Chapter 7, Do you like him?

Tang Mi stood with her head bowed, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly

Tang Weidong smiled and said, "After all, it is cancer; even if cured, one still has to shed a layer of skin"

Li Ruqin stood up with an unfriendly expression, holding her bag, walked to the door, and glanced back at Tang Weidong.

Tang Mi's face showed no expression: "Thank you, but I will not go."

The couple, who had been divorced for three years, met again in the hospital room. This situation was novel for both of them, and they likely had no experience in how to handle it. Tang Mi stood up, relinquished her chair, and voluntarily moved to the sofa.

Such a life makes her feel that even a single day is unbearable. Yet now, Grandma does not complain or get angry; she simply does what she is supposed to do. She has accepted the fact of Tang Weidong's illness even faster than herself, and then faces the trials of life with a calm attitude

"No, having cancer is not something that cannot be spoken of." Tang Weidong leaned against the edge of the bed, a faint smile appearing on his pale face.

Tang Weidong said, "It doesn't matter, she is just that kind of person"

Ms. Fu patted the quilt and said, "It is quite inconvenient for you to be alone right now; in any case, if you need any assistance, just let me know"

"It is your uncle who is ill, not a direct relative"

Then I will take my leave, please rest well, and I will come to see you again when I have time

Grandmother wiped her hands, turned on the stove, and prepared to make dinner

"Lymphoma is not a terminal illness. What difference does it make whether you visit a few days earlier or a few days later?" Liao Hui said, "Why must it be at this time? You should know that this is a critical period, and the performance in this seminar will have a significant impact on the evaluation of your internship."

"Does he like you?" Tang Weidong asked softly

Ms. Fu said, "I don't know? Are you still considering it?"

"Plain water is sufficient."

She did not know why, but she recalled the image of Li Zhixing playing "Love Story" for her under the moonlit night. A faint layer of silvery moonlight fell on his profile, accentuating the prominence of his nose and the depth of his eye sockets

Only after a full minute did she come to her senses, gently patting Tang Weidong on the back and saying, "Uncle, please take a rest and do not speak any further"

Leaning slightly forward, I looked at her and asked, "Are you facing difficulties in your internship?"

Tang Mi sat on the edge of the bed, her hands resting on her knees, silently nodding like an elementary school student: "Mm... yes."

How should I respond to this? Should I coldly refuse or agree? Tang Mi was caught in a dilemma. However, the person she was asked to visit was not herself, and she could not refuse on behalf of her uncle.

Tang Mi thought that with her abilities, even if she worked hard in the years to come and achieved success in her career, she would only reach the level of Tang Weidong at most. However, looking at the example before her, Tang Weidong, who was seen as a winner in life by others, was diagnosed with lymphoma in his forties. No matter how much money he earned, what difference did it make? He still had to rely on his nearly seventy-year-old mother to cook and take care of him

Her lifelong goal has always been to study diligently, find the most lucrative job, and bring her grandmother to live with her, so that both she and her grandmother can have a better life. Now, her goals are largely realized—although she is still an intern, her monthly take-home salary has already exceeded 10,000. The earning efficiency in the financial industry is indeed the highest among all sectors, yet she finds herself confused, feeling as though she has been running towards her goals only to discover that they have become lost in the fog.

I will return to Beijing tomorrow

Some things, once done, will never be regretted for a lifetime, regardless of the outcome. For instance, she disregarded her superior's request and came to Ninghai to visit her uncle— even if this resulted in losing the "offer", it did not matter

This sentence is unfamiliar to her, yet she is not foolish; she fully understands the underlying implications of this statement

Grandmother was just opening the thermos and served a bowl of porridge to Tang Weidong. After placing the porridge down, grandmother said something, and then uncle started to laugh

Grandmother was a farmer all her life, and she knew which vegetables were good and which were not. She bent over at the vegetable stall, selecting and picking. The vendor complained repeatedly, "Elderly lady, how can I do business if you keep picking and choosing like this?"

