Control (Futa) - Chapter 25

25. Extras 7: High School Parallel Line – $\text{End}$

Since $\text{they}$ $\text{got}$ $\text{together}$, the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family’s}$ $\text{love}$ for $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ was $\text{even}$ $\text{greater}$ $\text{than}$ that of $\text{the}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$.

They $\text{often}$ $\text{called}$ her to $\text{come}$ over $\text{to}$ their $\text{house}$ to $\text{play}$.

They $\text{never}$ $\text{forgot}$ to $\text{send}$ a $\text{copy}$ of $\text{whatever}$ they $\text{bought}$ to the $\text{Tang}$ $\text{house}$ for $\text{her}$.

The $\text{generous}$ $\text{New}$ $\text{Year’s}$ $\text{red}$ $\text{envelopes}$ $\text{directly}$ $\text{added}$ a $\text{digit}$ to $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling’s}$ $\text{savings}$.

$\text{Even}$ Ji Jue $\text{was}$ $\text{very}$ $\text{gentle}$ to $\text{her}$, $\text{better}$ than $\text{her}$ $\text{own}$ $\text{brother}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingyao}$.

This $\text{made}$ the $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{think}$ they $\text{had}$ $\text{picked}$ $\text{up}$ the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family’s}$ $\text{third}$ $\text{daughter}$ who $\text{was}$ $\text{left}$ $\text{outside}$. $\text{Sometimes}$ when $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{sweetly}$ $\text{called}$ Ji Jue $\text{“Sister”}$ $\text{on}$ the $\text{phone}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingyao}$ $\text{became}$ $\text{very}$ $\text{unhappy}$ and $\text{spoiled}$ his $\text{sister}$ $\text{even}$ $\text{more}$.

Also $\text{because}$ the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family}$ was $\text{so}$ $\text{good}$ to $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Shaohuai}$ $\text{let}$ $\text{go}$ of his $\text{last}$ $\text{trace}$ of $\text{doubt}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{acknowledged}$ their $\text{engagement}$.

They $\text{finally}$ $\text{went}$ to $\text{university}$ in $\text{the}$ $\text{capital}$ $\text{together}$. Ji Xun $\text{and}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{were}$ $\text{already}$ $\text{engaged}$. The $\text{two}$ $\text{families}$ $\text{simply}$ $\text{prepared}$ a $\text{house}$ for $\text{them}$ to $\text{live}$ in $\text{while}$ $\text{studying}$.

Tang $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$ $\text{attended}$ $\text{different}$ $\text{schools}$.

Ji $\text{Xun’s}$ $\text{school}$ $\text{was}$ an $\text{hour}$ away $\text{from}$ the $\text{art}$ $\text{school}$ she $\text{attended}$.

$\text{Although}$ classes $\text{were}$ $\text{more}$ $\text{flexible}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{university}$, Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{majored}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{two}$ $\text{subjects}$: $\text{in}$ $\text{addition}$ to $\text{business}$ $\text{administration}$, she $\text{also}$ $\text{took}$ $\text{finance}$ $\text{classes}$.

$\text{She}$ $\text{had}$ a $\text{lot}$ of $\text{projects}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{do}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{also}$ $\text{had}$ to $\text{participate}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{company}$ $\text{affairs}$. $\text{She}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{busier}$ $\text{than}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{high}$ $\text{school}$.

Tang $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{relatively}$ $\text{more}$ $\text{leisurely}$. $\text{After}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{school}$ $\text{classes}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{went}$ $\text{home}$ to $\text{the}$ $\text{studio}$ $\text{reserved}$ for $\text{her}$ to $\text{practice}$.

$\text{She}$ $\text{spent}$ $\text{most}$ of $\text{her}$ $\text{time}$ at $\text{home}$ and $\text{could}$ $\text{see}$ Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{whenever}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{came}$ $\text{back}$.

