CHAPTER 171: CHAPTER 171: KNOWING HE’S STRUGGLING TO ENDURE

At night, Gu Jinxiu wanted to video call An Junxi. An Junxi checked her face and saw the scar was not noticeable before connecting the call.

Gu Jinxiu asked her where she was and said, "I’m going to the United States tomorrow. Mommy, when are you coming to see me?"

An Junxi glanced at Yikun and said, "We’ll try to find time to visit you. Study hard, and we’ll come to see you."

"Okay," Gu Jinxiu still sounded unhappy, "You all went out to have fun without telling me. I’ll wait for you there."

An Junxi felt a bit guilty and replied, "Okay."

On the third day after Gu Jinxiu went to the United States, An Junxi was discharged from the hospital.

She and Yikun returned home to see her parents sitting in the hall playing Go. A pot of flower tea and some snacks were placed nearby. They were not talking, but the atmosphere was harmonious and serene.

An Junxi could tell at a glance that they had reconciled.

Liang Huiyun saw her coming back, put down her black stone and said, "Let’s stop. Jun Xi, come over and sit."

Gu Kuangyong shook his head, "I was about to win, and now you have another reason to cancel the game."

Liang Huiyun refused to admit defeat, "I still have moves to make. There’s no quick decision on win or lose. Jun Xi, come upstairs with me. I have something to show you."

Seeing them bickering, An Junxi smiled secretly. They acted like children.

She went upstairs with her mother, while Yikun sat down to look at the game. He picked up a black stone and said, "Let me see if I can break this game."

Gu Kuangyong got interested again, "Let’s go. We haven’t had a match in a long time."

Upstairs, Liang Huiyun took out an old yet exquisite large box and said, "I picked this for you. Open it and see."

An Junxi didn’t expect to receive a gift. The box was so big, what could be inside?

She opened it and saw it was a full set of traditional luxurious headpieces and jewelry, all glittering gold, intricately handcrafted. The dazzling gold made her eyes squint.

She picked up a bracelet; it was heavy. "Mother, is all this for me?"

Liang Huiyun said, "Wear these during your wedding. Our generation prefers a traditional Chinese wedding. If you like Western style, do both. Wear a wedding gown in the morning and traditional dress in the afternoon."

Moved, An Junxi didn’t know what to say. Previously, her mother said she had a year to meet her expectations. If she didn’t, her mother would break up her relationship.

Just a few months had passed, and now she had prepared wedding gold for her. Did this mean she was fully accepted?

Grateful, An Junxi thanked her, "Thank you, Mother. I love it!"

Liang Huiyun added, "Today is your first day home after being discharged. I invited your in-laws for dinner. Uncle Cheng will pick up your parents later."

An Junxi was even more surprised, "My parents are coming for dinner?"

Liang Huiyun smiled, "I only communicated with your in-laws and forgot to inform you."

Excited, An Junxi stood up, "I need to change my clothes."

"Go ahead."

Holding the box, An Junxi walked a few steps, then turned back and said, "Mother, thank you. I love you!"

The fact that her mother-in-law was so kind to her parents made her happier than any gift.

Liang Huiyun seemed unaccustomed to An Junxi’s directness and somewhat awkwardly said, "Alright, go and get ready."

Watching An Junxi hum a tune while going downstairs with the box, she shook her head, "Like a little girl, not at all like a wife."

That evening, Mr. An and Mrs. An arrived at the Gu Family Mansion. The two elderly couples met for the second time and had more to talk about than before. They went for a walk and chatted after dinner, looking like old friends.

After they left, Mr. An called An Junxi and said, "Your parents-in-law are very gentle people, not arrogant at all. It’s fortunate you found such a good family."

An Junxi also couldn’t understand why her mother became warmer after her discharge. Was it because her father had moved back to the master bedroom and made her mother happy?

She didn’t delve into the matter. As long as her parents were respected by the Gu Family, she was happy.

At night, she lay in Yikun’s arms, chatting away excitedly, unable to sleep. Yikun held her tightly and said, "Don’t move, sleep."

An Junxi’s face was against his chest, playing with his pajamas, "Yikun, I’m really happy tonight."

"Then let’s have more dinners with our parents in the future."

"Thank you, hubby!" An Junxi lifted her head to kiss his lips.

Yikun kissed her back, the kiss slowly deepened, and he savored her sweetness indulgently,

An Junxi felt his intensity, the tingling sensation making her moan softly as she struggled to breathe.

Yikun finally let go of her lips and unbuttoned her pajamas. An Junxi bit her lip, trying not to make a sound, "Yikun, no..."

Yikun’s rationality returned. He let her go, buttoned up her pajamas, and hugged her tightly, panting, "Don’t move, just let me hold you for a while." She had just been discharged and couldn’t handle his intensity.

She didn’t dare move again. It took a while for Yikun to calm down. He patted her back, "Sleep."

An Junxi knew he was holding back and didn’t tease him anymore, closing her eyes to sleep.

Zhang Miaoyan was discharged a day before An Junxi. Yue Xiaoyang and Gong Xiaoyu took her home.

Sitting in the back seat, Zhang Miaoyan watched Yue Xiaoyang and Gong Xiaoyu chat and laugh. She proactively said, "I’ll look for a place to move out next week. Xiaoyu, can you accompany me when you have time?"

Gong Xiaoyu had long wanted to discuss this. She did mind Zhang Miaoyan staying at Yue Xiaoyang’s, but felt awkward bringing it up herself, fearing it would seem petty.

Seeing Zhang Miaoyan take the initiative, she said, "I’m about to move into my house at Summer Shores. We’re in the same community. Why don’t you stay with me? I have several rooms."

Yue Xiaoyang said, "Why move? Miao Yan, don’t bother. Just stay at my place."

Gong Xiaoyu glanced at him, slightly annoyed.

Yue Xiaoyang held her hand and said, "If anyone should move, it’s me. I’ll move in with you."

Gong Xiaoyu’s ears turned red, "Who wants you to move in?"

Yue Xiaoyang shamelessly replied, "I don’t care. I’m moving in."

Zhang Miaoyan laughed, "Then I’ll be thick-skinned and stay a bit longer. I’m eyeing a small apartment, and I’ll move once I get it."

Yue Xiaoyang asked, "Which apartment?"

Zhang Miaoyan mentioned the name of a development. Yue Xiaoyang said, "I’ll get you a discount. It’s not expensive."

Gong Xiaoyu turned back and asked Zhang Miaoyan, "Are you planning to settle in Yan City?"

"Yes," Zhang Miaoyan said, "I need to have my own home."

Watching the scenery outside the window moving backward, the emptiness in her heart slowly filled. She had once hoped to build a family with someone she loved, but now it seemed entirely out of reach.

At that moment, Yue Xiaoyang received a call, "Yu Chen, I’m about to head back... You’re at my house?"

Zhang Miaoyan clenched her hands, her heartbeat uncontrollably quickened.