Chapter 241 : Then Don’t Say Anything
Chapter 241: Then Don’t Say Anything
Each kind of person had their own kind of peculiarity. At school, whether it was Wang Chu, Sichuan Girl, or even himself, whenever someone asked them to speak or explain something, most of them would simply shut their mouths and stand aside watching the commotion.
But unexpectedly, his cousin and Liu Rushuang turned out to be the peculiar ones among the peculiar—what kind of “good sister” nonsense was that? Couldn’t she just say “cousin”?
Of course, the most peculiar one was Liu Rushuang herself. She even blurted out that she was a mistress—proving once again that when one was away from home, one’s identity was self-proclaimed.
This was South City, not Jiangning. Other than Su He and Lin Mo, there wasn’t anyone here she cared about. Naturally, she could act as outrageously as she wanted—after all, she wouldn’t be the one embarrassed in the end.
Obviously, she had achieved the effect she wanted. Though Lin Mo was a bit speechless, it wasn’t too bad for him, but it did make Classmate Xiao Wan unbearably awkward.
He didn’t want to stay in the car another moment. He even lost the desire to treat anyone to dinner. That alone showed how powerful Liu Rushuang’s words were.
The reason Lin Mo had given the items to Old Wan was because he still kept in touch with Li Yao and the others. As for Lin Mo himself, if not for the matter involving Jiang Xia this time, Li Yao and her two friends would’ve remained among those he lost contact with after graduation.
Having Old Wan as a middleman made such things easier to handle.
Aside from printing a few more photos, Lin Mo also asked the staff to prepare an electronic version, which he stored on a USB drive.
A man should leave behind a name, a goose its cry. Even though Jiang Xia hadn’t known many people, someone should at least remember her—so that she could leave some trace of her existence in this world.
South City was a small county; the place itself wasn’t large. After handing the items over to Old Wan, Lin Mo—under Liu Rushuang’s strong insistence—drove the two women around South City’s two small scenic spots.
One was Songshan Temple, the other Jiutou Mountain.
It was already the sixth day of the holiday, and since it was afternoon, there were very few people around. When the three arrived, the atmosphere was quiet and still. They didn’t have to squeeze through crowds. As for the scenery—well, it wasn’t bad, but nothing remarkable either.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t be called “small” scenic spots. If the sites were vast and beautiful, South City would’ve long become a tourist destination.
Still, small scenic spots had their perks—they were free and open for anyone to enter.
After visiting the two spots, time was almost up. The three returned to the city, found a restaurant for dinner, and only then did Cousin Su He drive him home. They agreed to head back to Jiangning together the next day.
“Hey—ouch, ouch! Be gentle!”
As soon as Lin Mo walked through the door, he saw his dad lying on the sofa, grimacing and groaning in pain, while his mom massaged his back beside him.
“What’s going on?” Lin Mo couldn’t help but ask.
“Ah, son, you’re back. It’s nothing, just got tired while we were out playing,” said Comrade Old Lin with a grin from the sofa.
At that, Mom sighed helplessly and said, “He twisted his waist. I don’t even know if it’ll be better in the next couple of days.”
“Twisted your waist? How did that happen?” Lin Mo asked.
Hearing this, Comrade Old Lin pointed at his wife. “Your mom crushed me!”
Lin Mo’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Huh? Weren’t you two just out sightseeing? Still so full of energy? Don’t tell me you’re trying for a second child!”
He didn’t get it—did this happen before he came back?
Seeing his expression, Comrade Old Lin realized his son had misunderstood and quickly explained, “No, what are you thinking? Your mom and I were climbing a mountain, halfway up—”
“Halfway up the mountain? Makes sense. Why not go all the way to heaven while you’re at it?” Lin Mo interrupted.
Before he could finish, he felt a slap land on his back from Mom. “Your dad and I went hiking. Halfway up, we saw an old man in his sixties jogging uphill, muscles bulging. I just made a comment about it, and your dad here decided to prove himself by carrying me up the mountain! Two steps in—he twisted his back.”
“How old are you already, still thinking you’re some young lad? Serves you right!
I’ll go find some ointment. If it still hurts tomorrow, we’ll visit the hospital. Oh, right—son, did someone come by? I saw some stuff at the entrance.”
This time, Liu Rushuang hadn’t brought much—two bottles of liquor, a carton of cigarettes, and a bag of fruit.
“Yeah, my cousin and her classmate came to visit. It’s their first time here, and they felt bad coming empty-handed. She knows Dad likes drinking, so she brought some. Besides, we already know each other—her family owns the company I interned at,” Lin Mo explained his connection with Liu Rushuang.
Upon hearing that, the two elders finally understood who Liu Rushuang was. No wonder she’d brought gifts—it turned out she wasn’t just their niece’s classmate, but also their son’s former superior.
“I thought so. The girl looked extraordinary from the start. Still, she’s too polite! What should we do? Should we invite her over for dinner tomorrow?” Comrade Old Lin frowned, looking a little troubled.
They had already drunk her liquor and accepted her tea leaves the day before—how could they shamelessly accept even more?
Lin Mo waved his hand. “She and my cousin are leaving for Jiangning tomorrow, and I’m going with them. Just accept the gifts—it’s fine. I’ll find a way to return the favor later. Besides, with her background, it’s just a gesture of courtesy.”
Since he knew that Cousin Su He’s family also received gifts from Liu Rushuang, Lin Mo didn’t think too much about it. Gifts were gifts—he could always return the favor later.
Relationships were maintained through small exchanges. If he had the chance to meet Liu Rushuang’s parents in the future, he’d prepare a gift for them as well.
“Huh? You’re leaving tomorrow, son? So soon?” Mom, Zhou Min, asked in surprise.
Lin Mo nodded. “Yeah, I managed to get a carpool ride. Besides, there’s nothing much to do here, and I’ve got some matters to handle back in Jiangning, so I’ll head back two days early.
Anyway, let me take a look at Dad’s back. Luckily, your son learned a bit about massage and bone setting from his teacher.”
At that, both parents looked even more shocked than when he’d said he was leaving.
“Son, really? You actually know how to do massage and bone setting?” Comrade Old Lin asked, eyes wide.
“What are you saying, Dad? My teacher’s a professor at Jiangning Medical University, and also the deputy director at Jiangning Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Of course he taught me traditional medicine—what else, surgery?” Lin Mo said with a grin, pressing his hands against his father’s lower back.
Though skeptical at first, the two elders quickly realized they had underestimated their son.
“It’s fine, just a minor strain. I’ll give you a quick massage and adjustment. Mom can buy some medicated plasters from the pharmacy tomorrow and stick them on,” Lin Mo said as he assessed the situation, then began massaging while smiling.
“Hey? You don’t say—you really don’t say!” Comrade Old Lin exclaimed, feeling the pain ease.
Zhou Min said, “Then don’t say anything.”