"Did you tell Li Zhixing about my illness?" Tang Weidong asked

The so-called "sending" is merely taking someone to the elevator. Upon seeing Ms. Fu enter the elevator, and sensing that she seemed to want to say something more, Tang Mi immediately nodded at her, not giving her any opportunity to speak, and promptly returned to the hospital room

......

Grandmother is like this; even though she is aging and can no longer contribute, she still thinks about how to prepare a meal that her son can eat

Grandma washed the thermos and set it aside. Turning around, she saw her granddaughter lost in thought behind her and gently patted her on the head, saying, "If you want to cry, just cry."

"Ye Yichao once told me that your favorite subject is mathematics, and after you graduate in your fourth year, you will look for a job. You are eager to start earning money, which is why you chose the finance department." Ms. Fu seemed to casually mention, "The fact that you are considering whether to work indicates that you have encountered some issues."

Tang Mi held back her tears and said with a choked voice, "I do not understand..."

What time shall we leave

"Um..." Tang Mi said softly

Is this the place

In reality, very few people offer her such "guidance for life". Too many only see her excellence and intelligence, believing that she can handle any academic or employment matters on her own, just as she managed to gain admission to middle school and university through her own efforts, without needing anyone to interfere. In fact, many, including Tang Weidong, have forgotten that she is merely a young woman in her early twenties; no matter how capable she is, her social experience is still insufficient. When faced with various complex situations and choices, she is inexperienced and in need of careful guidance from others. Ms. Fu's words may not be a revelation, but their impact is undeniably profound.

Tang Weidong's face showed obvious signs of fatigue, and Ms. Fu felt it was inappropriate to stay and disturb the patient’s rest

"What do you feel about him? Do you like him?" Tang Weidong's expression was very serious

Tang Mi also learned that about one or two months ago, around May of this year, Tang Weidong discovered he was feeling unwell, so he went to the hospital for an examination, where he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Since that time, he has been undergoing treatment

Not yet, I am not hungry

Tang Mi came in a hurry this time, bringing little luggage, only carrying a backpack that contained a set of change of clothes and a laptop

Have you had lunch?

Ms. Fu was somewhat surprised: "Tang Weidong is hospitalized here? What illness does he have?"

"To me, they are strangers." Tang Mi paused for a moment and added for emphasis, "What if they drug me at the dinner table?"

Li Ruqin was momentarily taken aback by this statement, and her expression immediately turned unpleasant

"Weidong, I came to visit a friend, but I didn't expect you to be hospitalized as well." Ms. Fu walked to Tang Weidong's bedside, "I should have brought a bouquet of fresh flowers, my apologies"

Li Zhixing is a very good young man. Tang Weidong's breath became a bit steadier, "He has ideas and takes responsibility"

The wards here are all oncology; one can hardly think of what illness one has contracted.

"We have some interactions usually." Tang Mi said somewhat nervously, "Uncle, should I not tell him about your illness?"

Tang Weidong sat on the bed, yet maintained his politeness, slightly leaning forward.

She is one of the clients, and we have not been in contact with her, said Tang Weidong

Tang Mi thinks that Jiang Zhen is indeed very experienced and eloquent. They probably have some conflicts, but fundamentally, Tang Mi is a person with little curiosity and lacks significant interest in the grievances of people she sees only once a year. Even if there are conflicts, what does it have to do with her

Li Ruqin stepped through the door without saying a word, walking directly to the bedside, looking down at her ex-husband: "I heard you were ill, so I came to see you"

Tang Weidong smiled and said, "Why must we tell him?"

Everyone in the company is aware of Tang Weidong's situation; he is divorced and lives alone. After he fell ill, unlike others who have family members to care for them, the company took on the responsibility. The company rented an apartment in a community next to the hospital and arranged for Secretary Wu to take care of him. Currently, his grandmother is living in this large house.

"Have you ever heard the saying? When you are not present at important moments, there is no need to be present in the future either." Liao Hui's expression was very stern

Tang Weidong said, "If you are willing, it is also fine to go there and have a meal."

