The Lyn family had promised that if Lin Mo returned with them, they would provide his adoptive parents with a large sum of money—enough to ensure they lived comfortably for the rest of their lives. At the time, Lin Mo hadn't thought too much about it. He believed that even after returning to the Lyn family, he could still fulfill his filial duties to his adoptive parents while also securing financial stability for them.

However, reality proved different. The Lyn family never followed through on their promise. Not a single penny was given to his adoptive parents. This was something Lin Mo only realized later. Not only that, but the Lyn family also demanded that he could no longer call them "Mom" and "Dad." From that moment on, he was only allowed to refer to them as "Uncle" and "Aunt."

The memory of his adoptive parents' heartbroken expressions when he changed the way he addressed them still haunted him. Lin Mo regretted it deeply. Nothing in this world was more important than family love, but one had to distinguish who truly deserved that love.

Now, standing before the door of his adoptive parents' small home, Lin Mo hesitated to knock. Memories from his past life flooded his mind. He remembered how his adoptive parents would wake up at three or four in the morning to prepare food for sale, all to provide for him and give him the best life they could afford. He remembered how, in his previous life, after learning of his death, they had neither eaten nor drunk anything for three days and nights. Not long after, they too had passed away, consumed by grief.

He had caused them so much pain.

Just as he was about to knock, the door creaked open.

Standing in the doorway was his adoptive father, Yang Qing. Father and son locked eyes for a long time, neither of them speaking. The washbasin in Yang Qing's hands slipped and clattered to the floor.

"Are you getting old? How come you can't even hold a basin properly?"

A familiar voice came from inside the house. It was Fang Dongmei, Lin Mo's adoptive mother.

"Dad… Mom…" Lin Mo's voice trembled as he called out.

Yang Qing and Fang Dongmei froze in place, unable to believe what they had just heard. Then, as if breaking free from a spell, they rushed forward, embracing Lin Mo tightly. Their excitement was beyond words. Tears streamed down Fang Dongmei's face.

She had imagined countless times what it would be like if Lin Mo returned to call her "Mom" again, but she never thought this day would truly come.

"Hey, why are you crying? It's good that the boy is back to see us," Yang Qing said, attempting to mask his own emotions.

"You're one to talk! You're crying too!" Fang Dongmei shot back, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

The two of them laughed through their tears, while Lin Mo, his eyes red, gently wiped the moisture from their faces.

"Mom, Dad… I'm sorry for making you worry all this time."

"It's okay, child. We're fine. We eat well, sleep well—you don't have to worry about us." Yang Qing tried to act as though everything was normal, not wanting Lin Mo to feel burdened. In his heart, as long as Lin Mo was doing well with the Lyn family, he and Fang Dongmei were content.

"Why are you here so early in the morning? Have you eaten yet? Hurry, come inside!" Fang Dongmei said, ushering Lin Mo in.

"Look at you, coming over without warning. We didn't even prepare anything special. You don't mind, do you?" she asked apologetically.

On the small wooden table sat two bowls of rice porridge, a few steamed buns, and a small plate of pickled vegetables.

When Lin Mo had first been taken in by his adoptive parents, he had fallen gravely ill. His treatment had cost them all their savings. Later, they had gone into debt to ensure he received an education, and to this day, they still lived under financial strain.

"Of course, Shao must have already eaten at the Lyn family," Yang Qing muttered with a frown. "How can we serve him this kind of food?"

"That's true," Fang Dongmei agreed. "The Lyn family must have a rich breakfast spread every day. They probably have everything one could ever want to eat."

"No, Mom, Dad! I haven't eaten yet!" Lin Mo quickly reassured them, sitting down at the table. He picked up a steamed bun and took a big bite. "Your cooking is the best! I wouldn't trade it for anything!"

As he ate, a bright smile spread across his face, one he hadn't worn in a long time. Seeing that he didn't mind at all, the couple finally relaxed and smiled as well.

"By the way, Shao Mo, is there something you needed today?" Fang Dongmei asked hesitantly.

Lin Mo knew what she meant. Back then, when the Lyn family had taken him in, they had made it clear that he would only have one set of parents from then on. His surname had been changed, and contact with his adoptive parents had been strictly forbidden to avoid any "unnecessary gossip."

Today, that was going to change.