The New Favorite

Upon returning to the Yin residence, Zhang Wanruo was keeping watch by Zhang Yueguang’s bedside. “Wancheng, you’re back. Mom is being stubborn; I called an ambulance, but she refuses to go to the hospital. It’s infuriating.” Yin Wancheng squatted down, holding Zhang Yueguang’s hand, and softly asked, “Mom, what’s wrong? Why won’t you go to the hospital?” “Oh, it’s nothing, Wanruo is making a fuss. I just stood up too quickly, and my vision went black.” “Mom, you should really go to the hospital, just to make sure everything’s alright so we can all feel at ease.” “No need, I’m really fine. Xiao Ke, why are you here too?” Xu Ke stepped forward, “You should get checked out, just to be safe. Look at my mom, she was healthy, but one day she suddenly fell ill. A check-up would put our minds at ease.” Zhang Yueguang smiled at her, “Child, come here, I have something to tell you.” Xu Ke sat by her bedside, and Zhang Yueguang took her hand, sitting up and leaning against the bed. “Wanruo, Wancheng, you two go out for a moment.” Wanruo frowned in displeasure, but Yin Wancheng pulled her up, and they left the room, gently closing the door. Zhang Yueguang looked at Xu Ke, “Xiao Ke, why have you lost weight?” Xu Ke gave a strained smile, “Maybe it’s the summer heat.” Zhang Yueguang sighed, murmuring, “The days where I can look at you like this are numbered.” “Don’t say that, you can come back anytime, the house here is so big.” “I mean, my days are numbered.” Xu Ke was shocked. “I’ve already been to the hospital. It’s advanced breast cancer.” “Mom!” Xu Ke involuntarily gasped, shocked and disbelieving. “When I found out the test results, I had only one thought: this is retribution because I abandoned my child, never fed you with my milk, never fulfilled a day of my duty as a mother. I’ve believed in Buddhism for many years, and I’m very open about life and death, karma, and retribution. Knowing my illness, I’ve been very calm about it.” Xu Ke, tears streaming down, pleaded, “Don’t think like that. This isn’t an incurable disease, modern medicine can treat it.” Zhang Yueguang shook her head, “Child, I’ve lived a lonely life, and I’ve lost the will to live long ago. I’ve just always been worried about not finding you. Heaven has been kind to let me find you before I die, so I can pass away in peace. Really, I have no regrets.” Xu Ke tightly held Zhang Yueguang’s thin hand, tears flowing freely. “Mom, please go to the hospital, it’s not too late.” “It’s too late. Even with advanced medicine, not all diseases can be cured. I don’t want to suffer; in the end, it’s still death. Why bother? Life and death are predestined, and I’m not afraid. Finding you, I have no regrets left. When I meet your father in the afterlife, I’ll have something to say.” “Mom, please stop.” “Xiao Ke, I owe you. I always hoped to find you one day and make it up to you. Your grandfather is gone, but your uncle’s family is still here, and I don’t want the Yin family’s wealth to go to outsiders. So, selfishly, I’ve always wanted you and Wancheng to be together. This way, by giving him the estate, it’s like giving it to you. I’ve asked him, and he has feelings for you too. So, I’ve been encouraging him to pursue you, to take care of Shao Yiping, and to create opportunities for you both.” Xu Ke bit her lip, unable to accept Zhang Yueguang’s well-meaning intentions at the moment. “Mom, I only see him as family.” “Child, feelings develop over time. Before, there was Shen Mu, so I didn’t say anything, but now that you’ve split up, I can’t think of anyone better for you than Wancheng. I really hope to see you settled before I die, to ease my guilt a little.” “Does Wancheng and my sister know about your condition?” “They don’t know. I’ve only told Li Jinghua and your mom.” Xu Ke suddenly remembered that day when Zhang Yueguang went to see Shao Yiping; they talked for a long time, discussing this matter. “Mom, can’t you stay in Canada?” “I have my temple there, and some lay friends. When it’s time, I won’t be alone. Actually, I’d like to spend the remaining time with you, but I’m afraid you’ll get attached, and you’ll be heartbroken when I’m gone. It’s better this way; to you, I’m still a stranger, so when I die, you won’t be too sad.” She was still thinking about this at the end, no wonder she stayed here for many days but didn’t see her every day, fearing Xu Ke would become attached. Xu Ke felt the weight of this belated but profound maternal love, crying uncontrollably. Zhang Yueguang wiped away Xu Ke’s tears, whispering, “It’s nothing, everyone has this day. Don’t tell Wancheng and the others yet; I’ll tell them at the right time, to give them some mental preparation.” Zhang Yueguang’s composure made Xu Ke even more heart-wrenching. The bond of blood, despite the years of separation, was still so strong, especially now, knowing she would soon leave the world, leave her. With tears in her eyes, Zhang Yueguang smiled with satisfaction, “Xiao Ke, seeing these tears you shed for me, mom feels very happy. Heaven has not been unkind to me. I’ll make sure Wanruo and Wancheng take good care of you.” Xu Ke gripped Zhang Yueguang’s hand tightly, overwhelmed by grief and unable to speak. These partings, one after another, were too much for her to bear; her heart felt empty, like it was covered in snow. “Xiao Ke, you don’t look well. You should rest more. Let Wancheng take you home.” “I want to stay with you for a while.”