Xia Chengzhang hadn’t had a chance to eat yet.
The weather was hot, and the food was brought into an insulated lunchbox. Aunt Zhang arranged everything that could be placed and set it on the cabinet to cool.
Xia Wan and Huo Yu led Wen Yunzhi and Xue Wenzuan into the ward. The ward had six beds, and most of the patients and their families were intrigued by Xia Wan and his guests.
Xia Chengzhang appeared rugged, with a weathered face.
But the visitors who came to see him were increasingly refined and attractive than other.
Xia Wan and Huo Yu had already been a subject of discussion in the ward for a while because of their looks and temper.
At this moment, when mother and son arrived. They looked wealthy and aristocratic. This naturally caught the curiosity of many people.
“Dad,” Xia Wan leaned down, “there’s an aunt and her son who always look out for me are here to see you.”
Xia Chengzhang, who had been listening to the conversation outside, motioned for Xia Wan to help him sit up.
Xia Wan bent down, and Xia Chengzhang wrapped his arms around his shoulders and neck. With the strength of his shoulders and hands, Xia Wan gradually lifted Xia Chengzhang up little by little.
Halfway through, the back of Xia Wan’s hand, covering Xia Chengzhang’s back, suddenly felt warm, and a larger palm folded over it.
The hand was warm, dry, and strong. It gently pressed down on the back of Xia Wan’s hand, providing steady support as they lifted Xia Chengzhang together.
Xia Wan put a pillow behind Xia Chengzhang’s back and smiled gratefully at Huo Yu.
As he bent down, Xia Wan’s lower back was slightly exposed because Xia Chengzhang’s arm was tightly wrapped around him, pulling up his clothes a bit.
Wen Yunzhi glanced down at Xia Wan’s waist, which looked tight from the effort, and instinctively reached out to pull his clothes down, ensuring they covered him properly.
Once Xia Chengzhang was settled, he smiled and thanked Wen Yunzhi.
Wen Yunzhi’s expression didn’t look great. Despite a smile at the corner of her mouth, there were faint red circles under her eyes.
The ward Xia Chengzhang was in was mostly filled with patients with this illness. Since Wen Yunzhi was here, the friend she came to visit likely had the same illness, maybe even worse.
Understanding her emotions, Xia Wan pulled a chair over and said, “Auntie, please have a seat.”
“We won’t sit down,” Wen Yunzhi replied with a smile, “We’ll just talk with your father for a bit.”
Though she was speaking to Xia Chengzhang, her gaze lingered on Xia Wan briefly.
Before coming here, she had assumed Xia Chengzhang had a minor illness. It was only after finding an acquaintance in the hospital and checking the patient’s information that she realized the severity of Xia Chengzhang’s condition.
At that moment, Wen Yunzhi’s emotions were complicated. She felt sorry for Xia Wan, who had to face such a cruel reality at such a young age.
Most children at his age hadn’t really grown up yet. For example, Su Tang, who was still held in the hands of his parents and family members, protected, and even the slightest ups and downs were shielded by his family.
But Xia Wan had already experienced so much.
Whether it was the years of highs and lows with Xia Chengzhang, or being manipulated and hurt by both the Xia and Huo families after coming here to study, or Xia Chengzhang’s current condition.
No matter what it was, Wen Yunzhi’s heart broke just thinking about it. It was painful.
At the same time, she also understood that Xia Chengzhang’s illness, combined with the suffering and bitterness Xia Wan had endured in the past, along with the resentment that had built up over time, couldn’t be easily vented.
Especially when she heard Xia Wan say, “My favourite will always be my father,” at the door, it felt like a punch to her heart. She couldn’t help but feel a cold void inside.
From the moment she entered, she didn’t dare to look at Xia Chengzhang.
It wasn’t disdain; it was fear. She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to hide her resentment when she met his eyes. She was scared she wouldn’t be able to control her emotions when confronted with reality.
Most of all, she was terrified that Xia Wan would stand by Xia Chengzhang’s side, creating a rift before they even acknowledged each other.
Though there was no scientific proof that Xia Wan was indeed her child, as a mother, Wen Yunzhi trusted her intuition.
Despite the limited evidence so far—such as the immediate connection she felt with Xia Wan, the coincidental departure date of Xia Chengzhang, or Xia Wan’s birthplace in a small southern town—she was certain that he was the child she had been searching for over 18 years.