Tang Mi said, "Uncle, how did you respond?"

"It's nothing." Tang Weidong said with a smile as he patted his niece's head, "It will be fine soon."

Tang Mi was taken aback, as it turned out that when he met his uncle in Beijing in June, he had already begun treatment

The world of adults is just so hypocritical, thought Tang Mi

Tang Mi opened the refrigerator, took a bottle of water, and before handing it over, she thought for a moment and twisted off the cap before letting it go

It was not until Ms. Fu entered the house that Tang Mi remembered that Li Ruqin should still be in the hospital room—however, it should not be anything serious. It is certainly not unusual for several guests to visit the patient at the same time, and besides, they should all be acquainted with one another.

"What does it mean to not know?" Tang Weidong's pale, sickly face revealed a slight smile, "You are a girl; even if you don't know whether a boy likes you, you probably have some sense of it, right"

Then, someone pushed open the slightly ajar door. Tang Mi originally thought it was the doctor and casually raised her head to look, but was taken aback upon seeing the woman stepping into the room.

"Birth, aging, illness, and death, no one knows." Grandmother shook her head

How many days have you taken off

"Time is tight," Grandma said, "You still have work, and your uncle also said not to tell you. You are currently interning, and it is not good to take leave and run around."

Tang Mi explained: "Uncle, I met her downstairs, and she said she wanted to see you, so I brought her here"

"Thank you for your kind words," Tang Weidong continued with a smile, "Would you like to have some water?"

I heard about your situation from Amu," Ms. Fu said gently, "A friend of mine was also diagnosed with this illness over twenty years ago, and she is seventy this year. Back then, the medical conditions were not as good as they are now

"Who is taking care of you now?" Li Ruqin asked

It turns out that Ye Yichao had mentioned all of this to her at that time

Li Ruqin's emotions are complex, and her words convey a myriad of feelings

Tang Weidong couldn't help but laugh; it was the first time he realized that this usually quiet and reserved niece actually had a sense of humor

Tang Weidong has nothing to hide, and Tang Mi is already an adult. He believes that there are many things she should be made aware of.

Where is lymphoma so easily cured? Tang Mi does not believe it

Where is Miss Feng?" Li Ruqin suddenly asked

"Speaking of which, Amu, would you like to come over for dinner tonight?" Ms. Fu turned her head to look at Tang Mu, her question could not be described as anything but gentle, "Your grandfather misses you quite a bit. Your aunt and your cousin are also in Ninghai, and they are eager to see you."

Liao Hui is a commendable leader, as evidenced by his decision to appoint Cui Min as his mentor instead of other male analysts. However, she still did not explain her difficulties and reasons to Liao Hui, as their differing values would prevent him from understanding her

Fortunately, the elevator arrived at the 8th floor. Tang Mi slightly shifted her body to allow Ms. Fu to exit the elevator first, following closely behind her.

She could hardly respond, and thus fell silent

Tang Mi remained silent. If the other party had not given up on her, then they should be aware of her current situation

Is that so

Tang Weidong watched as his niece hurriedly ran over, feeling quite emotional.

Finally, in order to alleviate the concerns of Tang Weidong and his grandmother, Tang Mi still ate an apple and a bunch of grapes

Tang Mi recalled her mother. In those years, her grandmother sent off a black-haired person with white hair, and now, what must her feelings be like, caring for her son who is suffering from cancer at the bedside? How has her grandmother lived her life? Tang Mi could hardly imagine.

My mother has arrived

Ms. Fu said: "Don't know? Are you still considering?"

After lunch, the doctor came for a ward round. Tang Mi glanced at various test results and reports, then opened his notes to review several medical papers. It was evident that his uncle's condition had indeed improved—this was closely related to the early detection and the fact that it was still in the initial stages. The oncology department of the affiliated Second Hospital is very strong, boasting some of the best medical experts in the country. The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has a higher cure rate than the average figures. Tang Mi's previously anxious heart finally began to relax.

