Wen Lan Sheng's father, Xie Cen, clutched a tear-soaked tissue, sobbing: "Your mom fell down the stairs and injured her leg. The doctor said although there's no major problem, she needs to rest well. You know it takes a hundred days for injured tendons and bones to heal. I've said before that the old apartment building assigned by my work unit is too old. It's inconvenient for us elderly to go up and down without an elevator. Something was bound to happen sooner or later!"
As Xie Cen cried and rambled on while hugging Wen Lan Sheng, Fan Xia quietly leaned against the wall, her long lashes lowered slightly, her gaze obscure and unreadable.
After about ten minutes of crying, Wen Lan Sheng, biting his lip, walked towards her.
Fan Xia raised her head, her eyes once again filled with an intoxicating gentleness: "How is it? Is your dad feeling better?"
Wen Lan Sheng nodded, but his expression was still gloomy, as if he had something on his mind.
Finally, seemingly having made up his mind, he took Fan Xia's hand and said: "Fan Xia, my mom broke her leg and won't be able to move around easily for a while. Our house is too old, it's on the sixth floor without an elevator. My sister is abroad, and my dad can't manage everything alone. Could we... could we let my parents stay at our place for a while?"
After saying this, Wen Lan Sheng lowered his head, not daring to look into Fan Xia's eyes.
They hadn't registered their marriage yet, not even held the wedding ceremony. The small two-bedroom apartment they were currently living in was bought by Fan Xia herself, having nothing to do with him.
Since ancient times, it had always been the husband living with the wife-master and the wife-master's parents. There had never been a case of the husband's parents moving in.
Moreover, the small two-bedroom apartment Fan Xia bought was only about 60 square meters. It was cozy for two people, but adding two elderly people would make it crowded and noisy.
He knew this request was too much, but he really had no other choice.
The pungent smell of disinfectant permeating the hospital made Wen Lan Sheng feel suffocated and unable to breathe. Fan Xia's silence felt like torture to him.
Suddenly, he felt his face being gently cupped, and Fan Xia smiled faintly: "Alright."
Wen Lan Sheng's eyes widened.
"Your family's house is a bit old, not suitable for the elderly. When we go back, I'll clear out my study room, let your parents move in comfortably."
Fan Xia took his hand. The harsh white light of the hospital shone on her profile, soft as a dream: "My current job pays quite well. Adding that to my previous savings, it's about enough for a down payment on a large flat. We'll move out then, and let this apartment be for your parents to enjoy their later years."
"Fan Xia." Wen Lan Sheng's dark, moist eyes trembled in disbelief, then he suddenly embraced her. A glimmer of tears escaped from the corner of his eye, disappearing into Fan Xia's snow-white shirt. "Fan Xia, thank you."
"We're family, there's no need for thanks." Fan Xia gently stroked his back, feeling his burning heartbeat. Her eyes showed no emotion: "I'll go back first to tidy up the study room. You stay here and take care of your mother."
"But I haven't made dinner for you yet." Wen Lan Sheng tightly held her waist, refusing to let go, his hand clutching her clothes, his moist eyes full of guilt.
But in the eyes of the passing nurses, they were just an affectionate young couple, attracting attention.
Fan Xia gently brushed the loose hair on his forehead, saying softly: "I'm an adult, I won't let myself go hungry. Besides, your mother's health is more important. I'll go now."
Wen Lan Sheng reluctantly let go.
"Are you serious? Fan Xia really agreed to let us move in? And even said she'd give us that apartment to live in later?" Xie Cen covered his mouth, incredulous.
Wen Lan Sheng's mother, Wen Ming Yue, lying on the hospital bed, couldn't believe it either: "Fan Xia really said that? You didn't mishear?"
Wen Lan Sheng sat by the bed, peeling an apple as he spoke: "That's exactly what Fan Xia said. She's already gone back to tidy up the study room. She has to work tomorrow, so I didn't let her stay at the hospital. I've taken a few days off to take care of Mom. When Mom can be discharged, you and Dad can move in together."
"Great, great! An elevator apartment in the city center, not only convenient for living but also with a good community environment. Luckily Fan Xia bought it early, it must be worth five or six million now! I never thought I'd live in such an expensive house one day!" Wen Ming Yue's worry from her leg injury disappeared as she smiled.
Xie Cen excitedly stood up, clapping his hands and laughing: "When she was little, everyone in the work unit compound praised Fan Xia for being smart, saying she'd be more successful than your sister. I didn't agree then, but now I like her more and more. No matter how smart your sister is, Fan Zhuren is still raising our child for us! Haha!"
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