They returned home, and both were silent on the way. This silence continued until Yu Yao sat down on the sofa and Jiang Zhonglin brought two cups of hot water.

They sat facing each other; Yu Yao hugged her arms and stared at her abdomen, while Jiang Zhonglin gazed at the steam rising from his cup.

“Let’s talk,” Jiang Zhonglin finally said. His sigh was heavy and profound, but his gaze seemed lost and aimless. He looked at Yu Yao and asked, “Do you want this child?”

Yu Yao didn’t look at him; she continued staring at her abdomen and simply replied, “Yes.”

Jiang Zhonglin fell silent, staring at her belly, somewhat absent-minded. His clasped hands tightened as he spoke calmly, “I hope you can think this through more carefully.”

Hearing this, Yu Yao looked up sharply, “Think it through? Think about what? Are you saying you don’t want this child?”

Jiang Zhonglin met her gaze directly, “I know what I’m saying might not make you happy, but I still hope you’ll take a few days to think it over. This child… he will make your future life more difficult.”

Yu Yao didn’t speak.

“Yu Yao,” he said gently, his tone calm, “I’m old now, like a tree nearing its end, not knowing how much longer I have left in this world.”

“My greatest regret in life was you, but now that you’ve returned, that regret is gone. I’ve thought about whether I should divorce you, but I didn’t bring it up because I knew you wouldn’t agree. I don’t have many years left to live, and when I die, you’re still young and can start a new life. If you keep this child, it will be very hard, and I can’t take care of you for long, nor can I be there to see him grow up.”

“I’m glad you accept me, but I know it’s because you’re young, full of passion, and might make impulsive decisions because you’re moved. Impulsive decisions often lead to regret…”

Yu Yao’s chest heaved with emotion. She suddenly grabbed a pillow and threw it at Jiang Zhonglin, interrupting him and knocking his glasses to the floor with a clatter.

Jiang Zhonglin opened his eyes but did not move to pick up the fallen glasses. He remained still.

“Do you think you’re being so noble, sacrificing yourself and silently giving, and that makes you great?” Yu Yao said with a forced smile, her frustration and bitterness making her feel both pained and anxious, not knowing how to release it.

“You think you’re too old to match me, afraid I’ll regret it, so you act like my elder, not daring to touch or like me. It’s exhausting to watch. So what if you’re old? Can’t you like things like a younger person?”

“Yes, you’re much older than me and have more experience, so now you sit here telling me what’s right and wrong. Do you know what I hate the most? Why do you think you can tell me what’s right just because you’re older? Even if I choose the wrong path, it’s my choice. Why should I follow your way? Is this the common flaw of older people, thinking they’re doing good for others?”

Yu Yao struggled to keep her words from becoming too harsh, but she couldn’t help it. After speaking this out, she bit her lip hard to swallow back even more hurtful words.

Without his glasses, Jiang Zhonglin’s eyes, which were now visibly watery, looked at her. He remained seated, not moving.

He blinked slowly but did not change his previous stance despite Yu Yao’s anger. His tone remained calm as he said, “Raising a child is not a simple matter, and it is also my responsibility. But I can’t take full responsibility. This responsibility will likely fall on you, and I can give you very little. This child might limit your freedom and opportunities for a new life. Choosing him means choosing sacrifice. I hope you understand that.”

“As for me… Yu Yao, have you seen what old age does to people? Not the kind of old age where one can still talk and walk normally, but the kind where one can no longer walk, can’t feed themselves, and might even lose their mind. Caring for an elderly person, especially one you have an emotional connection with, will gradually wear you down. The longer you care for them, the more you might grow weary, even if you love them. Decaying things are naturally burdensome and frightening.”

“I’ve already decided that you will endure the company of an old man approaching the end of his life. How can I also ask you to endure a difficult child? It’s too hard. You’ve already lost everything familiar in an instant, and it’s tough enough. Seeking a life of ease and freedom is not wrong. You shouldn’t feel guilty.”

Yu Yao felt a sharp pain in her heart, unsure of its exact cause.

Holding back tears, she walked up to Jiang Zhonglin, grabbed his hand, and placed it on her abdomen. “Then tell me, do you want this child?”

Jiang Zhonglin’s hand trembled. He couldn’t speak, as if he had already said everything he could. He could only hastily shake his head and then slowly shake it again.

Perhaps every couple, when deciding to hold each other’s hands for the rest of their lives, has imagined their future children.