She $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{entirely}$ $\text{focus}$ on $\text{art}$. In $\text{class}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{met}$ the $\text{daughter}$ of $\text{a}$ $\text{museum}$ $\text{curator}$. By $\text{chance}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{took}$ $\text{up}$ a $\text{course}$ in $\text{cultural}$ $\text{relics}$ $\text{management}$. $\text{She}$ $\text{often}$ $\text{went}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{exhibitions}$ $\text{with}$ Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{on}$ $\text{dates}$.

After $\text{the}$ $\text{midterm}$ $\text{exam}$, the $\text{school}$ $\text{invited}$ a $\text{senior}$ $\text{who}$ $\text{had}$ $\text{already}$ $\text{achieved}$ $\text{some}$ $\text{success}$ in $\text{the}$ $\text{art}$ $\text{field}$ to $\text{come}$ $\text{back}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{give}$ a $\text{lecture}$.

$\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{thought}$ Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{wouldn’t}$ $\text{be}$ $\text{home}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{early}$ today, so $\text{she}$ $\text{simply}$ $\text{went}$ to $\text{listen}$ to $\text{the}$ $\text{other}$ $\text{person’s}$ $\text{introduction}$ to $\text{the}$ $\text{current}$ $\text{art}$ $\text{trends}$ $\text{with}$ her $\text{classmates}$.

After $\text{the}$ $\text{lecture}$, her $\text{classmate}$ $\text{had}$ $\text{something}$ $\text{urgent}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{had}$ to $\text{leave}$ $\text{first}$.

$\text{After}$ $\text{saying}$ $\text{goodbye}$ to $\text{her}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{hadn’t}$ $\text{received}$ a $\text{message}$ $\text{from}$ Ji $\text{Xun}$, so $\text{she}$ $\text{simply}$ $\text{detoured}$ to $\text{the}$ $\text{snack}$ $\text{street}$ behind $\text{the}$ $\text{back}$ $\text{gate}$ to $\text{buy}$ some $\text{snacks}$.

“$\text{Junior}$!”

Tang $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{looked}$ $\text{back}$ and $\text{saw}$ it $\text{was}$ the $\text{senior}$ who $\text{gave}$ the $\text{lecture}$ $\text{just}$ $\text{now}$.

The $\text{senior}$ $\text{was}$ a $\text{campus}$ $\text{celebrity}$ $\text{when}$ he $\text{was}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{university}$, $\text{and}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{knew}$ that $\text{too}$. $\text{Because}$ $\text{he}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{refined}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{clean}$, $\text{with}$ $\text{proper}$ $\text{facial}$ $\text{features}$, $\text{and}$ $\text{spoke}$ $\text{softly}$, $\text{he}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{very}$ $\text{popular}$ with $\text{both}$ $\text{male}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{female}$ $\text{students}$ in $\text{the}$ $\text{department}$ $\text{with}$ $\text{many}$ $\text{literary}$ $\text{youths}$.

If $\text{she}$ $\text{hadn’t}$ $\text{met}$ Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{before}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{would}$ $\text{have}$ $\text{thought}$ $\text{this}$ $\text{senior}$ $\text{was}$ her $\text{ideal}$ $\text{type}$.

“$\text{Junior}$.” The $\text{senior}$ $\text{stood}$ in $\text{front}$ of $\text{her}$ $\text{gently}$. “$\text{The}$ $\text{professor}$ $\text{just}$ $\text{mentioned}$ $\text{you}$ to $\text{me}$ and $\text{said}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{have}$ a $\text{lot}$ of $\text{spiritual}$ $\text{talent}$ in $\text{painting}$ and $\text{wants}$ us $\text{to}$ $\text{interact}$ $\text{more}$ and $\text{learn}$ $\text{from}$ $\text{each}$ $\text{other}$.”