Xia Wan began introducing Xia Chengzhang to Wen Yunzhi: “Dad, this is Aunt Wen and Xue family’s eldest brother. Auntie’s nephew is Su Tang, and we live in the same dormitory. Their family has taken great care of me.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Xia Chengzhang raised his hand gratefully, saying, “Hello, hello. Xia Wan has been timid since childhood; thank you for looking after him.”
“Fcmif, sbe’gf abb qbilaf,” Wef Qfczejc gfqilfv, ajxlcu Wlj Jtfcuhtjcu’r tjcv klat j rwlif. “Pa’r cb agbeyif ja jii.”
Wef Qfczejc qjerfv obg j wbwfca jcv mbcalcefv, “Cirb, Qjckjc tjr yffc j ugfja tfiq ab er.”
Wlj Jtfcuhtjcu atbeuta Wef Qfczejc kjr pera yflcu qbilaf jcv kjnfv tlr tjcv, rjslcu, “Lbk mbeiv tf tfiq sbe?”
“It’s true,” Xue Wenzuan confirmed, casting a glance at Xia Wan. “My mother hasn’t had a great appetite lately. Thanks to Xia Wan’s live broadcasts, her appetite has improved.”
“Really?” Xia Chengzhang chuckled, rubbing his hands in a proud yet bashful manner.
He wasn’t adept at socializing, and the other person’s demeanor, appearance, conversation, and behavior clearly belonged to a different world than theirs.
It naturally made him a bit nervous..
“That’s right,” Wen Yunzhi chimed in warmly, “so I’m quite fond of this child.”
Xue Wenxuan added teasingly, “He’s not much different from my younger siblings.”
The atmosphere in the room eased a bit, and Xia Wan felt a sense of relief.
Xia Wan smiled warmly at Wen Yunzhi and said, “Every time I see you, Auntie, I feel like we’ve known each other for a long time. You make me so happy.”
Wen Yunzhi was pleased by his words, but a pang of sadness followed. She managed a smile, turned her gaze away, and commented on Xia Wan, “This child’s got such a sweet tongue.”
Xia Chengzhang chimed in, “His sweetness has increased lately, and we have Xiao Yu to thank for that.”
Huo Yu, who was by Xia Wan’s side, cutting fruit, he smiled when he heard Xia Chengzhang’s words.
Although Wen Yunzhi and Xue Wenxuan had just arrived, they hadn’t had a chance to exchange more than a few words yet.
However, he still keenly sensed a feeling of unease and tension in the air.
Especially after Xia Wan’s recent words, he noticed that Xue Wenxuan held Wen Yunzhi’s hand calmly.
It was as if Xue Wenxuan was comforting Wen Yunzhi about something.
And Wen Yunzhi….
Despite her gentle appearance, she held a strong and influential reputation in the market – she was far from fragile.
But now…
Huo Yu changed the topic subtly, saying to Xia Chengzhang, “Dad, it’s mainly because you raised him well and taught him well.”
“I’ve heard Tangtang mention it too,” Wen Yunzhi replied, her eyes slightly red as she continued, “He mentioned that Wan Wan has been depended on you since childhood. It’s not easy for a child without a mother.”
“Yes.” Xia Chengzhang fell silent, not knowing how to respond.
Xia Wan, noticing his father’s discomfort, took over the conversation. “My mother is gone,” he said with a polite smile, “but it’s okay. I have my father, and that’s enough.”
Xia Chengzhang’s eyes welled up with emotion, his heart warmed by his son’s words.
“Dad,” Xia Wan leaned down He held Xia Chengzhang’s hand and said with a smile, “Dad, you’re more than enough.”
Xia Wan grinned and said, “It seems like we’ve had this conversation before.”
Xia Chengzhang chuckled, remembering the similar conversations he and Xia Wan had shared in the past.
Wen Yunzhi fell silent, her face turned noticeably pale. Perhaps it was because of Xia Wan’s statement, “Having just a father is also great,” or maybe it was the harmonious relationship between father and son that made her uncomfortable.
Xia Wan didn’t seem to place much importance on having a mother. This made Wen Yunzhi wonder if he ever thought about what his mother might be like. Did he wonder if she loved him, missed him, or had nightmares worrying about his well-being? Maybe he hadn’t thought about these things, or maybe he had but chose not to express them because of his deep love for Xia Chengzhang.