The expression of wanting to cry with a stern face does not help the current situation at all; rather, it only adds to the psychological burden of my grandmother and uncle.

Tang Mi stood by the wall, diligently observing the audience, her ears keenly attuned. However, even though she was paying close attention to the conversation, she did not anticipate that Mrs. Fu would suddenly turn the tables, and instinctively replied quickly: "I will not go"

"Alright, thank you." Tang Weidong replied without hesitation, his response flawless.

She never told Ye Yichao the reason why she gave up the mathematics department to choose the finance department, but Ye Yichao had the ability to figure out what she was thinking

We will send you back after we have eaten

Uncle, I truly believe there is no need to deepen our connection with them

Seeing her display that indifferent attitude again, Ms. Fu felt a sinking sensation in her heart: "What about tomorrow?"

Once these words were spoken, even Tang Mi felt that this blow was quite severe. If this were a shooting competition, it could be said that it hit the bullseye perfectly.

She has worked hard in her studies for so many years, not to leave her grandmother without support in her old age. The future life is still long, and if anything happens in the future, it will all depend on her uncle's financial support; then her education would have been completely wasted.

After chemotherapy, Tang Weidong was in poor spirits and felt drowsy. On Saturday afternoon, Tang Mi took her grandmother back to rest and spent the entire afternoon in the hospital room, reviewing her thesis materials. She brought her own laptop and continued to work on her report.

Tang Weidong said, "She came to see me and is also about to leave"

Are you and Zhixing still on good terms now

Then have some fruit snacks, which are in the refrigerator

On Saturday, Tang Mi got up early to accompany her grandmother to the nearby farmers' market to buy vegetables, as getting up early ensures that the produce is fresh enough

Seeing that her words had achieved the desired effect, Ms. Fu ceased to speak further, stopped in front of a door, and turned back to say something.

Seeing the old and the young enter the room, both individuals inside were taken aback. How did these two come together?

Yes ... ...

"Don't think too exaggeratedly," said Tang Weidong. "Lymphoma is not that terrifying; it's just an ordinary chronic disease, and mine is still in the early stage"

Since Li Ruqin appears here, it can be inferred with a little reasoning that it is due to my own influence

Tang Mi had suppressed her emotions for a full two days, and now they finally burst forth, like an over-saturated rain cloud. At this moment, her eyes gradually turned red: "Grandma, how did Uncle get sick?"

Tang Weidong's spirits immediately improved a bit, and he asked, "Have you seen them off?"

Grandma said: "It doesn't matter, he is my son, and now he is alone. Who else will take care of him besides me?"

Tang Mi replied dryly: "No."

"I don't know..." Tang Mi replied in a thin voice, as if he hadn't eaten for three days, lacking in energy.

There are only so many topics to discuss during a hospital visit. She listened as her grandmother and uncle chatted casually about various treatment plans and dietary precautions, and suddenly understood that Mrs. Fu must have encountered this kind of situation many times before

They are trying to reconnect with you, their granddaughter, out of genuine concern. It has been quite a while since I last contacted them, and now they are coming to visit me in the hospital. The previous few meetings were all quite unpleasant

It is truly too quiet. Tang Mi thought, could it be that she is overthinking? Has she exaggerated the severity of her condition?

Tang Mi is worried about her uncle and grandmother, and has been unable to sleep at all these past few nights. However, it appears that both her grandmother and uncle are in good spirits—indeed, they are even smiling, indicating that the situation is quite good.

"Would you like to have some porridge?" Tang Weidong pointed to the thermos, "This is what your grandmother has been simmering all morning."

Alright ... ...

Tang Weidong's hospital room is practically a sea of gifts. There are three vases filled with fresh flowers, and several fruit baskets, all of which appear to be quite expensive. His status, position, and connections are evident here; although he is seriously ill, it is not a terminal condition, and he still holds his position—despite the fact that the news has not been disclosed to many, there are still quite a few people attempting to send their condolences.

