Chapter 8 — Don't Use The Two Words 'Filial Obedience' To Tie Me Down

The doctor turned over the file and said in a serious voice: "After being discharged from the hospital, the patient needs someone to be on duty 24/7. They must turn over periodically, pat the back to prevent ulcers, coordinate recovery exercises, give medicine on time, feed them, and assist with hygiene. All need someone to take care of them carefully, and the family must be mentally prepared." Chu Manh immediately asked: "Doctor, what if we hire a professional nurse?" The doctor pushed his glasses: "It's possible, but the cost is not low. Moreover, the nurses only take care of basic care, but for recovery and mental health, we still need family members." He said again: "The house should also be renovated, install handrails, anti-slip, change care beds..." Chu Manh did not speak anymore, his eyes turned towards us again. Leaving the doctor's room, the atmosphere became even heavier. Chu Manh pulled Chu Ngon aside, speaking in a low voice, his face full of impatience.

“Brother, you have to say something, mom is like this, she can't just leave it like that.”

Her voice gradually rose, carrying urgency. Chu Ngon rubbed his face, his voice hoarse: "What do you tell me..." He was clearly cornered. Chu Manh glanced at me, lowered his voice but deliberately let me hear: "What else can I say, take me home, my sister-in-law is an administrative officer, the work is light, staying at home to take care of my mother is the most reasonable, if you're busy, hire more helpers." Every word is calculated very clearly. Chu Ngon said awkwardly: "But... she said it last time..." His voice was quiet, clearly not daring to continue. Chu Manh immediately interrupted: "Last time was different, now I really can't take care of myself, the situation is different." There was reproach in his voice. I stood outside the hospital room door, hearing every word clearly, but in no hurry to turn back. As if I had already guessed, this sentence... would definitely be said. The cold white hallway, the smell of antiseptic mixed with the stuffiness makes people uncomfortable. Chu Ngon was silent, his throat moved slightly, his eyes avoided. It's not like he doesn't want to talk. But I don't dare. He knows clearly where my limits are. I also know that just following Chu Manh's words... is personally pushing me into a place with no way out. But Chu Manh's eyes were like two nails, firmly pinned to him. It's natural to carry the "you're the eldest son, you have to shoulder the burden" attitude. I turned around.

“If you have anything, say it directly to my face.”

My voice was calm, my eyes swept over the three people. Chu Manh paused slightly, but quickly regained his confidence.

“Sister-in-law, if you have heard it, I will tell you.”

She wiped her tears, her voice a bit choked.

"Mom is like this now, she can't be without someone by her side. Both my husband and I are busy, we can't make arrangements, and we're men, so many things are inconvenient."

She stopped for a beat.

"Or we can welcome our mother back to be with you in the near future. You're careful and know how to take care of people. With you looking after us, we can feel secure."

One sentence, shifting all responsibility to me. Her husband also chimed in: "That's right, sister-in-law, we're all family, at this time everyone has to contribute, someone has to step up first." The tone sounds reasonable... but it's actually forced. I smiled softly.

“Do you spend much time at my house?”

My voice was light, but without any hint of laughter. I looked straight at Chu Manh.

“Chu Manh, where did you look to see that I was free?”

“My administrative work is not as busy as the front line, so overtime is only a little.” Chu Manh raised his chin and spoke in a low voice full of confidence.

“Besides, my working hours are still stable, unlike you and your husband, who work overtime all day until late at night.”

“Do you know whether I work overtime or not?” I speak slowly, not in a hurry.

“Do you know what time I sleep every day? Do you know that when I get home I still have to help with my children's studies and do housework? Or in your eyes, as long as I'm not so tired that I need to go to the hospital, I'm considered 'free'?”

Chu Manh was pressed by my questions, his face turned red, but he still tried to harden his voice.

"Well, I'm still more convenient than you. There are many inappropriate things for men to do to take care of the elderly. Bathing, wiping, changing diapers, should we let a brother do it?"

Chu Ngon stood next to him and coughed, clearly very embarrassed. I turned to look at him, then asked directly:

"So do you mean you want me to take my mother home so I can take care of her full-time, or do you plan to take care of her in any way?"

I intentionally made every detail clear, not leaving them in limbo. Chu Manh bit her lip, then said: "For now, just pick them up first, I'll stay home and take care of you, and my brothers will also help when they get home from work. If you really can't manage it, then talk about hiring someone later." She said it as if it were the most logical option.

“So how is the cost of hiring people calculated?” I asked again.

Don't let her change the subject. Chu Manh's eyes immediately brightened, as if he had found support.

"Of course, the three families contribute together. My brother's family has better conditions, so it's reasonable to contribute a little more."

“Three families contribute?” I repeat again.

“Specifically what kind of contribution, please explain clearly.”