Tang $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{thought}$ in $\text{her}$ $\text{heart}$ while $\text{smiling}$ politely: $\text{As}$ $\text{expected}$ $\text{of}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{man}$ $\text{who}$ $\text{charmed}$ the $\text{department}$. “$\text{The}$ $\text{professor}$ $\text{exaggerated}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{much}$… $\text{The}$ $\text{technique}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{painting}$ is $\text{not}$ $\text{fine}$ $\text{enough}$ and $\text{needs}$ $\text{more}$ $\text{practice}$.”

The $\text{senior}$ $\text{wanted}$ to $\text{say}$ $\text{something}$ $\text{else}$. A $\text{beautiful}$ $\text{woman}$ $\text{in}$ a $\text{suit}$ with a $\text{cold}$ $\text{expression}$ $\text{appeared}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{front}$ of $\text{him}$ and $\text{walked}$ $\text{towards}$ $\text{them}$.

$\text{Although}$ the $\text{other}$ $\text{person}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{cold}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{beautiful}$ $\text{in}$ a $\text{unique}$ $\text{way}$.

$\text{He}$ $\text{saw}$ the $\text{woman}$ $\text{staring}$ $\text{at}$ $\text{him}$ $\text{with}$ $\text{sharp}$ $\text{eyes}$ and a $\text{dark}$ $\text{expression}$, $\text{like}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{looking}$ at $\text{prey}$.

Her $\text{lips}$ $\text{parted}$ $\text{slightly}$, $\text{and}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{said}$: “Mingling.”

Tang $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{heard}$ the $\text{familiar}$ $\text{voice}$ and $\text{immediately}$ $\text{turned}$ $\text{around}$.

$\text{Seeing}$ $\text{who}$ $\text{it}$ $\text{was}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{quickly}$ $\text{walked}$ $\text{over}$ and $\text{hooked}$ her $\text{arm}$ $\text{into}$ $\text{hers}$.

“Ji $\text{Xun}$, $\text{why}$ $\text{are}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{here}$?”

She $\text{turned}$ $\text{back}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{politely}$ $\text{exchange}$ $\text{greetings}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{say}$ $\text{goodbye}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{senior}$, $\text{then}$ $\text{pulled}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{person}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{left}$ without $\text{looking}$ $\text{back}$.

“Who $\text{was}$ $\text{that}$ $\text{just}$ $\text{now}$?” Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{asked}$ $\text{casually}$. They $\text{had}$ $\text{agreed}$ to $\text{watch}$ a $\text{movie}$ $\text{tonight}$.

$\text{If}$ they $\text{went}$ $\text{home}$ to $\text{change}$ $\text{clothes}$, $\text{they}$ $\text{wouldn’t}$ $\text{make}$ $\text{it}$, $\text{so}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{came}$ $\text{directly}$ $\text{from}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{company}$, $\text{just}$ $\text{happened}$ to $\text{be}$ $\text{wearing}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling’s}$ $\text{favorite}$ $\text{suit}$.

“The $\text{senior}$ $\text{who}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{invited}$ to $\text{give}$ $\text{a}$ $\text{lecture}$ $\text{today}$. The $\text{flower}$ of $\text{the}$ $\text{department}$, the $\text{hunk}$ of $\text{the}$ $\text{art}$ $\text{department}$,” $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{casually}$ $\text{said}$ a $\text{string}$ of $\text{titles}$, and $\text{suddenly}$ $\text{wanted}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{tease}$ $\text{her}$: “Speaking $\text{of}$ $\text{it}$… $\text{my}$ $\text{ideal}$ $\text{type}$ $\text{used}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{be}$ $\text{like}$ $\text{him}$.”

Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{suddenly}$ $\text{tightened}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{grip}$ on $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling’s}$ $\text{hand}$.

Tang $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{smiled}$ and $\text{let}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{exert}$ $\text{force}$ without $\text{resisting}$. “$\text{But}$ $\text{now}$ $\text{I}$ $\text{only}$ $\text{love}$ Ji $\text{Xun}$, $\text{Sister}$ $\text{Ji}$.”

