Chapter 99: Mother-in-law's Misfortune

Under the long, slightly mottled afternoon sunlight, Zhou Shaofeng darted from afar like a joyful sparrow, his face radiant with childlike pride and anticipation. Panting, he stopped before Li Chao, his eyes gleaming with a sense of accomplishment, as if the object in his hands were not an ordinary item but a key to unlocking a new world.

“Chao-ge, take a look—finally, the bed has been settled in properly, hasn’t it?” His voice brimmed with pride, as though the bed was more than a resting place—it was a carefully orchestrated victory.

“This treasure was no easy find; I went through many twists and turns, relying on the most trustworthy friends in the martial world to get it especially for you! They say it’s the sturdiest bed around, and that’s no exaggeration.”

Zhou Shaofeng spoke with unshakable conviction, continuing unabated: “You know, this bed has passed countless rigorous impact tests, just like the bond between us brothers—no matter the wind or rain, it remains unbreakable. You can toss and turn on it with complete confidence; it’s as steady as Mount Tai, not a single fiber will move!”

Just as Zhou Shaofeng immersed himself in his tale, a graceful figure quietly stepped into this warm yet slightly awkward scene—Liu Dan. She approached lightly from the side, her teeth gently biting her vivid red lips, her gaze silky and intent, fixed firmly on Li Chao. In her eyes swirled a mixture of jealousy and subtle, almost hidden, tenderness and expectation.

Seeing this, Zhou Shaofeng immediately understood. He tactfully withdrew to one side, a knowing smile playing on his lips, silently leaving this small world to Li Chao and Liu Dan.

The air seemed to thicken with a delicate emotion, causing one to unconsciously slow their breath.

“Dan-jie…” Li Chao’s voice was a little awkward but polite, breaking the silence. He looked up at Liu Dan, whose eyes, usually resolute and composed, now seemed veiled with a thin mist, harboring a hint of grievance mixed with confusion.

“The bed… was already broken? Was it because you were too strong?” Liu Dan’s words were soft but pierced Li Chao’s heart like fine needles. Her words concealed many unspoken emotions—was it frustration at Li Chao’s obliviousness to love or sorrow over her own misplaced feelings?

Li Chao was momentarily at a loss, his heart a tangle of bitter emotions. How could he explain that the bed was not damaged by his strength but by an unexpected accident—a wayward sword blade leaving an inadvertent scar? Who would believe such a reason?

In this complex weave of feelings, Li Chao could only smile wryly, letting the helplessness and embarrassment gradually spread in his heart.

Liu Dan’s words, like petals falling unknowingly in a spring breeze, gently brushed the calm lake of Li Chao’s heart, stirring ripples. Her tone carried both teasing and sincere care and hope, prompting Li Chao to smile bitterly; the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth was a true reflection of his tangled feelings.

This was no mere hint—it was a blatant declaration, leaving him no room to feign ignorance of affection.

“If there’s time, I really should visit Dan-jie’s home,” Li Chao thought silently. This decision carried both a response to Liu Dan’s feelings and a reassessment of his own life.

He deeply understood that in this chaotic martial world, gaining one’s heart was no small feat. Liu Dan’s tenderness and resilience had already planted an indelible mark in his heart.

…

Returning from the construction site, Li Chao’s steps were noticeably lighter. The new bed was firmly placed in a corner of the room, emitting a faint scent of wood—the smell of home and a symbol of peace.

The workers had completed their task and driven away, leaving behind cleanliness and tranquility.

Li Chao gently sat on the new bed, feeling the solid warmth of the wood, silently admiring it.

This bed was indeed as Shen Yunfei described—of excellent quality, able to withstand the test of time.

He had wanted to call for Yu Xin to share this joy, but before he could, a sudden ringtone interrupted him.

Yu Xin looked toward the phone, and at the sight of the screen, her expression instantly turned complicated—a mixture of surprise, worry, and confusion, which stirred Li Chao’s curiosity.

Quietly, he waited, not disturbing Chunlian’s thoughts until she slowly put down the phone, her eyes flickering with unclear light.

“What’s wrong? Yu Xin, is it urgent?” Li Chao asked with concern, trying to read more from her expression.

Yu Xin looked up, hesitated briefly, then gently shook her head, tucking the emotion deep inside.

“Nothing, just… a call from a friend.”

After a brief conversation, he gripped his phone and hurried outside.

Minutes later, Yu Xin returned to the room, her face grave.

“What happened? Is something wrong?” Li Chao noticed her unusual demeanor and asked with concern.

Anxious and worried, Yu Xin spoke nervously:

“The phone at home just rang. They said my mother was attacked and is now receiving emergency treatment at Qingyang County People’s Hospital.”

What?

Li Chao sprang to his feet. Quickly, he gave Sun Peng brief instructions to manage the clinic and grabbed Yu Xin’s hand, hastening out.