The vegetable vendor glanced at her, then waved his hand and continued selling vegetables

"Grandma, why didn't you tell me when you left Tangjia Village?" Tang Mi pouted and complained while holding her grandmother's hand

The oncology department of the Second Affiliated Hospital is exceptionally strong, featuring a dedicated ten-story building. She walks through the quiet corridor of the patient rooms. This floor consists entirely of VIP single patient rooms, where the patients are either wealthy or of high status. However, illness shows no mercy; regardless of one's status, wealth, or fame, once afflicted by disease, one is equally doomed to face the inevitable.

This response is not dismissive of Ms. Fu; she is indeed contemplating this issue

How is your relationship after the rejection

Tang Mi nodded. She also believed that it was foolish to be entangled in the past

Not working is not an option either. Tang Mi thought about what she had seen in the hospital, so many people who had to leave the hospital and wait to die quietly because they could not afford treatment—money is indeed not omnipotent, but it can allow people to live longer and have a higher quality of life—for instance, the accident involving her grandmother three years ago. If it had not been for her uncle at that time, spending money like water, would her grandmother have survived? Furthermore, Tang Weidong's current single patient room is as beautiful as a hotel, yet in the same building, cancer patients on the lower floors are still crammed three or four into a small room, whether they are patients or caregivers, and there is not even a smile to be found.

Tang Mi took a deep breath, adjusted her expression, and walked into the ward

In the completely unfamiliar room, everything was in order, yet not a single item belonging to grandmother was present. One can only imagine how hurriedly she must have left. Grandmother skillfully took the thermos to the kitchen and began washing it under the faucet. After staying in this large house in Ninghai for a few days, she understood how to operate these modern kitchen utensils, while Tang Mi stared blankly at the clothes of her uncle soaking in the basin, speechless.

Since that is the case, let's discuss it again when there is an opportunity. Tang Weidong interjected, "Her round trip this time is too tight on time"

Tang Mi followed her grandmother with a vegetable basket, feeling like crying. Grandmother was so tired, her body weary, and her heart even more so

Tang Mi hesitated for a moment: "He... he had told me before that he liked me, but I rejected him. I don't know if he likes me now."

"Let us go," Ms. Fu said, naturally able to discern her confusion. "He is my junior; it is only appropriate that I pay him a visit."

Tang Mi was at a loss for words. Indeed, what should be told to Minglang? Should he be advised to cancel the flight ticket or to keep it and worry about it every day?

After asking a few questions about the situation and the illness, the other party's expression became serious

Isn't it said that you are going to remarry

Tang Mi, however, wore a blank expression. She thought of four words—narrow road meets. Clearly not enemies, yet they were even less willing to encounter each other than foes. Ms. Fu appeared just as she had in every previous meeting, dressed in plain attire with a dignified appearance, holding a small white handbag. Her hair seemed to have been dyed, making her look somewhat younger than she had over a year ago; one could easily believe she was fifty.

Should I look for a job or continue my studies

"Why should I oppose?" Tang Weidong said nonchalantly, "My marriage is quite terrible. The reasons for my divorce from Li Ruqin are complex, but the main reason is a personality clash. You and Li Zhixing are different from us. My marriage to Li Ruqin, aside from letting down your grandmother, I can't really say I regret it. In a person's life, there are always a few things one will not regret."

Tang Mi stood in front of her grandmother and apologized to the vegetable vendor

I will return on Sunday

She has actually consulted books and materials; the causes of lymphoma are widely debated and there is no definitive conclusion. However, generally speaking, they are related to factors such as fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, irregular lifestyle, and high stress. In the two to three years following Tang Weidong's divorce, he must have endured significant hardships, and this struggle manifested in his body, which did not yield easily and gave him a stern warning.

