I Became the Mother of His Child

"What did mom say on the phone?" Xu Jingjing's mood slightly fluctuated with a hint of disappointment, then she looked at Xu Xiuxiu with eyes identical to her own, her expression devoid any real excitement.

Xu Xiuxiu, noting the girl's relatively cold demeanor, deliberately fumbled over her words a bit, "Mom said that dad has not been feeling well lately, she has to cook and take care of the crops on the mountain field, and attend to dad's daily needs. Mom mentioned she's getting old and it's becoming hard for her to manage everything. So, she called to check on you through your brother-in-law, to understand how things are going here, and also to hear your thoughts. If you think there isn't much to do in city Z, maybe head back home in the next couple of days and help mom look after dad." The essence of the message hadn't shifted, but Xu Xiuxiu tried to frame it more as conversational than simply informative.

Actually, according to what Song Yuanhuan reported, Mrs. Xu seemed to directly request Xu Jingjing to return home to help, not merely to ask or negotiate.

"Why would dad suddenly become unwell? Did something happen?" Xu Jingjing asked, her little face furrowing into a mix of irritation and concern. The girl was quite astute and clearly guessed that something must have occurred, otherwise Mr. Xu wouldn't have just suddenly become ill.

"I'm actually not very clear about the specifics, mom didn't want to talk much because calling is expensive," Xu Xiuxiu said, shaking her head lightly.

Song Yuanhuan had his suspicions, but Xu Xiuxiu did not plan to divulge more details to Xu Jingjing. Instead, she simply wanted to see her inclination—if she wished to return, Xu Xiuxiu would buy her a train ticket. If not, she was somewhat pleased; having the girl around occasionally helped, although it was not a significant difference, but overall, it eased Xu Xiuxiu's burdens.

"Actually, I really don't want to return to my hometown, and I'd like to continue learning at Sichuan Pavilion. Then, when I find a suitable partner in the future, I'll know how to strive together with him. But since dad is ill, I should go home for a while! Besides, staying here might not necessarily be a good thing; with my temperament, I keep causing you trouble and creating issues, it must be giving you a headache!" Xu Jingjing spoke, her nose slightly sour.

The more the girl thought about Chu Tiangu's matter, the worse her state became. She also began to understand the gap between herself and Xu Xiuxiu; despite both knowing the same man for quite some days, she failed to see through his facade, whereas her sister had figured out from a single meeting that he wasn't a suitable match for marriage. That was the difference in their level and understanding.

"What headache are you talking about! Having you here has actually helped me quite a bit. You know Cheng Guang; although he is young, he can be quite demanding. You've looked after him for a couple of days, so you know how tiring it can be. Moreover, now that the noon sun is scorching, though it isn't summer yet, stepping outside can drench a person in sweat. Having you here, I don't even need to go out; I wake up to meals ready at my disposal. Haven't you noticed that you've even fattened me up a bit? My chin has gotten rounder. You're doing so well, why would I, as your sister, have any complaints? What's there to be troubled by?"

Xu Xiuxiu genuinely praised the young girl, Xu Jingjing, who had always been quite proud. Back in Xu Village, she was among the top noteworthy figures, with Mr. Xu being a reluctant village official and their family's financial situation reasonably comfortable, thus her character was somewhat spoiled. But it seemed after arriving in city Z, she became significantly more self-conscious—a typical distance felt between rural and urban life. Even the girl had learned to read facial expressions, whereas back in her hometown she used to be so domineer and could flip the table in front of everyone if annoyed. Now, let alone flipping tables, she barely even speaks up, which naturally made Xu Xiuxiu feel guilty.

Although she had originally hoped that the girl would adjust her attitude a bit by coming here, this type of change—if born from a lack of confidence—was something she was reluctant to see. After all, this girl was still her dear sister!

"Xiuxiu, hearing you say these words, I'm already satisfied." Jingjing tried to put on a smile, then looked at Xiuxiu, "Could you buy me a train ticket these next few days? I'll head back earlier, so mom can relax a bit."

"Have you decided? To go back?" Xiuxiu asked for confirmation.

"Yeah! Sister, you don't have to miss me. Even now knowing my importance, it's ultimately too late, you can't keep me," Jingjing smugly raised her eyebrows.

"You little rascal!" Xiuxiu glared at Jingjing with irritation, then stood up, walked over to Jingjing, and raised her hand to rub Jingjing's shoulders, "If something happens when you're back, call me immediately. You are my sister, and as long as you are right, I will definitely support you." This time, the family issues were obviously related to Fangfang, and Xiuxiu genuinely disliked how things were with Fangfang currently; Jingjing returning and clashing with Fangfang was an absolute certainty, so she decided to give her little sister a heads up.

"I got it, sister." Jingjing listened to Xiuxiu's mildly cautionary words, feeling a sourness in her nose, and then she hugged Xiuxiu tightly, "Sister, you also need to take good care of yourself and Chengguang, and don't always bully my little nephew." During her days here, Jingjing had realized her sister's mean streak—she seemed to find joy in teasing her little nephew.

"He's my son, do I need you to remind me to take care of him?" Xiuxiu replied with a laugh, playfully rolling her eyes at the little girl.

Jingjing could only silently complain to herself; she then left her thoughts behind, turned around, and walked into the bedroom. Chengguang, who had been sleeping with her in this room for the past few days, was adorably asleep. Due to his deep slumber, he let out two extremely soft snores, then his little mouth moved a few times before he deeply fell asleep again.

Jingjing watched him, feeling an itch in her heart; she lightly scratched the little guy's upturned nose and then casually fixed the corner of his blanket before she stretched, turned off the light, and climbed into bed to sleep.

After finishing chatting with Jingjing, Xiuxiu returned to her room and discussed with Yuanhuan. Yuanhuan was not surprised by his niece's decision to return home and merely nodded in acknowledgment, then he pulled the cold Xiuxiu in her pajamas into his arms, warming her with his body.

"Sleep now! I'll have someone buy Si Ya the train ticket tomorrow," Yuanhuan bent down and kissed Xiuxiu's forehead.

"Uh-huh! I need to get up early tomorrow to go shopping, to buy Si Ya some new clothes. We can't let the girl come here and go back empty-handed! Also, I'll buy some things for the family for her to take back. By the way, is there anything specific you'd like me to bring for mom and dad?" Xiuxiu thought aloud as she leaned her head against Yuanhuan's arm, then looked up at him with her small face to ask.