"To be honest, since Xiao An returned, she's become as gentle as before, burying herself in books all day, completely free from the irritability she showed recently. But she speaks very little. When I asked about her visit with her father, her answers were extremely brief: 'Yes, it's far'; 'Fine, not too hard'; 'They all took good care of me'; 'Dad said he'll come back after his three-year Aid Tibet assignment ends.' That was all. I couldn't press further. Ah, I never imagined Ali could be such a harsh place."
"Coqên is considered one of the tougher areas in Ali. Secretary Zuo applied to work there—it's a significant sacrifice that truly requires courage."
Such words might comfort Zuo Si'an, but they only drew a cold laugh from Yu Jia: "I don't doubt he'll dedicate himself selflessly to work there. But choosing such a place over staying home to face his daughter—in my view, that's another form of cowardice, hardly what I'd call courage."
The subtle criticism in her tone slightly surprised Gao Xiang. He tactfully replied, "Ms. Yu, Secretary Zuo knows how hard it's been for you raising Xiao An alone. Before we left, I heard him remind Xiao An to listen to you when she got home."
Yu Jia fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "Yes, Xiao An is very obedient now. I should have realized—all my efforts can't compete with her father's blessings and promise of return. After all, she still holds deeper feelings for him, even though he ran away when she needed him most."
Gao Xiang chose not to respond, remaining silent. Fortunately, Yu Jia quickly regained her composure. "Sorry, Xiao Gao, I shouldn't have said all that to you."
"It's fine, Ms. Yu. If there's anything I can help with, please call me."
"I appreciate your kindness, but as Xiao Sun said, what this child needs is her father. I can't shift that responsibility onto you. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her. Thank you, Xiao Gao. Goodbye."
That evening, when Gao Xiang met Sun Ruodi and brought up the matter, she responded nonchalantly, "Yes, I developed all the photos, sorted them by person, and mailed them to Lao Zhang, Shi Wei, and Da Ming. Since Ms. Yu and Xiao An live locally, I delivered theirs in person. Ms. Yu was delighted with the photos—she treated me to coffee and asked lots of questions. Why?"
He smiled slightly. "Nothing, she also praised your thoughtfulness."
Sun Ruodi smiled back. "Helping others is its own reward. I'm always willing to do what I can within my means."
Watching his girlfriend's pretty, slightly lifted face, Gao Xiang felt a pang of reflection. Having dated Sun Ruodi for over two years, he'd always seen her as simple and kind-hearted, without ulterior motives. It never occurred to him she could devise such intricate plans, carry them out behind his back, and show no remorse—instead appearing confident, as if awaiting his questioning.
He believed his concern for Zuo Si'an was entirely aboveboard, yet he had kept many things from his girlfriend and had no intention of discussing this further. Still, he faintly sensed their relationship was no longer as simple and harmonious as before.Gao Xiang and his parents immediately began preparing for the baby's surgery. He initially thought it would be best to have the procedure performed at a major hospital in Beijing or Shanghai, but Chen Zi Hui worried the infant couldn't withstand the journey. After considerable effort, they managed to invite a specialist to perform the operation. Chen Li Guo and Gao Ming also rushed to the provincial capital. Having undergone heart bypass surgery himself, Chen Li Guo understood the gravity of the situation, while Gao Xiang had just faced a life-threatening experience. Though both men tried to remain calm, their inner turmoil was no less intense than Chen Zi Hui's, who paced anxiously, unable to sit still.
The surgery lasted quite some time, during which two critical condition notices were issued, requiring parental signatures. Chen Zi Hui broke down in tears, while Chen Li Guo, unable to endure the prolonged stress, had to be taken home by Gao Ming to rest.
Fortunately, the six-month-old baby demonstrated remarkable resilience and successfully survived the shunt procedure. The doctor informed them that the baby's Tetralogy of Fallot appeared more complex than anticipated, making the shunt surgery's effectiveness uncertain.
Chen Zi Hui grew frantic: "Doctor, can it be completely cured?"
"The full name of this procedure is Systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt," the doctor explained cautiously. "After recovery, symptoms like breathing difficulties and Purpura should improve, oxygen saturation will increase, and it will promote the development of the pulmonary artery and left ventricle. However, the cardiac vascular malformations and underdeveloped left ventricle remain untreated. You'll need to provide careful nursing, schedule regular follow-ups, and wait for the appropriate time for corrective surgery. The probability of recovery theoretically exists."
Gao Xiang stopped his eager mother from interrupting further. After the doctor left, he comforted her: "As long as there's a chance of recovery, that's what matters."
Chen Li Guo also reassured his daughter: "As long as there's hope."
But Chen Zi Hui still wept: "The baby is so small. Who knows how much more suffering he'll have to endure to survive? It's just too heartbreaking."
Once the baby's condition stabilized slightly, Chen Zi Hui started considering names for household registration. She sought Chen Li Guo's opinion, and after a long silence, he said: "Let the child take the Gao surname."
Chen Zi Hui was stunned, hardly believing her ears. Collecting herself, she stood up abruptly: "Dad, our Chen family finally has a descendant. How can he not carry the Chen name?"
"Aren't you and Xiao Xiang my descendants too?"
"That's different."
"What's different? If we hadn't been so stubborn about wanting a son, your mother wouldn't have passed away so early." Mentioning her mother made Chen Zi Hui's eyes redden. "Besides, this child will grow up eventually. How would you explain his parents' situation to him, let alone deal with people's gossip about who his father is?"
Chen Zi Hui fell silent.
"I've thought it through. Let the child be surnamed Gao and attend school in the provincial capital later. At least he can live a normal life."