Tang Mi requested a day off on Friday, and combined with the non-existent weekend, it amounts to a full three days. For an investment bank where the work pressure is immense, weekends are virtually non-existent, and the average weekly working hours exceed 100, this method of taking leave is simply extravagant

On Thursday morning after arriving at work, Tang Mi wrote a leave request and went to Jiao Min's office to ask for leave. Jiao Min frowned slightly but said nothing. However, when it came to seeking leave from the department head, Liao Hui, it did not go as smoothly.

On Friday morning, Tang Mi took the high-speed train to Ninghai. She set off early in the morning, and arrived in the city center of Ninghai just around noon. This was her first visit to Ninghai in her life. Although she was not familiar with the transportation situation, she had done sufficient preparatory work, having thoroughly checked the route, and went directly to the hospital after getting off the train

You have lost a lot of weight

"It's alright," Tang Mi said. "The leadership understands."

Even if I can stay at Guotou after my senior year, so what? The job is good, and the income is high; in ten years, I could buy a house of my own. However, the work pressure is immense, and taking a leave is so difficult that I am questioned by my superiors, "Leave can only be granted for immediate family members." At that time, with such a busy schedule, what energy will I have left to take care of my grandmother?

In the elevator, Ms. Fu attempted to speak to her: "Amu, I remember that September is when you will be in your senior year, right?"

Ms. Fu seemed quite surprised as to why Tang Mi was in the hospital in Ninghai

I am very familiar with the working conditions at the State Investment Corporation; the work pressure is extremely high. Taking leave would require a significant reason, and my illness is not that serious. Tang Weidong was unconcerned, saying, "Why bother running around?"

The outside is besieged by a heat wave, with temperatures reaching 39°C, if not 40°C, leaving Tang Mi with no choice but to remain inside the hospital building. She wandered aimlessly within the building, witnessing the myriad of human conditions. There were family members of patients in tears, patients unable to pay their bills, and those with terminal cancer who could only wait for death after treatment options had been exhausted—after graduating from high school, she spent two months in the hospital, but she would likely never become accustomed to the cycle of life and death that permeates the hospital. This situation is particularly pronounced in the oncology department.

Tang Mi watched her grandmother's busy figure, silently washing rice and vegetables. The slightly hunched old lady racked her brain, trying to remember what her son liked to eat when he was young, occasionally murmuring to herself. The variety of dishes her grandmother could prepare was actually limited; she was not a chef, and all her cooking skills were passed down from her own mother, embodying the essence of traditional farming methods without any formal training. The only dishes she could make were those that her son liked—chopping carrots, Chinese cabbage, and shiitake mushrooms into small pieces, mixing them with porridge, and cooking them into a fragrant congee.

"High-speed rail." Tang Mi said as she walked to the bedside, "Uncle, does your body still hurt?"

"Minglang will return in two days, and at that time I will bring him to see you"

Tang Mi was sitting on the bench at the elevator exit, with no place to hide. It was difficult to come up with a lie on the spot, so she told the truth: "I am seeing my uncle"

Li Ruqin said little, sitting down on the edge of the bed and casually placing her handbag, which matched the color of her suit and short skirt, beside her

Li Ruqin glanced up at Tang Mi, then fell silent for a moment

"Last time, you questioned me why I didn't tell them that you are Jiang Lingbai's daughter, and why I kept them in the dark for twenty years waiting."

Thank you for your hard work

The high-speed train at 10 o'clock

Tang Weidong, whether in speech or spirit, shows no signs of difference; his positive and optimistic attitude has also given Tang Mi immense courage

Seeing her uncle smile, Tang Mi felt a bit better.

Upon careful consideration, my uncle is indeed quite right.

Tang Weidong smiled and said, "There's no need to go out of your way. Ah Mo, could you please deliver this?"

Grandma's face showed no signs of sorrow, just like every time she saw me come home, she would nod and say: "Put down your backpack and take a rest"

Tang Weidong covered his mouth and gently coughed twice, then slowly began to speak: "I originally wanted to say that if you also like him, it would be fine to be together."

