"Enough," Yu Mei stopped the woman. Something about all this made her blood boil and even though Shen Lihua was speaking so casually, Yu Mei could feel her heart trembling at the thought of him going through something so horrible.

"…He was bullied again and again and I as a mother could do nothing. One day, a servant pushed him off the stairs accusing him of stealing something.."

Yu Mei pursed her lips as she felt the grip on her hand tightening slightly.

"And that family believed her while my son was labeled as a thief. The man who was supposedly his father stood at the sidelines, watching everything quietly. I took the boys and came back to Beijing to my family. My parents passed away soon after and I went into depression. It was only then did the boy speak for the first time. He told me that he will handle everything.." Shen Lihua stared at nowhere in particular as she reminisced that day, "I took it as a joke but he did not explain anything further. He even took care of his younger brother. Boyan is closer to Ah Xuan than he is to me. Over the years, I watched him slowly taking over everything he deserved."

"I-" Yu Mei did not know what to say. Her heart ached for him.

"Let me finish, Mei'er. I…I am a horrible mother," Tears rolled down her eyes, "I forced him to marry you using my health as a bait when I knew he deeply loved someone else back then."

Yu Mei froze. Is it that woman he could never forget?

"But because of everything I owed to your mother, I never backed out from my decision. I was ruthless to him and he might have detested me in his heart…" Her chest heaved up and down as she coughed.

Yu Mei stood up before stroking her back, "I don't think he ever detested you. He must be upset, yes. What you did was ruthless but you had your reasons and he understands. I don't think your son is the kind of man who will hold grudges against his loved ones. He is powerful enough to deal with his issues so you should not be worried about him. Take care of your health. Moreover, I am always there with him."

Shen Lihua's eyes teared up once again, "I'm so glad to see you both getting closer. Just never doubt his feelings towards you. Unlike his father, my boy will never hurt the woman in his life. He will always be faithful. Don't dwell on his past. Just remember that you are his present and future."

Yu Mei paused for a moment before letting out a soft sigh, "Alright, mother-in-law, can you not talk so nicely with me? I'm getting goosebumps, already," She rubbed her arms.

Shen Lihua slapped her palm, "You are so childish."

"By the way, do they know about this? I mean…the Jun Family…"

"No, they don't know anything. They are so influential and I had asked Ah Xuan to not provoke them."

Yu Mei: "_"

Do you know that your son is more powerful than them?

Alas, the conclusion of everything was that in order to not give Shen Lihua further stress, her son had just wrapped it up in the simplest way.

He had his control not only on the business field but also the politics and military. While Shen Lihua was convinced that her son was a top business tycoon, the man on the other hand was already dominating the globe.

Yu Mei ended up smiling.

*Flashback ended*

"We're here, you are still lost in your thoughts," Jun Zixuan opened the door for her.

She alighted the car taking his hand, "The young Zixuan must have been adorable," She stood on her tiptoes before pressing a soft kiss on his cheek.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, "Probably not."

"How could you say that? I wish I was your childhood sweetheart and we could've grown up together, shared lunch boxes, played games and there are many such things we could have done together."

Jun Zixuan chuckled, "Where's the fun in that? As kids, you could have only kissed on my cheek. While now…" He pressed a kiss on her lips, "I can do this to you. We can share French Kisses, play blindfold, and grow together literally.''

Her face turned red at his insinuations, "Rogue."

"Rogue or not, still yours."

She laughed, "Alright, I'll go now."

"Let's go."

"Where are you coming?" Her brows furrowed.

"With you."

"But I'm going to meet Li Shuang. What will you do there?" She frowned as the man dragged her towards the lift.

"I'll back you up."

"But I am not going on some war," Yu Mei was speechless at his antics.

As the trio sat on the couch in the small living room, the atmosphere around was frustratingly awkward.

Li Shuang remained quiet for a few seconds before opening her mouth, "How are you feeling now?"

"I'm good. What about you?" Yu Mei inwardly cursed Zhu Boqin. That bad egg made everything so uncomfortable between her and Li Shuang.

"I'm alright," She nodded, "What do you both want? Tea or coffee?"

Yu Mei waved her hand, "Nothing. I…Shuang, are you angry?" In fact, she wanted to meet Li Shuang as soon as she was discharged from the hospital but she thought, the woman would want some time alone.

"Why will I be angry?"

"I did not know he was there in my room," Yu Mei did not know what to say at a time like this, "I don't know how to make you feel good about this as everything that happened was too much…" The more she spoke, the more jumbled her words got and she was tongue-tied towards the end.

Li Shuang lowered her head.

"At least, you did not end up marrying him. You should see the positive side here."

"_"

Yu Mei glared at Jun Zixuan. Is he consoling her or sprinkling salt on her wound?