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Even though Zhang Hua might be stingy and frugal, when it came to his own mother nearing the end of her life, she couldn’t help but feel pain in her heart. After examining her mother’s complexion, she noticed a significant improvement in just a few days. She seemed more lively and vibrant.
“Mom, how have you been feeling these past few days? I’ve been busy with preparations at home and taking care of the elders. I haven’t had a chance to come and see you,” Zhang Hua inquired.
Geng Lianhua wasn’t bothered by his absence; she was simply happy that her daughter came to visit her.
“Dear, be kind to your in-laws in the future. Try not to upset them. As people age, even a small annoyance can lead to a serious illness. Look at me; that’s how it started. Don’t worry too much about family matters. Live your life as it comes. Don’t dwell on trivial issues with them,” Geng Lianhua advised her daughter.
Concerned that her daughter might follow in her footsteps, she wasn’t worried about her younger daughter, who was good-natured and could handle setbacks without much complaint. However, her elder daughter was different—petty and argumentative. Geng Lianhua’s heart ached not for others, but for her own daughter.
Zhang Hua reassured his mother, “Mom, I understand. I won’t get angry in the future. I’ll try to let others be angry instead. You don’t need to worry about me. I know what I’m doing. Just focus on getting better. Your younger daughter takes care of you better than I do. Look at how much your complexion has improved in the past few days.”
Qu Cungen sat beside them with his two children, noticing that his mother’s condition had indeed improved. “Mom, if you want to eat something specific, just let us know. I may not be skilled, but I can still prepare something for you.”
During lunch preparation, Zhang Hua brought up the idea of having his son join them in repairing bicycles. Zhang Lan and Wang Zhenhe didn’t have any objections.
“Sis, our business has just started. Don’t expect to make big money right away. However, we can earn enough to get by. If we end up with less money later on, don’t scold me at home,” Zhang Lan reminded his sister.
Zhang Hua shrugged, “Sis, do you really think I’m that kind of person? I may be meticulous in my daily life, but I’m not biased. Let Qu Kai experience life in the city; at least it’s better than working in the fields with us. Your husband and I discussed it, and if you decide to start something there, you might need extra help. My son can be taught by your husband; he can assist in setting up your business. Just be cautious. Although the reins are a bit loose now, you’re not entirely free.”
The sisters chatted while quickly preparing lunch. Zhang Lan made a special porridge for her mother, and Zhang Hua realized why her mother’s complexion had improved so much. The porridge contained high-quality ingredients. “Sis, Mom is lucky to have you. I wouldn’t be able to take care of her as well as you do,” she remarked.
Envious of her sister’s lifestyle, Zhang Hua observed the quality of the porridge made for their mother, which was mixed with fruit juice. She couldn’t compete with that level of care.
As they prepared lunch, Zhang Lan added, “Sis, when you leave, I’ll give you some oil. We have plenty of lard this year, so take some with you. Don’t be too thrifty; saving a bit in your diet won’t make much of a difference. Don’t compromise your health.”
At lunchtime, Wang Xuan and her sister took turns feeding their grandmother. Geng Lianhua performed well that day, eating smoothly and drinking a large bowl of honey water.
After spending some time at Wang’s house, Zhang Hua and the others decided to leave Qu Kai behind. Zhang Lan handed them a bag of items prepared for them before they departed.
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Wang Zhenhe took Wang Qian and the others to the city. However, according to the agreement, Wang Qian had to return in the evening and visit again the next day to avoid affecting Geng Lianhua’s recovery.
Three months later, Geng Lianhua was able to walk freely in the yard, even surprising the elderly Chen, who had doubted the hospital’s diagnosis. Cancer doesn’t typically improve this quickly.
“Grandma, have some water. Later, I’ll walk with you outside. It’s warm in the evening, good for exercise,” Wang Xuan suggested.
After dinner, Geng Lianhua had her usual glass of honey water. She felt energetic during this period, having a different outlook on life since her health scare.
During this period, Zhang Wanyou had endured quite a bit, visiting his wife every few days. Seeing her gradual improvement, the elderly began to feel that his daughter’s home was like a haven; nobody there seemed to fall ill, not even a common cold.
“Wang Qian, let’s go for a walk.”
The grandmother and granddaughter had a habit of evening strolls. “Qianqian, when Grandma gets back home, I’ll dry more seafood for you. You can sell it for a good price in the city. It’ll provide extra money for you and your brother’s education,” Geng Lianhua suggested.