However, these feelings should have been directed towards her, towards Xue Chong, Xue Wenxuan, and their Xue family.
She clenched her lips tightly, her complexion growing even paler. Luckily, her fair skin made it less obvious to those who didn’t know her well.
Xue Wenxuan, however, understood. Silently, he raised his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders, conveying his affection and support through this simple gesture.
Just like how Xia Wan was comforted Xia Chengzhang.
Although everyone in the ward maintained a polite and decent demeanour, the atmosphere had taken on an unusual and subtle tone.
Huo Yu glanced around casually, then calmly selected a piece of fruit with a toothpick and offered it to Xia Chengzhang. “Dad, have some fruit. I think the food might have cooled down by now.”
When Xia Chengzhang accepted the fruit he also offered the fruit plate to Wen Yunzhi “Mrs. Wen, please have some as well.”
Everything in the ward was plain, and the fruit plate was actually a serving dish brought by Aunt Zhang. Huo Yu simply took a few pieces and arranged them neatly on the edge of the plate with toothpicks.
Wen Yunzhi thanked him and picked a piece of fruit with a toothpick, but instead of eating it herself, she handed it to Xia Wan.
Xia Wan was not polite, he took it with a smile: “Thank you, auntie.”
Wen Yunzhi gazed at the bruises under his eyes and the slight hollow on his cheek, instinctively she reached out to lightly touch it.
The touch incredibly gentle and light, it was like silk brushing against his cheek, which caught Xia Wan off guard.
Though it was just a light touch, it somehow made him feel deeply cared for.
It was just like the gentle caress of his mother, how she used to do the same before he came into this world.
Xia Wan touched his cheek. He suddenly remembered Huo Yu’s remark about drooling in his sleep. He felt a bit self-conscious and asked, “Auntie, is my face dirty?”
Wen Yunzhi smiled and replied, “Not at all, it’s very clean.” She watched Xia Wan with a motherly affection that warmed his heart.
Wen Yunzhi looked at those eyes which were very similar to hers, black and white, but slightly red from tiredness. They were typical almond-shaped eyes.
“Really?” Xia Wan questioned, still feeling a bit uncertain, and touched his cheek once more.
Wen Yunzhi nodded with a warm smile and reassured him, “Absolutely clean.”
As Xue Wenxuan silently observed the scene, he couldn’t help but notice the subtle similarities between Xia Wan and Wen Yunzhi. His expression became somewhat serious. However, when he shifted his gaze upward, he unexpectedly met Huo Yu’s intense dark eyes.
“Want a piece?” Huo Yu extended the fruit plate to Xue Wenxuan.
“Thank You” Without hesitation, Xue Wenxuan accepted it and speared a piece of fruit with a toothpick before placing it in his mouth.
As the food had cooled considerably and Xia Chengzhang was preparing to eat, Wen Yunzhi decided it was time to leave.
Huo Yu gently held onto Xia Wan’s wrist and made a suggestion, “Mrs Wen, Xia Wan and I were planning to grab dinner outside. If it’s convenient for you, would you like to join us?”
Wen Yunzhi paused for a moment, before she could say anything Xue Wenxuan had already declined the offer, “Thank you for the offer, but there’s no need.”
As they left the ward and walked towards the hospital’s parking lot, they exchanged parting words. While Wen Yunzhi and Xue Wenxuan hadn’t specifically come for Xia Chengzhang, Xia Wan still expressed his gratitude to them.
The sky had darkened, streetlights not yet illuminating the surroundings. In the dim light, Wen Yunzhi’s eyes welled up with tears once more.
“You should take good care of yourself,” she told Xia Wan, her voice trembling slightly.
“I will, Auntie,” Xia Wan replied with determination.
Wen Yunzhi paused, then, noticing Huo Yu engaged in conversation with Xue Wenxuan, she pulled Xia Wan aside once more.
“Even though I understand that Huo Yu is well-off, I still want to emphasize that if you ever face any financial difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to me,” she gently reminded him.
Moved by Wen Yunzhi’s genuine concern and warmth, Xia Wan felt a deep sense of gratitude. He nodded earnestly, his eyes reflecting the Xue family’s building sign in the real world, where his parents and family resided. This reminded him of his loved ones back home.
