Chapter 166 - 137: I Can Only Launch an Offensive on My Mother-in-Law

Chapter 166: Chapter 137: I Can Only Launch an Offensive on My Mother-in-Law

"Hello, Mom. It’s me, Xiao Ran," Xiao Ran said calmly.

Hearing Xiao Ran’s voice, Mrs. Yan was taken aback on the other end of the line.

Her tone softened considerably. "Oh, Xiao Ran."

’Wasn’t I calling my daughter? Why did Xiao Ran answer? How awkward.’

"Mom, about the live streaming... it was originally just to help out a friend. We never expected it to get popular; it was a complete accident," Xiao Ran explained patiently. "But you can’t just tell Xici to quit the industry because Yan Li is established, can you? She’s really passionate about this work."

He got straight to the point, saying everything in two sentences with not a single wasted word.

His words left Mrs. Yan at a loss.

From Yan Xici’s perspective, he was right.

’But Yan Li truly can’t handle this kind of blow. As their mother, what can I do but try to mediate?’

Mrs. Yan’s tone was troubled. "Xiao Ran, it’s not that I’m blaming you, but you’re only seeing this from Xici’s perspective, not Lili’s. Think about it, the two of you live streaming for all of Lili’s employees and friends to see... How is she supposed to face them?"

Xiao Ran spoke calmly, his words carrying weight. "Mom, I know Yan Li’s personality. She’s prideful, so I’m sure she’s upset about this. But you have two daughters. You can’t hold the younger one back just because the older one is more successful in this field."

He was speaking the truth. Everyone has their own path in life.

Yan Li’s inability to get over her pride was a character flaw, but that didn’t mean Yan Xici should be forced to compromise forever.

Her life belonged to her and no one else.

To put it another way, you only get one life, so why should you have to sacrifice yourself for someone else?

Hearing this, Yan Xici looked at him, her eyes shimmering like the morning sun, and her heart completely melted.

He was the only person close to her who had ever stood up for her.

’He’s clearly worried Mom won’t approve of our relationship, but even so, he refused to back down and stood firmly by my side.’

’Speaking up for me, having my back... it really meant so much.’

On the other end of the line, Mrs. Yan was again rendered speechless by Xiao Ran.

She understood. ’He’s right. I can’t ruin Yan Xici’s future just for Yan Li’s sake.’

’But what am I supposed to do? If Yan Li sees them streaming together again tomorrow, with that temper of hers, she’ll work herself into a state.’

As the old saying goes, even an honest judge can’t settle a family dispute. It just goes to show that family matters are the most difficult of all.

A truly tangled mess.

Mrs. Yan sighed. After a long pause, she said slowly, "Xiao Ran, I have two daughters. You can understand my position, can’t you?"

Over the years, her relationship with Xiao Ran had grown to be like that of a mother and her own son. They had a genuinely good bond. Whenever she was upset, Xiao Ran had often been the one to comfort her.

That was why, when she talked to him, she couldn’t help but open up about her problems.

’It’s shameful, really. I have two daughters, but Xiao Ran is the only one I can truly open up to.’

She had an almost unconscious trust in him.

Xiao Ran nodded in agreement. "I know. A mother always wants what’s best for both of her children. But mothers aren’t superhuman, especially with two kids. If you favor one, the other feels slighted. If you favor the other, the first one gets hurt. It’s truly not easy for you."

His words struck a chord with Mrs. Yan. Finally, someone understood.

In a pleading tone, Mrs. Yan asked, "Then tell me, what should I do?"

She truly had no idea what to do anymore.

And just like that, the problem was now in Xiao Ran’s hands.

Xiao Ran furrowed his brow.

’To be honest, from my perspective, I obviously want what’s best for Yan Xici. The whole reason I started making videos with her was to help her get popular.’

’Making Xici quit just because Yan Li is angry is out of the question. It would be one thing if this were some trivial matter, but this is about her life and her career. This is no joke.’

’A person can’t be truly independent without a financial foundation. I’m very clear on that point.’

’It’s better to rely on yourself than on anyone else.’

’That’s why earning her own money is so important.’

’Financial independence is a prerequisite for personal independence!’

Xiao Ran’s tone was serious and objective. "I think, sometimes, it’s okay for a mother to be a little... lazy. Let the two of them resolve their own conflict. That way, at least you won’t escalate the situation. What do you think?"

He wasn’t just saying that off the cuff.

That’s just how relationships are. A problem that might have been simple to solve becomes complicated when more people get involved.

This is especially true with family, where thankless efforts are all too common.

Hearing this, Mrs. Yan sighed again on the other end of the line.

’In truth, I know he’s absolutely right.’

’If Yan Xici doesn’t want to give in, she can explain her side to Yan Li. Whichever one of them compromises, it should be the result of a discussion between the two of them.’

’If I try to persuade or force one of them to give in, the compromise will inevitably be made with reluctance and resentment.’

’It could even backfire and cause a bigger fight, making them think their mother is playing favorites and doesn’t love them.’

After a moment, Mrs. Yan spoke slowly.

"Alright, I’ll do as you say. You should talk to Xici and have her clear things up with her sister. You’re all adults now. I also know about you and Xici, and to be honest, while it puts me in a difficult position, having you by her side also gives me real peace of mind."