From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

When I returned to the main room, my mother was already preparing lunch.

The two chatted and laughed as they walked back to the main room. My mother had already prepared the ingredients and was busy in the kitchen preparing lunch.

Hearing us come in, my mom looked up and glanced at us, asking, "What were you two whispering about outside for so long?"

"It's nothing, we just chatted about work for a bit," I casually brushed it off.

My mother nodded thoughtfully, put down the groceries she was holding, and turned to look at Su Qing with tenderness:

"Don't be shy, young lady. Sit wherever you like and make yourself at home."

"Thank you, Auntie. You're welcome."

Su Qing smiled gently and obediently, her eyes crinkling with a smile, a stark contrast to her usual arrogant demeanor when she bickered with me.

My mom immediately grabbed my hand and dragged me to the kitchen, saying she wanted me to help her prepare lunch.

The next second, my mom reached out and grabbed my wrist, pulled me into the kitchen, and closed the door behind her.

I knew in my heart that she had pulled me in alone because she had something important to ask me.

I spoke first, "Mom, what's wrong?"

My mother looked at me intently, staring into my eyes, and said, word by word:

"Yezi, Mom has a question for you. Tell Mom the truth. What's your relationship with that pretty girl outside?"

I know my mom too well.

She appears easygoing and soft-hearted, and doesn't usually meddle in other people's business, but she's very perceptive.

She can see through any deceptive lie at a glance.

I didn't dare lie, so I explained honestly, "She's currently sharing a place with me in the same courtyard. Her family is well-off, but she had a falling out with her family and moved out on her own. I was really grateful for her help a while ago, and since she had nothing else to do this time, she came back with me to clear her head."

My mom listened intently, her expression unchanged, and only pressed on after I finished speaking: "You two are just roommates? No other involvement?"

I sighed helplessly, "Mom, we're really just ordinary friends. She called me 'boss' just to save face and get me out of an awkward situation."

"So what do you think of this girl? Mom thinks she's pretty, has a good personality, is reliable and sensible."

My mom asked that question because she clearly had her eye on Su Qing.

I quickly waved my hand: "Mom, don't think such things, there's really no way we can be together."

I paused, then added earnestly, "I know you've always hoped I'd settle down and have someone to take care of me. But these things can't be rushed. It's not that I'm against dating, it's just that I haven't met the right person yet."

My mother sighed softly and said, "I know that urging you to get married has put a lot of pressure on you. But you know my health is unstable. My biggest wish is to see you settle down, start a family, and have someone to accompany you before I can be completely at ease."

Hearing my mother's heartfelt words, my nose tingled with emotion, and I quickly comforted her:

"Mom, don't talk nonsense. It's just ordinary high blood pressure. If you take your medicine and take care of yourself, it's not that scary at all. You will definitely live to be a hundred."

Just as he finished speaking, a clear and gentle female voice suddenly came from the kitchen doorway.

"Yes, Auntie, please don't worry too much. You'll definitely live to be a hundred and in good health!"

Su Qing appeared at the doorway at some point. She smiled faintly, turned her gaze to me, and continued speaking:

"And Lin Ye didn't tell you the truth, I'm actually his girlfriend."

I stared at her in astonishment. My mother was also stunned for a moment, looking at Su Qing with a shocked expression before quickly turning to look at me.

Su Qing walked gracefully into the kitchen, smiling gently as she said, "Auntie, I'm sorry, I overheard your conversation. Lin Ye was just too worried, afraid that the relationship would be unstable, so he didn't dare to tell you the truth."

She continued clearly and logically, "Think about it, if we were just ordinary friends, why would I go back to his hometown alone and share a courtyard with him?"

I was completely stunned; my mind went blank.

I have absolutely no idea what's gotten into Su Qing suddenly, giving herself the title of girlfriend out of nowhere.

My mother was stunned for a long time before looking at me again with a hint of excitement to confirm, "Yezi, what she said... is it true?"

My mouth was slightly open, and I stammered, completely at a loss for words.

Before I could even open my mouth to explain, Su Qing had already strode forward, casually taking my arm, and said with a smile:

"Auntie, it's true. We just started dating not long ago, and Lin Ye was afraid that things wouldn't be stable and would disappoint you, so he kept it from you."

"I came back with him this time specifically to see you and pay a formal visit."

I'm completely stunned, utterly impressed by this girl.

She's truly fearless, daring to say anything without considering the consequences.

This put me in a dilemma, unable to back down.

After a brief silence, a radiant smile instantly bloomed on my mother's face. She nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with undisguised joy.

"Great! Great! This is fantastic news!"

As she spoke, she gave me a reproachful sideways glance: "You silly child, why are you keeping such a good thing a secret!"

"I..." I hesitated, not knowing how to explain.

Just as I was about to speak the truth, a slight stinging pain suddenly came from my arm.

Su Qing secretly pinched me and gave me a look to tell me not to say anything out of line.

I had no choice but to bite the bullet and nod stiffly, forcing an awkward smile:

"Yes... I was overthinking it. I was thinking of telling you after things had settled down a bit."

My mom breathed a long sigh of relief, her face full of satisfaction: "What's there to worry about! What a wonderful girl! She's beautiful and has a great personality. I fell for her at first sight!"

Upon hearing this, Su Qing smiled even more sweetly, displaying her obedient and sensible nature.

My mom was in a great mood and quickly waved her hand, urging, "You two, don't stay in the kitchen getting covered in fumes. Go outside and sit down for a chat. We'll just cook a couple of simple dishes for lunch, and I'll specially kill a chicken tonight to treat you properly."

"Auntie, let me help you!" Su Qing said politely.

"No need, no need!" My mom smiled broadly and declined repeatedly. "It's just two simple home-cooked dishes, they'll be ready soon. You two go and rest."

"Thank you for your hard work, Auntie," Su Qing replied obediently.

My mom smiled and waved her hand, urging us to leave the kitchen.

As soon as I stepped out of the kitchen gate, I immediately lowered my voice and asked her, "What are you up to now? Why are you spouting nonsense?"

Su Qing reverted to her usual arrogant and carefree demeanor, looking at me with an air of complete entitlement:

"Don't you understand? Your aunt's biggest wish is to see you settle down and have a family. She's always been concerned about this, and I'm just helping her fulfill that wish."

"I know she's worried about me, but you can't lie to her! Saying you're my girlfriend, that's a huge lie!" I had a terrible headache.

Su Qing sighed softly, looked at me seriously, and said, "This is not a lie meant to harm people, but a white lie."