Chapter Ten: Returning Home After Discharge

“Sigh! What’s wrong with you, child? If I’d known it would turn out like this, I wouldn’t have agreed to let her have the baby. Now things are such a mess—what will you all do?” As she spoke, Mrs. Tang’s tears flowed once more. She wiped her eyes and sighed.

“Mom, please don’t make things more complicated. Third Sister is fine, she’s just exhausted from giving birth to twins and needs more rest. If you’re really worried, we can take her to another hospital for a check-up. The doctors here just said there’s nothing wrong!” Tang Feng replied, her face showing impatience.

Tang Jing hurried over to her mother’s side, helping to wipe her tears and spoke gently, “Mom, don’t cry. The doctors say everything is okay. This is the best hospital in the city—nothing will happen. Little Sister survived falling off a cliff, she’ll be all right now too! People say those who survive calamity will have blessings afterwards. She hasn’t enjoyed any blessings yet; it won’t be so easy for something bad to happen!”

Fu Zhongming chimed in, “Yes, Mom! Little Sister is fine. Why don’t you go get some sleep? Maybe when you wake up, she’ll be awake too!”

Mrs. Tang sighed, “How could I sleep in this state? You all haven’t slept the whole night either, and you have your own businesses to run and children at home with no one to watch them. Why don’t you all go home first? I’ll wait here.”

“All right, all right, your mother and I will stay here. The rest of you should go home. It’s no use everyone waiting around.” Mr. Tang spoke with authority.

Tang Jing quickly said, “Dad, Mom, you two should go home and rest. I’ll stay here and watch over her. Let Sister and her husband, and Zhongming go back—they all have work tomorrow. I’m free, and Grandma can look after the child; he’s old enough now, no need to worry.”

While everyone argued over who should stay and care for her, no one noticed Tang Wei’s eyes moving. She had just regained consciousness and, hearing everyone compete to look after her, was so moved that tears welled in her eyes. Deep inside, she resolved to treat her family well from now on. She swallowed and called out, “Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother-in-law, please stop arguing! I’m awake now, I’m sorry for worrying you all. I’m fine—let’s discharge from the hospital now!”

“Little Sister, are you really okay?” Tang Feng asked anxiously.

“Yes, Little Sister, maybe you should stay one more night and see how you feel. Discharge tomorrow,” He Jianjun added, clearly following his wife’s lead.

Tang Wei hurried to reply, “No need, I’m really fine. I want to go home now—and straight to our hometown! There are only ten or so days until the New Year. I don’t want my situation to ruin everyone’s holiday. How about everyone comes home for New Year’s? I have a surprise for you all!”

Tang Feng rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Oh! You wake up and immediately promise us a surprise. Shouldn’t you tell us first? Having a baby has turned the whole family upside down. You waking up is surprise enough! You used to be so worry-free—now, do you feel you need to give us a few shocks to feel secure?”

Tang Jing quickly defended her, “Big Sister, don’t be like that. Little Sister wouldn’t want things this way! Little Sister, don’t mind her—you know Big Sister’s temper. She was just worried sick a moment ago.”

“I know, it’s family—I understand. Anyway, let’s all find a way to go home for New Year’s. Don’t say I didn’t tell you! The surprise is big, even bigger than last time, though it has nothing to do with money! Hehe!” Tang Wei shamelessly dangled the mystery, refusing to reveal anything.

“All right, all right. Since Third Daughter is so insistent, see if you can make it home for New Year’s. If not, we’ll go a few days later. It’s not like you won’t hear from me! Your mother and I will take Third Daughter home first. Jianjun, drive us. The rest of you do as you please—if you keep arguing, it’ll be dark soon!” Mr. Tang’s voice always carried the final word at crucial moments.

Tang Wei mumbled quietly, “Anyone who doesn’t come will regret it. I won’t care about you then!” Of course, she made sure everyone heard her.

Seeing her like that, everyone’s curiosity was piqued again—what could it be? Better to go home and discuss before deciding!

After returning home, Tang Jing washed up, coaxed her child to sleep, and saw Fu Zhongming still poring over the hardware store accounts. She nudged him and asked, “What do you think Little Sister’s surprise is?”

Without looking up, Fu Zhongming replied, “Who knows? We’ll find out when we get there!”

“But… what about Mom and Dad? We can’t let the two of them spend New Year alone, can we?” Tang Jing said, troubled.

“It’s fine! I’ll ask Big Sister’s family to come keep them company. They have no elders themselves; the whole family can spend New Year here together. Their days have been tough these years—if I can help, I will. Besides, Little Sister treats us all so well; even if there’s no surprise, just a word from her means we should go.” Fu Zhongming looked up after saying this, then returned to his accounts, adding, “Xiao Jing, you go to bed first. I’ll sleep after I finish these.”

Tang Jing didn’t move, continuing, “Zhongming, you’re always so busy. Why not hire a couple helpers? The store’s business has been good these months. If you hire two people, you’ll have an easier time and won’t wear yourself out.”

“Mm, I know. Let’s talk about it after the New Year. Don’t worry, I’m fine. Go to sleep.” Fu Zhongming stood up, took her hand, led her to the bedroom, watched her settle in, then went back out to continue working through the accounts.

Meanwhile, at Tang Wei’s eldest sister’s home, Tang Feng sat on the sofa waiting for He Jianjun’s return. Niuniu was already asleep. Hearing the door click open, Tang Feng immediately stood up and went to the door. “Honey, you’re back. Are Mom and Dad home?”

“What are you really thinking? Just say it. Seeing my wife waiting so warmly for me at the door makes me feel truly pampered!” He Jianjun teased, amused by her manner.

“Don’t flatter yourself. Who’s waiting at the door for you? I just wanted to ask if you know what Little Sister’s surprise is. Did she mention it to Mom and Dad on the way home?” Tang Feng pressed, eager for answers and not in the mood for banter.

He Jianjun laughed, “I think Little Sister enjoys teasing you because of your personality. Second Sister isn’t like that, so you’re the only one she can string along.”

Tang Feng, hearing this, kicked him and turned away. He Jianjun hurried after her, put his arm around her shoulder, and coaxed gently, “Alright, don’t be mad. Only ten days till New Year—just be patient! Usually, it’s just the three of us for New Year, but this time we can join the fun.” After whispering a few words in Tang Feng’s ear, her face flushed. She turned toward the bathroom. “Honey, wait for me—I’ll shower first!”

It seemed tonight would be a night filled with warmth and affection.