Chapter 25: Unexpected Turmoil

Seeing the old woman’s reddened eyes, Tao Fei was suddenly reminded of her own grandmother, and she couldn't help but shift forward slightly.

There was no need to ask; the woman before her was the mother of this Tao Fei.

"It’s all my fault, coming to see you so late."

"I'm fine."

Although she felt a certain affinity for the woman and didn't want to cause her any worry, she found it impossible to call her "Mom."

"As long as you're fine, that’s all that matters. Songyuan put you in such a fine hospital; I knew he’d be able to get whatever was wrong with you cured."

Zhou Meixiang straightened her posture, leaned back naturally, released Tao Fei’s hand, and used the corner of her sleeve to dab at her eyes. The cloud of worry on her face dissipated, and she began to scan the ward, clicking her tongue in admiration.

The Anhe Gynecological Hospital was located by Bailu Lake in the center of Rongcheng. It consisted of two interconnected six-story buildings made of red brick and grey tiles, covering over a hundred acres and nestled amidst lush woods and flowers. Every window offered a view, and the facilities within the rooms were state-of-the-art.

It was said that the founder of Anhe Hospital, whose surname was An, had been an imperial physician in the royal palace. Starting from a small clinic, through two hundred years of ups and downs and the efforts of several generations of the An family, it had developed into a prestigious specialist hospital known throughout the province and the country.

"This room must be twenty or thirty square meters, right? It looks bigger than your younger brother’s new house. How much does it cost to stay here for one night? Look at this bed, this cabinet, the sofa, and these curtains..."

Zhou Meixiang felt as if her eyes couldn't take it all in. She pinched the curtains, reluctant to let go. She crumpled the misty-blue silk fabric into a ball and then smoothed it out, marveling at how it returned to its flat, lustrous state.

"This must be brocade. I remember seeing people use fabric like this for quilt covers when I was a child. When that quilt was put in the sun, it would shimmer like water waves—it was so beautiful."

The hospital curtains were indeed of high quality, but they were certainly not quilt material from decades ago.

Tao Fei felt a mix of amusement and frustration at the old woman’s provincialism. She turned her head to look at the hanging IV drip; it was already empty, so she quickly clamped the tube and pressed the call button.

Li Ya, the nurse, came in and skillfully replaced the bag. She glanced at Zhou Meixiang, who was still fiddling with the curtains, held back a comment, and hurried out.

Zhou Meixiang finally let go of the curtains and sat on the sofa. She pressed hard on the cushions with both hands, then leaned back with a look of satisfaction.

"Tao Fei, your brother is planning to open an art training school with a friend. Do you think you could come up with two hundred thousand?"

"Open an art training school?"

"Yes. Tao Xin wants to start a business and become a boss; as his older sister, you need to support him."

Only then did Zhou Meixiang carefully observe Tao Fei’s expression. Tao Fei’s indifferent demeanor made Zhou Meixiang feel a bit uneasy.

"I know, when your brother got married, you gave him a million to buy a house. A million is a large sum even for you. It’s only been half a year; you must need some time to recover. But you know, your sister-in-law comes from such a good background—it’s a blessing for our family that she even took a liking to your brother.

"Your brother not having a proper job just won't do. Now that he’s finally determined to do something real, we can't just stand by and not help. You and Songyuan should talk it over and have him take two hundred thousand out of the factory’s funds; consider it a loan from you two. Your brother says he can break even in a year, and then he’ll pay you back with interest."

"Oh, you should talk to Songyuan about this."

After listening for a while, Tao Fei realized that the old woman in front of her had not come to check on her daughter’s condition at all.

"It’s better if you talk to Songyuan. You’re husband and wife; you’re surely closer than I am as his mother-in-law."

Zhou Meixiang stood up from the sofa, looking pleased, and walked to the bedside to take Tao Fei’s hand. Not wanting to be held by those withered hands, Tao Fei slid her hand under the covers and offered an apologetic smile.

"You should talk to Songyuan."

Saying his name felt much more natural this time.

"That works too, but you have to help put in a good word. Songyuan dotes on you the most and is completely submissive to you; whatever you ask, he’ll get done."

Good grief. There is no such thing as unconditional love in this world. Even the most devoted couple wouldn't be "completely submissive" to each other!

Tao Fei thought to herself that even at twenty, she understood this, yet a woman in her sixties couldn't see through such a simple truth.

Talking about money ruins relationships!

Tao Fei chuckled inwardly, unwilling to say more to this mother of hers. She closed her eyes slightly and began to ponder the miracle of her time travel from last night—under what conditions had it happened? If she could replicate the environment, returning shouldn't be a problem.

Could it be because of the moon?

Thinking of that eerie, orange-red full moon from the previous night, she felt more and more convinced that the gateway through time and space was related to it. She would try again tonight.

"Tao Fei, are you listening to me?" Zhou Meixiang patted the head of the bed.

"Oh, go on." Tao Fei looked out the window. It was March, and despite the lingering spring chill, the sunshine was lovely.

"I’m saying you need to give me this month’s living expenses. It’s already two days late."

"Oh, just ask Songyuan for it."

Passing everything off to the uncle-husband was the most convenient solution.

Tao Fei continued to gaze out the window. The quilt was suddenly yanked open, and she was met with Zhou Meixiang’s angry face. Tao Fei had no choice but to pretend to listen intently.

"The three thousand a month in living expenses is what you take from the household budget for me. Songyuan can’t know about this."

"Oh?"

"Oh? What do you mean 'oh'? You need to give it to me today; I have an urgent need for it. I went to your house last night and was shut out, which almost ruined my plans."

A look of grievance appeared on Zhou Meixiang’s thin, long face.

Tao Fei didn't understand the situation and didn't know how to respond. Seeing her daughter silent, Zhou Meixiang grew anxious. She had come specifically for the three thousand. If she couldn't get the money, she would lose face in front of "that person," and she didn't know how she would get along after that.

"You must have brought money with you for your hospital stay. Just give me three thousand for my emergency."

"I don't have any money on me. Why don't you look?"

"You—you dead girl! Are you holding a grudge because I didn't come to the hospital to see you sooner?! You didn't tell me; how was I supposed to know you were in the hospital for surgery?"

Zhou Meixiang was furious out of shame. In the past, whenever she asked for money, Tao Fei would hand it over obediently without waiting to be asked. Today, not only was she stalling, but she hadn't even called her "Mom" once since walking through the door.

"I really don't have any money. Why don't you wait until Songyuan comes, and I'll ask him where my money is."

"Don't play games with me! Your money is all given to you by Songyuan anyway; just ask him directly. I’ll come back this afternoon. Have the money ready. If I don't get the money this afternoon, I’m not leaving."

Zhou Meixiang stormed out aggressively. Tao Fei stared at the empty doorway in a daze. What kind of mother was this? She was like a tiger that would devour you and not even spit out the bones!

A long time passed after Zhou Meixiang left, but Tang Songyuan still hadn't returned. After the three bags of IV fluid were finished, a warm herbal pack was applied to her navel. Tao Fei drifted off into a hazy sleep.