Although she has not eaten, she is feeling extremely anxious and overwhelmed. If she is asked to eat now, it is likely that she will not be able to eat a single bite

Amu

"Then there is nothing that can be done." Ms. Fu's face stiffened slightly as she looked at her with sadness

A hint of embarrassment appeared on my grandmother's face, and her body seemed to hunch even more.

"I am really not hungry," Tang Mi quickly explained, "I had breakfast too late this morning..."

"Why should I answer? Just hang up the phone," said Tang Weidong. "After so many years, what is the point of bringing up old grievances again?"

Tang Weidong never shies away from discussing his condition, and he understands the treatment process very well—he is quite clear about the consequences. The doctor remarked that this is a very good attitude towards treatment—however, Tang Mi thinks that this is merely a result of rationality. After all, Tang Weidong has been a science student his entire life; had it not been for the need to start working early to earn money, becoming a scientist would not have been an issue.

"Just because finding a good job and pursuing a degree in business management is not a mistake; most people do this. But you are so intelligent that you should never be the kind of person who goes with the flow. You will achieve great success in any industry you choose. Ah Ma, you need to truly consider your purpose. You have no passion for finance and have not thought about whether you really like this field; you are just studying monotonously. This will lead to a very one-sided perspective, and your goals will no longer be your goals but rather a hindrance to your aspirations. " Ms. Fu gently spoke, "Ah Ma, perhaps you should consider pursuing a master's degree; this will give you time to think about what you truly want to do."

"Uncle, do you not oppose?" Tang Mi asked

"Ms. Fu, there is no need to be polite." Tang Weidong also responded very courteously

How did this topic get twisted into the issue of remarriage? Tang Mi suddenly felt uneasy; she seemed to think that she should exit this room. As she contemplated this, she glanced at Tang Weidong, who gave her a slight nod. Understanding his gesture, Tang Mi silently put down her computer and left the ward

Lymphoma

"Grandma, Uncle." She made every effort to display a faint smile

Chemotherapy is a healing method that is akin to "killing ten thousand enemies while injuring eight thousand of oneself." Cancer cells can be eradicated, but at the same time, it also harms normal human cells. Even though modern medicine has advanced to reduce the symptoms of side effects, it still induces nausea and vomiting, making it nearly impossible to eat anything. The only thing he truly craves is a bowl of fragrant vegetable porridge that his mother used to make for him, which could waft its aroma for ten miles. Under the torment of illness, he pondered and ultimately decided to bring his mother to his side.

Yes. When I take leave, I will also strive to complete my work. I will send the seminar PPT to your email beforehand

She has already jumped out of the "farm gate" and can no longer return to Tangjia Village. Her future development will inevitably take place in the big city. Her grandmother is currently living in Ninghai and is so unaccustomed to it. If she follows her to the capital in the future, she is afraid it will be just as uncomfortable as it is now

Even if it means going against his conscience, Tang Mi cannot speak ill of Li Zhixing

When did Zhixing confess to you

Grandmother is the kind of traditional mother who, like most mothers in the world, would spare no effort and dedicate everything for her children. Tang Mi recalls a comic she once read, where the mother is likened to a tree, always responding to her child's needs. In the story, the child swings on the tree, cuts off branches to build a house, and in the end, only a stump remains, where the child can rest.

Her attitude was so resolute that Liao Hui had no choice but to inform her of the worst possible outcome, which was that she might not receive the offer. Despite her insistence on her own views, he could not be too unreasonable and could only agree to give her a leave of absence

"I remember Wei Dong was very young..." Ms. Fu's face displayed a look of deep compassion, a sentiment that any elder would express upon hearing that their younger generation is ill. "Take me to see him."

I understand... but I still want to take a leave of absence

Tang Weidong appeared as ordinary as if he were meeting a subordinate who had come to visit him in the hospital, nodding slightly and saying, "Please take a seat"

After entering university, Li Zhixing has taken good care of you, hasn't he

After 3 o'clock, Tang Weidong woke up. He felt thirsty, and Tang Mi raised the hospital bed and placed the board up. Watching her uncle drink the water—having taken care of her grandmother for two months during her senior year of high school, she was already quite skilled at looking after patients.

