C11 Supporting Each Other

Xu Huanxi gently patted the child's shoulder and pulled him into a warm embrace, coaxing a smile onto her face. "I'm sorry you're so young and already facing such profound loss."

He shook his head, his voice tender and comforting beyond his years. "Don't be sad, Mommy. You still have me."

Mommy had been brought up by the Old Ancestor. The thought of losing her would be unbearable.

Yet, she was a mother, and in front of her child, she would never let the tears fall.

Such a heart-wrenching display of strength. Xu Yinuo pulled Xu Huanxi even closer, his eyes reflecting a depth of pain and composure uncommon for his age.

When Chu Rusi pushed the door open, he was struck by the sight of mother and son in each other's arms—a woman's fragile frame harboring a wellspring of strength, the very foundation of Xu Yinuo's life.

He rapped on the door frame, a proud, easy smile on his face. "Grandmother is asking for you."

Inside, the Old Ancestor's face still bore traces of discontent, but her mood had softened considerably. The usually irreverent elder spoke with unexpected gravity, "Huanxi, Rusi, now that you're married, you must stand by each other."

Her words carried the weight of a final bequest.

Xu Huanxi looked away, her eyes brimming with tears.

Xu Yinuo cast a meaningful glance at Chu Rusi, impressed by his ability to sway the Old Ancestor.

Chu Rusi, oblivious to Xu Yinuo's gaze, wrapped Xu Huanxi in a caring embrace. She felt so fragile; the burden she bore must be immense.

At that moment, a nurse tapped on the door, irritation in her tone, "Xu Qiuyi, why are you still here? You were cleared to be discharged the day before yesterday."

Xu Qiuyi was the Old Ancestor's given name.

The three of them turned to the Old Ancestor, their expressions a synchronized mix of confusion, shock, relief, and a silent chorus of curses.

The Old Ancestor was speechless, her anxiety so acute she reverted to Korean. Caught red-handed, she thought of an internet saying—it was like being in the midst of a massive butchery.

Chu Rusi recovered first, offering the nurse a sheepish grin. "My apologies for the inconvenience. We were just about to check her out. Could you advise us on any special care needed once we're home?"

The nurse cast a curious glance at them, clearly amused by the family's antics. "Xu Qiuyi's thorough examination results are in, and it's confirmed to be a misdiagnosis. She's in excellent health. You know, for the elderly, it's best to eat more whole grains and get plenty of exercise."

With an eye roll, the nurse departed. The hospital beds were in such high demand; it was quite the spectacle to see someone who could be discharged clinging on to stay.

The Old Ancestor shrank quietly under the covers, caught red-handed in a lie—an awkward situation indeed.

Xu Huanxi quickly caught on that she had been duped by her grandmother. She wanted to be furious, yet tears of relief welled up in her eyes.

So it was a misdiagnosis—what a blunder!

Xu Yinuo paused, then swiftly yanked back the Old Ancestor's blanket, reprimanding her sternly, "Old Ancestor, you're not a child anymore. How can you joke about being sick like this?"

Xu Huanxi shifted slightly, gazing out the window at the harsh light. She felt an overwhelming mix of gratitude and frustration, a whirlwind of emotions that left her unsure how to react.

As Xu Yinuo continued his scolding, he eventually broke down, sobbing into the Old Ancestor's embrace. It was such a relief to know she was alright.

He had been chilled to the bone upon hearing the Old Ancestor's cancer diagnosis, maintaining a brave face in front of Mommy all the while.

But now, he just couldn't hold back the tears any longer.