Chapter 49. Unwavering Filial Piety Moves Liu Pingping

Liu Pingping wasn’t like most women from rural areas.

At that time, she was far more knowledgeable and worldly than the average woman.

When it came to emerging technologies like the internet, she was well-informed—unlike some older women who struggled to even use a basic phone.

She recognized this car.

A Rolls-Royce. Even the cheapest model cost millions.

But the one in front of her was clearly no ordinary Rolls-Royce.

It was noticeably longer than the standard version—likely a custom edition.

In the world of luxury cars…

Even the smallest modifications could add a hefty price tag.

There was no such thing as “value for money” here.

Yet for the wealthy, that didn’t seem to matter.

After all, some were willing to pay tens of thousands for a simple handbag.

Li Mo drives a Rolls-Royce now?

He couldn’t be lying, could he?

“Mr. Mo, you’re here. Please, get in.”

The driver, Xiao Liu, spoke respectfully.

“Mom, let’s go.”

Holding Liu Pingping’s delicate hand, Li Mo guided her into the Rolls-Royce.

“Take us home.”

As the car began moving, Li Mo leaned back into the plush rear seat.

He was truly exhausted.

“Xiao Mo… is this car yours?”

Liu Pingping could hardly believe her eyes.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined Li Mo riding in a Rolls-Royce—with a personal driver, no less.

Even renting a car like this for a day would cost at least five or six thousand yuan.

And hiring a driver on top of that?

“Yes, Mom. I bought it not too long ago.”

“In business, appearances matter.”

“If you don’t look the part, people won’t take you seriously.”

Li Mo thought back to when he had invested in Ma Tengyun.

On the first day, the man had been so excited he chugged an entire beer bottle in one go—desperate for funding.

But by the second day, Ma Tengyun had already started doubting the legitimacy of the investment.

In the world of capital, image was everything.

Liu Pingping nodded slowly.

From Li Mo’s brief explanation, she pieced together a lot.

He wasn’t just some corporate drone, drinking with bosses late into the night.

He was running his own business—and doing extremely well, judging by this luxury car.

Her slender legs, clad in black stockings, pressed together nervously.

Her mind reeled, struggling to process what she was seeing.

No matter how hard she thought, she couldn’t fathom what kind of opportunity could transform an unemployed man into a Rolls-Royce owner with a private chauffeur in just a few months.

It was staggering.

“Xiao Mo… you’re in business now?”

Li Mo studied Liu Pingping.

It only reinforced his belief in the power of genetics.

Only a woman as beautiful as her could have given birth to two campus belles.

And Su Qingyan…

She was truly a beauty among beauties.

“Mm.”

“Mom, I’ve invested in a few small ventures.”

“Mostly internet-related.”

He didn’t hide it, but he didn’t elaborate either.

As for his relationship with Su Qingyan…

That could wait.

For now, he wanted to strengthen his bond with Liu Pingping.

It might make things easier when the truth eventually came out.

“The internet?”

“It’s booming right now.”

“I use GPRS to go online every day—my 60MB monthly data plan isn’t even enough.”

Liu Pingping was no novice.

She browsed news portals regularly, occasionally shopped on eBay-like sites, and was quite tech-savvy.

“I never imagined you’d become an internet investor.”

She studied Li Mo, seeing him in a new light.

Before, she had only thought of him as decent-looking but painfully ordinary—just another face in the crowd.

But now…

She couldn’t figure him out.

Going from nothing to a Rolls-Royce and a personal driver in months?

What on earth happened?

Most likely, he had secured major funding.

With all the venture capital pouring into internet startups these days, a solid business plan could make it possible.

Her curiosity burned, but…

She couldn’t pry too much.

Technically, even though Li Mo still called her “Mom,”

he and Su Xiaoxiao were already divorced.

They had no real ties anymore.

Then Li Mo took her hand again.

“Mom, you’re not as cold now.”

“But next time, don’t just wear stockings in Shenzhen at night.”

“It gets chilly.”

It struck him—Liu Pingping truly loved black stockings.

She had worn them since the day they first met, never changing.

