Qu Chaozong asked the doctor about the dietary requirents for the old man and then carefully inquired about general care and precautions before returning to the ward.
Upon pushing the door open and entering the room, he was stunned.
Inside the ward, his mother was sitting next to Zhang Xin on the bedside companion bed, Mr. Zhang sat on a round stool between the two beds, and the four of them were happily chatting away.
As he entered, he heard his mother say, "You all eat while it’s hot, you don’t need to wait for Chaozi. It was a bit rushed, so I just went to the market downstairs and picked up a few things, all just ho-cooked als."
Qu Chaozong called out, "Mom? How co you’re here?"
Mrs. Qu saw him and quickly waved, "I was thinking about the old man, so I made so soup at ho and also prepared so food for you. Now that you’re back, eat while it’s hot."
Qu Chaozong, Zhang Xin, and Mr. Zhang crowded in front of the table eating while Mrs. Qu sat by the sickbed feeding the old man so pork lung soup.
The atmosphere was harmonious to the point of being sowhat uncanny.
Mrs. Qu said she just casually prepared it, but the food box had braised fish, vinegar-glazed fried eggs, shredded potatoes with green pepper, and stewed eggplant, clearly made with care and carefully arranged—the eggplant strip stacked neatly, very appetizing.
Mrs. Qu, being older, was sowhat chatty. Initially unfamiliar with Zhang Xin’s family, after a few casual words exchanged post feeding the old man, she gradually beca more acquainted and started sharing everyday stories with him. The old man, usually without company, felt lonely. As they chatted, it was inevitable to veer into topics seniors frequently discuss, naly, critiquing their children.
Mrs. Qu complained about Qu Chaozong being too focused on career, seemingly never resting.
The old man, unwilling to criticize Zhang Xin, aid his remarks at Mr. Zhang, saying he was no better—lacking attention for Zhang Xin and insufficient care for the old man.
Both Qu Chaozong and Mr. Zhang listened, their faces flushed with embarrassnt, wanting to argue but not daring to speak, forced to endure silently.
After chatting for a while, Mrs. Qu reflected, "Actually, my son, among his peers, is truly mature and obedient, never really causing any worry. If XinXin is with him, my son will certainly treat her well. He knows how to be filial, which is rare among boys; if he treats well, he will treat his wife well too."
The old man also added, "My Da Bao was spoiled by since childhood, too capricious, doesn’t manage household chores. If she ends up with Chaozi, you’ll have to bear with it."
Mrs. Qu replied, "I just really like XinXin’s personality. From the first eting, I just felt we clicked. I’ve always treated her like my own daughter. My son likes her, I do too. It’s not about bearing with anything, truly."
While Mrs. Qu and the old man were talking, Qu Chaozong kept sneaking glances at Mr. Zhang, worried he might suddenly cause trouble.
Qu Chaozong hadn’t ntioned Mr. Zhang’s opposition to him being with Zhang Xin to his mother, partly not wanting Mrs. Zhang to worry, and partly due to n’s pride making it difficult for him to discuss it—he couldn’t say it was because of his poor family background making Mr. Zhang feel he wasn’t a match for Zhang Xin.
Luckily, Mr. Zhang remained silent, only watching Zhang Xin’s delight from the praises, the kindly Mrs. Qu, and the smiling old man’s happiness in contemplation.
Mrs. Qu stayed a while longer, then got up to leave. Qu Chaozong and Zhang Xin followed to see her off while Mr. Zhang remained in the ward to look after the old man.
As footsteps gradually faded outside the ward’s door, the old man spoke, "Chaozi and his mother are good people. When Da Bao marries over, they will treat her well."
Mr. Zhang was still unsatisfied, "Dad, I think....."
The old man interrupted him, "I know you’re just concerned for Da Bao, worried about Chaozi’s family’s humble condition, and fearing she might face grievances in the future. After all these interactions, I can see that Chaozi is career-driven and responsible, soone dependable."
Mr. Zhang’s expression soured, clearly suppressing so emotion.
The old man said, "I am aware of how Da Bao lived all these years, even if you don’t ntion it. Given her past, any man who wasn’t genuine or truly loved her wouldn’t accept it. And don’t say Chaozi is rely after our money—truth is, I always wanted to say that even if Chaozi were indeed after our money, as long as he stays by Da Bao’s side, making her as happy as she is now, I would willingly give him all of it."
Mr. Zhang was montarily moved, looking at the old man in disbelief, his lips parted then closed again, finding himself at a loss for words.
The old man sighed, "Life is unpredictable; you can take care of Da Bao for a mont but can you watch over her for a lifeti? Having foresight is good, but who knows what happens next in life? Since being with Chaozi makes Da Bao so happy now, why obstruct that? Or do you have a way to make Da Bao happier than she is now? If you do, tell , I’ll listen."
Speaking to his reflections, the old man sighed deeply, "People talk about empathy, but as far as I see it, Chaozi surpasses you greatly."
Mr. Zhang listened, further uncomfortable, wanting to argue, but the old man continued, "I know my own body well enough. This ti entering the hospital, I reckon I won’t be leaving again. If I can’t witness Da Bao’s happiness before closing my eyes, I would die restless. Chaozi is a promising child; after settling things in a few days, discuss with Chaozi about them arranging their marriage. I truly fear not surviving to see Da Bao get married."
Mr. Zhang’s words circled his tongue but were suppressed by the old man’s speech; he looked at him, amazed, "Dad, your health....."
The old man smiled wryly, "This ti, I truly feel bad, even though you don’t say it, I understand. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be eager to push Da Bao and Chaozi’s wedding. In all my life, if I have any skill, it’s reading people accurately—Chaozi is excellent. As young as he is now, when he reaches your age, his achievents will surely surpass yours. I’m making my stand here today."
Finally, the old man said, "Consider it fulfilling my last wish in this world; whether you agree or not, you must assent."
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