Chapter 19: Dad’s Red Tube

Su Ai had been watching Ji Yang, seizing the opportunity to kiss him.

A kiss on the cheek wasn’t enough.

Ji Yang had intended to kiss Su Ai’s cheek.

But Su Ai pressed her lips to his, their lips meeting softly.  A clear “pop” sound echoed in the darkness.

Ji Yang’s face flushed crimson.

He stared at her, speechless, feeling as if he were on fire.

Su Ai’s previous sadness and disappointment were gone, replaced by radiance and excitement.  Her eyebrows seemed to be flying.

Even if she was happy because of the kiss, her mood change was too sudden, unless she had been faking her sadness.

Ji Yang realized he’d been tricked.

Su Ai’s swift action clearly showed she’d planned it.

“You!”

Ji Yang was speechless with anger.

Was this something to joke about?

But Su Ai leaned in again, another “pop” sound.

Ji Yang’s anger vanished, replaced by a sudden calm.

He was completely captivated by Su Ai.

“Stop it, there are other people in the ward,” he said, his voice softer.

“Fine, since you kissed me, I’ll…forgive you for suspecting me.”

Ji Yang remained silent; Su Ai was shameless.

He couldn’t hit her, scold her, or say anything harsh.

She could easily extinguish his anger, completely controlling him.

“Lele is asleep. I should go.”

“Mm.”

Hurry up and leave!

Su Ai stood up, holding Lele.

As she turned to leave, Su Ai suddenly turned back. Ji Yang quickly covered his mouth with the blanket, watching her warily.

He was afraid she’d attack again.

Su Ai clicked her tongue in regret.

“I had that idea, but you know me too well.”

“I remembered something I need to tell you.”

Su Ai leaned close to Ji Yang’s ear, whispering intensely.

“Although I said it before, I don’t think you believed me, so I’ll say it again!”

“Ji Yang, listen carefully.  Su Ai was a mess before, but since I came back, I’ve changed!”

“From now on, only you and the child matter.”

“You’re my life!”

Her words were clear, making Ji Yang feel he’d been wrong.

Su Ai’s directness was different from before.

Before, Ji Yang had been 99% suspicious and 1% trusting.

After the past two days, he was now 99% trusting and 1% suspicious.

Even if Su Ai was acting, it was for money or gain.  But he’d given her most of his savings.

She didn’t take the money, and she didn’t sell Lele.  From now on, Ji Yang had no reason to doubt her.

More importantly, he saw genuine joy in Su Ai’s eyes joy for him and their child.  It was real, unmistakable.

Just as Ji Yang was overwhelmed by these words, Su Ai leaned in and kissed his cheek again.

Ji Yang snapped back to reality.

He had tried to be cautious, but he hadn’t been cautious enough.

A scoundrel is a scoundrel, after all.

“My grassland, my horse; I can play as I please.”

After saying that, Su Ai ruffled Ji Yang’s hair and left, carrying Lele.

The ward door opened, and the corridor lights illuminated them for a moment before fading back into darkness.

The ward fell silent.  Ji Yang lay back down, only to see the new patient in the next bed.

The man hadn’t gone to sleep yet.  He’d overheard their whispered conversation and seen their actions.  He winked at Ji Yang and gave him a thumbs-up.

His eyes were filled with envy envy for Ji Yang’s beautiful wife, or for their good relationship.

Ji Yang said nothing, lying down, his mind filled with Su Ai’s words.

She said, “You two are my life.”

Hearing those words, Ji Yang felt an indescribable sense of fulfillment.

His heart told him Su Ai wasn’t lying.

Over the past two days, her actions had proven her words true.

She truly considered them her life.

He thought of the kiss just now, and the kiss before she left.

Although Su Ai was even more shameless and scoundrelly than before, her behavior was directed at her husband.  Ji Yang wasn’t angry; he felt a little joy.

He was overjoyed.

Unbeknownst to him, a faint smile appeared on his face, as if flowers were blooming silently in his heart.

He loved their current life; he was happy.

He loved Su Ai now.

Unlike the previous night, he slept soundly, filled with joy, even dreaming sweet dreams.

He dreamt of their reconciliation, a happy life together, caring for Lele, and having two more children.

Their life improved, fulfilling his dreams.  He was so happy he laughed in his sleep.

The next day, when Su Ai returned, Ji Yang was still smiling.

“Dad, Dad?”

“What are you doing? Why are you spacing out? I was talking to you.”

“Sorry, sweetie, I didn’t hear you.”

“Dad, your IV tube is red.”

“The other adults’ tubes don’t change color. Dad’s tube is amazing!”

Hearing his son, Ji Yang turned sharply.

He realized the IV bag was empty; blood was flowing back into the tube from his hand.

Su Ai had gone to wash dishes and clothes.

Before leaving, she had told them to watch the IV and call a nurse if it was empty.

They had agreed, but as soon as she entered, she saw the red blood filling the tube.