Ning Zhengtao snorted and turned away from the old woman.

When Ning Hao arrived, Gu Zhengfeng was just returning from the army.

Originally, the plan was to process the transfer of his wife from the military, but unexpectedly, the leader disagreed and instead told Wen Jingwan to stay at home and take care of the child, and to return to the unit when the child recovered.

The reason is simple: there is a shortage of medical staff here, so we can't just agree to their transfer so easily. Besides, Gu Zhengfeng's family situation is special, and special cases should be treated specially.

Since the leader was so understanding, Gu Zhengfeng couldn't let him down. It would be best if he didn't have to transfer to another job. However, they couldn't ask for wages during their leave, otherwise, he would lose face.

Before leaving, the leader said, "Comrade Zhengfeng, we've heard about Jiang Qiao's situation. She's the pride and role model for all the children in our compound. She's a good child, and nobody wants to encounter something like this."

"But the fact that he received a first-class merit award shows that our child is extraordinary, so maybe a miracle will happen in the future. You two shouldn't get too upset. We'll settle things once the child wakes up."

Gu Zhengfeng had no idea that his daughter's first-class merit would bring such treatment. In fact, he had been thinking about it. Perhaps someone had put in a good word for him. No matter what, as long as his wife and child were well, it didn't matter who helped. It was just a few people.

However, he ran into Ning Hao as soon as he got back today. Seeing the young man in front of him, Gu Zhengfeng sighed inwardly. If his daughter hadn't had an accident, he wouldn't have had to do the reception work.

"Ning Hao is here. Come, have a seat—"

Ning Hao suggested checking on Jiang Qiao, and the couple nodded without saying anything. When they saw Jiang Qiao lying on the bed, although they had seen her sick before, this time was different from the last time. Last time, she had inexplicably fallen into a coma, but this time, Jiang Qiao was truly injured, with bandages wrapped around her head.

Especially Jiang Qiao's current condition, to be honest, is even worse than when she was sick last time. Seeing her like that makes one's heart ache.

Ning Hao held Jiang Qiao's hand, remaining silent for a long time.

After a long while, he finally looked up at Gu Zhengfeng and said, "Uncle, I want to spend my whole life with Jiang Qiao. I hope you can agree."

Gu Zhengfeng gave a wry smile, then shook his head. "Ning Hao, I can't grant your request. Even if Jiang Qiao could speak now, I doubt she would agree."

I know my own daughter. When she was doing well, she didn't want to trouble others, and she didn't want things to be like this either.

However, we gave birth to this child, and taking care of her is our inescapable responsibility.

Ning Hao, I'm actually quite pleased that you came here to say these words to your uncle. It's already quite an achievement that you could say such things at this time.

But, child, I can't agree to this, because marriage isn't just between two people, and it's very different from dating.

You and Qiao'er haven't even talked, let alone gotten married. You've never been married before, so you don't know what family life is all about.

I'll just ask you one question: if—and I mean if—I entrusted Jiang Qiao to your care, how would you take care of her?

Ning Hao answered naturally, "I plan to leave the military and come back to take care of Jiang Qiao."

Gu Zhengfeng sighed, "Son, you're thinking too simply. Even if you change careers, don't you want to work? What will you two eat and drink?"

Don't forget, Jiang Qiao needs someone to take care of her all day long. During the day, you have to take care of her eating, drinking, and toileting, and turn her over. At night, you also have to keep an eye on her to see if she has wet herself and turn her over again. This is not something that can be done in a day or two.

Moreover, even the doctor said that she might never wake up in this lifetime. Ning Hao, do you think you have the patience to continue wasting time with Qiao'er?

Ning Hao nodded solemnly, "Uncle, none of what you said is a problem. I'm working now, so I can easily find a place near my workplace. I can hire someone to help take care of Qiao'er, and I can come back to check on her anytime. Also, I'll take over taking care of her at night."

You will all grow old eventually. When you get old, who will take care of Jiang Qiao? Rely on Shi Tou? But Shi Tou will also get married and have children someday. What if his wife can't accept this older sister-in-law? What do you think Qiao'er will do then?

The best choice I can make for her is to marry Qiao'er to me.

Gu Zhengfeng patted Ning Hao on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Good boy, I know you think this way, you've already made up your mind."

However, marriage is not as simple as you imagine. It involves the daily necessities of life, and without any one of them, you will feel that life is tasteless.

You're not married, so you don't know what it's like. Take me for example, I also get tired sometimes. When the kids are naughty, I get anxious, and even my son gets spanked.

After a day of training, everyone is so tired they just want to collapse and die, but your aunt is still at work, and I have to take care of the children and clean the house. I also have complaints and dissatisfaction in my heart, and my husband and I also have our arguments.

Moreover, with someone like Jiang Qiao, you might not feel anything for a while, but what about in the long run?

If my daughter continues like this, she'll become weaker and thinner, possibly ending up as nothing more than a skeleton. Imagine seeing your wife like that every day; the initial passion would gradually turn into disgust and hatred. Marriage isn't about one person's sacrifices for happiness.

So, that's why I rejected you.

Also, despite Jiang Qiao's appearance, in our hearts as parents, she is still a precious treasure that we hold in our hands. I would never let her suffer even the slightest grievance.

Perhaps our child won't live to see the day we grow old, or perhaps she will become lucid after we've grown old, but these are all unknowns, and I have no answers.

All I can say is that as long as I'm here, and after I'm gone, I will make sure my daughter has a comfortable life.

Ning Hao remained silent for a long time before looking up at Gu Zhengfeng. "Uncle, what you're saying might all be true, but how do we know it won't work if we don't try?"

Gu Zhengfeng patted Ning Hao on the shoulder with a smile. "Young man, your uncle here is a man too. When I look at someone, the first thing I see is their appearance. Then, through getting to know them, I know whether they are suitable for me or not."

But once Jiang Qiao's beauty fades, you won't even have a chance to communicate. What will be left between you then?

You haven't known Jiang Qiao for very long. Are you going to live on memories from now on?

If that's the case, I estimate that your relationship won't last.

So, young man, marriage is a serious matter, not as simple as you think it is.

Why not go back and give it a try? Maybe you'll meet a girl who's right for you. If you feel that Jiang Qiao is the only one for you, then you can wait. But perhaps you'll never see the result in your lifetime.

That's all I can say. You're a good kid, and you have a brighter future ahead of you. You don't have to tie your whole life to Jiang Qiao.