“Which $\text{Sister}$ $\text{Ji}$?” There $\text{were}$ $\text{two}$ $\text{Sister}$ $\text{Jis}$ $\text{in}$ her $\text{mouth}$. $\text{The}$ $\text{other}$ $\text{one}$ $\text{was}$ her $\text{own}$ $\text{sister}$.

“$\text{Pfft}$, $\text{don’t}$ be $\text{jealous}$ of $\text{Sister}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Jue}$ $\text{too}$, $\text{okay}$? $\text{She’s}$ $\text{about}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{get}$ $\text{married}$.”

“…If $\text{you}$ $\text{weren’t}$ $\text{with}$ $\text{me}$, $\text{I}$ $\text{think}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{would}$ $\text{want}$ to $\text{marry}$ $\text{her}$.” $\text{When}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Jue}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{mentioned}$, Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{felt}$ $\text{sad}$. $\text{Although}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{knew}$ it $\text{was}$ $\text{because}$ of $\text{her}$ that $\text{her}$ $\text{sister}$ $\text{loved}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{one}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{loved}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{loved}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{much}$, $\text{even}$ $\text{better}$ $\text{than}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{own}$ $\text{sister}$.

Tang $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{casually}$ $\text{said}$ $\text{where}$ there $\text{was}$ an $\text{art}$ $\text{exhibition}$ $\text{abroad}$, $\text{and}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{immediately}$ $\text{booked}$ $\text{flights}$, $\text{hotels}$, $\text{and}$ $\text{arranged}$ a $\text{short}$ $\text{trip}$.

Her $\text{parents}$ $\text{were}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{same}$. $\text{They}$ $\text{heard}$ $\text{what}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{liked}$, $\text{and}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{next}$ $\text{day}$, $\text{they}$ $\text{would}$ $\text{buy}$ it $\text{and}$ $\text{send}$ it to $\text{the}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{house}$. $\text{Several}$ $\text{times}$ $\text{when}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{met}$ $\text{Uncle}$ $\text{Tang}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{joked}$ $\text{that}$ $\text{they}$ $\text{must}$ $\text{have}$ $\text{swapped}$ $\text{identities}$.

Tang $\text{Mingling’s}$ $\text{birthday}$ $\text{gift}$ $\text{this}$ $\text{year}$ $\text{was}$ a $\text{limited}$ $\text{edition}$ $\text{sports}$ $\text{car}$, $\text{more}$ $\text{expensive}$ $\text{than}$ the $\text{car}$ $\text{bought}$ for $\text{her}$. $\text{Although}$ Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{one}$ $\text{who}$ $\text{drove}$ it.

“$\text{No}$ $\text{way}$. $\text{I}$ $\text{only}$ $\text{want}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{marry}$ $\text{you}$.” $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{intertwined}$ her $\text{fingers}$ $\text{with}$ $\text{hers}$. “$\text{Let’s}$ $\text{get}$ $\text{married}$ $\text{when}$ you $\text{graduate}$ $\text{from}$ $\text{studying}$ $\text{abroad}$.”

Bringing $\text{up}$ $\text{studying}$ $\text{abroad}$, Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{silent}$ for a $\text{moment}$, $\text{then}$ $\text{said}$: “Actually, $\text{we}$ $\text{don’t}$ $\text{have}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{study}$ $\text{abroad}$.”

“I’ll $\text{go}$ with $\text{you}$. $\text{We}$ $\text{don’t}$ $\text{have}$ to $\text{be}$ $\text{separated}$. $\text{It’s}$ $\text{not}$ $\text{easy}$ for $\text{you}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{get}$ an $\text{opportunity}$ for $\text{guaranteed}$ $\text{admission}$. $\text{You}$ $\text{must}$ $\text{study}$ $\text{abroad}$.”

