979 Notice Something Amiss
Xu Lan and Li Gui were two completely different types of mothers. Each had her own good points and Qiao Mei was very happy to have two mothers who loved her so much.
What's wrong, Mei Mei? Why aren't you saying anything? Is there something that you don't like? Tell me. While there's still time, I can get the workers to redo it, Xu Lan said nervously.
Qiao Mei walked to Xu Lan and hugged her gently. Mother, you've already done a very good job. This room is perfect and I like it very much. I'm just a little shocked. Thank you, Mother.
Xu Lan patted Qiao Mei's head in relief. She had long treated Qiao Mei like her own daughter and would only dote on her even more in the future.
Mother, I also have a gift for you. Bring the pager around with you every day. It'll be easier to contact you when you are out, Qiao Mei said.
Oh my, I can't accept this gift! I'm so old already and I don't need it. You can keep it for yourself! Xu Lan declined.
Qiao Mei ignored Xu Lan's attempts to reject the gift and simply unwrapped the pager and handed it to Xu Lan. In this way, Xu Lan could not insist upon her getting a refund after the packaging was opened. She had used the same method on Li Gui and it was also effective on Xu Lan now. However, Xu Lan was still a little resistant.
You can use it yourself, Mei Mei. Or you can give it to your younger siblings or your grandfather. We have a phone at home, so I don't need this, Xu Lan said.
I don't even know when I'm going to give birth. What if you're at work or running an errand outside and we can't contact you? Don't you want to see the babies as soon as possible? Qiao Mei asked Xu Lan with a sad expression.
Qiao Mei had a firm grasp of Xu Lan's desires. Xu Lan's initial rejection quickly turned to wanting to know how to use the pager. When Xu Lan was almost done learning, it was time for them to go to bed.
It's getting late. Go to sleep. I'll make your favorite pumpkin cake tomorrow morning! I've learned many recipes from your second aunt-in-law. I'll cook for you personally tomorrow morning! You can't look down on my cooking! Xu Lan said happily.
Qiao Mei's first reaction was not to feel happy. Instead, she felt a little sorry for Xu Lan. For the first half of her life, Xu Lan had lived a luxurious life and only needed to focus on her career. After she married Xia Mao, she did not need to work too hard and there was also Wu Min to help take care of the children. It was because of Qiao Mei that Xu Lan had to do chores and cook.
After Xu Lan left, Qiao Mei slowly lay down on the new bed. The bed was much bigger than the previous one and it was definitely big enough for both Xia Zhe and her. Even when the two children grew up, it was still big enough for a family of four to lie on it.
However, Qiao Mei still missed Xia Zhe's old single bed. It had Xia Zhe's warmth and smell on it. Even though it was very small, it made her feel very much at ease. However, this newly renovated bedroom did not hold any memories of Xia Zhe at all. She felt a sense of emptiness while lying on the bed.
She wondered when Xia Zhe would be back
Qiao Mei fell asleep while thinking about Xia Zhe. When Xia Wen left the next morning, Qiao Mei was still asleep.
Mother, I'm going home. Help me tell Qiao Mei and Xia He that I've left. I won't go and say goodbye to them, Xia Wen said as he put on his shoes at the door.
After hesitating for a while, Xu Lan said worriedly, Talk to Tan Jing nicely when you get back. Don't lose your temper.
Xia Wen was tying his shoelaces and his hands paused for a moment. He did not expect Xu Lan to have noticed something amiss. The injury on his abdomen was only a superficial one. He had gone to the hospital for a checkup and confirmed that there was no issue. Perhaps his posture looked a little odd when he carried stuff and that was how Xu Lan noticed it.
Alright, I know, Xia Wen said in a muffled voice.
Xu Lan sighed deeply. She had taken care of Xia Wen on her own for a period of time when he was young. This child always kept everything to himself and would never say anything. No matter how difficult the situation was, he would try his best to solve it on his own and not make things difficult for his family. After he grew up, he was the one who handled the Xia family's dealings with other families and he talked even less to them.