“Ahem, enough of that. I won’t say anymore…” Xu Chenglin’s voice choked slightly as he lifted his sleeve to wipe the corner of his eye, a relieved smile spreading across his face. “What worried me most during this illness was you. Now that you’re married and have a companion, I could close my eyes in peace even if I died now. In the future, you two…”
Xu Jinnian’s expression shifted slightly, about to comfort his father, when a clear female voice came from behind:
“Father, you mustn’t close your eyes. I can’t bear the reputation of being the daughter-in-law who caused her father-in-law’s death. If that happens, people would gossip about your son too.”
Sheng An entered carrying a cup of tea in one hand and a pair of new shoes in the other, interrupting Xu Chenglin’s words that sounded like final wishes.
Though her father-in-law’s condition was serious, it hadn’t reached the point of being beyond medical treatment.
If they could spark the old man’s will to live and provide him with good food and care, perhaps he could hold on until his illness improved.
Xu Chenglin’s mind was still clear—how could he not recognize his daughter-in-law’s good intentions? His smile grew more affectionate: “It’s An An. Ahem, Jinnian is blessed to have married you.”
Sheng An glanced at Xu Jinnian and said cheerfully: “I think so too. That’s why you need to focus on recovering, Father. Your days of enjoying happiness are still ahead.”
“Good, good. I’ll listen to you.”
Seeing Sheng An’s pleasing appearance and her straightforward, generous nature, Xu Chenglin felt increasingly convinced they had made the right choice in this daughter-in-law.
The poor child had lost her mother at birth—there must have been vicious rumors about her fate being hard and causing her mother’s death.
He needed to strive to hold on a while longer, determined not to let this child bear the stigma of causing her father-in-law’s death.
Watching his father suddenly regain vitality, Xu Jinnian felt relieved inside. His gentle gaze toward Sheng An carried unspoken gratitude.
She truly was the kind of woman people couldn’t help but like.
The room filled with warmth as Sheng An served tea to Xu Chenglin and presented the shoes made by the original host.
Xu Chenglin also pulled out a pre-prepared red envelope from under his pillow, handing it to Sheng An with trembling hands: “Good child, live well with Jinnian. If this boy dares to mistreat you, just tell me. I’ll definitely help you teach him a lesson.”
Sheng An accepted with a smile: “Alright.”
As Xu Chenglin’s energy was limited, the young couple didn’t stay long in the room and moved to the main hall to prepare for dinner.
Xu Jinnian served two bowls of thick flour soup. Sheng An took one and placed it before her: “Does Father eat this too? Does he need help with his meals?”
Xu Jinnian sat down across from her, pushing the plate of scrambled eggs toward her: “Father’s appetite hasn’t been good, and he’s been eating even less these past few days. I’ll help him eat after I finish.”
Previously, he would always feed Xu Chenglin first before eating himself.
But this morning was Sheng An’s first meal at her husband’s home after marriage, and concerned she might feel uncomfortable, he chose to eat with her instead.
After hearing Xu Jinnian’s words, Sheng An frowned slightly.
Without proper nutrition during illness, the body lacks sufficient energy for self-repair and gradually weakens.
Not only did Father Xu Chenglin need nutritional supplements, but the original host’s body—still in its developmental stage—required the same.
The original host had her first period last year, but had only experienced it twice in over a year—clear signs of blood deficiency and malnutrition.
Without proper conditioning, pregnancy would be difficult in the future, and even if conceived, carrying to term might not be possible.
Sheng An didn’t care about fertility herself, but the original host certainly would.
Even if the original host never returned, she didn’t want to risk losing her life again due to physical depletion and serious illness.
At this thought, Sheng An glanced at Xu Jinnian across from her.
Noticing her expression, Xu Jinnian assumed she felt awkward and picked up some scrambled eggs for her bowl:
“Eat quickly. They’ll taste fishy when cold.”
Sheng An blinked and stated her purpose: “Do you have money? I want to buy some treats after this meal.”
Having lived over twenty years, this was the first time she’d asked a man for money—and she did so with unshakable confidence.
After all, she was currently penniless, with pockets emptier than her face.
Besides, they were married—she saw no reason to feel embarrassed.
The air fell silent for a moment. Under Sheng An’s expectant gaze, Xu Jinnian cleared his throat slightly and nodded: “I’ll give you some later.”
Before Xu Chenglin fell ill, he had been a minor supervisor at the docks, earning three taels of silver monthly.
Coupled with earlier savings, the Xu family had lived comfortably—otherwise, they couldn’t have afforded Xu Jinnian’s education.
But since Xu Chenglin’s illness months ago, all family funds had been spent on doctors and medicine.
The wedding expenses had been covered by Xu Jinnian’s earnings from transcribing books with his skilled calligraphy.
Now, the Xu family’s finances were nearly depleted, with only their house, a shelf of books in the study, and some woodland in the countryside holding value.
Sheng An didn’t miss the fleeting lack of confidence in the man’s eyes. Understanding the family’s financial strain, she declared magnanimously:
“When I have money, I’ll provide for you too. Don’t feel too pressured.”
Hearing someone other than his father offer to support him for the first time, Xu Jinnian was momentarily stunned before warmth flooded his heart.
He chuckled softly and continued serving her scrambled eggs, his handsome face seeming to glow with tenderness: “Alright.”
Noticing he didn’t take her words seriously, Sheng An didn’t mind. She finished the mediocre-tasting eggs in one go.
Self-reliance leads to abundance.
Relying on a man for support would undoubtedly lower her quality of life.
Starting a business was imperative!
Unaware of Sheng An’s thoughts, Xu Jinnian picked up his own bowl seeing her enjoy the meal.
Whether illusion or not, the thick flour soup tasted exceptionally delicious—better than any he’d made before.
After several more bites, Xu Jinnian confirmed his taste buds weren’t deceiving him.
Glancing at his wife across the table, he concealed his deep contemplation.
Could just half a spoonful of salt make such a dramatic difference?
After the meal, Sheng An took the broken silver Xu Jinnian offered and prepared to stroll through the streets.
Xu Jinnian stopped her: “Niangzi, wait a moment. I’ll go with you.”
His wife was unfamiliar with the town, and ruffians often lurked in alleys—he couldn’t let her go out alone.
Sheng An considered briefly but didn’t refuse: “Alright, go attend to Father’s meal first.”
While Xu Jinnian took a bowl to Xu Chenglin’s room, Sheng An sat idly on the stone stool, surveying the modest courtyard.
Though less than fifty square meters, the small yard was elegantly arranged.
Potted plants crowded the entrance corner, currently in full bloom—red, yellow, and purple blossoms clustering vibrantly.
Near the storage room stood a grape trellis over six feet tall.
Lush vines completely shrouded the structure, with newly formed grape clusters hiding among the emerald leaves.
Above the stone table and stools stood an aged osmanthus tree, promising fragrant sleeves and heart-soothing aromas when blooming season arrived.
As Sheng An studied the scene intently, the courtyard gate shuddered under thunderous knocking, followed by a woman’s booming voice:
“Jinnian, Jinnian, open the door quickly!”