strongChapter 1134: Chapter 1134: An Zhiyuan Can’t Do It/strong

    Bai Xiao and An Zhiyuan have already returned to Modu. Both have their own jobs, so there’s no time to waste. Moreover, An Zhiyuan doesn’t get along with Wei Shufen; having to deal with this stepmother exhausts him.

    Wei Shufen hasn’t changed over the years, still pretending to bepassionate, though her words are filled with subtle barbs.

    For instance, when she met Bai Xiao, she greeted her warmly as if Bai Xiao were really her daughter-inw, inquiring about this and that, pretending to care about them, although she wouldn’t even bother calling them in private.

    They stayed at home for two nights. An Zhixiang has be a war correspondent and, due to special reasons, was sent to a war-torn foreign country and hasn’t returned for a long time. An Zhiyuan is naturally aware of An Zhixiang’s current situation and knows he has matured beyond recognition.

    He is much more mature now, with unique insights and charisma, never reckless as he used to be.

    Additionally, An Zhixiang and Bai Xiao now get along well, no longer as critical of her as before. Instead, there’s more understanding and tolerance. Experience indeed fosters growth.

    At home, only the old man and Wei Shufen remain. An Zhigao is constantly abroad for business or flying all over the ce, leaving no time to stay with the old man. Besides, An Zhigao and Wei Shufen have a fire-and-water rtionship. Even if An Zhigao is around, the old man can’t enjoy family happiness, hoping at best his heart condition doesn’t re up.

    Naturally, when An Cheng saw his favorite son, he was delighted, chatting with An Zhiyuan in the study for a long time, both father and son in good spirits.

    But Bai Xiao wasn’t happy. Having such a duplicitous stepmother like Wei Shufen was tiring.

    Take, for instance, the night before they were to leave. After dinner, Wei Shufen pulled Bai Xiao to the sofa. Although Bai Xiao always adhered to the principle of not offending anyone unless provoked, she couldn’t openly show displeasure with Wei Shufen in front of An Cheng.

    “Bai Xiao, I know you and Ayuan are busy with work, but no matter how busy, you need to take care of your health, especially Ayuan. Your father is too embarrassed to say anything because he’s a man, but I must speak up. Ayuan is not young anymore, almost thirty. You should have a child now. How many years have you been married? Your father hopes for a grandchild soon.”

    Wei Shufen’s words were a reminder to Bai Xiao, considering they’ve been married for nearly three years.

    Not having a child is abnormal.

    Of course, Wei Shufen did this on purpose. As per her conjecture, perhaps Bai Xiao has some physical issues. Otherwise, why can’t a healthy young woman get pregnant after so long, while An Zhiyuan appears strong and fit?

    Therefore, theck of children could be Bai Xiao’s problem.

    Due to her niece’s situation, her sister’s family ended up in a mess, and the niece now constantly mes her. The girl is worse nowadays, already twenty-five yet still unmarried. Even with decent suitors suggested, she doesn’t like any of them.

    Wei Shufen is frustrated but helpless. Initially, she thought the worst case was marrying her niece to An Zhixiang.

    Yet, who would have thought An Zhixiang would be gone for three years without returning? The future was uncertain, and Wei Shufen’s resentment grew, adding to Bai Xiao and An Zhiyuan’s burden.

    Bai Xiao hadn’t yet spoken when An Zhiyuan interjected, “Auntie, you needn’t worry about this. Whether or not we have children, and when, is up to us. Besides, I don’t like children—they’re like mischievous monkeys. The two of us living happily is just fine.”

    An Cheng was furious, mming the table, “What nonsense are you talking? Who doesn’t have children? You despise them, yet weren’t you just the same as a child? Your aunt and I raised you withoutint, despite your endless arguments. A house without children—what’s the point?”

    With age, An Cheng cherished the idea of a grandchild even more.

    Wei Shufen quickly tried to calm things, “Hey, don’t be angry. It’s my fault for speaking too much. I was just voicing your father’s thoughts. All right, the kids are home for a visit after all, why spoil it with a scolding? Can’t things be discussed calmly?”

    “But, Bai Xiao, Ayuan, really, if you find having a kid troublesome, send them here! Your father and I will take care of them, and it won’t be a hassle for you. You’re not young, and this should be considered. In a few years, people will gossip.”

    An Cheng fumed, feeling his promising son’s reluctance threatened their family lineage’s continuity.

    “No way! I tell you, An Zhiyuan, you must have a grandchild for me within three years, or I won’t forgive you.”

    It was an ultimatum.

    Bai Xiao knew she couldn’t have children in this lifetime and was about to speak, realizing this couldn’t be hidden forever and would need telling An Cheng eventually.

    An Zhiyuan held her hand tightly, “Dad, since you insist, then let me be blunt: your son here can’t have children. The doctor said only a miracle could change that, so this lifetime is as it is. Do you still want a grandchild? Or should you just kick me out?”

    An Cheng’s face fell, “Ayuan, what are you saying? How could it be? You’ve always been healthy…” He awkwardly recalled the numerous incidents An Zhiyuan faced—unknown injuries during frontlinebat, near-death experiences during anti-drug missions. It’s already a miracle he’s alive.

    “You should know my work inevitably leads to injuries. I’m grateful just to be alive, so having children doesn’t matter. Neither Bai Xiao nor I mind. Since Bai Xiao doesn’t despise me, do you?” An Zhiyuan absorbed all responsibility to protect Bai Xiao from unnecessary psychological burden, as he knew that if the truth about her infertility got out, it would be used against her.

    In any era, society isn’t kind to women who can’t bear children. He wouldn’t let Bai Xiao face that burden, as love isn’t about childbearing or appearance but about connecting hearts.

    Beingfortable, at ease, and spiritually in sync.

    An Cheng was speechless.

    His son’s condition left him feeling guilty toward Bai Xiao.

    Wei Shufen had a glint in her eyes; so An Zhiyuan couldn’t have children? What a topic for gossip.

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