Yan Yan…

Probably only wore them because he liked them.

Su Xiaoxiao, on the other hand, never did.

“I’ll be more careful next time.”

She patted his head affectionately, the way a doting elder would.

No matter what, she wouldn’t forget his kindness.

Then, almost casually, she brought up Su Qingyan.

“Xiao Mo… is Yan Yan still staying with you?”

Li Mo nodded.

There was no point hiding it.

Now that she was here, she’d find out sooner or later.

“Mm.”

“Mom, she’s gotten used to living at my place.”

“Xiaoxiao never paid much attention to her, so she doesn’t want to go there.”

Liu Pingping fell silent.

She knew all too well.

Like Su Xiaoxiao, she had always prioritized career over family.

Spending time with her children had never been a priority.

Back in Suzhou, the only time Su Qingyan ever lit up was when Li Mo visited.

It was as if he were her real older brother.

No one could deny how much he doted on her.

“Still, it’s not ideal for her to live with you.”

“Your place is too small—sharing one bathroom is inconvenient.”

“It must be uncomfortable in many ways.”

Her voice was soft, but her intentions clear.

She wanted to resolve the matter of Su Qingyan’s relationship quickly.

And she wanted her to move in with Su Xiaoxiao.

No matter what, the living conditions there were better.

As the Rolls-Royce navigated the sea of traffic, Liu Pingping suddenly realized something.

This wasn’t the usual route.

“Xiao Mo… this isn’t the way we usually go, is it?”

“Taking a detour just wastes gas.”

“You’re still building your business—every penny counts.”

Li Mo replied calmly, “I sold that apartment.”

It wasn’t a secret, so he saw no reason to hide it.

That place had neither comfort nor investment potential worth keeping.

“What? You sold it?”

Instinctively, Liu Pingping grew concerned.

It seemed Li Mo had liquidated his home to fund his company.

She knew how internet startups worked.

If it could reach the scale of NetEase or Sina,

It would naturally make a lot of money.

But most internet companies

Seemed to lose everything easily.

This was why domestic venture capitalists were reluctant to invest in the internet industry.

“Xiao Mo, no matter what, having a house means having a home.”

“Even if your business fails, as long as you have the house, you still have a home.”

“The down payment for that house came from your parents.”

“And you’ve been paying the mortgage for so many years.”

“Now, the property value has risen significantly. Selling it for a startup is too reckless.”

Li Mo never let go of Liu Pingping’s delicate hand.

By now, he had warmed it thoroughly.

“It’s fine, don’t worry, Mom.”

“I’ve bought a new house. You’ll see when we get there.”

“Don’t worry, this new house—just like you said—”

“Will still be a home even if my business fails.”

Li Mo followed Liu Pingping’s reasoning.

With elders, this was the proper way to respond.

“You bought a new house?”

“Mhm.”

“It’s more spacious and brighter than the old one.”

“Now, Yan Yan also comes back often.”

“But today, she’s staying at school.”

“Her studies have been pretty busy lately.”

“She needs to focus on her work.”

Hearing that Su Qingyan was studying hard,

Liu Pingping felt a little relieved.

But the issue of Su Qingyan dating still weighed heavily on her.

However, Li Mo probably didn’t have the time to deal with that.

If she wanted to catch Su Qingyan in a relationship,

She’d have to follow her herself.

“Xiao Mo, this time, I’ve taken a long leave to come to Shenzhen.”

“It’s all for Yan Yan’s studies.”

“I hope she doesn’t go down the wrong path.”

“I hope you’ll support me too.”

Li Mo nodded.

“I understand, Mom. I’ll support you in this.”

Then, he asked:

“Mom, how long do you plan to stay this time?”

Liu Pingping thought for a moment.

“Maybe three months.”

“If the problem isn’t resolved, it might be six months or even a year.”

“I took a long leave—it can be extended.”

“Looking back, I realize I didn’t pay enough attention to my child’s life before.”

“This time in Shenzhen, I want to make up for it.”

“I wasn’t a very good mother in the past.”

Li Mo held Liu Pingping’s hand.

