Chapter 20 — Mother-in-law stayed for three years, biological mother for half a month

But I don't ask more. There are gaps. Definitely keep it. There are times when your heart is hardened. Be sure to persevere. The end of the year is coming. The company entered its busiest period. Tu Tinh and I both rushed into continuous overtime days. But strangely enough. We really like that busyness. Because for the first time. We know we are trying for our own little family. We save money. To change to a larger apartment. There is a private office. There is a dressing room for Tu Tinh. We work hard. So that at the end of the year you can give yourself a long vacation. Go to a warm island. Throw all the unhappy things to the bottom of the ocean. When life has a goal. Time will pass very quickly. One evening. I worked overtime until late at night before returning home. Just opened the door. I saw Tu Tinh still not sleeping. She sat on the sofa. Like waiting for me. In the living room, only one standing lamp was turned on. Gentle light.

“Why aren't you sleeping at this late hour?”

I sat down next to him. She rested her head on my shoulder.

“I have something to say.”

Her voice was a bit unusual. There was some hesitation. There was also some joy that I couldn't hide.

“What is so mysterious?”

I laughed. Tu Tinh did not answer immediately. She bent down. Take out a small item from the tea table drawer. Then put it in my hand. I looked down. It's a white pregnancy test stick. I stopped. It took a few seconds to understand what it was. On the test strip. Two red lines appear clearly. My mind immediately went blank. My heart was beating so hard it felt like it was about to burst my chest. I looked at the two red lines. Then looked at Tu Tinh. Her eyes under the sparkling light seemed to contain the entire starry sky.

“Am I about to become a father?”

My voice trembled. She laughed. Gently nodded.

“That's right, Mr. Chu.”

“Congratulations.”

“You're about to get promoted.”

I hugged her. Hug tightly. So tight that I was afraid she would disappear. I don't know what to say. Can only repeat one sentence over and over again.

“So good...”

Happiness is like a big wave. In an instant it engulfed my entire body. It is a new life. It is the crystallization of love. Is the hope of the future. It's the best gift this turbulent little family has received. That night. We talked for a long time. Discuss baby names. Discuss what color the baby's room should be painted. Discuss whether in the future I will teach math or she will teach literature. There seems to be countless things to say. All fatigue at work disappears. Only beautiful expectations remain for the future. The next day. I called my dad to tell the news. The other end of the line was silent for a long time. I could even hear his heavy breathing.

“So good!”

He continuously said three good words. Voice choked.

“Dad is about to become a grandfather.”

“The Chu family finally has a new generation.”

I hear sincere joy in every word.

“Don't tell mom for now.”

I advised.

“I'm afraid she's thinking nonsense again.”

He replied softly.

“Wait until the baby is born and then figure it out.”

“It's not too late to tell her then.”

After hanging up. Tu Tinh looked at me.

“Do you think she will be happy?”

I thought for a moment. Then nodded.

“It will definitely be fun.”

“No matter how she used to treat us.”

“But with my grandchild or grandchild.”

“She will definitely like it.”

“Her bloodline is what she values most in life.”

Tu Tinh looked down at his stomach. Smiling softly.

“Who knows…”

“This baby will be an opportunity.”

“A chance for her to really change.”

I didn't reply. Just quietly held her hand. I don't dare hope that my mother will completely change. Human nature is very difficult to correct. But deep inside. There is still a small ray of hope. Fragile like a seed. After a long cold winter. Finally found the opportunity to emerge from the ground. I don't know what the future will hold. But I know one thing. From this moment. I am no longer just a child. I am Tu Tinh's husband. Someone who is about to become a father. I must be stronger. Be more consistent. To protect the woman I love. To protect the soon-to-be-born child. And spend my whole life. Support them with a sky that is always peaceful and sunny.