They got into a Porsche and sped toward Qingyang County People’s Hospital.

Along the way, Yu Xin’s gaze occasionally fell on Li Chao. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke softly:

“Xiao Chao, this is my family matter. You just need to take me there; you don’t have to stay with me.”

Her tone conveyed worry that Li Chao might get entangled in trouble.

Li Chao shook his head firmly, replying gently:

“We are already so close; why distinguish between you and me? My mother-in-law is in trouble—how can I, as her son-in-law, just stand by?”

“Besides, I’m a doctor; this is my responsibility!”

His words flushed Yu Xin’s cheeks with warmth and gratitude.

In this complicated world, many men may be skilled with sweet words, but few truly stand firm and trustworthy when it matters most.

Fortunately, Li Chao was one of those rare few.

He never asked for anything but always offered Yu Xin endless care and support, often without her noticing.

The car moved steadily along the highway.

Qingyang and Kaiyuan counties neighbored each other.

According to navigation, the hospital was about two hours away.

During the journey, out of concern and curiosity, Li Chao asked about Yu Xin’s family.

He had never seen her return home before and had assumed her family might no longer be alive.

Now, through their conversation, he learned the truth.

Yu Xin’s hometown was also a poor mountain village.

She had a younger brother, and to raise money for his bride price, her family, despite knowing Yu Xin’s poor health, had “married” her off to the Li family fortress.

This marriage was more a transaction than a union, forcing Yu Xin to endure loneliness and isolation early on.

Hence, she once harbored deep resentment against her parents and had never set foot in her hometown.

Yet the power of blood ties was hard to sever; the bond gradually softened her resentment.

Unconsciously, she began to long for home, though she kept this feeling buried deep within.

Due to poverty and the traditional belief that daughters “marry out and are no longer part of the family,” contact between both sides had dwindled.

But now, the situation was different: Yu Xin’s mother had been suddenly injured, lacked money for treatment, and was isolated in the county town.

In desperation, they finally reached out to their daughter.

This news struck Yu Xin like a thunderclap, plunging her mood into the abyss.

Yet she knew no matter the past grievances, her mother’s safety was paramount.

So, she chose to set everything aside and, together with Li Chao, head to the hospital to help her mother through this ordeal.

Hearing this, Li Chao’s heart swelled with mixed emotions.

Though society had changed, the old preference for sons lingered stubbornly, like unyielding stones in the mountains, especially in remote corners.

Thinking of Yu Xin, if not for this sudden misfortune, the bond with her family might have remained dormant.

Now, even this belated “reunion” carried realities and helplessness; the familial ties were thin, more seeking economic support and care.

Alas, human hearts are truly complex and unpredictable.

As the saying goes, “Understanding worldly affairs is knowledge; mastering human feelings is artistry.”

Though discontented, Li Chao reminded himself: blood is thicker than water; Yu Xin’s family was her root.

Since they were willing to let go of past grievances and Yu Xin chose forgiveness and reunion, as an outsider, why stir the waters?

Driving onward, time flew by. By early afternoon, Qingyang County People’s Hospital came into view.

Qingyang, like Yu Xin’s Kaiyuan, was economically similar—homes of ordinary folk, not wealthy but with their own flavor of life.

Looking back through the long river of history, this land had endured hardship and barrenness over a century ago.

Though conditions had improved, memories of “poor mountains and harsh waters” remained etched like a brand, reminding people to cherish what they now had.

Thus, this journey was not just a visit but also a tribute to the past and a hope for the future.

Riding the gentle spring breeze of the new era, Qingyang and Kaiyuan had been reborn, blossoming with fresh faces.

Li Chao parked steadily, then, side by side with Yu Xin, they stepped toward the ward building that bore their hope.

Each step was firm yet carried a subtle tenderness.

On Yu Xin’s face, anxiety and unease hung like a thin mist, clearly visible.

It was the delicate feeling of “nervousness near home,” a mingling of uncertainty and anticipation before reunion.

Her eyes held complex emotions toward her family and a wary hope for the unknown future.

Li Chao noticed and silently offered her strength, conveying the firmest support through quiet companionship.

Thus, they moved forward—one ahead, one behind, yet tightly connected—embarking on this journey of the heart.

Following the signs, they slowly entered the ward, the scene before them tightening their throats.

In a somewhat crowded three-bed room, on the edge lay a frail woman surrounded by medical apparatus—Yu Xin’s mother.

Beside her sat a man in his fifties, his clothes slightly worn, face full of worry and helpless hope.

This scene cut through Yu Xin’s heart like a sharp blade; tears instantly gathered as she choked out:

“Dad! Mom!”

Her voice held both the joy of reunion and the pain of her mother’s critical condition.

The man on the stool looked up sharply at the sound, surprise flashing in his eyes.

Then it turned to boundless joy. He shakily stood, wiping his hands on his trousers as if to brush away dust and unease, then stepped forward to tightly grasp his daughter’s hand.

