“Many friends were lamenting that mom shouldn’t have hidden it from us, not to undergo surgery or chemotherapy. Only Aunt Li said there was a reason for mom’s decision. When Uncle Shen had stomach cancer, he underwent surgery and chemotherapy several times, losing all his hair, only to prolong his life by three years. Mom’s illness, in its advanced stage, even with treatment, would just be buying time.” Xu Ke held back tears, pursing her lips in silence. Indeed, some things are done knowing they are futile.
“Mom, before she passed, specifically called me over to tell me some things.”
“Was it about me?”
“Yes, she told me to take good care of you.”
“You’ve taken very good care of me already, like a true brother would.”
“Mom also asked if I liked you.” Xu Ke was startled, feeling a bit awkward.
“I said, I do. But this liking can advance or retreat. If it retreats, it’s the affection of siblings or friends. If it advances, it’s the affection of lovers.” Xu Ke nervously clenched her hands, fearing he would continue. Yin Wan Cheng changed the subject, “Mom knew you were pregnant; it was Shao’s mom who told her. Shao’s mom wanted her to find Li Jinghua to bring Shen Mu back. Shao’s mom was worried about you, although she didn’t say anything on the surface, she was privately anxious, still hoping you and Shen Mu would reconcile, giving the child legitimacy and a father.”
Xu Ke didn’t respond, feeling guilty. Shao Yiping indeed hadn’t said much, but her concern was evident.
“Mom said that since Shen Mu did what he did, even if he returned with a change of heart to take responsibility, he couldn’t be trusted. So, mom didn’t tell Aunt Li about your pregnancy. She said she was more at ease handing you over to me. She wanted us to get married.” Xu Ke was embarrassed and quickly said, “Don’t feel pressured because of mom’s last words.”
“I don’t feel pressured. Even if we aren’t lovers, we’re still family, kin. Do you want to be a single mother? Have you thought about what others will say, the looks you’ll get? Have you considered everything the baby will face? You’re an adult; you can ignore those things, but the child is so young, it’s not conducive to his growth. No matter what, I’m his uncle, and I don’t want my nephew to face these rumors. Instead, you shouldn’t feel burdened. This marriage is just a formality; we can divorce anytime after the child is born.”
Xu Ke was moved to tears, unable to speak for a while, then softly said, “This isn’t fair to you.”
“Xiao Ke, I’m doing this for two reasons: one, to help you, and two, because of mom. You know, when I was in high school, while other classmates were working part-time, I already had a sports car. When others were studying hard for scholarships, I could go on adventures and travel the world. If it weren’t for mom, I wouldn’t have all this today. I love her and am grateful to her. All I have today is because of her. This little bit of help I’m giving you is nothing compared to what mom did for me. You were her greatest concern before she died. Doing this will make her happy.”
“Wan Cheng.” Xu Ke’s tears fell uncontrollably.
“Don’t think too much about it. The child will have the surname Yin and a father. Marriage is good for both you and the child. No matter what, we will always be family.”
On the night of the six-month agreement with Shen Mu, Xu Ke knew he wouldn’t come back, but she couldn’t help but reminisce about the past six months, taking a long time to fall asleep. When she woke up, she told herself it was all over, completely in the past.
Author’s Note: Birth, aging, sickness, and death are common to all. This isn’t about creating drama; it’s the first time I’ve written about so many deaths in a story, and it’s not easy for me. Thus, I’ve portrayed Wan Cheng as a good person. In this story, I’ve not simply categorized characters as good or evil. Even the detestable have their merits, and the virtuous their selfishness. Every time I conclude a story, readers often say the ending feels rushed. I prefer to leave some aftertaste and blank space, as perfect endings are rare, but small, happy endings are also acceptable. I hope everyone will be satisfied with the ending of the next chapter. Thank you all, and a bow of gratitude.
A few days after the conclusion, Xu Ke and Yin Wan Cheng went to register their marriage without informing anyone, except for Shao Yiping. Xu Ke’s pregnancy became more evident, and Yin Wan Cheng drove her to and from work every day, accompanying her to prenatal checkups. When free, he researched prenatal and early childhood education online, becoming a qualified father. The bond between Xu Ke and Yin Wancheng had almost reached the level of family. She could eat and drink heartily in front of him, nap with her head on his shoulder, and even ask him to help wash her feet. For convenience, Xu Ke moved to the downstairs apartment, while Yin Wancheng moved upstairs. Thoughtful as he was, he bought three large rattan chairs from the furniture market and placed them under the corridor. Often, the three of them would lie in these chairs, basking in the sun and chatting leisurely, enjoying a harmonious time together. Xu Ke was secretly grateful for everything he did for her; with him, Shao Yiping, and the child in her womb, she quickly emerged from the darkness. The value of family lies in its unwavering support, and she increasingly understood Lin Ge’s decision to let go back then.
One night, half-awake, she felt a gentle hand softly caressing her cheek. She pretended to be asleep. After Yin Wancheng quietly left, she slowly turned over, her nose slightly tingling. Her hand gently rested on her belly where the baby was doing somersaults. Silently in her heart, she said, “Child, your father doesn’t want you, but you still have an uncle who will be better than a father.”
In the evening, Yin Wancheng came to pick her up from work, and they went to the mall together to buy a baby stroller. Xu Ke spent a long time choosing between pink and sky blue, unsure of the baby’s gender. Yin Wancheng decisively picked the sky blue one, “I bet a hundred bucks it’s a boy.” Xu Ke touched her belly and laughed, “Uncle is so stingy, only betting a hundred.” With a grin, Yin Wancheng made the decision, “Let’s buy this blue one; it’s sturdy and beautiful. My son can use it in the future.” Xu Ke teased, “Mr. Yin has become quite economical lately.” Mr. Yin responded seriously, “That’s because now I’m someone with responsibilities above and below; in the future, we’ll need to be careful with our spending.” Xu Ke couldn’t help but laugh, urging him to go pay.
“Your husband is really nice, handsome and humorous,” the salesperson commented enviously, watching Yin Wancheng’s retreating figure, and complimented Xu Ke. Xu Ke smiled gently, holding a bag of maternity clothes, sitting on the couch waiting for him. It was rush hour, and the mall was getting crowded. Xu Ke glanced inadvertently at the women’s section and sighed inwardly, realizing she wouldn’t need to shop there for clothes for at least a year. Suddenly, her shopping bag fell with a thud. A woman was approaching from the women’s section, it was Rongrong! In a flash, like lightning, Xu Ke instinctively wanted to avoid her. Having not seen each other for half a year, Rongrong seemed to have lost weight, looking even taller and more graceful. Rongrong had clearly seen Xu Ke, her expression also froze for a moment, then her gaze fell on Xu Ke’s belly. With only a few steps between them, Xu Ke couldn’t avoid her and nodded, “Hello.”