Then she raised her eyes and saw Ms. Fu Sheng coming out of the elevator, looking at her with great joy

Grandmother's main job is to cook for her son and deliver meals to the hospital

"Um..." Tang Mi said softly

It is truly strange, how these two peculiar emotions of unhappiness and concern have merged together, thought Tang Mi. She had always believed that she would never share the same viewpoint as her former aunt-in-law, yet at this moment, due to the latter's concern for her uncle, her impression of her suddenly improved a little

This question is of such high caliber that Tang Mi cannot avoid answering it. Even if it were a random passerby asking her this question, she would most likely still respond.

Tang Mi's eyes widened several degrees; her uncle was truly unpredictable.

My friend is a doctor in the United States, and there is a new medication there that is very effective. If needed, I will have someone bring it back.

In the agricultural market, there are all kinds of people. Due to dialect limitations, my grandmother has very poor communication with others. She can roughly understand Mandarin, but it is very laborious to communicate, almost requiring gestures.

Discussing emotional issues with one's own uncle is truly a shameful matter. However, as Tang Weidong asked candidly, she had no choice but to pretend to be very normal and slowly replied: "It has been more than a year."

Yes

Li Ruqin's emotions are stable, and Tang Weidong is even more composed

Slowly retracting the thoughts that lingered from a year ago, Tang Mi pursed her lips and silently shook her head

I do not know

Having his white-haired mother take care of him, Tang Weidong thought, was simply the most humiliating failure of his life. He believed that the efforts he had made over the years had led to success, but a single illness shattered the illusion of that "success"

Yes

Ms. Fu glanced at Li Ruqin and asked, "Haven't you divorced Wei Dong? Why are you still here?"

When you reach my age, you will understand

Given the circumstances, it seems there is no way to avoid taking her along. Mrs. Fu instructed the driver to wait for her on the first floor and followed Tang Mi into the elevator, arriving at the eighth floor

"As before, he said that since nothing has happened, we can just continue being friends."

How are you here

You are mistaken

In the afternoon, after taking a break, Tang Weidong and his grandchild returned to the room rented by Tang Weidong in the company

"In that case," Ms. Fu smiled gently, "I will not see you off."

The financial industry is like this, filled with the smell of money, and what one sees and encounters is nothing but money, money, money. Being in it, one inevitably becomes tainted by the scent of interests, and one cannot act freely; everything must be weighed and calculated to see whether "the various costs incurred and the returns obtained meet the economic formula"

The tone may be somewhat stiff, but even Tang Mi can perceive the underlying concern

Tang Weidong shook his head, stopping her from pressing the bell to call the doctor, and continued with the unfinished topic

The situation in the ward was better than she had imagined. Tang Weidong was sitting up in bed eating, his thinness comparable to what she had seen in June in Beijing. Although his complexion was somewhat pale, he appeared to be in relatively good spirits. It was said that chemotherapy would cause hair loss, but his hair did not seem to be thinning much. Tang Mi felt somewhat reassured.

Tang Mi stared in astonishment at Ms. Fu, her expression shaken. Until this very moment, she had never imagined that she would hear such resounding words from someone she did not particularly like.

He was actually very exhausted, with his internal organs almost out of order. The recent verbal sparring with his ex-wife had drained all his energy, and he wished he could just sleep away. However, there were some words that he, as someone who had been through it, felt he must share with his niece. If he didn't say them now, he might never have the chance to express them again in this lifetime

"Uncle, why didn't you tell Minglang at that time?" she asked softly

Tang Weidong nodded and smiled: "Thank you very much."

Secretary Wu should have informed about her arrival, and Tang Weidong was not surprised to see her; he even smiled slightly and asked, "How did you come here?"

The sound of Li Ruqin's high heels faded away, and Ms. Fu said, "I apologize, I drove her away."