Chapter 259 Spoiled into Bad Habits

In the tea room, Leng Qinghua sat in front of a rosewood tea table, skillfully handling the tea set.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up. Her gaze first fell on Lu Er’s face, then shifted to Song Jingmo beside him.

“Mom.”

“Auntie.”

Lu Er and Song Jingmo spoke at the same time.

Today, Leng Qinghua wore a dark green velvet qipao. Her hair was neatly pinned up, and pearl earrings adorned her ears, giving her an elegant and dignified aura.

“Mm, sit.”

Her tone was calm as she gestured toward the seats across from her.

She then picked up the kettle of freshly boiled water and refilled the teapot, deftly beginning to brew a new pot of white tea.

Steam curled upward as the fragrance of tea slowly filled the room.

Lu Er and Song Jingmo sat opposite her, both a little restrained.

Leng Qinghua poured each of them a cup of tea. The amber liquid rippled gently in the white porcelain cups.

After they each took a sip, she asked Lu Er first, “How are things at the company? Have you wrapped up everything for the end of the year?”

Lu Er sat upright and answered honestly, “Yes, the year-end bonuses have been distributed, and next year’s budget and plans are basically finalized.”

“Mm.”

Leng Qinghua nodded, took a sip of tea, then asked, “What are your plans for next year?”

Lu Er glanced at Song Jingmo, then back at her, his tone carrying a hint of caution and eagerness to please. “Mom, I’m planning to start an entertainment company next year.”

“I’ll first sign Ye Qingge and Gu Jinzhou to the company. Their careers are on a great upward trend right now, and they’re willing to follow me…”

He had expected Leng Qinghua to frown and oppose it the moment she heard “entertainment,” just like before.

Unexpectedly, she simply set down her teacup and said calmly, “If you want to start a company, then do it properly. Just don’t get involved in that entertainment circle again—it’s too messy.”

As she spoke, her gaze swept briefly over Song Jingmo before returning to Lu Er. “Even the best relationships can’t withstand too many rumors. Living a stable, peaceful life is more important than anything.”

Song Jingmo’s fingers tightened slightly around his teacup.

Those words were clearly spoken with their relationship in mind.

Lu Er was also momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up.

“I understand, Mom. I’ll just be behind the scenes as the boss—I won’t step into the entertainment industry again.”

Under the table, Lu Er reached out and quietly held Song Jingmo’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Leng Qinghua gave a soft “mm” and didn’t continue the topic.

Her gaze shifted to Song Jingmo. “Your parents have been abroad for years and rarely come back. Will they return this New Year?”

Song Jingmo set down his cup and straightened his posture.

Meeting her scrutiny with a frank gaze, he replied, “The international situation has been unstable lately, and the country where my parents work is also experiencing ongoing conflicts. I’m afraid they won’t be able to return this year.”

“But they asked me to send their regards. On the first day of the New Year, I’ll take Er’er back to my hometown to visit my grandfather.”

At this, Leng Qinghua’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and her expression darkened slightly.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Lu Er’s heart tightened—he knew she was displeased again.

He quickly interjected, “Mom, Uncle Song and Aunt Qu came back last year. We had a meal together, and Aunt Qu even gave me a box of beautiful jewelry as a meeting gift.”

He spoke a bit quickly. “They’re really just busy with work this year—it’s not that they don’t take me seriously. I’ve met Aunt Qu abroad before, and she’s really kind to me.”

Song Jingmo picked up the thread at just the right moment, his tone sincere and apologetic. “Auntie, I’m truly sorry. My parents’ work is quite special, and their time isn’t their own.”

“But they genuinely support Er’er and me, and they’ve always said they would like to visit you properly when they have the chance. They’re very regretful they couldn’t come this time, so they specifically asked me to convey their apologies and greetings.”

Leng Qinghua looked at Song Jingmo’s earnest expression, then at her son, who was clearly anxious to defend him.

After a few seconds of silence, her expression finally softened a little.

She didn’t say anything more, only picked up the teapot again and refilled their cups with hot tea.

Lu Chen and Luo Bingbing also came into the tea room. As they chatted over tea, the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed.

Lu Chen asked about the future development of Song Jingmo’s hospital, while Lu Er and Leng Qinghua discussed preparations for the entertainment company.

After more than an hour, a servant came to inform them that the meal was ready.

In the dining room, the long table was already filled with a lavish spread of dishes, rich in color, aroma, and flavor—overflowing with the festive spirit of the New Year.

At the center was a roasted suckling pig, along with whole roasted fish, lotus leaf chicken, blanched shrimp, king crab…

Leng Qinghua took her seat at the head of the table.

Lu Chen sat on her left, with Luo Bingbing beside him.

Lu Er sat on her right, and Song Jingmo next to Lu Er.

As soon as they sat down, Lu Er noticed something unusual—a small white porcelain stew cup placed beside Song Jingmo’s tableware.

Curious, he lifted the lid.

Inside was golden, silky steamed egg custard.

It was garnished with finely chopped green onions and pink shrimp, with gentle steam rising from it.

Lu Er froze, instinctively looking toward Leng Qinghua.

She was wiping her hands with a warm towel, as if she hadn’t noticed his gaze at all.

Luo Bingbing, sitting across from them, smiled. “Mom specially asked the kitchen to prepare that for Jingmo. Jingmo, give it a try—our cook’s egg custard is amazing.”

The table fell silent.

A hint of a smile flickered in Lu Chen’s eyes. Lu Er stared at Leng Qinghua without blinking, his nose tingling.

Song Jingmo was also taken aback.

Looking at the simple bowl of steaming egg custard in front of him, then at Leng Qinghua—who still wore a calm expression—warmth spread through his chest.

He picked up a spoon, scooped a small bite, blew on it, and put it into his mouth.

The custard was incredibly smooth, melting instantly. The seasoning was just right, carrying the natural fragrance of eggs and the sweetness of shrimp.

“It’s delicious. I really like it.”

Setting down the spoon, he looked at Leng Qinghua, his voice softer and more solemn than usual. “Thank you, Auntie, for going to the trouble.”

Only then did Leng Qinghua lift her eyes to look at him. Her gaze lingered for a brief moment before shifting away.

She picked up the serving chopsticks and placed a piece of chicken into Lu Er’s bowl.

Her tone remained cool. “If you like it, eat more. Don’t be so reserved—just be like when you were a child.”

Watching this scene, Lu Er nearly burst into tears.

He quickly lowered his head and shoveled a big mouthful of rice into his mouth to hide his reddening eyes.

This time, he and Song Jingmo could finally welcome the coming New Year with peace of mind.

The door of home had truly opened for them.

At the table, Song Jingmo habitually peeled shrimp and placed them into Lu Er’s bowl.

Leng Qinghua frowned at the sight. “Let him eat by himself. He’s not a child—don’t spoil him into bad habits.”

Lu Er shrank his neck, not daring to make Song Jingmo do anything for him anymore.

Luo Bingbing laughed. “Your relationship is so good, I can’t help but feel envious.”

Hearing that, Lu Chen peeled a shrimp and placed it into Luo Bingbing’s bowl. “Here—still envious?”

Lu Er: “…”