Xuan Ying looked flustered, clearly afraid that Wen Yi had overheard. “Yi Yi, don’t worry about this. You go rest, we’ll take care of everything in here.”

Wen Yi smiled. “Thank you, Mom. I just came to get some water.”

She poured herself a glass of warm water from the kettle and said calmly, “Aunt, there’s a new women’s health screening program at the First Affiliated Hospital. It’s very popular, with only fifty slots a day, and it’s hard to get an appointment. Aunt, do you need me to help book one for you? It’s especially useful for checking for things like cervical cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. I just had my mom do one recently.”

Zhong Lan and Xuan Ying exchanged confused looks, unsure what Wen Yi was implying. Xuan Ying, worried about the earlier conversation, quickly said, “Yes, yes, Yi Yi, help your aunt make an appointment. She was just saying her chest has been hurting.”

Wen Yi smiled pleasantly. “Oh, chest pain could be breast cancer. Stress often causes it.” She took a sip of water and then suddenly seemed to remember something. “Oh, but I think there’s an age limit. Aunt, how old are you this year?”

Zhong Lan’s face darkened as Xuan Ying responded, “Your aunt is sixty-one.”

Wen Yi immediately looked regretful. “Oh no, that won’t work. The program is only for women under fifty. My mom barely qualified. Aunt, I’ll check for other options for you next time, okay?”

Neither woman could say a word. After Wen Yi left, Zhong Lan angrily stomped on the floor and cursed, “What did she mean by that?!”

Xuan Ying, trying to soothe her unpredictable temper, said, “Sister-in-law, maybe we should go for a checkup. It might actually find something useful.”

…….

Wen Yi was in a bad mood. After a long day of socializing, she came home utterly exhausted. Qin Nanshan entered the room and started discussing what gifts they should bring when visiting her family the next day. Wen Yi, lying on the bed, wasn’t in the mood to talk. “You decide,” she said, her voice muffled by the pillows.

“What do your uncle and aunt like?” Qin Nanshan asked.

“I don’t know,” she replied, her tone still indifferent.

Qin Nanshan was puzzled by her coldness but decided to continue, “My mom suggested we bring some alcohol. Does your uncle drink?”

“He does.”

“And tea? Does your aunt drink tea?”

“No, but my uncle does.”

“How about health supplements?”

“She doesn’t like those. My aunt prefers expensive fruit. Just get her a few different kinds.”

“Alright. What about your cousin? How about a new phone, the latest model?”

“That’s fine, but are any stores open now?”

“I bought it before New Year.”

Wen Yi paused, then snapped, “If you already bought it, why are you asking me?”

“I didn’t discuss it with you earlier. But you seem to know everything.”

Wen Yi hadn’t intended to get upset with him, especially since it wasn’t really his fault, but something in his tone struck a nerve. Sitting up straight, she retorted, “Just because I know doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put any effort in! You’re just looking for shortcuts. There’s no sincerity in that!”

Her frustration escalated. “My mom even says you’re thoughtful and treats you like her own son. But you? You and your family are so heartless. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have let her marry me off to you!”

Qin Nanshan furrowed his brow. “What’s wrong with you?”

Wen Yi, now fully agitated, snapped, “There’s nothing wrong! I’m in the best mood ever today!”

Unable to understand her sudden outburst, Qin Nanshan sighed and backed down. “Alright, you get some rest. I’ll go buy the fruit.” He left the room, closing the door behind him with a loud thud.

“Ahhh!!!” Wen Yi clenched her teeth in frustration, grabbing a nearby pillow—his pillow—and hurling it at the door.

Taking a deep breath, she gently rubbed her belly and spoke softly to her unborn child, “Baby, don’t be like your dad. If your wife is upset, let her vent, or she might get breast cancer from holding it in.”

After a moment, Wen Yi corrected herself, realizing she was expecting a daughter. “Baby girl, in the future, don’t marry someone like your dad. You’ll get so mad, you won’t even know how you died.”

That night, Qin Nanshan returned to find his pillow on the floor and no blanket for himself. He quietly fetched a new one from the closet.

