Chapter 51. Deepening Guilt

“The number of employees is decent.”

“Right now, it’s still just a small company.”

Li Mo knew Liu Pingping would definitely want to visit the company, so he didn’t elaborate further. There was no hiding his Qingyan Investment from her.

Liu Pingping nodded, feeling it matched what she had imagined, so she didn’t press further. If he didn’t want to talk much about it, the company probably wasn’t very large. There was no need to keep asking.

“Take a seat for now. I’ll cook for you.”

Li Mo’s home was fully stocked with all kinds of ingredients, and the kitchen was astonishingly spacious. As she tied on an apron and stepped inside, Liu Pingping realized even more just how cramped her own life had been before. Among her colleagues, her apartment had been considered quite large—but compared to Li Mo’s home, it was nothing.

Now she understood why Yanyan refused to leave this place. It made perfect sense. With such a luxurious lifestyle—private fitness trainers, nutritionists preparing meals, a swimming pool just outside, and a home in one of the most expensive districts—who would ever want to leave?

Besides, Su Qingyan had always been extremely close to Li Mo. It was no surprise she chose to stay here. Liu Pingping clearly remembered how, back when Su Qingyan was still in elementary school, Li Mo had doted on her as if she were his own sister—holding her in his hands, afraid she might fly away.

While Su Qingyan cooked, Li Mo, freshly showered, sat in the living room waiting for the meal. He could sense it—after last night, Liu Pingping had grown much closer to him. At the very least, she no longer carried the faint hostility she had during their phone calls before.

If he continued to build their relationship step by step, he might eventually make her accept his relationship with Yanyan.

Still, Liu Pingping didn’t look her age at all. At forty-five, she was just as beautiful as when he first met her. That mature, time-tempered charm was something most women didn’t possess. Time really seemed to have no effect on some women.

“Alright, Xiaomo, dinner’s ready.”

Li Mo quickly stood and went to the kitchen to help bring out the dishes.

“Just a few simple home-cooked dishes—the ones you liked most back in Suzhou.”

“But Xiaomo, you don’t have to help. You probably aren’t used to this anymore, with servants doing everything for you now.”

Li Mo calmly carried the dishes to the table.

“I can’t just let others do everything for me. Even if I could, sitting around all day would turn me useless.”

“Besides, helping you is something I’d never pass up. Even though Xiaoxiao and I divorced, in my heart, you’ll always be Mom.”

His words made Liu Pingping emotional again, her heart swelling with warmth. It seemed this child really did hold deep affection for her.

Now, she couldn’t help but think—if only Xiaoxiao hadn’t divorced him.

Back then, both she and Xiaoxiao had thought he was too ordinary. But now? There was nothing ordinary about Li Mo. At the very least, his wealth and abilities were no weaker than Xiaoxiao’s—if not greater.

She still didn’t know exactly how much he was worth, but she couldn’t stop herself from speculating.

“Mom, your cooking is just as amazing as it was back in Suzhou.”

Li Mo studied Liu Pingping across the table, marveling at how a woman her age could still have such flawless, smooth skin without even wearing makeup. Not a single wrinkle. It was practically a miracle.

But then again, it must be genetics—otherwise, she wouldn’t have given birth to two stunning beauties like Xiaoxiao and Yanyan.

“If it’s good, eat more. Once I go to Xiaoxiao’s place, you won’t get many chances like this.”

Hearing that she planned to leave, Li Mo quickly stopped her. He didn’t want to miss this opportunity to strengthen their bond. Without her support, things with Yanyan would be much harder.

“Mom, you can’t go.”

The reluctance in his voice made Liu Pingping look at him in surprise, though warmth still filled her chest.

“What’s wrong?”

Li Mo spoke earnestly.

“Mom, I don’t want you to leave. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. And you know, in the future, we might not get many chances to meet.”

Liu Pingping felt a pang of melancholy.

It was true—she and Li Mo were essentially unrelated now. Even though he still called her “Mom” so affectionately… how often would they really see each other after this?

“Besides, Yanyan is here too. If you want to talk to her, isn’t it easier if you stay?”

“If you don’t convince her, what was the point of coming here in the first place?”

That last sentence shattered Liu Pingping’s resolve.

She nearly teared up, but she was good at controlling her emotions.

Even though they were no longer connected, Li Mo still called her “Mom” so sincerely. He was treating her so well—even urging her to stay. Clearly, his feelings for her ran deep.

Most people, after divorcing, would cut off all ties with their ex’s family. But Li Mo? Even exhausted from drinking last night, he had rushed to the noisy train station to pick her up, fussing over her comfort and buying her hot drinks.

Wasn’t that exactly what a real son would do?

The more she thought about it, the deeper her guilt grew.

She wanted to speak, but she feared her voice would tremble. In the end, she just kept eating in silence.

Li Mo sensed her emotional shift and wisely said nothing. Liu Pingping’s heart was in turmoil—it was better not to push her further.

After dinner, when Liu Pingping moved to wash the dishes, Li Mo stopped her.

“Mom, go get ready first. You always care about that.”

Even though Liu Pingping looked stunning without makeup, she still preferred wearing light makeup every day.

“Mm.”

Her mind still in knots, Liu Pingping returned to her room to freshen up.

When Li Mo called for her at the villa’s entrance, she stepped out in her high heels.

“What is it, Xiaomo?”

“Mom, let’s go for a drive. The weather’s nice today—not too hot.”

Seizing the moment, Li Mo wanted to deepen their connection even more.

Liu Pingping got into the car and sat beside him, already overwhelmed with emotion.

She reached out and took his hand in hers, holding it warmly—a gesture of closeness. Right now, her heart truly did feel tied to his.

“Mr. Mo, aren’t we going to the company?”

“The company’s been incredibly busy lately.”

Xiao Liu sounded puzzled.

“Work doesn’t matter. Being with Mom is what’s important.”