Lettie stayed silent, heading to heat up dinner.

They ate in silence.

Then, Lettie spoke softly. "I'll be heading to Tashkao next week.

Your aunt just had a grandson and she needs help taking care of both the mother and the baby."

Jessie was taken aback.

Lettie gazed at Jessie with tears welling up in her eyes before resuming her meal quietly.

Jessie's voice quivered, "Mom!"

Lettie remained composed. “I'm just visiting. I might consider settling there though if I like it because I heard housing's quite affordable there."

Jessie got her meaning.

Before Jessie could speak, Lettie interjected, moving to the window.

She glanced at the black car below. After a moment, she murmured, "Jessie... Being a stepmother isn't easy. Think it through."

After Lettie finished speaking, tears glistened in Jessie's eyes as she whispered, "Mom, I never even considered being with Albert again.

That chapter between us closed long ago.”

Her voice trembled as tears welled up.

Of course, Lettie could sense Jessie's true feelings, but she chose not to address them directly. Instead, she simply instructed, "Go to bed early after dinner. And please buy the train ticket for me."

Jessie set down her fork and made a request. "I'll prepare a gift for the newborn as well. You can stay with them for a few days and then come back. Why do you have to move there for retirement? You have a daughter here to take care of you. I won't agree to the moving plan."

Lettie felt a wave of relief wash over her.

After dinner, Lettie did the dishes while Jessie retreated to the bathroom for a shower.

Emerging from the shower, Jessie heard the soothing sound of rain outside the window, accompanied by the gentle rustle of swaying leaves.

After a moment of hesitation, Jessie approached the window.