Gao Ming looked astonished, while Chen Zi Hui remained unwilling to compromise. Both appeared to have more to say, but Chen Li Guo waved his hand: "Zi Hui, don't be stubborn. The baby's formal name will be Gao Fei. It pairs well with Xiao Xiang's name, carries good meaning, flows smoothly, and sounds like brothers. I'm tired. You should all get some rest early."Chen Zi Hui and Gao Ming had no choice but to leave. At the doorway, she suddenly stopped, glanced back at Gao Xiang with a thoughtful expression, but Gao Xiang appeared completely composed, so she said nothing more.
After they left, Gao Xiang said sincerely, "Thank you, Grandpa."
Chen Zi Hui hadn't been mistaken—Gao Xiang had played a decisive role in this matter. Ever since agreeing with Zuo Si'an that Bao Bao wouldn't take the Chen surname, he had been pondering the issue. While Zuo Si'an's intense hatred for Chen Zi Yu couldn't be ignored, he genuinely believed that if Bao Bao were burdened from birth with the weight of having a rapist for a father, his life would never be the same as other children's.
Knowing he couldn't reason with his mother, he seized an opportunity to discuss it with his grandfather. Fortunately, Chen Li Guo fully understood his perspective.
Chen Li Guo sighed, "No need to thank me. You've thought this through correctly—it's best for Bao Bao. However, your father has never liked Ziyu and probably won't agree to formally adopt Bao Bao, becoming his father and taking on such a heavy responsibility. Plus, your mother will have to live in the provincial capital long-term to raise Bao Bao, separating them, which he likely won't be happy about. Go check on them and make sure they don't argue over this again."
Gao Xiang left Chen Li Guo's room and went to his parents' side, finding that, as his grandfather had predicted, they were already in the midst of a dispute.
Chen Zi Hui, as usual, raised her voice angrily, "Since Dad has already said so, what more can I say?"
Gao Ming's voice remained low as he replied, "I just don't think it's appropriate."
"What's inappropriate about it?"
"We're both at this age, and Gao Xiang is almost 24. Suddenly having an extra son out of nowhere—people are bound to talk."
"What is there to talk about? My mother was about our age when she had Ziyu."
Mentioning Chen Zi Yu clearly irritated Gao Ming further: "Everyone knows the truth of the matter. Insisting that Bao Bao is my son is just deceiving ourselves."
"Who cares what others say? I'd like to see who dares to gossip in front of me."
"Please, can't you be a bit more low-key? Our family has already been through a lot. Don't always speak so boldly. Moreover, you keep emphasizing 'the Chen family's only descendant'—I can't bear the responsibility of being this child's father."
"What do you mean by that?"
Chen Zi Hui's voice rose again. Gao Xiang quickly knocked and entered: "Dad, Mom, just register the household under my name as the father."
Both Chen Zi Hui and Gao Ming were stunned and exclaimed in unison, "That's not acceptable!"
"Only my household registration is in the provincial capital, not in Qinggang. In such a big city, no one knows who I am, and no one will gossip about how I have a son. Grandpa also said that Bao Bao should grow up and study in the provincial capital, which will help him avoid all that idle chatter."
"No, I disagree," Gao Ming said angrily. "You're not even married yet, and you want to be a father? What will your girlfriend think?"
"It's just for the household registration—it's not a big deal. Ruodi has met Bao Bao and likes him a lot. She won't mind."
Chen Zi Hui suddenly suggested, "Xiao Xiang, why don't you marry Ruodi now and then adopt Bao Bao? That way, he'll have both parents, and when he grows up, he won't need to question his origins."Gao Ming and his son Gao Xiang both froze, staring at each other speechlessly. Chen Zihui, however, grew increasingly convinced this was a brilliant idea: "This way, all problems would be solved. It'd bring good fortune to our family and make your grandfather happy too. From last year till now, the Chen family has had far too much bad luck."
As always, Gao Ming felt helpless against his wife's sudden whims: "How did you even come up with this? What era do you think we're in, still talking about 'bringing good fortune'? Marriage is a lifelong commitment, how can we be so rash about it?"
"How is this rash? Xiao Xiang and Ruodi have been dating for two years, haven't they? My father is quite satisfied with this girl too, saying she's dignified and proper. Isn't marriage the natural next step?"
Gao Xiang smiled wryly. He never expected his suggestion about having Bao Bao take his surname would evolve into this. "Ruodi just graduated and started working. We haven't considered getting married this early."
Gao Ming added: "Right, lifelong matters require careful consideration. Getting married too young isn't good."
Chen Zihui shot him a glare: "What do you mean by that? Are you implying you didn't think carefully enough and married too young yourself?"
"I'm speaking objectively here, don't twist my words."
"No twisting needed, Gao Ming. Your implication is clear enough. Don't think I don't know..."
Seeing his parents about to argue again, Gao Xiang quickly raised his hand to stop them: "Hold on, Mom, don't digress. Dad's right, I need to think about this."
He wasn't as shocked as when he first heard the suggestion. Thinking of his aging, frail grandfather who genuinely wished for him to start a family soon, he felt somewhat moved. Noticing Chen Zihui still had more to say, he added: "Let me discuss this with Ruodi. Like I said, she might not agree to marry so early."
4
Sun Ruodi had just graduated from university and joined a private enterprise. Transitioning from student to workplace newcomer left her flustered and stressed, completely devoid of the leisurely ease she enjoyed during her student days. That day, when Gao Xiang picked her up after work, she once again complained indignantly about her supervisor's unreasonable demands and colleagues' numerous difficulties.
Gao Xiang listened patiently and comforted her: "Private companies are like this. The boss's personal will often overrides rules and regulations. You'll have to learn to adapt gradually."
"I don't think I can adapt. I really miss the simple environment of school."
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