The rest of the text was not provided, but if you need further translation or have any other requests, please let me know. The person opposite seemed to smile cheerfully, refilling her cup with hot water, and said, “Even if it’s delicious, don’t rush.” Lin Mengmeng was taken aback, looking at the food in her bowl, feeling too embarrassed to lift her head. The atmosphere finally eased. After ten, the two returned to Hongqiao Villa on time. Shao Tingyu was utterly exhausted, taking off his coat and hanging it on the rack. Lin Mengmeng approached from behind, and her first words were, “Tingyu, go back to work tomorrow.” Shao Tingyu paused his movements, turning back to look at Lin Mengmeng with a puzzled expression, “What’s the matter?” He stepped forward, lifting Lin Mengmeng’s face to examine it closely, then asked, “Did his words make you think too much?” Lin Mengmeng shook her head, slightly composing herself, “I just think what dad said makes sense; after all, you are still the head of the hospital, and many patients are waiting for your treatment.” Shao Tingyu’s expression softened a bit, then he held her hand and sat down, “Don’t you want me to spend more time with you?” With his gentle embrace, Lin Mengmeng leaned slightly against Shao Tingyu’s chest, her voice devoid of joy or anger, “Shao Tingyu, I don’t want to be a burden to you.” Shao Tingyu’s face darkened slightly, and his grip on Lin Mengmeng’s hand tightened, “Lin Mengmeng, you are not a burden.” He gently lifted her chin, and their gazes met. At that moment, emotions surged in Shao Tingyu’s eyes as he kissed the back of Lin Mengmeng’s hand, “You are just my Mrs. Shao, that’s all.” Lin Mengmeng’s eyes reddened, not knowing how to respond to his deep affection. She was choked up and couldn’t speak, but heard Shao Tingyu’s voice continue, “When I proposed divorce before, it was because I felt there was no love between us, and I didn’t want to delay each other further, but later I realized we were both wrong.” “You didn’t dislike me, and I didn’t know when I had already let go of you. Since we’ve already turned our fake relationship into a real one, why not continue?” At that moment, Lin Mengmeng’s tears could no longer be held back, her voice choked with sobs, “But I’m not worthy of you now…” Hearing this, Shao Tingyu’s heart ached, “Why would you say that? It’s me who isn’t good enough for you.” He wiped away the tears from Lin Mengmeng’s eyes, his gaze full of tenderness, “Mrs. Shao, I should thank you for not giving up and for forgiving an unworthy husband like me. No matter what we go through in the future, I hope we won’t be apart.” Lin Mengmeng didn’t know what to say in response; she could only tightly embrace Shao Tingyu, expressing her feelings through her actions. They had loved and tried, so even if reality defeated them, at least their hearts remained together.
Chapter 37: Birthday Gift
Previously, Lin Mengmeng had never imagined that she could still be with Shao Tingyu after the onset of ALS. She thought by then they would be divorced, and she would quietly wait for death in some secluded place. But now, she selfishly wanted Shao Tingyu to stay with her forever. Love was always about two people, and she had been too naive before to realize that Shao Tingyu truly had feelings for her. Now, whoever left first would be selfish.
Shao Tingyu sighed softly, “Lin Mengmeng, ALS can’t stop me from loving you.” Lin Mengmeng, with tears in her eyes, nodded, still in Shao Tingyu’s embrace, when his warm lips met hers. The kiss was intense, making them forget time, with only each other in their eyes. At that moment, their emotions were fully expressed. From Shao Tingyu’s fervent gaze, Lin Mengmeng saw his love for her. She no longer felt the need to retreat; even in her final days, she would give everything to him.
The next day, after contacting the hospital, Shao Tingyu prepared to attend consultations on time. Lin Mengmeng got up early to help him pack his work bag and saw him off at the door. Opening the door to the biting cold wind, she couldn’t help but shiver. Lin Mengmeng skillfully tied his tie. Shao Tingyu also bent down slightly to cooperate. After everything was done, Lin Mengmeng watched the rejuvenated Shao Tingyu and smiled, “I’ll wait for you to come home.” Shao Tingyu nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, then reminded her, “Is there anything else you need to tell me?” Lin Mengmeng thought carefully, then fetched a bag of toys from the room and handed it to Shao Tingyu, “Remember to give these toys to Nian Nian.” Shao Tingyu was stunned for a moment before reluctantly agreeing, “…Okay.” Just as Shao Tingyu turned to leave, Lin Mengmeng suddenly grabbed his tie. Her tone was somewhat coy, “Remember to keep your distance from other women at the hospital.” Shao Tingyu chuckled contentedly in a low voice, “I understand.” After planting a farewell kiss on Lin Mengmeng’s forehead, he reminded her patiently, “An auntie I’ve hired will be here soon. Stay home and don’t wander around; I’ll worry.” Lin Mengmeng nodded obediently, “I understand.” She watched him drive away before closing the door and returning to the quiet living room.
At noon, the auntie hired by Shao Tingyu arrived at the villa as promised. Lin Mengmeng, staring blankly at the calendar, hadn’t forgotten Shao Tingyu’s birthday. She sent a message to her childhood friend Xie Ruan, and soon a flashy Porsche stopped at the door. Before Xie Ruan could ring the doorbell, Lin Mengmeng opened the door. She was immediately enveloped in a firm hug from Xie Ruan, “Mengmeng, you’re finally back! They said you got ALS, that’s terrifying. Are you okay now?” Lin Mengmeng took a deep breath, struggling to speak, “If you let go of me now, I’ll be better.” Realizing Lin Mengmeng’s discomfort, Xie Ruan quickly released her, “Sorry, got carried away. You should have told me about this sooner.” Lin Mengmeng cleared her slightly sore throat, unsure how to respond. She first recounted the events of the past few days to Xie Ruan, then got to the point, “Tingyu’s birthday is coming up, and I’m thinking about what to get him as a gift.” Xie Ruan thought carefully, “The usual, watches, pens, high-end suits…” Suddenly remembering something, she pulled Lin Mengmeng aside, “By the way, I recently opened a high-end suit shop. Consider it supporting my business, why not buy him a suit?”
Chapter 38: The Age of Thirty
Lin Mengmeng paused, realizing that she often saw Shao Tingyu in his white coat but rarely in a suit.
