The Mother's Ruse

The Tangs had relocated to their own lavish villa, a testament to the newfound wealth and privilege Tang Ziyi had unexpectedly inherited. As he surveyed the opulent living room, a warm feeling of contentment washed over him seeing how excited his mother, Madam Tang, and brother, Tang Junjie, were to finally have a place to call their own.

The family of three sat together enjoying tea when Tang Ziyi's phone rang, shattering the tranquil moment. He answered with a polite, "Hello?"

The woman's voice on the other end made his blood run cold. "Son..."

Tang Ziyi tensed immediately, his knuckles whitening around the phone. Even Madam Tang and Tang Junjie could sense the shift in atmosphere.

"You lost the right to call me that when you left me at the hospital after I was born," Tang Ziyi stated, his tone clipped and devoid of warmth.

A heavy pause, then, "I understand, but I need to see you. I want to talk."

Tang Ziyi frowned. "What do you want?"