Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2480 - 2416: I Was Wrong Before

Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
Chiang Xiao and Meng Xinian affirm their unity against Nian Che, determined not to become his accomplices and to return the pain he caused with interest. Meng Xinian awkwardly attempts to style her hair, explaining he wants to learn for her postpartum days. They discreetly retrieve their car and visit Meng Chaojun in the hospital, where Chiang Xiao offers porridge made with special water; though usually preferring buns, he eagerly accepts it, feigning hunger and a taste for bland foods.

Confronted directly with the situation, he found himself speechless.

That's when he observed that the once imposing tall figure who had swung a hand at him now appeared a touch shorter as he stood there, utterly lacking the dominance he held over him before.

Meng Xinian pressed his lips together tightly.

Meng Chaojun accepted the thermos, glanced toward him, hesitated with his words, and finally asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

The question was plainly aimed at Meng Xinian, an effort to initiate conversation, yet Meng Xinian kept his lips sealed, his face displaying clear detachment, choosing not to reply at all.

Chiang Xiao felt compelled to respond, "We had our meal at home prior to arriving."

"Excellent, excellent. Little prepared it, correct?"

"Since when have you begun using her nickname?" Meng Xinian remarked coolly.

Meng Chaojun stiffened momentarily, then a sense of unease crept over him.

"If it bothers you, I'll..."

Hadn't he overheard that both his father and Meng Xinian referred to Chiang Xiao in that manner? Thus, he believed adopting the same term would convey intimacy, akin to familial bonds.

Furthermore, using that name signified his complete acceptance of her, didn't it?

Yet, he hadn't foreseen Meng Xinian taking offense.

Chiang Xiao lightly nudged Meng Xinian with her elbow and assured Meng Chaojun, "It's nothing serious, feel free to call me that; it's merely a name."

"Xinian, does that work for you?" Meng Chaojun inquired, eyeing Meng Xinian.

Meng Xinian looked aside, proceeded to the window, and gazed outward.

Meng Chaojun released a faint sigh and instructed Chiang Xiao, "Please have a seat, rest a moment; your grandfather ought to arrive shortly."

He held onto the thermos, settled onto the bed, and commenced consuming the porridge, wary of attempting further dialogue with Meng Xinian.

Originally, his desire to partake arose because Chiang Xiao had delivered it, but upon tasting, he found the porridge incredibly savory. A gentle sweetness amplified the rice's inherent freshness.

With some accompanying side dishes, its flavor was indescribably exquisite.

Without realizing, he devoured every last bit of the porridge, yet craved more.

In short order, Old Meng made his entrance too. Much like Meng Chaojun, he displayed evident joy at spotting Meng Xinian there, and his affection for Chiang Xiao deepened with each passing look.

He had erred greatly in the past, truly so.

He once perceived Chiang Xiao as a heartless young one, but presently he comprehended that offering her kindness yields abundant returns.

Absent Chiang Xiao's involvement, Meng Xinian might never have entered the hospital at this juncture, appearing solely if Meng Chaojun's state became truly life-threatening.

Through Chiang Xiao's presence, a glimmer of reconciliation emerged between the father and son.

The group proceeded to the conference room to hear the physician's briefing on the revised therapy protocol.

Chiang Xiao absorbed the specialized vocabulary, grasping the essentials yet struggling with details, intending afterward to contact Chen Baoshen for verification on any interactions between the medications and items like ginseng or Lingzhi.

The core elements she supplied to Meng Chaojun consisted of Spiritual Spring Water, complemented by ginseng and Lingzhi Dendrobium. Should incompatibilities arise with the facility's procedures, she would need to discontinue those treatments.

Having listened attentively, Meng Xinian paused in silence before posing the question, "Under this approach, what are the odds of complete recuperation?"

The doctors exchanged uncertain glances, deliberating on their answer.

In the end, Doctor Xu cleared his throat and stated, "Officer Meng, regarding this ailment, the hospital cannot assure the ultimate outcome, though the illness should remain stable for at least six months."

This indicated assurance of mere provisional management.

Whether deterioration sets in beyond that period, or it concludes abruptly, remains unknown to all.