The King’s Enchanting Chapter 1746 - 1760: Together (Part 4)

A single tear traced a path from her eye. Despite the immense pain, this was the harsh "reality." Moreover, the Yu Family had been exceptionally kind, even accepting her without any children of their own. What more could she possibly ask for?

For the remaining moments she had, her sole desire was to live them well alongside Yu Zexiao!

"Zexiao, are we... truly going to get married?"

"Of course! Right away, immediately!" Yu Zexiao declared, his parents behind him nodding in affirmation. After an initial plunge into despair, Jian Anning found a measure of calm, now wishing to spend her "remaining time" with Yu Zexiao.

"What, you don't wish to?"

"I do! I truly do!" Even at this juncture, her heart still yearned for the time spent with Yu Zexiao. Be it a few months, a few days, a few hours, or even the very last moment.

"Then let's go get our marriage certificate right now!" True to his word, Yu Zexiao prepared to carry her out without delay! The others in the room exchanged bewildered glances: "What are you doing? She hasn't even been discharged yet!"

Indeed, the definitive prognosis regarding her lifespan had yet to be issued by the doctors, and at the very least, she craved a sense of certainty.

"Alright, I will call the doctor over immediately!" Yu Zexiao quickly turned, but after only a couple of steps, he paused abruptly, "No, we should transfer to a different department instead."

Hearing this, Jian Anning’s heart ached anew. Yes, a department transfer was necessary; wasn't she afflicted with a "grave illness"?

Yu Zexiao promptly exited the room. Shen Lanxiao and Xia Ziyu approached, their voices laced with concern, "Anning, are you feeling unwell somewhere? Is there something wrong with your body?"

"I... I am alright." Jian Anning clasped Shen Lanxiao's hand. Although her biological mother had shown her no kindness in this life, she had Qiu Yixian and Shen Lanxiao, both of whom treated her as their own daughter.

Despite the absence of maternal affection, the love they showered upon her was no less than what any mother would provide.

This life, she knew, she would never be able to repay their kindness.

"Mom, in the next life, I wish to be your daughter-in-law once more."

"Child!" Shen Lanxiao’s voice was thick with emotion, "Take good care of yourself, and don't dwell on unpleasant thoughts. Since we are family now, let's put the past unpleasantries behind us!"

"Mm." She nodded vigorously, her endearing and obedient demeanor causing Xia Ziyu a touch of awkwardness.

"Mom, one more thing, I don't have my phone with me currently. Could you... perhaps help me contact Qiu Mom?"

Shen Lanxiao appeared taken aback, a sudden realization dawning that Qiu Yixian needed to be informed. She immediately agreed, "That's right, indeed."

She then stood to retrieve her phone. Remembering their hospital setting, she stepped outside to make the call.

Though she had resolved to remain serene, the thought of a future farewell with Qiu Yixian sent a wave of painful emotion surging through her heart.

Beside her, Xia Ziyu continued to hold her hand, while Yu Jingxi and Yu Shenglin also regarded her with expressions of deep concern. This gaze evoked a bittersweet ache in her heart. Perhaps it is only in such moments that one can let go of past grievances and simply wish to leave behind some positive imprints upon the world?

She pondered how Yu Zexiao would fare in the days ahead without her presence? Would he find happiness? Would he remember to eat well? On chilly days, would someone ensure he wore extra layers of clothing? Or perhaps, would someone else marry him and start a family?

Yu Zexiao soon returned to her side, lifting her into his arms as he ascended the stairs. Finally arriving at the obstetrics and gynecology department and facing the doctor, Jian Anning could no longer contain her plea: "Doctor, how many years do I have left to live?"