His body trembled with emotion, his voice choked with feeling:

“Xiao Xin, you’re back?”

Yu Xin’s mother remained unconscious, but the warmth of a mother’s love seemed to penetrate her slumber, offering silent comfort.

After a brief exchange with her father, his gaze naturally fell upon Li Chao, curiosity and questioning flickering in his eyes:

“Xiao Xin, who’s this?”

Faced with her father’s question, Yu Xin was momentarily speechless, her heart a mix of feelings.

At that moment, Li Chao stepped forward with a warm, sincere smile, softly saying:

“Uncle, hello. I’m Yu Xin’s boyfriend, my name is Li Chao.”

His eyes were steadfast and gentle, as if promising Yu Xin’s father he would be her strongest support.

“A boyfriend, huh?”

Yu Xin’s father scrutinized Li Chao, pleased with his appearance but inevitably weighing his family background and character.

Yu Xin’s gaze locked on her mother’s worn face, heart aching, urgently asking about the attack:

“Mom, what happened? Why was she beaten?”

Her father sighed heavily, anger and helplessness flashing in his eyes:

“All this trouble was caused by Li Mazi’s family next door!”

He continued bitterly:

“That family, boasting about having many sons, acts like tyrants, bullying us relentlessly. Recently, while building a house, they even seized our land, and now they’re planting a vegetable garden right at our doorstep—pushing us to the edge!”

“My mother is straightforward; she couldn’t stand it and went to confront them. The result… alas, she was beaten by their brothers and is now unconscious.”

His lips trembled with fury, his eyes full of pain and unwillingness.

Li Chao listened quietly, frowning deeply, troubled.

He knew many harbored idealized views of rural life as peaceful retreats but often overlooked the hardships and injustices hidden there.

This scene was a harsh revelation of that illusion.

He silently vowed to do what he could to help Chunlian and her family.

“Indeed, whether in the countryside or the city, there are light and shadow,” Li Chao said solemnly, sympathizing deeply with Chunlian’s plight.

He understood that in the small social circles of rural areas, family clout and connections often determined one’s life situation.

Families like Yu Xin’s, weak and isolated, were more vulnerable to bullying.

At that moment, a doctor in a white coat entered the ward, interrupting Li Chao’s thoughts.

The doctor quickly checked Yu Xin’s mother’s readings while Yu Xin anxiously inquired about her condition.

The doctor looked at Yu Xin with a hint of surprise.

Yu Xin’s transformation made it hard for him to believe she was once an ordinary country girl.

In his eyes, Yu Xin now not only dressed fashionably but exuded a unique charm impossible to ignore.

“Hmm, the patient’s test results just came back,” the doctor explained calmly.

“According to the tests, there is blood stasis inside the body, which may compress nerves, causing neurological disorders or even more severe consequences like sudden death. Therefore, we strongly recommend prompt surgery to remove the blood stasis and relieve nerve pressure.”

Hearing “sudden death,” Yu Xin’s father paled instantly, gripping the wall and sitting down again, as if struck in the chest by an invisible force.

Yu Xin clenched her fists nervously but tried to remain calm, knowing the most important thing was to heed the doctor’s advice and secure the best treatment for her mother.

Despite the doctor’s questioning and disapproval, Li Chao remained composed. He gently released Yu Xin’s mother’s pulse and turned to the doctor:

“I’m not questioning your professionalism, but based on my experience, Yu Xin’s mother’s condition may not be as severe as you imagine.”

The doctor’s expression did not soften; he sneered, clearly dismissing Li Chao’s confidence:

“A village doctor? Even if your skills are well known in your village, this is a county hospital with advanced equipment and a professional team. We understand the patient’s condition better than you.”

Seeing this, Yu Xin quickly stepped in to mediate:

“Doctor, please don’t be angry. He is truly a good doctor in our village and has cured many people. He only cares about my mother, that’s why…”

The doctor interrupted, disdain evident:

“Caring must be based on professional knowledge. Since you say he is a village doctor, let him explain his insights.”

Li Chao smiled faintly, not directly responding to the doctor’s provocation. Instead, he patiently explained to Yu Xin and her father:

“Uncle, Yu Xin, don’t worry. Although your mother’s condition looks serious, it is mainly due to blood stasis causing pressure. With timely care and appropriate treatment, she can gradually recover. Surgery is an option but not the only one.”

The doctor frowned, clearly disagreeing.

But Yu Xin and her father found comfort and hope in Li Chao’s words.

Their eyes were full of trust and support for him.

Finally, the doctor sighed resignedly:

“Alright, if you trust him so much, let him try. But I must warn you, if the patient’s condition worsens, notify us immediately for surgery.”

With that, the doctor left the ward, leaving Yu Xin, her father, and Li Chao alone.

Yu Xin looked gratefully at Li Chao, knowing that with him by her side, her mother’s illness held a glimmer of hope.