8mi Chapter 129
Chapter 129
Chapter 129: The Balance Between Morality and DesireThe suitcase sat in a conspicuous spot…it was clear someone was planning to leave.
Su Xiaoxiao assumed it belonged to Liu Pingping. After all, Liu Pingping’s work kept her busy, and she often left home even during holidays.
“No, I’m not going anywhere.”
Liu Pingping didn’t know how to explain things to Su Xiaoxiao. But she also couldn’t stop Su Qingyan from leaving.
No matter what, she had to support Su Qingyan’s decision. Her relationship with Li Mo had reached a point where nothing could stop it.
“So it’s my sister who’s leaving?”
Su Qingyan walked over and hugged Su Xiaoxiao’s arm.
“Sis, I made plans to hang out with some classmates. All girls.”
Though she felt guilty toward Su Xiaoxiao, she also knew this wasn’t her fault.
Su Xiaoxiao had been the one to reject Li Mo first. What was wrong with her being with him now?
Still, Su Xiaoxiao was her sister. That made Su Qingyan’s feelings complicated.
She didn’t know if they could still feel like family after this. Maybe… they’d break ties completely.
“Mm…”
Su Xiaoxiao changed out of her boots and slipped into house slippers.
She looked around at the cozy home, and for some reason, a sudden ache hit her heart.
She felt a strange sadness…one she had felt once before not long ago.
“Yanyan, what happened with that guy you were obsessed with at school? Did you break up?”
Su Qingyan didn’t know how to respond.
She simply said, “It’s… complicated.”
Liu Pingping chimed in, “Let’s not talk about that now. It’s New Year’s…let’s enjoy the holiday.”
Su Xiaoxiao sat on the sofa. Though she was supposed to enjoy the peace of being home, her mind was consumed by the company’s IPO and the upcoming celebration banquet.
She had already begun planning the guest list…business partners from over the years, social elites, influencers. Everyone had to be there.
Xiaoxiao Beauty had to make a splash and continue expanding. That was the only way to increase its market value.
“After this IPO, my net worth should hit 300 million,” Su Xiaoxiao thought.
And as the company grew, her valuation could reach a billion. That would be astronomical.
“Sweetheart, what are you thinking about?”
Liu Pingping brought over a warm drink and placed it beside Su Xiaoxiao.
She held her daughter’s hand affectionately.
“Mom… nothing much. Just thinking about the IPO.”
Liu Pingping felt conflicted. She didn’t know how to respond.
“Sweetheart, I think in life, these external things aren’t always as important as they seem.”
“You’ve already proven your excellence. Maybe it’s time to relax a little.”
Looking at Liu Pingping, Su Xiaoxiao felt she was a stranger.
She used to push her relentlessly to earn money and fulfill her potential.
But now… she seemed like a different person.
It had only been six months. What had Liu Pingping gone through?
Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
“Mom… is that really something you’d say?”
Liu Pingping knew she couldn’t explain the changes she’d undergone in the past half year.
The conversation fell silent.
“Mom, the IPO is already set. Once the company goes public, I’ll cash out some shares to get money in hand.”
“Whatever you want, just tell me.”
“I plan to cash out fifty million.”
Su Xiaoxiao understood the difference between net worth and liquidity.
If not for business appearances, she wouldn’t have bought a Ferrari.
Maybe she’d consider switching to a Bentley next.
“I don’t want anything. I just want you to be safe and happy.”
Liu Pingping hugged Su Xiaoxiao tightly, reluctant to let go.
Su Xiaoxiao found it strange, but couldn’t pinpoint what felt off.
An hour later, Su Qingyan checked her flight time and said goodbye to Su Xiaoxiao and Liu Pingping.
“Mom, Sis, I’m heading out. I won’t be spending New Year’s with you this time.”
Su Xiaoxiao nodded.
“Go ahead.”
Her mind was still preoccupied with the IPO, so she didn’t pay much attention to Su Qingyan.
Soon, Su Qingyan left the house.
“Mom, you don’t look very happy.”
Su Xiaoxiao noticed Liu Pingping’s low spirits. She looked like she’d taken a heavy blow.
Su Xiaoxiao had never seen her proud mother like this before.
Had something happened?
“I’m fine. Let’s make dumplings, Xiaoxiao.”
The mother and daughter headed to the kitchen to prepare dumplings for New Year’s Eve.
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