After watching Chen Can and Shen Liya leave, Shen Zhiqiu let out a long-held breath and said directly to Yue Mingyuan, “Mingyuan, I want to be discharged from the hospital.”
“No matter how good the hospital is, it’s not as comfortable as home. It’s quieter and more relaxing there, and you won’t have to keep running back and forth every day.”
Of course, the main reason was that returning to the military compound would make Ya Ya safer.
She had been on edge every day, unable to relax even in her dreams, terrified that some oversight might give Wang Fengqin and Shen Liya an opening.
Besides, she didn’t want to go through another incident like today’s. Right now, her priority was to recover—there was still a long road ahead.
“But what about Dad…?”
Shen Zhiqiu understood Yue Guohuai and Wan Jiayin’s concerns. She knew they genuinely cared for her and Ya Ya.
But it had been over half a month, and neither she nor Ya Ya had any issues. They couldn’t stay in the hospital forever.
“Don’t worry about Dad. I’ve already talked to him and Mom about it—they both agreed.”
“Looks like we had the same thought. I was just about to ask for your opinion and discuss the discharge with you.”
“Then we’ll complete the discharge procedures tomorrow morning and go home?” The thought of finally breathing fresh air made Shen Zhiqiu feel lighter and more at ease.
Yue Mingyuan looked at her sparkling eyes and couldn’t help but smile. “Alright.”
…
Early the next morning, Yue Guohuai, Wan Jiayin, and Yue Minghui all came to help.
Wan Jiayin carefully wrapped a scarf around Shen Zhiqiu and tightened her military overcoat. “It’s windy today—make sure you’re bundled up properly. You mustn’t catch a chill, or it’ll trouble you in old age.”
Shen Zhiqiu nodded obediently. “I know, Mom.”
Truly, you judge a person by their heart. Whether someone cares for you isn’t about what they say but what they do.
Having a child had made her see clearly who was truly there for her—and who wasn’t.
“Xiao Hui, look how obedient Zhiqiu is. Not like you back then—you wouldn’t listen to a word I said.”
Wan Jiayin shot Yue Minghui a glare. Yue Minghui, who had been quietly packing, pointed at herself in bewilderment, wondering how she’d gotten dragged into this.
“Mom, are you really bringing up what happened during my postpartum confinement?”
Yue Minghui sighed but stood her ground. “Mom, these are just old-fashioned beliefs. Only around here do people make such a fuss about postpartum care.”
“Look at foreign women—they drink ice water, take cold showers, and go about their lives as usual after giving birth. And they’re perfectly fine, with no lasting health issues.”
“Xiao Hui, you’re both right and wrong. You said it yourself—those are foreign women. Just because it works for them doesn’t mean it works for us.”
Wan Jiayin shook her head gently. “Different lands nurture different people. Foreigners and we have different constitutions. Even within our own country, southerners and northerners have different physiques.”
“Besides, how long has foreign history been compared to ours?”
“Western doctors always jump to surgery—but after just three doses of Old Dong’s medicine, look how much better your father’s complexion is now.”
Wan Jiayin took Shen Zhiqiu’s hand, her eyes full of warmth. “Speaking of which, we really should thank Zhiqiu. If not for her recommending Old Dong to your father, he would’ve most likely ended up having surgery.”
“At our age, we’d rather avoid getting cut open if we can help it. These old bones can’t take much more.”
“Mom, we’re family. I just want you and Dad to stay healthy.”
These words came from Shen Zhiqiu’s heart.
In the past, Wang Fengqin had always whispered in her ear, telling her not to get too close to the Yue family—in-laws were still in-laws, never as close as blood relatives.
If something happened, her in-laws might help out of obligation, but her birth family would never abandon her.
Remembering how her second uncle had treated her mother, she had listened to Wang Fengqin.
But now she understood—labels like “in-laws” or “birth family” didn’t matter. Those who truly cared for her were real family; those who didn’t, even if related by blood, were just outsiders.
Wan Jiayin and Yue Guohuai had grown fonder of Shen Zhiqiu by the day. Initially, their affection for her had been an extension of their love for Yue Mingyuan—they trusted their son’s judgment. But her earlier attitude had disappointed them.
All those unpleasant feelings vanished the moment Ya Ya was born. From now on, their family would only grow closer, and their lives would flourish.
“Still, the biggest credit goes to our little Ya Ya.”
Wan Jiayin walked over to Yue Guohuai and gently stroked Ya Ya’s cheek. “Our Ya Ya is a little lucky star.”
Then she shared some good news: “Not only has your father’s health improved, but he also received a promotion this morning—one more rank up. It hasn’t been announced yet, but it’ll be official in a couple of days.”
This promotion would take Yue Guohuai to the highest rank.
He didn’t care much for titles, but after fifty years of life-and-death struggles, this recognition meant something.
This honor wasn’t just his—it belonged to all the comrades who had fought alongside him.
“Dad, Mom, everything’s packed.”
Yue Mingyuan gathered their belongings, with Yue Minghui and guards Xiao Wang and Xiao Li helping to carry them.
Wan Jiayin supported Shen Zhiqiu, while Yue Guohuai naturally took charge of holding Ya Ya.
“Sweetheart, we’re going home today! Aren’t you happy?”
Ya Ya’s eyes curved into crescents as she waved her tiny fist in response.
[Finally going home! I’ll get to see Grandpa, Grandma, and everyone every day now—so happy, so happy!]
[I hope I can stay in the room with a view of the crabapple tree in the next yard. When the flowers bloom soon, I can lie in bed and enjoy them. Heehee o(￣︶￣)o]
If only she were still in her cat form—she could’ve leaped right onto that crabapple tree.
Back then, she loved perching there, especially when the flowers bloomed. The tree would be covered in blossoms like clouds, their fragrance filling the air.
That little demon would always lure her down with treats and fish, then scoop her up and refuse to let go, snuggling and sniffing her as if she were some kind of drug.
(ˉ▽￣～) Whatever—why was she thinking about him?
Ya Ya unconsciously gripped the jade pendant around her neck, yawned, and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Not long after Shen Zhiqiu and the others left, Wang Fengqin and Shen Daqiang arrived.
“What? She’s already been discharged?!”
Shen Daqiang was furious. “That ungrateful brat! She didn’t even tell me she was leaving! Does she still consider me her father?!”
“Don’t be angry, dear.”
Wang Fengqin patted his chest and sighed heavily. “They say a married daughter is like spilled water—Zhiqiu isn’t part of our family anymore.”
