Chapter 50: Nanhe, Call Me Brother Quickly

At the Xia household, Xia Gang felt that the events of the day had left everyone in a somber mood, especially since Mu Nanhe and Yang Qingyan had been truly frightened. He decided to call Xia’s mother, saying, “Meimei, when you finish work today, please buy more vegetables. Nanhe and Qingyan are having dinner at home tonight.”

Xia’s mother was a bit puzzled on the other end of the line but didn’t ask further. She agreed and hung up, preparing to buy more groceries on her way home.

When Xia’s mother arrived home, Xia Tianyou was just stepping through the door. Once she entered, she saw everyone looking different and felt even more confused. Before she could ask anything, Xia Tianyou said, “Mom, you’re back! Dad, Nanhe, the police need to file an application first, so we should be able to use the drug tomorrow.”

Xia Gang nodded alongside and added, “We do need to apply; this matter has to be done by the book. I’ll call the police chief to discuss this.”

Upon hearing this, Xia’s mother grew even more concerned and hurriedly asked, “What on earth happened?” Xia Tianyou then recounted today’s events from start to finish, with great detail.

After listening, Xia’s mother turned red with anger, her hands on her hips as she said furiously, “These scumbags! They are always doing despicable things. Thank goodness Qingyan is okay; it’s truly a blessing! Qingyan, Nanhe, let me cook something for you to calm your nerves.”

Yang Qingyan felt warmth in her heart and immediately got up to help, saying, “Auntie, let me assist you.”

Xia’s mother quickly stepped forward, gently pressing her shoulder down to seat her, and said with loving kindness, “You’ve been frightened today; just sit and rest. I’ll make dinner in a moment.” Then she turned and hurried into the kitchen, starting to busy herself.

At the dinner table, everyone enjoyed a harmonious meal. Xia’s mother’s cooking was delicious; every dish was infused with her care and love. She kept serving Yang Qingyan and Mu Nanhe more food, urging them to eat plenty.

Mu Nanhe and Yang Qingyan felt warmed by her kindness and kept thanking her as they ate heartily. Xia Tianyou occasionally told jokes that made everyone laugh loudly, creating a particularly warm atmosphere at the table.

After the meal, they sat on the sofa chatting. Xia’s mother and Xia Gang exchanged glances, their eyes filled with love and expectation.

Clearing her throat, Xia’s mother began, “Nanhe, I want to tell you something. Actually, I gave birth to a daughter in An County all those years ago, but I fainted at that time, and when I woke up, the doctors told me the child had passed away. We didn’t doubt it then, but when we saw you, we felt you were our child. Although it hasn’t been confirmed yet, both your Uncle Xia and I want to recognize you as our godson. Even if it turns out that you’re not our biological child, we still have this intention. What do you think?”

Xia Gang nodded in agreement and added, “That’s right. Your aunt is right; we feel very close to you, and there’s a sense of connection between us. We want to continue this bond.”

Before Mu Nanhe could respond, Xia Tianyou jumped up, saying, “So, that means I’m going to have a younger brother! Mu Yuanzhang, you have to agree!”

Xia Gang shot Xia Tianyou a glare, pretending to be angry, “You child, can’t you be a bit more serious? Wait for Nanhe to respond; we need him to be willing!”

Mu Nanhe looked at Yang Qingyan, who nodded back at him with encouragement in her eyes. Turning back to Xia Gang and Xia’s mother, Mu Nanhe spoke with a slightly choked voice, “Uncle Xia, Auntie, I don’t know how I deserve such great love from you. I feel very close to you as well. Since you’ve said so, it’s an honor for me.”

Upon hearing this, Xia’s mother broke into a beaming smile and hurried over to Mu Nanhe, hugging him tightly just like she would her own son, excitedly saying, “Wonderful! Nanhe, from today on, you are our godson! From now on, we are all family; you must never stand on ceremony with us!”

Mu Nanhe was taken aback for a moment, feeling warmth flood over him like he was experiencing a mother’s embrace for the first time.

Xia Gang also stood up, his face glowing with a smile of satisfaction as he patted Mu Nanhe on the shoulder, saying, “Welcome to our family, Nanhe. If you ever need anything, just ask.”

Xia Tianyou chimed in teasingly, “Nanhe, hurry up and call me brother!”

Yang Qingyan stood up as well, moving beside Xia’s mother and linking her arm with hers, smiling as she said, “Auntie, I actually think of Nanhe as your child too. After all, Nanhe and Uncle Xia really look alike, and since Nanhe’s family has not treated him well, we’re planning to go to An County to investigate.”

Xia’s mother’s eyes lit up as she nodded repeatedly. “Yes, we need to investigate and clarify what happened back then.”

At this moment, Xia Tianyou eagerly ran to the kitchen and returned shortly with two steaming cups of tea, grinning as he said, “We need to have a little ceremony; this godparent thing can’t be taken lightly.” He then handed the tea to Mu Nanhe.

Mu Nanhe accepted the tea, his face full of sincerity and respect. He gave a slight bow and said, “Uncle, Auntie, I’m currently unable to stand because of my legs, and I can only present the tea from my wheelchair. Please don’t mind.”

Xia Gang hurriedly took a step forward, accepting the tea with both hands. His eyes were slightly moist as he spoke in a hoarse voice, “You are a good son. However, you can present whatever you wish, and it’s all the same. From today on, you are part of our family.”

Xia’s mother also received the tea, gently saying, “Come, Nanhe, Auntie has a red envelope for you, for good fortune.” She pulled out a red envelope that had been prepared earlier and stuffed it into Mu Nanhe’s hands.

Holding the red envelope, Mu Nanhe felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Looking again at Xia Gang and Xia’s mother, he spoke firmly, “Dad, Mom, thank you so much. From now on, I will be filial.”

Upon hearing this, Xia Gang and Xia’s mother exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with contentment.

Xia Tianyou watched this warm scene, unable to hold back his own tears as he stepped forward, patting Mu Nanhe on the shoulder, saying, “From now on, we’ll be like real brothers, sharing hardships and joys together!”

Yang Qingyan, standing to the side, felt a wave of emotion. She softly added, “Today is truly a happy day; we’ve gained more family.”

Xia’s mother grasped Yang Qingyan’s hand, full of gratitude, saying, “Qingyan, you are the benefactor of our family. You’ve treated Tianyou, and now you’ve given us another son. Thank you so much!”

Yang Qingyan quickly waved her hand, her face adorned with a gentle smile as she responded, “Auntie, please don’t say that. Brother Xia is a soldier; his injury was for the country, just like Nanhe is a hero. I hold great respect for both of you. From now on, we’re family, so there’s no need for formalities.”