$\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{understood}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{well}$. $\text{The}$ $\text{other}$ $\text{person}$ $\text{looked}$ $\text{cold}$, $\text{but}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{actually}$ $\text{extremely}$ $\text{sensitive}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{loved}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{cry}$.

$\text{To}$ $\text{outsiders}$, $\text{it}$ $\text{looked}$ $\text{like}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{clinging}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$, $\text{but}$ $\text{during}$ $\text{sex}$, $\text{the}$ $\text{other}$ $\text{person}$ $\text{often}$ $\text{cried}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{asked}$ $\text{her}$ to $\text{hug}$ $\text{her}$ and $\text{look}$ $\text{at}$ $\text{her}$.

$\text{Although}$ the $\text{thing}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{still}$ $\text{moving}$ $\text{wildly}$ $\text{inside}$ her $\text{body}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{cried}$ $\text{as}$ if $\text{she}$ $\text{had}$ $\text{suffered}$ a $\text{great}$ $\text{grievance}$.

But $\text{knowing}$ her $\text{psychological}$ $\text{trauma}$ $\text{from}$ $\text{childhood}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{felt}$ $\text{pity}$ and $\text{love}$ for $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$.

$\text{She}$ $\text{had}$ to $\text{hold}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{person}$ and $\text{coax}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{not}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{cry}$ $\text{even}$ $\text{when}$ she $\text{was}$ $\text{about}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{climax}$.

Her $\text{thoughts}$ $\text{wandered}$ $\text{far}$ $\text{away}$. $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{took}$ a $\text{deep}$ $\text{breath}$. “$\text{Anyway}$, $\text{you}$ $\text{must}$ $\text{study}$ $\text{abroad}$. $\text{I’ve}$ $\text{also}$ $\text{applied}$ to $\text{schools}$ $\text{abroad}$.”

$\text{With}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{university}$ $\text{professor’s}$ $\text{recommendation}$ $\text{letter}$ $\text{and}$ the $\text{competition}$ $\text{entries}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{had}$ $\text{accumulated}$ $\text{over}$ the $\text{years}$, $\text{it}$ $\text{wasn’t}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{difficult}$ to $\text{get}$ an $\text{admission}$ $\text{offer}$.

Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{wanted}$ to $\text{cry}$ $\text{again}$. $\text{She}$ $\text{thought}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{very}$ $\text{lucky}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{this}$ $\text{life}$ to $\text{meet}$ Tang $\text{Mingling}$, $\text{who}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{willing}$ to $\text{accept}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{everything}$, $\text{otherwise}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{would}$ $\text{go}$ $\text{crazy}$ $\text{one}$ $\text{day}$.

The $\text{day}$ $\text{after}$ receiving $\text{her}$ $\text{master’s}$ $\text{degree}$ $\text{abroad}$, the $\text{impatient}$ $\text{two}$ $\text{ran}$ to $\text{get}$ $\text{married}$ at $\text{the}$ $\text{notary}$ $\text{public}$. $\text{When}$ $\text{their}$ $\text{families}$ $\text{found}$ $\text{out}$, $\text{they}$ $\text{were}$ $\text{scolded}$, $\text{mainly}$ Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{bore}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{brunt}$ of $\text{it}$.

Then $\text{the}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{and}$ the $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{quickly}$ $\text{discussed}$ their $\text{wedding}$, $\text{waiting}$ for $\text{the}$ $\text{two}$ to $\text{come}$ $\text{home}$ to $\text{hold}$ it.

Unexpectedly, $\text{before}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{two}$ $\text{could}$ $\text{come}$ $\text{home}$, $\text{they}$ $\text{received}$ news $\text{that}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{labor}$. $\text{The}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{furious}$, $\text{and}$ the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{shocked}$. They $\text{flew}$ $\text{abroad}$ $\text{together}$ to $\text{accompany}$ the $\text{birth}$.

Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{sat}$ outside $\text{the}$ $\text{delivery}$ $\text{room}$ for $\text{18}$ $\text{hours}$, $\text{waiting}$ $\text{with}$ a $\text{haggard}$ $\text{face}$. $\text{She}$ $\text{originally}$ $\text{wanted}$ to $\text{go}$ $\text{in}$, $\text{but}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{said}$ $\text{it}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{ugly}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{let}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{see}$, $\text{afraid}$ $\text{that}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{would}$ $\text{be}$ $\text{so}$ $\text{ugly}$ that $\text{she}$ $\text{wouldn’t}$ $\text{love}$ $\text{her}$.

Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{thought}$ $\text{that}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{impossible}$, $\text{but}$ $\text{still}$ $\text{listened}$ to $\text{her}$ and $\text{worried}$ $\text{outside}$. $\text{Occasionally}$, $\text{painful}$ $\text{screams}$ $\text{came}$ $\text{from}$ $\text{behind}$ the $\text{heavy}$ $\text{door}$, $\text{and}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{so}$ $\text{distressed}$ $\text{that}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{decided}$ to $\text{get}$ $\text{sterilized}$.

When $\text{the}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{arrived}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{already}$ $\text{resting}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{ward}$. $\text{The}$ $\text{baby}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{taken}$ to $\text{the}$ $\text{incubator}$. $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$ $\text{went}$ to $\text{see}$ her $\text{once}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{then}$ $\text{came}$ $\text{back}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{stay}$ $\text{with}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$.

“$\text{Where’s}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{baby}$?”

“$\text{In}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{incubator}$. $\text{The}$ $\text{three}$ $\text{from}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{left}$ by $\text{the}$ $\text{window}$. $\text{You}$ $\text{can}$ $\text{go}$ $\text{see}$ them,” $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$ $\text{said}$ $\text{coldly}$. $\text{Her}$ $\text{eyes}$ $\text{never}$ $\text{left}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$, $\text{whose}$ $\text{face}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{pale}$ $\text{on}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{bed}$. $\text{She}$ $\text{used}$ a $\text{towel}$ to $\text{wipe}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{sweat}$ and $\text{fed}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{water}$. $\text{She}$ $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{care}$ $\text{much}$ $\text{about}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{baby}$.

But $\text{her}$ $\text{indifference}$ $\text{changed}$ $\text{again}$ $\text{after}$ $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{woke}$ $\text{up}$.

“$\text{Where’s}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{baby}$?” $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{leaned}$ $\text{on}$ the $\text{headboard}$, $\text{asking}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{weakly}$.

“$\text{Sleeping}$. $\text{They}$ $\text{will}$ $\text{be}$ $\text{brought}$ $\text{over}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{drink}$ $\text{milk}$ $\text{later}$,” $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$ $\text{spoke}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{softly}$.

Tang $\text{Mingyao}$ $\text{sat}$ on $\text{the}$ $\text{sofa}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{saw}$ that $\text{her}$ $\text{concern}$ $\text{for}$ his $\text{sister}$ $\text{far}$ $\text{exceeded}$ $\text{that}$ $\text{for}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{baby}$, $\text{and}$ $\text{hummed}$ $\text{with}$ $\text{satisfaction}$.

When $\text{everyone}$ $\text{came}$ $\text{back}$ $\text{after}$ $\text{seeing}$ the $\text{baby}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{listened}$ to $\text{everyone’s}$ $\text{concerns}$ in $\text{turn}$. $\text{After}$ $\text{answering}$ $\text{them}$ $\text{one}$ $\text{by}$ $\text{one}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{leaned}$ $\text{on}$ Ji $\text{Xun’s}$ $\text{shoulder}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{said}$ $\text{with}$ a $\text{smile}$: “$\text{The}$ $\text{baby}$ $\text{will}$ $\text{take}$ $\text{your}$ $\text{surname}$.”

