Chapter 24: Zhao Han Is Shocked Upon Hearing the Name He Yashu

“Why are you in such a good mood today?” He Yuandong was surprised to see his wife humming while cooking as soon as he got home. Since they had no children, his wife rarely appeared this cheerful.

“Today, Captain Zhong’s wife and daughter came over to visit. They even brought me some sponge cake. I really liked them — we just clicked,” Zhao Han said, beaming as she brought out a dish.

“That Zhong Youliang kid is lucky. His daughter is lively, adorable, and polite. His wife is pretty great too,” He Yuandong also smiled at the mention of little Zhong Ling.

“I just realized I never asked what Lingling’s mom’s name is. We were so busy chatting that I forgot. What a scatterbrain I am,” Zhao Han said, suddenly annoyed at herself.

“I think her name’s He Yashu. Zhong Youliang submitted her as a dependent. I saw the name on the report,” He Yuandong replied with a chuckle.

“He Yashu!” Zhao Han’s expression turned to shock.

“What is it?” He Yuandong quickly supported her, looking worried.

“Yuandong… the day before our little girl went missing, I had just named her He Yashu.” Having lost her daughter so many years ago, Zhao Han couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope upon hearing that name again.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me her name? It’s my fault. I kept getting deployed for months at a time. She probably didn’t even remember me,” He Yuandong said with guilt. He remembered his daughter smiling at him right after she was born — it had melted his heart.

“She went missing. What good would it do to tell you her name? She was only three and didn’t even know it herself. When I called her He Yashu, she didn’t respond…” Zhao Han’s emotions collapsed completely at the mention of their daughter.

After the child disappeared, many people urged her to have another. She refused, fearing that if her daughter came back, she would be angry at her mother for replacing her. Later, the police found a little girl’s body near the place where their daughter went missing. When Zhao Han heard the news, she fainted on the spot. Since then, no one dared to bring up the child in front of her.

“You think she might be our daughter? If she were alive, she’d be about that age now.” Zhao Han looked at He Yuandong with hope.

“I’ll ask Zhong Youliang about it tomorrow. But don’t get your hopes up — I heard they’re from the same village.” He Yuandong tried to temper expectations. There were many people with the same name.

“Okay.” Zhao Han wasn’t being unreasonable. She just missed her daughter too much. She quietly composed herself, and the couple ate dinner in silence.

Meanwhile, in the Zhong household, the mood was lively.

“Dad, we brought sponge cake to Auntie Liang and Grandma Zhao today. Grandma Zhao really likes me!” Little Zhong Ling excitedly reported as her father came home.

“Our Lingling is so lovable, who wouldn’t like her? But Dad has to keep a close eye on you — don’t let those nice uncles and aunties trick you away!” Zhong Youliang teased playfully.

“Dad, you’re the best. I’d never go with anyone else. I love you most! Dad, I want to ride a horse!” Zhong Ling sweet-talked her dad, immediately slipping in her request.

Of course, a doting father like Zhong Youliang didn’t hesitate. He picked her up and galloped around the room, making her laugh gleefully.

“Enough! Wash your hands — time for dinner,” He Yashu called out, clearly enjoying her daughter’s bright personality.

“Aye aye, ma’am,” Zhong Youliang said, carrying Lingling off to wash up.

The family ate happily together. Afterward, Zhong Youliang insisted they all go for a walk, saying it was healthier and kept the weight off.

He Yashu, alarmed by the mention of gaining weight, glanced at her daughter’s round belly and sighed, “Alright, let’s go.”

Little Zhong Ling didn’t notice the subtle judgment and skipped happily alongside, chattering away like a little talk machine.

“Is that enough walking? Let’s head back,” He Yashu said, clearly wanting to lie down after the meal. She wouldn’t have come out if not for her daughter.

“Let’s go,” Zhong Youliang said, catching the hint and scooping up Lingling to head home.

After their daughter fell asleep, they carried her off, and the couple spent an intimate night together.