Adored by Him: My Blissful Days as the Girl Next Door

Qu Chaozong asked the doctor about the dietary requirements for the old man and then carefully inquired about general care and precautions before returning to the ward.

Upon pushing the door open and entering the room, he was stunned.

Inside the ward, his mother was sitting next to Zhang Xin on the bedside companion bed, Mr. Zhang sat on a round stool between the two beds, and the four of them were happily chatting away. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

As he entered, he heard his mother say, "You all eat while it’s hot, you don’t need to wait for Chaozi. It was a bit rushed, so I just went to the market downstairs and picked up a few things, all just home-cooked meals."

Qu Chaozong called out, "Mom? How come you’re here?"

Mrs. Qu saw him and quickly waved, "I was thinking about the old man, so I made some soup at home and also prepared some food for you. Now that you’re back, eat while it’s hot."

Qu Chaozong, Zhang Xin, and Mr. Zhang crowded in front of the table eating while Mrs. Qu sat by the sickbed feeding the old man some pork lung soup.

The atmosphere was harmonious to the point of being somewhat uncanny.

Mrs. Qu said she just casually prepared it, but the food box had braised fish, vinegar-glazed fried eggs, shredded potatoes with green pepper, and stewed eggplant, clearly made with care and carefully arranged—the eggplant strip stacked neatly, very appetizing.

Mrs. Qu, being older, was somewhat chatty. Initially unfamiliar with Zhang Xin’s family, after a few casual words exchanged post feeding the old man, she gradually became more acquainted and started sharing everyday stories with him. The old man, usually without company, felt lonely. As they chatted, it was inevitable to veer into topics seniors frequently discuss, namely, critiquing their children.

Mrs. Qu complained about Qu Chaozong being too focused on career, seemingly never resting.

The old man, unwilling to criticize Zhang Xin, aimed his remarks at Mr. Zhang, saying he was no better—lacking attention for Zhang Xin and insufficient care for the old man.

Both Qu Chaozong and Mr. Zhang listened, their faces flushed with embarrassment, wanting to argue but not daring to speak, forced to endure silently.

After chatting for a while, Mrs. Qu reflected, "Actually, my son, among his peers, is truly mature and obedient, never really causing me any worry. If XinXin is with him, my son will certainly treat her well. He knows how to be filial, which is rare among boys; if he treats me well, he will treat his wife well too."

The old man also added, "My Da Bao was spoiled by me since childhood, too capricious, doesn’t manage household chores. If she ends up with Chaozi, you’ll have to bear with it."

Mrs. Qu replied, "I just really like XinXin’s personality. From the first meeting, I just felt we clicked. I’ve always treated her like my own daughter. My son likes her, I do too. It’s not about bearing with anything, truly."

While Mrs. Qu and the old man were talking, Qu Chaozong kept sneaking glances at Mr. Zhang, worried he might suddenly cause trouble.

Qu Chaozong hadn’t mentioned Mr. Zhang’s opposition to him being with Zhang Xin to his mother, partly not wanting Mrs. Zhang to worry, and partly due to men’s pride making it difficult for him to discuss it—he couldn’t say it was because of his poor family background making Mr. Zhang feel he wasn’t a match for Zhang Xin.

Luckily, Mr. Zhang remained silent, only watching Zhang Xin’s delight from the praises, the kindly Mrs. Qu, and the smiling old man’s happiness in contemplation.

Mrs. Qu stayed a while longer, then got up to leave. Qu Chaozong and Zhang Xin followed to see her off while Mr. Zhang remained in the ward to look after the old man.

As footsteps gradually faded outside the ward’s door, the old man spoke, "Chaozi and his mother are good people. When Da Bao marries over, they will treat her well."

Mr. Zhang was still unsatisfied, "Dad, I think....."

The old man interrupted him, "I know you’re just concerned for Da Bao, worried about Chaozi’s family’s humble condition, and fearing she might face grievances in the future. After all these interactions, I can see that Chaozi is career-driven and responsible, someone dependable."

Mr. Zhang’s expression soured, clearly suppressing some emotion.

The old man said, "I am aware of how Da Bao lived all these years, even if you don’t mention it. Given her past, any man who wasn’t genuine or truly loved her wouldn’t accept it. And don’t say Chaozi is merely after our money—truth is, I always wanted to say that even if Chaozi were indeed after our money, as long as he stays by Da Bao’s side, making her as happy as she is now, I would willingly give him all of it."

Mr. Zhang was momentarily moved, looking at the old man in disbelief, his lips parted then closed again, finding himself at a loss for words.

The old man sighed, "Life is unpredictable; you can take care of Da Bao for a moment but can you watch over her for a lifetime? Having foresight is good, but who knows what happens next in life? Since being with Chaozi makes Da Bao so happy now, why obstruct that? Or do you have a way to make Da Bao happier than she is now? If you do, tell me, I’ll listen."

Speaking to his reflections, the old man sighed deeply, "People talk about empathy, but as far as I see it, Chaozi surpasses you greatly."

Mr. Zhang listened, further uncomfortable, wanting to argue, but the old man continued, "I know my own body well enough. This time entering the hospital, I reckon I won’t be leaving again. If I can’t witness Da Bao’s happiness before closing my eyes, I would die restless. Chaozi is a promising child; after settling things in a few days, discuss with Chaozi about them arranging their marriage. I truly fear not surviving to see Da Bao get married."

Mr. Zhang’s words circled his tongue but were suppressed by the old man’s speech; he looked at him, amazed, "Dad, your health....."

The old man smiled wryly, "This time, I truly feel bad, even though you don’t say it, I understand. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be eager to push Da Bao and Chaozi’s wedding. In all my life, if I have any skill, it’s reading people accurately—Chaozi is excellent. As young as he is now, when he reaches your age, his achievements will surely surpass yours. I’m making my stand here today."

Finally, the old man said, "Consider it fulfilling my last wish in this world; whether you agree or not, you must assent."