I cleared my throat before answering, "My request is very simple, don't come looking for me again in the future. I'm doing fine on my own. I'm already this old, and I don't want to integrate into a new family. I have my own way of life, which is definitely very different from yours, and I don't want to change or compromise."

"No one wants you to change. I'll return the apartment today."

After speaking, she immediately wanted to pack her things. I stepped forward to block her, patiently saying again, "You don't have to worry about my affairs in the future. I thought about it last night. I don't want to live with you. I also have my own channels for making money, and I don't need you to worry at all..."

"Didn't you say yesterday that your father stole your job?"

"I said you don't have to worry, I have other channels."

"Isn't our family easy to get along with? You've met Wang Rui too, she has a very easygoing personality. People always have to move upwards. If you think there's anything I need to improve, just tell me directly."

"You're very good, you don't need to do anything for me. What are you meddling about at thirty years old."

She stared at me blankly for a while, and asked a little uncertainly, "Did what I said last night hurt your pride?"

This was definitely a hit on the nail, but my willpower was very firm at this moment, and I didn't want to change because of these words.

"You're right, it has inspired my motivation for the future. I should thank you. Your concern for me is unnecessary. This apartment is not rented, it was bought outright four or five years ago, at least living here is not a problem, right? Furthermore, if I want to get married, it's not that simple. I just don't think the time is right yet. We can only talk about the future when the job is stable, right?"

"Like a man, Mom supports you."

"Go back." I urged her again.

"It seems Mom can't persuade you."

"There's no need to persuade. I understand in my heart that you want to take some responsibility for me. You don't need to say more. My personality is like that. A man who is used to freedom doesn't want to be bound."

"Then doesn't that mean the job we talked about before doesn't count anymore?"

"I didn't go to college, I'm suitable for doing rough work, I really can't adapt to a proper job." I politely refused.

"Don't you want to ask what kind of job it is?"

"I don't want to, so don't say it either."

Seeing my uncompromising way of doing things, she didn't dawdle too much. She just looked at me for a while, seemingly wanting to salvage something, but I turned around and went into the room.

After a long while, I heard the sound of the security door opening and closing, and then returned to the living room.

I saw a note left on the coffee table. The words on it were written very delicately and emotionally: Over the years, Mom has indeed owed you a lot. Because of the conflicts between adults, I was unable to take good care of you. This will be a permanent regret. Now, I want you to stay with me just because I don't want you to live a life where no one takes care of you. I have a chain of restaurants with branches in major cities across the country. Now that I'm getting older, I can't handle business trips often. If you're willing, I hope you can inherit it properly. This business is what I've worked so hard for so many years. It has nothing to do with Lao Wang. Think about it carefully these few days, and I'll come see you again.

I took the note and read it several times. So, the business she was talking about was the catering industry. This is not something I'm good at, and I'm also an outsider. If it goes bankrupt due to poor management, I'll be a prodigal son.

I put the note back on the coffee table. Suddenly, when I was free, I felt especially empty. I leisurely lit a cigarette, holding my phone in my hand. I opened WeChat, and there was Pei Shi Yu's WeChat account inside, but her Moments were empty for a long time.

I added her after losing my bag that time. I can't remember the specific reason anymore. Anyway, her profile picture is still there. I can't tell if she has blocked me or not.

I was curious and wanted to test it out, so my hand itched and I sent it out, just a few simple words, "Chat for a bit?"