At that moment, Wang Qian remembered something, “Grandma, when you return, check if anyone is selling a house. Let’s not live next to those two anymore to avoid any future conflicts. I’ll cover the cost of the house. Don’t worry about the money. Money is just money; it comes and goes.”
After a walk around the main road, neither Geng Lianhua nor Wang Qian felt tired. Wang Qian planned to have her mother accompany her grandmother to the city hospital for a check-up. If everything was fine, Geng Lianhua could return home. She didn’t want to strain her grandfather, who might not withstand the back and forth trips due to his age.
Returning home in the evening, Wang Qian shared her thoughts with Zhang Lan, “Mom, this time, please don’t go to the county hospital. Grandma’s swift recovery might raise suspicions. It’s better to go to the city hospital; they have better equipment. While there, have your heart checked as well.”
The couple busied themselves planting vegetables in the space, preparing the harvested vegetables for Wang Zhenhe to sell in the city. Since it was past the spring planting season, they planned to fish and dry nets for the remaining days.
Zhang Lan took Geng Lianhua to the city, and upon their return, their beaming smiles couldn’t hide their joy.
“Niece, how did your check-ups go? I see smiles on your faces; there must be good news,” the elderly Chen remarked, sensing positivity from their expressions.
“The doctor said my mom is perfectly fine. When we went for the check-up, the doctor couldn’t find anything wrong. I suspect that the previous diagnosis was incorrect,” Wang Qian instructed Zhang Lan on their way back home on what they can say. They both agreed that using this excuse seemed appropriate, considering doctors can make mistakes too.
The elderly Chen nodded in agreement, also suspecting a misdiagnosis. Cancer doesn’t just disappear after a couple of days.
The next day, when Zhang Wanyou heard that his Wife was completely fine, he was at a loss for words. Tears silently streamed down his face. Despite maintaining a calm exterior, he was terrified of losing his wife and being left alone in the world.
After enduring so much anguish, the news of his wife’s recovery brought forth tears of relief and joy.
“Brother, don’t cry. Sisters recovery is a great joy. Even this old man is envious of you. Let’s celebrate with a drink at noon,” the elderly Chen suggested.
Indeed, during lunch the next day, the two elderly men became a bit tipsy from their joyful celebration.
The following day, the elderly couple happily returned home. Zhang Lan sent them off with extra honey, known for its nourishing qualities. Additionally, Wang Qian plucked a ginseng from the space for Geng Lianhua to take back and stew chicken soup with her husband. Both needed some nourishment after the recent challenges—Geng Lianhua from her illness and the elderly Chen from the stress.
During the night, Chen Xu secretly expressed his doubts to the elderly Chen, “Grandpa, isn’t Grandma’s recovery too quick? I find it a bit suspicious. I even noticed the doctor gesturing while taking the X-rays.”
The elderly Chen, lying on the kang with a thoughtful expression, responded, “Xu’er, seeing something doesn’t always mean it’s true. Some things are better left unsaid, especially family matters. Your uncle and aunt are good people. Wherever you go in the future, remember you’re part of this family. Some things are better left unsaid, you understand?”
Although Chen Xu didn’t fully grasp his grandfather’s words, he earnestly nodded, “Grandpa, I understand. Without Uncle and Aunt, I can imagine the situation for you and Grandma. I’ll always appreciate their help, no matter where I go.”
As summer approached, graduation for Mingcheng and his classmates was imminent, but there was no news regarding college entrance exams. Even the hardworking students were feeling discouraged.
After Wang Qian and Mingyuan completed their exams, Mingcheng was still in school. Wang Qian accompanied Wang Zhenhe to the city to help transport goods and to reassure Mingcheng, who might be feeling anxious. After years of studies, the uncertainty of their future—potentially returning to farming—was unsettling. Besides Mingcheng’s personal concerns, the rumors making jokes circulating about their family added to the pressure.
Upon seeing Mingcheng in the city with blisters on his mouth, Wang Zhenhe and Wang Qian felt sorry for him. “Bro, what’s wrong? Graduation is around the corner; it shouldn’t be this stressful. Leave your luggage here; you’ll need it soon. Don’t worry, the college entrance exams won’t be a disappointment. They say that reference books were almost sold out. What do you think that signifies?” Wang Qian reassured him.
The news from Wang Qian undoubtedly injected a dose of hope into Mingcheng’s despairing heart.
Upon hearing this news, Mingcheng didn’t need to think twice to understand its significance. He grabbed Wang Qian’s hand, feeling emotional, “Sister, is what you’re saying true? This is a relief. I no longer have to worry. These past few days have been so stressful for me.”