QTMWSFC Chapter 12

Grandma Xia stayed in the hospital for several days. But even while she was there, she remained worried.

In the final analysis, the elderly woman still couldn’t bear to spend money. She felt that with one foot already in the grave, there was no need to waste so much on medical expenses. It was better to leave everything to her granddaughter.

However, Xu Xinghe knew how stubborn Xia Qingmeng could be and had already taken the initiative to pay all the fees in full. In the end, Xia Qingmeng had no choice but to write him an IOU. No matter what, she would pay him back.

During the days Grandma Xia was hospitalized, Xu Xinghe visited every single day without fail, shamelessly making his presence known. He called her “Grandma” sweetly and behaved so well that he kept her constantly amused.

He also took the opportunity to slip Grandma Xia the Longevity Pill. The effect was immediate. Even the doctor was astonished by how quickly she recovered.

Grandma Xia herself could feel the change in her body clearly. When people get old, their perspective on things becomes clearer. She didn’t understand exactly what had happened, but she was certain it had something to do with Xu Xinghe. Her gaze towards him grew deeper and more affectionate.

During her hospital stay, her own son didn’t come to see her even once. Yet this boy, a complete stranger to her before, had done everything he could. She thought to herself that when the time comes, she could leave in peace. Her granddaughter had found a good boy.

Because Grandma Xia’s health improved quickly, she was discharged not long after, and the medical costs remained within a fully manageable range.

Xu Xinghe breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew that Xia Qingmeng’s pride was stronger than most people. If he had waved his hand and paid a huge sum, then acted like he didn’t want her to repay him, she would probably stop seeing him the very next day!

Grandma Xia’s discharge made Xia Qingmeng very happy.

As she walked back with the prescribed medicine, she saw Xu Xinghe not far away, amusing her grandmother. Xia Qingmeng suddenly felt that maybe life wasn’t so bad after all. It was still full of hope.

After sending Grandma Xia home, the two of them grew unusually reluctant to part, both hesitating as if wanting to say something.

Xia Qingmeng took several deep breaths, mentally preparing herself many times over, before finally grabbing Xu Xinghe’s sleeve and stammering, “Xu Xinghe, I… I really… like you too.”

She thought she must be doomed.

She was about to start her senior year of high school, and here she was starting a romance at a time like this?

“It’s really not just gratitude! It’s… it’s just liking…” Xia Qingmeng had no idea what she was rambling about. The moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to dig a hole and bury herself.

Xu Xinghe was overjoyed, grabbed Xia Qingmeng by the shoulders, leaned in, and planted a kiss on her cheek. “See you tomorrow. Don’t forget, you still have to help me with my tutoring.”

Then he ran away.

Xia Qingmeng touched her cheek and watched his retreating figure. She felt both like laughing and like hiding her face in embarrassment. She raised her phone and saw the silly, lovestruck smile reflected on the black screen, then immediately stopped grinning.

Really…

Smiling that stupidly, that can’t possibly be me!

…

The police worked quickly. The Chu Xi’s parents, who had fled to avoid their crimes, were arrested within a week, even though they had crossed half the country.

Chu Xi was a repeat student and had already reached adulthood. She would have to pay the proper price for what she had done. The fall of the Chu family caused a brief public uproar, but it was soon forgotten.

Meanwhile, beneath the surface, Haicheng underwent a new round of restructuring.

At the same time, led by the Xu family in the capital, information technology ushered in a new revolution, silently affecting everyone’s lifestyle.

With all the troublesome obstacles out of the way, Wen Li and Su Yan’s relationship progressed by leaps and bounds. Because the effects of their relationship were so positive, Su Yan’s parents were happy to see it and didn’t care about any differences in social standing.

They had worked hard for most of their lives so that their son could be happy. Why would they treat him as a tool for marriage alliances?

The entire senior year of high school was busy but fulfilling. Zhou Mei now had an extra treasure in her hands, Xu Xinghe.

She never imagined that the prodigal son’s return would bring her such a huge surprise! If nothing unexpected happened, this year’s college entrance exams would produce at least four of her students capable of getting into the Capital University.

As a teacher, the more outstanding students she had, the more she shared in their pride.

Zhou Mei knew that Xu Xinghe and Xia Qingmeng were dating. But she wasn’t opposed to it. In fact, she supported it. Look how good this relationship was! With someone keeping him in line, Xu Xinghe no longer stirred up trouble. She even hoped their relationship would grow stronger. Maybe someday she’d get to eat their wedding candy.

How did that poem go?

A boat full of sweet dreams weighing down upon the Milky Way!

These two really were fated for each other and well-matched!

…

The effect of the Longevity Pill was limited. After the college entrance exams ended and the university acceptance letters arrived, Grandma Xia’s health began to deteriorate.

Grandma Xia knew her time was near. But now that she had seen her granddaughter get into her dream university and find someone she loved, her wishes were fulfilled. She called Xia Qingmeng to her bedside and asked her to take out a thick bag from the most hidden box under the bed.

Xia Qingmeng couldn’t fully understand everything in it, but she got the rough idea. She knew that the contents of this bag were very important. Although the amount wasn’t large, this was everything her grandmother had worked for and left for her.

Xia Qingmeng’s lips trembled violently. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face, but her hands clutched the bag tightly. This was what Grandma had left for her. She would protect it with everything she had!

Lying in bed, Grandma Xia used her hands, which were worn out from a lifetime of labor, to gently touch her granddaughter’s face. “Meng Meng… Grandma wasn’t very capable in this life and gave birth to a good-for-nothing… but Grandma is still so happy to have a granddaughter as good as you.”

Xia Qingmeng sobbed, “Grandma…”

Grandma Xia continued, “This is all Grandma can leave you. You need to be tougher. Don’t let anyone take these things from you.”

Xia Qingmeng nodded vigorously. “Mm! I understand! I will definitely protect these things!”

Grandma Xia smiled with relief, then slowly shifted her gaze towards Xu Xinghe who was standing by the bed. “Xinghe…”

“Grandma, I’m here.” Xu Xinghe immediately took Grandma Xia’s hand.

“Xinghe, I’m entrusting Meng Meng to you from now on.” Grandma Xia didn’t say much. The two simply looked at each other, and everything was understood in their hearts.

Recently, Xu Xinghe had been running around behind Xia Qingmeng’s back. Most of the things in that bag were obtained with his money and effort. Grandma Xia naturally saw Xu Xinghe’s sincerity and also understood that he was no ordinary person.

“Grandma, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Qingmeng.” Xu Xinghe’s voice was also slightly trembling but very solemn.

Having received his promise, Grandma Xia smiled faintly, a smile of relief and peace. Then she slowly closed her eyes forever…

“Grand… Grandma…” Xia Qingmeng was choked with tears, unable to speak.

Xu Xinghe couldn’t bear to watch. He turned his head away, but his arm around her shoulder never let go.