“Don’t worry.”

“You can stay at my place as long as you need.”

“If you want to go out,”

“Or go shopping, just let me know.”

“I’ll cover all the expenses.”

Liu Pingping realized—

If Su Qingyan’s issue wasn’t resolved,

She really would have to stay at Li Mo’s place.

After all, Su Qingyan’s personality was… unique.

She refused to leave Li Mo’s side,

And Liu Pingping couldn’t force her.

Why does this girl like living with Li Mo so much?

Now things are really complicated.

Li Mo had bought a new house,

But with two women in a confined space,

Would there be awkwardness in the future?

“Child, I can’t let you cover all the expenses.”

“Mom has money.”

Feeling the warmth of Li Mo’s hand,

That sense of guilt continued to spread inside her.

“It’s not right for you to keep calling me ‘Mom’ like this.”

“Why don’t you officially become my son?”

“I’ll treat you as my own, and we won’t let Xiao Xiao know.”

She realized—she couldn’t bear to let go of Li Mo.

At the very least, he had once been like a son to her.

If she never saw Li Mo again in the future,

Her heart would ache with regret.

But if she adopted him as her son,

They could still meet often.

As long as her eldest daughter didn’t find out,

She wouldn’t get angry.

“Let’s not, Mom. I think things are fine as they are.”

“We can reconsider later.”

Li Mo knew he was going to marry Su Qingyan.

To him,

Liu Pingping’s role wouldn’t change much.

But right now…

It wasn’t the best time to explain the situation.

Liu Pingping, of course, didn’t understand Li Mo’s deeper meaning.

She just murmured an “Mmm.”

As for how to handle her relationship with Li Mo in the future,

She felt deeply conflicted.

But one thing was certain—

She truly couldn’t bear to part with him.

THE NEW VILLA

The car continued driving,

Until finally, they arrived at Li Mo’s villa.

The area around the villa was quiet,

But the nearby police station ensured safety.

The streets were well-lit,

And surveillance cameras were everywhere.

“We’re here, Mom.”

“Let’s go.”

Holding Liu Pingping’s hand, he helped her out of the car.

Only then did Li Mo’s new home fully reveal itself.

“This…”

“This is your house?”

Liu Pingping couldn’t believe her eyes.

Everything in front of her felt like a dream.

Before her stood a luxurious single-family villa,

Located in Shenzhen’s high-tech district—one of the most prosperous areas.

The surroundings boasted beautiful scenery and prime real estate.

Just how much would a house here cost?

Liu Pingping didn’t even dare to imagine!

At least 30 million yuan!

If Xiao Xiao’s company went public,

She might be able to afford a villa like this.

But how could Li Mo afford it?

Even if he secured massive investments,

He couldn’t just openly use company funds to buy himself a house and car, right?

Yet here he was—

Arriving in a Rolls-Royce,

Living in a luxury villa in the most elite district,

With a private swimming pool in the courtyard.

This kind of life only existed in TV dramas!

“Mhm.”

“Mom, I bought this house.”

“Because it’s close to my company,”

“I chose this location.”

“Plus, the area is excellent—”

“All the amenities are top-tier.”

“Living here is very convenient.”

“Mom, let’s go inside. It’s cold out.”

Li Mo led the dazed Liu Pingping into the villa.

Once inside,

Liu Pingping stared at the opulent interiors, realizing—

Though she had seen much in life,

A place like this…

She had only ever seen in magazines or news reports.

For ordinary people,

Such luxury was just a distant fantasy.

But now, Li Mo owned a villa like this?

“Xiao Mo… this house is really yours?”

Li Mo could see it—

Liu Pingping’s disbelief.

He didn’t hide anything.

Before, Liu Pingping had always doubted his career.

Now, letting her see his success

Would reduce future resistance when he and Su Qingyan got together.

“Mhm.”

“Mom, let’s go upstairs.”

Still holding her hand, Li Mo guided her up.

Liu Pingping kept looking around,

Her shock was far from subsiding.

“Mom, this is the home theater.”

“You used to love watching movies, right?”

“Now, we can watch them right at home.”