With a voice filled with sincerity, Xia Wan expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Auntie,” he said softly, “I will remember your kindness and your words.”
Once inside the car, Wen Yunzhi’s sobs echoed in the car as she covered her eyes with her hand, tears streaming down and moistening the back of her hand. Xue Wenxuan gently raised his arm and embraced her, encouraging her to let it out.
“Did you hear what he said?” Wen Yunzhi cried, her voice trembling, “He said he loves Xia Chengzhang the most, and he doesn’t want his mother at all…”
“I heard,” Xue Wenxuan replied softly, “he mentioned loving his dad the most.”
Wen Yunzhi paused, her voice choked with emotion, “What’s the difference? They have such a strong bond, and now he only acknowledges Xia Chengzhang.”
Xue Wenxuan gently placed his hand on his mother’s shoulder, lost in thought.
Xia Chengzhang’s illness complicated things for the Xue family, making it hard to confirm their relationship with Xia Wan or even recognize each other once it was confirmed.
It was evident that the father and son had a deep and unbreakable bond, and Xia Chengzhang’s illness had only strengthened their relationship.
At this point, it seemed that no matter who tried to intervene, Xia Wan might not accept it.
Moreover, even if he did, what about Xia Chengzhang?
Xia Chengzhang’s condition was life-threatening, and in such circumstances, even if Xia Wan were to discover the truth about their relationship, he might not harbor any ill will. After all, Xia Chengzhang was the father who had been by his side as he grew up.
People aren’t plants; they can’t easily be devoid of emotions, especially in such complex family situations.
Xia Wan wasn’t a machine. Even if he discovered the truth and harbored resentment towards Xia Chengzhang, that resentment would always be intertwined with love. Harming Xia Chengzhang would ultimately be a way of hurting Xia Wan in disguise.
“There is only one way,” Xue Wenxuan contemplated for a moment. “We should inform Tangtang.”
Over the years, even though Su Tang was aware of his young cousin’s disappearance, the Xue family had shielded him from the full details. They believed he was too young to bear such a heavy burden. But now, circumstances have changed.
Wen Yunzhi nodded, her light-coloured cotton and linen shirt now stained with dark tears.
“I want to conduct a paternity test,” she said firmly. “Tangtang is smart; he can find a way to obtain a sample.”
Xue Wenxuan agreed, but with a condition, “Before that you have to promise me this, whether it turns out to be Xia Wan or not, you must prepare yourself mentally.”
Wen Yunzhi took a deep breath and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. “I understand. Even if he is, I can keep my emotions in check, at least for now.”
Xia Wan and Huo Yu stood side by side in front of a noodle restaurant.
“Is this what the eldest master wants to eat?” Xia Wan asked.
“Yes,” Huo Yu replied.
Upon hearing this, Xia Wan began to walk away, but Huo Yu gently grasped his wrist, stopping him.
“What’s wrong?” Xia Wan glanced at him and then around to ensure there were no onlookers. He whispered, “No need to act, there’s no one else here.”
“Wan Wan,” Huo Yu took a step closer to Xia Wan, his gaze deep and probing. He rarely used this nickname, and his intense look seemed to convey a deeper message.
In the shadow of the streetlights, Huo Yu’s eyes glistened like exquisite gems, deep and mesmerizing. They resembled a tranquil lake on a dark night, leaving Xia Wan somewhat overwhelmed.
Xia Wan playfully raised his hand to shield Huo Yu’s eyes and teased, “If Eldest Master keeps looking at me like this, I might suspect you’ve fallen in love with me.”
Huo Yu pursed his lips and, after a moment, feigned a look of disgust, turning his head away. Then he mumbled, “I see, you’re not that tired after all.”
“My energy is always good,” Xia Wan emphasized, “Eldest Master doesn’t want to mention it, does he?”
Huo Yu hesitated for a moment and then asked, “Do you remember your mother?”
Xia Wan was taken aback, not expecting this question from him.
In his memory, the original owner had also asked where his mother had gone, but Xia Chengzhang didn’t answer. Some neighbors used to tease him, saying that his mother had run away with someone.
Xia Wan shook his head, replying, “I don’t remember.” Then, after a pause, he added, “Maybe she left after my father became disabled.”
