After taking the medication, Cheng Yi went to bed early.
At six in the morning, the alarm rang, she quickly got out of bed, rushing to the hospital to offer any help needed before the surgery. When she arrived, she found there was little for her to do—the brothers had already arranged everything. The atmosphere was tense, with heated exchanges between the father and the eldest son. The old man's face was flushed with vigor, and he showed not a hint of pre-surgery nerves. He argued fiercely with the Big Boss, as though no operation awaited him at all. If anything, he seemed eager to get into the operating room—anything to escape the commotion around him.
Once in the operating room, Ye Minglang began pacing the corridor restlessly, muttering to himself, while his brother, the Big Boss, Ye Mingzhe, sat nearby with clenched fists and a stern expression. Cheng Yi, equally on edge, kept glancing at the indicator light by the operating room door, hoping the procedure would end quickly. The light flashed repeatedly, but the only people being wheeled out were other patients. After two hours, even the Big Boss couldn't sit still any longer.
"Why is it taking so long? Is the surgery so complicated?"
"The doctor said it would take about forty minutes, but we also have to wait for the anaesthesia to wear off and for him to wake up"
Another anxious hour passed before the old man was finally wheeled out. He had entered with a face flushed in anger but now looked pale, in pain, and his breathing was weak. Cheng Yi feared that another battle would flare up again, but this time both sons were too concerned to quarrel. They stood by the bedside quietly, their concern for their father evident. Cheng Yi was puzzled by this dynamic. It seemed that, despite their disagreements, they cared deeply for each other, showing their affection without admitting it.
It was the one stuck in the middle who had the hardest time.
The doctor recommended a week of hospital observation, but by the third day, the old man could no longer bear it and demanded to be discharged. A fresh battle ensued between the father and sons, which ended in compromise—he was allowed to leave on the fifth day.
At the company's rented apartment, Cheng Yi had planned to move in slowly before the lease ended, but now, on the pretext of caring for Ye George, she moved in ahead of schedule. Ye Minglang enthusiastically took charge of the move, quickly arranging for the moving company to ensure Cheng Yi could settle into the new home that very day. The apartment, located near the CBD and overlooking a park, was a quiet oasis amidst the bustling city, just a ten-minute walk from the office. After Ye Minglang wheeled his father into the elevator, he returned to the office, leaving Cheng Yi in charge of everything.
The apartment, situated in an upscale community, featured a one-unit-per-floor design for utmost privacy. Cheng Yi, who usually handled all the administrative affairs, found herself surprised by Ye Minglang's sudden interest in decorating. He had taken over every aspect of the arrangement, leaving her out of the decision-making. When Ye George pushed his wheelchair and opened the door, he smiled and gestured for her to step inside.
As Cheng Yi entered, she was momentarily stunned. Taking a deep breath, she slowly stepped into the spacious living room, which boasted a high ceiling and a minimalist American-style decor. The apartment's palette was muted—white walls, pale blue curtains, and peacock-green sofas created a serene and welcoming space. The crystal chandelier and light grey flooring added to the understated elegance of the room, which exuded a feeling of warmth, comfort, and tranquility.
"Do you like it?"
Tears welled up in Cheng Yi's eyes as she nodded vigorously, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I love it. I really love it."
Her gaze settled on a large abstract painting at the base of the staircase. The painting displayed soothing shades of blue and white, with bold strokes of white lines across the bottom, evoking flowing water or a clear sky.
She approached the painting and gently traced her fingers over the artist's signature in the lower right corner. Tears began to fall freely.
"To my Yi"
The signature below read:
"Ye"
Ye George joined her by the painting, both of them admiring the tranquil artwork.
"Was going to give this to you next week, but it might be a nice surprise."
Cheng Yi looked down, covered her face with her hands, and began to cry softly, her body shaking with sobs.
"Thank you. Thank you so much…"
Ye George patted her back gently, his eyes filled with warmth and depth.
"Regardless of everything, wish you a very happy birthday."