Upon hearing that, Lin Xiaoguai wasn’t surprised. Although Xu Ji was still a child, he had already shown early signs of promise at a young age. How could he be content with mediocrity?
She sighed softly and said, "Every child has a competitive spirit. How could Ping’an be an exception? Sister, by keeping him home forever, you ensure his safety, but how could he be happy?"
"His heart is already weak, and depression is also bad for his health. If you are really worried, you could let him go to school with Nuonuo. That child is clever. If Ping’an is being stubborn, she wouldn’t just stand by and watch."
Han Shouzhen’s eyes lit up. Yes, her son, though two years older than Nuonuo, could study in the same grade as Nuonuo who had started school a year early. It wouldn’t make any difference.
Xu Ji, who had overheard the adults talking, shook his head and said, "Mom, I’m the older brother, how could I let Nuonuo take care of me?"
"What do you mean ’take care of’?" Han Shouzhen glared at him, "I meant for Nuonuo to keep an eye on you, to stop you from doing anything dangerous. You just need to be a bit more cautious, then she wouldn’t be troubled."
Xu Ji pursed his lips, unsure of what to say. His mother was actually overthinking it. The last time he insisted on running in the race had taught him a hard lesson.
People had always told him since he was little that he shouldn’t run or jump, shouldn’t get too tired, and shouldn’t get overly emotional by crying or laughing loudly. He obediently followed those rules, but deep inside, the young boy always had a doubt—
Was he really incapable?
Other kids were running, jumping, and playing wildly, laughing heartily when happy and crying hard when upset. Why was he the only one who couldn’t?
What is a heart condition? He clearly had all his limbs and wasn’t any worse off than anyone else. He could learn math and recognize words faster than others, and what his peers found challenging seemed trivial to him.
Although he had never undergone surgery and had never felt the heart-wrenching pain in his chest, that small hopeful part of his heart still wondered. Maybe the adults were wrong? Maybe he was actually healthy?
So, when the opportunity arose, he seized it without hesitation.
The taste of freedom almost instantly addicted him, but the agony of his condition flaring up and the despair of nearing death deepened as well.
Freedom was wonderful, but he didn’t want to lose his life.
In that precociously mature heart, a fear of death had been etched. He came to terms with it, but he ultimately couldn’t accept living his entire life under a small patch of sky.
"Set a time to take Ping’an to the hospital for a checkup," Lin Xiaoguai consoled, "See both a traditional Chinese and a Western doctor. Also, prepare all the necessary medications in advance to avoid panic when the time comes."
In the days leading up to her departure for Capital University, Lin Xiaoguai was busy at home. Once she was not around, Shen Chi and Little Niangao would only have the canteen to rely on for meals. Although the canteen at the Capital Military District offered considerably better food than that at the Magic City Guard Zone, it still wasn’t as good as eating at home.
Both father and son were carnivores; Lin Xiaoguai prepared many kinds of buns—mushroom and meat filling, seafood delight, pure meat, beef and vermicelli, cabbage filling—enough for a week, stored in the fridge ready to be heated up whenever needed.
She also prepared snacks for Little Niangao, including assorted candied fruits, along with two pounds each of mint cake and peanut cake, with fruit preserves and eight treasure porridge that were already available at home.
Thinking further, she decided to also make some marinated sauce so that it would be convenient for them to eat meat, adding some tofu or eggs, quickly and deliciously. Plus, the sauce would keep without spoiling.
That day, many people passing by their house couldn’t help but stop; the enticing aroma drifting from inside was just too appetizing.
"Little Niangao, what is your mom making?" asked Taotao as he swallowed his saliva in the courtyard.
"Wait here, I’ll go ask." Little Niangao stood up and ran into the house.
He had definitely smelled meat.
Entering the kitchen, he threw himself at Lin Xiaoguai’s legs, "Mom, what are you making?"
"Little glutton." Lin Xiaoguai knew his urge well, scraped his nose, and offered a slice of beef into his mouth, "Taste this, is it too bland?"
"It’s not bland, it tastes just right. Mom, give me a few more slices. I want to give some to Brother Junzi and Taotao." Little Niangao quickly finished a piece of beef and said.
Lin Xiaoguai shook her head helplessly, prepared a plate, picked some beef slices and a few chicken feet for him.
"Take it, and remember to wash your hands before you eat."
"Got it!" Little Niangao dashed out already.
Lin Xiaoguai smiled and continued with her work.