Huo Yu posed another question, “What if… what if one day your mother came back?”
“What are you doing?” Xia Wan burst into laughter. “If you keep making that face, I might start suspecting you’re my mother.”
Huo Yu pursed his lips, then turned his head away in irritation, as if he didn’t want to continue the conversation.
“I’m sorry, eldest master,” Xia Wan suppressed his laughter and reached out to hold Huo Yu’s hand, coaxing him in a familiar manner. “I was just joking, don’t be angry, okay?”
Huo Yu, still a bit cold, asked, “Are you genuinely afraid I’d get angry?”
“Of course, I’m afraid,” Xia Wan quickly replied. “You’re like my parents. I wouldn’t dare to upset you.”
Huo Yu shot him a cold glance and then headed towards the noodle shop.
“Actually, I wouldn’t want her to come back,” Xia Wan chased a few steps behind him, not sure why he didn’t want Huo Yu to be angry or upset with him. He began to answer Huo Yu’s question, “I’ve already told my dad, I’m good without her.”
Okay, I can’t remember how did he end up in his father’s care? Did his father kidnapped him knowing he’s from an influential family?🤔
Open your eyes wide, XW! (><)/
Thank You for the new chapter (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡
At this point, I actually don’t want them to be related… TwT
and apparently Hou yu agrees…
Yup sadly it might not be in his favour
Me, personally (as someone who have both parents and someone who can only imagine how it can feel have only one parent) prefer don’t trying to find your parent. That’s how I feel
Thank you for your translation ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I think I understand his thought process. He already had his family in his first life, his love for Xia Chengzhang comes from the previous owner’s memories. There’s no need for him to look for his ‘mother’ since it would only be the og owner’s mom, not his. But it’s clear that the Xue family reminds him of his own family. So I don’t think he’ll be upset when he finds out.
E As an >adopted< person who doesn’t want any contact with their biological parents, I find the madam annoying and inconvenient. I don’t agree with her doing a test without WanWan agreeing, and it’s not just because she It’s his mother that he needs to swear eternal love to her
Can may change my mind later on, but for now I don’t like the character.
While I do resonate with her strongly.
I also do understand Xia Wan’s side as well however, it seems he doesn’t know that Xia Cheng is not his actual father, and clearly Xia Chen refuses to elaborate on things regarding his birth, mother etc. Which I feel, tbh to be very selfish towards WanWan, as it is his right to know the circumstances of his childhood more so now that he is an adult. I mean I can’t really judge too strongly without knowing more but if he found and raised Xia Wan coincidentally then although yes, it may be sad or hard for him to tell Wanwan, he shouldn’t have those guilty moments that we see sometimes in the story after Xia Wan takes care or worry about him.
Unless he feels guilty that he didn’t tell him sooner idk but it is a little fishy.
I understand both our MC and also the Mother.
They didn’t want to lose MC and have been actively trying to find MC.
MC’s adoptive father found him somewhere during his lowest point and probably adopted him from there. He was the one that recommended the wearing of the bracelet that covered up the identifying birthmark. And he shows some guilty conscience.
Look, the mother doing a maternity test without MC’s opinion isn’t good but the father isn’t being honest either right? MC doesn’t seem to know that he was adopted! He may have affections for the father, but that father is also being selfish. MC has suffered under his family members, and he appreciated having a good family member like MC, he didn’t seem to actively want to help MC return to his family.
Y’all don’t just look at rose tinted glasses or look at MC’s adopted father’s suffering. A loving mom has suffered from losing her child for 18 years. 18 years of deception. Remember that.
I understand the Madams feelings but I think there is a better way to do reveal the truth instead of doing the test secretly. Wan wan would surely understand if they just talk to him and explained it. They should talk with Wanwan and with his father.
The way it’s looking right now, there should be something suspicious about how he found himself with WanWan but it seems he may not be the mastermind of the situation seeing as there was no other reaction to meeting Wei Yunzhi that showed him recognising her
I’m sorry, although I understand Madam’s worries and sorrow, it is never right to conduct a test without the consent of the other person. That is just breaking the trust if your child before they even got the chance to acknowledge you as their bio parents. They are grown adults, please learn how to communicate. This could be solve by a simple conversation but nooo.