Originally, the family was happily having their Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner, but the incident with Lin Yue came up, so the dinner had to end early.
Yecheng went with Lin Yue.
Xiaofeng stayed home with the boy and girl twins.
He Ximei and Su Peng also went along.
"Big sister, have you been feeling well recently?" Xiaofeng hadn’t seen Liao Erying for a while and thought she looked quite well.
"I’m doing well." Liao Erying had previously thought she might not have many years left. But ever since her son started to make something of himself with Xiaofeng’s help, she felt hopeful about life again, both physically and mentally, and felt very good.
In such a state, living for a few more years was definitely not a problem.
"Xianghe, hurry up and find a wife. I think Big Sister can definitely help you take care of your son," Xiaofeng teased Liao Xianghe.
Liao Xianghe scratched his head, feeling embarrassed: "I was thinking about looking after the New Year. I don’t know if any girls will take a fancy to me."
In the past, Liao Xianghe had been a delinquent and even served time in prison. Though now he had learned to drive with Xiaofeng, as someone with a criminal record, he was not well-regarded by the people in the neighboring villages.
However, Liao Xianghe had long said goodbye to his past. The Liao Xianghe of today was ambitious and responsible—a fine young man.
Besides, his family’s financial situation had also improved, and the days of living well were not far off.
"A few matchmakers said they plan to find some prospects for him after the New Year. If he finds someone he likes, they can start dating. He’s not young anymore and I’m getting older, so of course, I hope he gets married and has children soon." Liao Erying was not young when she took in Liao Xianghe.
Now, dragging her aging body without having seen her son take a wife was indeed a regret.
"Mom, don’t worry, you can definitely live a long life. Not only will you see me get married, but you will also see me give birth to a healthy grandson for you."
Lin Yue, accompanied by Gu Yecheng and the others, arrived at a rented apartment that they had taken after returning from Dongcheng.
The apartment was small, and the rent was cheap.
Lin Yue opened the door and saw Luo Yuzhu lying on the bed, emaciated.
At this moment, her complexion was pale, her eyes deeply sunken, her cheekbones protruding, the sickness evident—far from the former wealthy lady she had been.
"Yueyue." Luo Yuzhu struggled to rise when she saw Lin Yue return: "You’re back."
"Mom." Lin Yue rushed to her side: "Mom, Sister Xiaofeng has agreed to have Dr. Yecheng come over to examine you. Please lie down and let Dr. Yecheng take a look at you."
Luo Yuzhu glanced at the people who came in.
Su Peng and He Ximei.
But Xiaofeng was absent.
Deep down, Xiaofeng must hate her, she thought.
She was indeed not a good person, selfish and greedy; so now she was facing retribution.
"Fatty, you’re here too." Luo Yuzhu gave He Ximei a smile.
They say that a dying person’s words are kind. Looking at Luo Yuzhu, He Ximei really did feel pity for her, reduced to nothing but skin and bones from her illness.
"Lin Yue said you were unwell, so I came with Acheng to check on you. How are you feeling now? Are you okay?" In the past, the two had been at odds, but upon seeing Luo Yuzhu in such a state, He Ximei suddenly felt that, in life, being alive was enough.
As long as one is alive, there is no hurdle that cannot be overcome.
"To say I’m okay would be okay, and to say I’m not would also be true." When Luo Yuzhu spoke of her illness, her gaze suddenly dimmed: "It’s malignant cancer. Actually, with this kind of disease, I know whether surgery is performed or not, the outcome is pretty much the same—not much life left in me."
"Mom, don’t talk like that. Medicine is advancing more and more, perhaps there will be a breakthrough. Mom, you have to try to live on, even if it’s for my sake, please live on."
In the past, Lin Yue had been immature, thinking she was Lin Family’s second young missus, and believed herself above everyone else.
In life, what true superiority does anyone really have? It’s just a case of thirty years on the east side of the river, and thirty years on the west.
Gu Yecheng interrupted the mother-daughter conversation, saying to Luo Yuzhu: "Stretch out your hand, let me take your pulse."
Luo Yuzhu extended her wrist, not an ounce of excess flesh to be found on it.
Gu Yecheng took hold of her wrist, beginning to diagnose her pulse.
For a while, the rental fell so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
After a good while, Gu Yecheng finally let go of her hand.
"Doctor Yecheng, my mom?" Lin Yue looked at Dr. Yecheng eagerly, desperate to know if he had any solutions, or perhaps to hear him say her mother’s condition really wasn’t complicated and could be cured.