Rong Shaoze looked at Tao Hua with gratitude. The tacit understanding between brothers needed no words; Tao Hua understood.
Xiaocong was admitted to the ward, and Tao Hua said that the anesthesia on his body had not worn off, so he couldn’t be allowed to fall asleep for the time being. He had to stay awake continuously for six hours before they could let him sleep, or it might be very dangerous.
Lin Xinlan stayed by Xiaocong’s side, whispering in his ear to keep him from sleeping.
Rong’s mother also kept vigil for two hours, and her face showed a hint of fatigue.
After five hours of surgery, plus the two hours now, they had gone seven hours without eating, drinking, or resting. Rong Shaoze could still hold on, but Rong’s mother, being older, naturally couldn’t.
Rong Shaoze persuaded her to go back and rest, saying that he and Lin Xinlan would be enough here.
Rong’s mother thought it over and agreed, realizing she was of no use staying here, so she left.
Rong Shaoze had someone buy some food, and he urged Lin Xinlan to eat something. She said she wasn’t hungry and told him to eat instead.
He then said, "Without food, how will you have the strength to stay by Xiaocong’s side?"
Lin Xinlan thought it over and reluctantly ate a bowl of rice.
After eating, Rong Shaoze suggested she rest on the bed next to them, saying he would watch the child. Lin Xinlan disagreed, as she couldn’t sleep and would feel even worse not watching over the child.
Rong Shaoze couldn’t argue her out of it, so both of them sat by the bed, keeping watch over Xiaocong.
It was a difficult night for Lin Xinlan, but having Rong Shaoze by her side seemed to make it pass more quickly.
Two days later, Xiaocong began to show a little more vitality.
Knowing he had undergone major surgery, he didn’t cry or fuss despite the discomfort; he was quiet and obedient.
If he cried, Lin Xinlan’s heart would ache; even when he didn’t, her heart still ached.
In a word, she simply wished he could be healthy and not have to suffer.
She stayed in the hospital every day, with Rong Shaoze accompanying her.
He brought his company’s business to the hospital room to work on quietly, while Lin Xinlan would speak softly to the child, creating a harmonious scene.
A week later, Xiaocong was cleared to be discharged.
Tao Hua’s medical skills were indeed excellent; all the indicators showed the child was in good health, and his eyes were healing rapidly.
He just needed to go back and rest peacefully.
The car stopped at the gate of the old house, and Rong Shaoze carried Xiaocong out, saying to mother and son, "I’ve got a surprise for you in a bit, so don’t get too moved."
"What surprise?" Lin Xinlan asked instinctively.
"It’s a secret, you’ll know soon enough."
Leaning on Rong Shaoze’s body, Xiaocong said in a soft voice, "Dad must have bought Xiaocong a present..."
He believed that since he was being discharged, Dad would definitely buy him a present.
"Are you so sure it’s a present? Let’s go inside and you’ll see what it is," the man said, holding the boy with one hand and taking Lin Xinlan’s hand with the other as they walked into the house together.
In the living room, Rong’s mother sat on the sofa, smiling and chatting with someone.
When the servant said the young masters had returned, Rong’s mother quickly turned to the person and said, "Look, speak of the devil and he shall appear."
As Lin Xinlan walked into the living room, she was surprised to see her mother there as well.
She paused before eagerly asking, "Mom, how come you’re here?"
Lin’s mother looked at Rong Shaoze and the little Xiaocong in his arms before her gaze fell on Lin Xinlan.
Before she could answer, Rong’s mother laughed and said, "It was Shaoze who brought your mother here. She arrived today and only just learned about Xiaocong’s surgery."