If Xia Wantang were to die.
Then she would have a chance.
Whether it was five years or ten, she could wait.
As long as Ling Yuchen didn't fall in love with anyone else.
...
After the banquet.
The Ling family also arranged for a tea party.
There was light tea, strong tea, clear tea, fruit wine, beverages, and all sorts of pastries and fruits.
Guests could also stroll and play in the garden at their leisure, and the atmosphere became harmonious and relaxed.
People who knew each other sat in small groups, chatting and eating, much more relaxed and happy than before.
Several elders sat together, talking.
Old Mrs. Ling smiled graciously, clearly in a very good mood.
Before, only her grandson was unmarried, and seeing others with their grandchildren, how could she not be envious?
Now that a major concern was off her mind, she was naturally beaming.
Only Old Mrs. Jiang smiled reluctantly, feeling exceptionally lonely and desolate.
If Jin Ning had not been unfortunate, her Jiang family would likely have been blessed with grandchildren too.
Just as she was feeling dejected,
Old Mrs. Ling took her hand, her smile softening slightly.
"Don't sigh, these things happen quickly when fate arrives. Besides, children and grandchildren have their own fortunes."
"Look at me, I've quite affected your good mood." Old Mrs. Jiang managed a smile, feeling somewhat relieved in an instant.
After all, her worries and distress were useless, only adding to her troubles. Such matters still depended on fate.
Old Mrs. Ling wanted to share some intimate words, so she said to Xia Wantang beside her, "Darling, you must be bored sitting here. Go play by yourself! I'll have a chat with your Grandma Jiang."
"Alright, Grandma." Xia Wantang replied and stood up, smiling at everyone. "Then Grandpa, Grandmas, please enjoy your meal and have a good time. I'm going out for some fresh air."
After bidding farewell to everyone, Xia Wantang walked out of the grand front hall alone.
She took a deep breath of fresh air, squeezed her stiff smile, and felt a long-lost sense of freedom.
Such occasions were too restrictive. She had to be on guard all the time, carefully considering every word and sentence. It was truly exhausting.
"Tangtang."
She had only taken a couple of steps when Ling Yuchen's voice called out from behind her.
Xia Wantang stopped and turned to look, seeing Ling Yuchen just emerging from the front hall.
She asked, confused, "Why did you come out? Aren't you supposed to be inside entertaining guests?"
"I was worried about you." Ling Yuchen walked to her side and took her hand.
"I'll accompany you back to the room for a nap." There were too many eyes around today, and quite a few people with ill intentions.
How could Ling Yuchen possibly feel at ease leaving Xia Wantang alone?
Even in broad daylight, it still couldn't stop those with malicious intent.
Xia Wantang didn't fully understand, nor did she think so far ahead, but she definitely wanted Ling Yuchen to accompany her.
The two of them walked back to the East Courtyard hand in hand, acting affectionately and looking very much in love.
And behind them, Situ Jing quietly emerged from the large door.
Her eyes, dark and deep, watched their retreating figures. Her expression was calm, but her hands were clenched tightly.
Back in the room, Xia Wantang felt overcome with sleepiness, her eyelids heavy.
She didn't usually nap, but today she was just a bit tired. She thought it might be because she was too exhausted today.
However, just as she reached the bedside, she was pushed onto the bed by Ling Yuchen behind her.
He leaned over her, his voice deep and magnetic as he whispered into her ear, his breath warm, "Wife, I'm hungry."
"We just ate..."
Xia Wantang felt a tingle in her ear. She found his words baffling but then understood halfway through her sentence.
She struggled a little, feeling both shy and annoyed. "Stop fooling around. I'm really tired and just want to sleep."
"You just lie there..."
Xia Wantang: "..."
...
She slept until five in the afternoon.
Xia Wantang's eyes fluttered open, groggy. She stretched lazily, feeling a distinct soreness in her waist.
She tossed and turned, not wanting to get up or move.
Ling Yuchen was working in the outer room. Hearing the rustling from the bed inside, he stopped his work.
"Are you hungry? I have some food that was just delivered. Have some first."
Xia Wantang hadn't wanted to get up, but her stomach growled, and she was indeed very hungry.
As she got out of bed, she asked, "Have the guests in the front yard left?"
Looking out the window, the sky was already nearing dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun painting the sky, close yet distant.
Ling Yuchen had already closed his laptop and said, "They've left. Let's eat first. You definitely didn't eat enough at noon."
Xia Wantang said nothing more and sat at the table, starting to eat heartily.
However, she, who was usually not a picky eater, suddenly lost her appetite at the sight of the scrambled eggs with chili.
She didn't pay it much mind, as the other dishes were still very delicious. Her appetite was surprisingly good, and she ate much more than usual.
The next few days were unusually calm, but she became increasingly lazy and constantly felt exhausted.
Thinking that it was just the beginning of autumn, she didn't pay it much attention. Spring fatigue, autumn weariness, summer drowsiness – it was all seasonal.
However, her leave of absence had expired, and she had to return to school. Fortunately, her grandfather's health was gradually recovering, though there were still some lingering effects.
The lingering effect was that the left side of his body was not very agile, showing some signs of paralysis and requiring constant care.
If she weren't pregnant, she wouldn't have been able to take a leave of absence from school. Given the current situation, Xia Wantang still wanted to return to school.
Ling Yuchen had also not been to the group for nearly half a month.
Fortunately, both his grandparents expressed their understanding.
On the way back, Xia Wantang slept the entire time, only waking up when they reached their destination.
Her dazed appearance made Ling Yuchen chuckle.
After going upstairs, Xia Wantang sank comfortably onto the sofa.
Although she hadn't lived there for half a month, the house was still spotless and tidy.
This was all thanks to Aunt Ou, who had returned the day before and cleaned the entire house.
As soon as she returned, Qiao Xinyue and Wen Xuanyuan came over to visit.
The three of them sat on the sofa, chatting animatedly.
Wen Xuanyuan, in particular, was exceptionally enthusiastic.
"Darling Tangtang, you were gone for half a month. I missed you terribly."
Xia Wantang looked at her coolly and said in a very indifferent tone, "Come on. I called you ten times this past half month, and you would have been lucky to answer two. You were either dating or on your way to dating..."
Xia Wantang's blunt exposure didn't make Wen Xuanyuan feel the slightest bit ashamed. She shamelessly said, "You have to date while it's hot; our friendship is at room temperature."
Xia Wantang rolled her eyes and didn't want to deal with her.
Qiao Xinyue propped her chin on her hand and mumbled, "You two, consider my feelings as a single person. Don't let me hear the word 'dating' again."
Xia Wantang chuckled and said nothing, but her thoughts turned to another matter.
She straightened her relaxed posture and even adjusted her sitting position.
"Xinyue, I need to tell you something."
Qiao Xinyue said absentmindedly while watching TV, "What is it? Hurry up and say it."
Xia Wantang replied, "It's about Han Xiao..."