Chapter 82: The Road of Two Exiles (24)

Page 1

In the morning, after Lu Li got out of bed, she discovered that the seeds she had planted in the milk carton had sprouted. Overjoyed, she cradled the carton and spun around, eager to share the news with the other children at the orphanage.

Shi Xianyu was equally delighted. After dropping Lu Li off at the orphanage, she began to ponder heading to the market to buy a few flower pots.

A visit to the market meant another chance to see Lin Yuan.

She slung the water bottle over her shoulder, locked her car door, and prepared to make a trip to Building No. 3.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, she spotted a strange woman standing at Ye Liuyun’s doorstep. The woman wore a white robe, a style Shi Xianyu recognized—all the matrons at the orphanage dressed like this.

“Captain Ye isn’t home, she’s out on a mission,” Shi Xianyu kindly informed her.

The woman turned at the sound of her voice, appearing to be in her fifties, with a gentle, benevolent look.

Smiling, she said, “I’m not here for Captain Ye. I’m here for you.”

“For me?” Shi Xianyu was taken aback, puzzled.

The woman stepped closer and appraised her with a warm smile. “You must be Miss Shi Xianyu?”

“I am,” Shi Xianyu nodded, curious. “And you are…?”

“It's our first meeting. I am He Su’s mother. Hello,” the woman said with a smile. “May I trouble you for a moment of your time? I’d like to discuss something about He Su.”

Shi Xianyu found it odd—why speak to her about He Su? She barely knew him.

But since the woman had come specifically and spoke so politely, Shi Xianyu couldn’t refuse. She opened the car door and invited her in.

Madam He entered the RV, glanced around, and nodded slightly. “You’re a woman who knows how to live. You’ve arranged this place beautifully.”

Shi Xianyu smiled, a bit embarrassed.

Ordinarily, she’d offer her guest a drink, but considering the difficulty of explaining the purified water, she refrained and sat awkwardly across from Madam He.

“May I ask what brings you here?” Shi Xianyu asked cautiously. “I’ve only met Doctor He twice. If you’re interested in his affairs, perhaps you could ask his colleagues at the hospital.”

Madam He smiled at her. “Though you’ve only met twice, he’s been thinking about you ever since.”

Shi Xianyu: “…………”

What… is going on?

Page 2

“I won’t beat around the bush,” Madam He said, smiling. “Miss Shi, I hope you’ll consider He Su seriously.”

Shi Xianyu was stunned, wondering if she had misunderstood. “...Consider He Su?”

How?

“Have you thought about your future, Miss Shi?” Madam He said gently. “It’s pleasant to be alone, but everyone experiences loneliness at some point. Birds fly in pairs, butterflies flutter together. When people reach a certain age, they crave a home. Even now, with the institution of marriage long gone, people still seek companionship, mutual support, and shared life.”

Shi Xianyu: “…………”

Madam He’s voice was soft. “May I ask what you plan for your future? Will you always be alone?”

Shi Xianyu shook her head.

Of course not; she definitely intended to pursue romance.

“Choosing a partner should be done carefully,” Madam He smiled graciously. “He Su is an excellent candidate. He is upright and kind, physically healthy—his annual check-ups are always outstanding—he regularly provides high-quality sperm for Oasis, has a stable job and a promising future. If you were with him, you would be very happy.”

Shi Xianyu: “…………”

The conversation had grown so intimate, she no longer knew what to say.

“But…” Madam He’s tone shifted, her smile becoming more reserved. “As He Su’s mother, naturally I hope he finds a partner who is both physically and mentally healthy, someone who matches his circumstances. So, I hope you’ll take the time to visit the hospital for a thorough medical examination. Although you’ve already given birth, in these harsh conditions, without Oasis’s protection, ordinary people living long-term on toxic land and drinking contaminated water easily lose their ability to have children…”

“That’s not necessary…” Shi Xianyu’s smile became stiff. “I have cancer.”

Madam He was stunned.

Shi Xianyu added, “So there’s no need for a hospital check-up.”

“Miss Shi… you’re not joking with me, are you?” Madam He looked at her suspiciously. “You look quite healthy…”

Shi Xianyu: “I use makeup.”

Madam He: “And the child…”

Shi Xianyu: “Found her on the road.”

Madam He pressed her lips together.

Shi Xianyu said nothing further.

Page 3

A silence lingered. Madam He spoke again, “I’ve always been open-minded. If He Su has found a girl he likes, I’m happy for him. But if she can’t bear children, I’m afraid… she’s not suitable.”

Shi Xianyu nodded. “Yes, you’re right.”

Madam He: “…………”

Another stretch of silence…

……………

With nothing left to say, Madam He rose gracefully, her expression far colder than when she had arrived. “Thank you for your time today.”

Shi Xianyu stood as well, politely saying, “Take care.”

The car door opened, and Shi Xianyu watched Madam He leave.

Suddenly, someone came rushing over, stopping outside Ye Liuyun’s villa, looking at the two women in shock.

“Mom! You really came?!” He Su’s face was a mix of fury and shame. “Didn’t I tell you? I’ll handle my own affairs!”

He Su’s accusatory tone clearly displeased Madam He. She frowned, “What are you saying? You’re my son—shouldn’t I see if your prospective partner is suitable?”

He Su didn’t want to argue with his mother in front of Shi Xianyu. Clenching his teeth, he strode over, grabbed Madam He’s wrist, and led her away, keeping his head down, unable to meet Shi Xianyu’s gaze—he felt utterly mortified!

Madam He was annoyed, “Why are you dragging me? Can’t you walk properly?”

He Su said nothing, hurried on, pulling Madam He out of the yard.

Finally, Madam He lost her temper, yanking her hand free and snapping, “Stop right there! She’s just a woman who can’t have children—is that reason enough for you to behave like this?!”

He Su replied in anguish, “Mom! I beg you! Please stop meddling in my affairs! Miss Shi doesn’t even know I like her—why did you have to come find her?!”

“You’ve been neglecting food and rest every day—I only did this out of concern!” Madam He declared, then snorted, “...Good thing I came, otherwise you’d be tricked! That child isn’t even hers—she found her on the road! Not only can she not have children, she already has cancer. Foolish boy, do you know what cancer is? Her body’s been polluted by all those toxins! She’s a walking hazard now! If you stay with her, you’ll be poisoned sooner or later!”

He Su recalled the image of Shi Xianyu and Lin Yuan sitting together in the tricycle, and said bitterly, “I don’t even have a chance to be with her…”

Seeing her son’s sadness, Madam He’s heart softened. She lowered her voice in comfort, “I know she’s pretty, but if she can’t have children, it doesn’t matter how beautiful she is. Listen to your mother. Find a woman who can. You had so many brothers and sisters ahead of you—none survived. Only you did; Oasis allowed me to raise you myself because of my contributions. I bore many children, but only you stayed by my side. I won’t harm you.”