Word Number：273 Author：紫凝 Translator： Release Time：2026-02-22

Case 2 The Fragrant Companion1　　“If you were given a second chance,” Mu Yu asked quietly, “would you still give up your own life—and your child—to kill that man?”　　“I would.” Shi Yanfang’s voice was calm, but her eyes dimmed. “I was never a good mother. My temper was bad. I yelled at my son whenever he was naughty—and the moment I did, I hated myself for it. I couldn’t afford to send him to any of those after-school classes his classmates went to. Those kids were all talented and well-dressed, while he... he trailed after Old Madam Feng’s grandson every day, trying to please him, just so he’d have somewhere to eat a warm meal after school. I couldn’t even give him that. So I thought, maybe he’d be better off living with someone else.”　　Her voice trailed off, and all the light seemed to drain from her face.　　“You’re wrong,” Mu Yu said gently. “No matter how hard life gets, a mother is her child’s only true home. What Zihao needs most is you—your company, your voice, even if it’s only for a few minutes at night. Even if you sometimes lose your patience.” She knew Shi Yanfang hadn’t meant for her life to end up this way. It was desperation that had pushed her down that dark road.　　“It’s too late now. What’s done is done.” Shi Yanfang gave a small, tired smile. “All I can hope for is that I won’t ruin his future—that he’ll forget me, and live his lif