Chapter 94: Longevity and a Smooth Marriage

"Longevity and a smooth marriage."

Li Zhuiyuan recalled the face reading he had once done for Xue Liangliang.

Everything has more than one side—shift your perspective often enough, and you’re bound to find the silver lining.

Take this marriage, for example. It was going pretty smoothly.

Love at first sight, a lifelong bond decided in a day.

Even if they only saw each other once every three years, when paired with longevity and peace, it kind of balanced out, didn’t it?

"Xiaoyuan, come with me to check on Zhao Hequan, see if he’s better now."

"Liangliang-ge, are you even well enough to get out of bed?"

"I am."

Xue Liangliang got out of bed, only for his legs to start trembling.

Li Zhuiyuan rushed to support him just in time to prevent a fall.

Xue Liangliang looked a little embarrassed.

"Liangliang-ge, it’s normal to feel weak after a serious illness."

"Yeah, yeah, you're right."

"Take it slow. Lean on me."

"Alright, Xiaoyuan."

The two left the hospital room, made their way downstairs, and arrived at Zhao Hequan’s ward.

Zhao Hequan’s parents had rushed in from out of town. They were listening to the doctor describe the situation. Both were dressed formally—clearly not short on money.

When the doctor announced that Zhao Hequan’s condition had taken a sudden turn for the better and he was out of danger, they burst into tears of joy.

But when the doctor continued, saying Zhao had suffered extensive ulcerations and tissue necrosis, with some parts requiring removal—including, well, both of those down below—their sobs grew even louder!

"Marriage misfortunes, a life of solitude."

Li Zhuiyuan muttered the phrase to himself. It looked like he’d been right after all.

Though he had originally thought this misfortune would occur after Zhao and his girlfriend moved to the U.S.—turns out it came sooner.

Avoiding the two weeping parents, Xue Liangliang pushed open the ward door, and he and Li Zhuiyuan walked in.

Zhao Hequan was already awake, sitting up against the headboard.

He looked utterly drained and dejected.

Li Zhuiyuan remembered back when he’d first returned to the village and played with Panzi and Leizi. They’d seen a dog lying lifelessly in the courtyard.

He had asked his older cousins if the dog was sick.

Panzi had said, "Just got neutered yesterday—still hasn’t recovered."

Now, although both Zhao and Xue Liangliang were in hospital gowns, Zhao’s eyes lit up with a flash of fighting spirit when he saw Xue Liangliang. He instinctively assumed Xue had come to mock him!

Li Zhuiyuan knew that wasn’t the case. Liangliang-ge was here to make sure the Bai Family Matrons had truly returned home.

Come to think of it, that was probably part of the negotiation—an “implicit bride price” of sorts.

So really, Xue Liangliang was Zhao Hequan’s savior.

Zhao Hequan sneered. "Don’t celebrate too soon. America’s got advanced medicine. Once I get there, I’ll be cured!"

Xue Liangliang nodded and consoled him. "Don’t stress it. Even if they can’t cure you, with the way collective identities are being deconstructed, people like you might have a higher status in the U.S. in the future."

Zhao’s face turned beet red with fury. His body trembled as if someone had stepped on an organ that no longer existed, or as if he were experiencing phantom pain.

"Hmph! I’ll live a better, happier life than you.

I’ll keep going, just so I can watch you fall on your face.

Also, Lili called me. She said she doesn’t care what happened to my body—she still wants to marry me once we’re in America. We’ll have a church wedding. I’ll send you the pictures."

"Congratulations," Xue Liangliang sighed. "I’m already married."

"What?" Zhao Hequan blinked, then shouted, "You’re making stuff up just to spite me. You’re not even trying to make it sound logical!"

At that moment, the door opened again. Luo Tingrui walked in.

There had been an incident involving a student during a practicum class, and the school had to take responsibility—not just medical costs but compensation too. Luckily, the student was now out of danger.

"Zhao Hequan."

"Director Luo!" Zhao immediately smiled at him.

"Focus on recovery. We hope to see you back at school soon."

"Yes, Director Luo."

"Liangliang, you just woke up. What are you doing out of bed? Get back and rest. How can I not worry when you’re like this?"

"I’m fine now, Director Luo."

"Stop calling me Director. Call me Uncle from now on."

"Alright, Uncle Luo."

People can’t lie when they’re unconscious, and Luo Tingrui had already admired Xue Liangliang. After this ordeal, he liked the young man even more.

He had already decided to file a report to include Liangliang in the Southwest Development Project. That way, he could mentor the boy directly and give him a strong start.

"Alright then, I’m stepping out. You two should get some rest." Luo Tingrui left to console Zhao Hequan’s parents.

Zhao was now gritting his teeth. The difference in tone Luo had used for him versus for Xue Liangliang was glaring. And calling him "Uncle"? Really?

Now he understood—no wonder Liangliang had claimed to be married. He must be marrying into Director Luo’s family!

As a student at Haihe University, Zhao knew full well that although Luo Tingrui was "just" a department head, he was a titan in his field. With the government now encouraging academic professionals to take up official posts, Luo’s status would skyrocket if he ever chose to leave the university.

"Well, well, Xue Liangliang. Who knew? You had me fooled with that good-boy act—just trying to climb the ladder!"

"I’ve been under a lot of psychological pressure. I only did what I had to."

"You..."

Li Zhuiyuan suddenly noticed white smoke curling up from Zhao Hequan’s head.

Just then, Zhao’s mother walked in, wiping her tears. "Hequan, the expert from Shanghai that the school invited is arriving soon. Dad and I are going to the gate to meet them. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine."

"Mm..." Zhao nodded grimly.

After she left, Zhao scoffed, "See? That’s China for you. Everything’s about connections and favors. Not like America—none of that nonsense there."

Xue Liangliang frowned. "How do you think a country with a recommendation letter system doesn’t run on favors?"

"You... get out! Leave! Out!"

"Take care of yourself and rest well."

Supported by Li Zhuiyuan, Xue Liangliang walked out and closed the door behind him.

"Let’s not go back to the ward yet. Let’s get you some snacks and toys from the store."

"No need."

"Yes, need. I don’t know exactly what happened, but I know you helped me a lot just by being here. Besides, I promised you.

Come on, it’s only right for a big brother to treat his little brother. Unless... you don’t want to acknowledge me as your brother?"

"...Alright, gege."

The two made their way slowly downstairs. At the first-floor corner, Zhao Hequan’s parents were talking. Because they moved slowly, they overheard quite a bit.

"You really think he can recover from losing those?"

"Even if he recovers, those are still gone. We should try to have another kid. We can’t let the family line end here."

"I still think I can have one, but if we go for a second child, our jobs..."

"Just file a request. After all, our firstborn is already disabled."

"...True."

Xue Liangliang and Li Zhuiyuan passed by without saying a word and headed straight out of the inpatient building to a shop outside the hospital.

"Go ahead and pick. Whatever you want to eat, grab it. Same for the toys. Don’t hold back with your gege."

Li Zhuiyuan picked out some snacks and stationery just to go through the motions.

"Just this little bit?"

"It’s enough for me."

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