Ji $\text{Xun}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{stunned}$. “$\text{The}$ $\text{baby}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{born}$ $\text{by}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{with}$ $\text{great}$ $\text{difficulty}$. $\text{They}$ $\text{should}$ $\text{take}$ $\text{your}$ $\text{surname}$.”

“$\text{Take}$ $\text{your}$ $\text{surname}$. $\text{Your}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{has}$ a $\text{throne}$ to $\text{inherit}$. $\text{I}$ $\text{don’t}$,” $\text{As}$ $\text{soon}$ as $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{finished}$ $\text{speaking}$, $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingyao}$ $\text{stood}$ $\text{up}$ and $\text{objected}$, $\text{saying}$ $\text{he}$ $\text{could}$ $\text{also}$ $\text{give}$ the $\text{throne}$ $\text{to}$ his $\text{niece}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{inherit}$.

“Who $\text{says}$ you $\text{are}$ $\text{inheriting}$ the $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$? $\text{Can’t}$ $\text{I}$ $\text{hand}$ it $\text{over}$ $\text{directly}$ to $\text{my}$ $\text{granddaughter}$?” $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Shaohuai}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{furious}$.

The $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{know}$ about $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun’s}$ $\text{physical}$ $\text{difference}$ and $\text{only}$ $\text{thought}$ the $\text{baby}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{born}$ $\text{through}$ $\text{IVF}$.

But $\text{the}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{knew}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{granddaughter}$ $\text{was}$ $\text{their}$ $\text{child}$. $\text{They}$ $\text{stood}$ $\text{aside}$, $\text{their}$ $\text{eyes}$ $\text{red}$. $\text{In}$ $\text{fact}$, $\text{they}$ $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{care}$ $\text{whose}$ $\text{surname}$ the $\text{child}$ $\text{took}$. $\text{But}$ $\text{seeing}$ their $\text{daughter}$ $\text{finally}$ $\text{reconcile}$ $\text{with}$ $\text{herself}$, $\text{their}$ $\text{years}$ of $\text{guilt}$ $\text{finally}$ $\text{found}$ an $\text{outlet}$.

“Mingling, $\text{Sister}$ $\text{bought}$ $\text{you}$ a $\text{villa}$ as $\text{a}$ $\text{wedding}$ $\text{gift}$. $\text{I’ll}$ $\text{give}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{key}$ $\text{when}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{come}$ $\text{home}$. $\text{It}$ $\text{has}$ a $\text{small}$ $\text{garden}$ $\text{and}$ a $\text{greenhouse}$. $\text{After}$ $\text{I}$ $\text{have}$ $\text{people}$ $\text{tidy}$ $\text{it}$ $\text{up}$, $\text{you}$ $\text{can}$ $\text{paint}$ $\text{inside}$,” $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Jue}$ $\text{stood}$ $\text{by}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{bed}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{patted}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{head}$, $\text{just}$ $\text{like}$ $\text{she}$ $\text{would}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{sister}$.

“$\text{As}$ $\text{for}$ the $\text{gift}$ $\text{for}$ $\text{having}$ a $\text{baby}$… $\text{it’s}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{hasty}$. $\text{I’ll}$ $\text{give}$ $\text{you}$ an $\text{additional}$ $\text{gift}$ $\text{later}$.”

“$\text{Thank}$ $\text{you}$ for $\text{being}$ $\text{so}$ $\text{good}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$.”

“$\text{She}$ $\text{deserves}$ $\text{it}$,” $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$ $\text{held}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun’s}$ $\text{hand}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{looked}$ at $\text{her}$.

Just $\text{like}$ their $\text{vow}$ $\text{on}$ the $\text{day}$ they $\text{got}$ $\text{married}$ at $\text{the}$ $\text{notary}$ $\text{public}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{would}$ $\text{always}$ $\text{look}$ $\text{at}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{wouldn’t}$ $\text{leave}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$ $\text{alone}$.