The next day, they visited her uncle’s house. Wen Yi’s mom, Wen Hongyu, was also there. The trunk was packed with gifts, and Qin Nanshan and her cousin made several trips carrying everything in, much to the delight of her aunt and mother.

Despite the cheerful atmosphere, Wen Yi’s anger hadn’t fully dissipated. Watching her mom’s bright smile only made her more frustrated. How can she be so carefree? Wen Yi thought. Doesn’t she realize what people say behind her back?

Being pregnant meant Wen Yi was excused from any chores, but as a first-time son-in-law visiting properly, Qin Nanshan was busy in the kitchen, chopping, cooking, and preparing the dishes.

Her aunt sneaked over to Wen Yi, pointing to the tall figure working in the kitchen. “Yi Yi, Xiao Qin is really something. You should treasure him, you know? Now that you’re married, you need to focus more on the family. Work can take a backseat for now. After all, his family doesn’t need you to earn big money.”

Wen Yi knew her aunt meant well, but she didn’t like hearing this. She lowered her voice and responded, “That won’t work, Aunt. If I don’t make enough money, what will I do if we get divorced? Who will support me and the baby? You?”

Her aunt was shocked. “What nonsense are you talking about? You’ve just gotten married, and you’re already thinking about divorce? Don’t say things like that in front of your mother.”

Wen Yi seized the moment to ask, “Speaking of my mom, Aunt, is she really dating someone?”

At this, her aunt’s eyes lit up with curiosity and gossip. Glancing at the busy kitchen, she pulled Wen Yi into a room and whispered excitedly, “I think so. On New Year’s Eve, a man dropped her off for dinner. I didn’t see him, but the car looked expensive.”

Wen Yi laughed inwardly. Well done, Mom, finding yourself a boyfriend who could practically be my brother.

“She hasn’t told you anything?” her aunt continued, surprised. “Keeping it from her own daughter?”

Wen Yi smirked. “She won’t say a word. Aunt, can you help me keep an eye on her? I’m worried she might get tricked.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve been watching her too. We can’t let her get fooled again.”

“Again?” Wen Yi’s mood shifted as she asked, “What do you mean, ‘again’? My dad passed away, didn’t he?”

Her aunt’s expression faltered, and she quickly tried to recover. “Yes, yes, he did. The poor man didn’t tell your mom he was sick, and you had to grow up without him.”

Wen Yi had asked about her father a few times when she was younger but had eventually stopped bringing it up. Her family had never talked about him, and there was no trace of him in their lives. Over time, she had genuinely believed he was gone. Now, hearing her aunt’s slip of the tongue, Wen Yi felt a heavy weight in her heart but decided not to press further. Whether dead or alive, he doesn’t matter to us anymore.

Later, after dinner, Wen Yi couldn’t shake her concern for her mom. She pulled her aside. “Mom, is there something you’re not telling me? Aunt saw someone drop you off. Are you two dating in secret?”

Wen Hongyu shot a glare toward the living room. “She really can’t keep her mouth shut, can she?”

Wen Yi teased, “What’s the big deal? You’re a grown woman with a grandchild. Plenty of people your age are finding companions. There’s no need to be shy.”

Wen Hongyu looked at her daughter and suddenly felt like the roles had reversed—Wen Yi was acting like the parent now. She chuckled softly, then calmly replied, “It’s nothing serious. We’re not together yet. Your mom isn’t naive; I’m just seeing if he’s reliable before making any decisions.”

Relieved, Wen Yi nodded, but continued her questions. “What does he do? Is he divorced or widowed? Does he have kids?”

Wen Hongyu refused to answer. “I’ll introduce him to you once things are settled. You don’t need to worry.”

Wen Yi, not satisfied with the vague answer, jokingly warned, “Just don’t wait too long, or I’ll be completely in the dark. And I don’t want a new little brother or sister, okay?”

Her mom lightly tapped her on the head. “Wen Yi, have I spoiled you too much? Watch your mouth!”

“Just be careful,” Wen Yi added. “Make sure you’re not being taken advantage of.”

Wen Hongyu laughed. “If anyone’s being taken advantage of, it’s Xiao Qin by you.”

“…”

…..