Chapter 51. Gao Wen will rest for a day. The next day...

Gao Wen will take a day off.

Things returned to normal by the second day.

When Hu Hong learned that Gao Wen was experiencing menstrual discomfort, she brought her nourishing porridge for the next few days.

"You're too thin," Hu Hong said, then added with a smile, "You'd look better with a little more weight."

Gao Wen smiled and said, "I'll try to eat as much as I can."

Her weight has never fluctuated much. She's probably lost two pounds recently because she's been too busy. She could consider eating more to make up for it.

"Of course you should eat more. Come to my house for dinner whenever you have time. I'll make whatever you want to eat," Hu Hong immediately extended an invitation.

Hu Hong and Gao Wen chatted for a while until the phone rang. Only then did she reluctantly get up and say to Gao Wen, "I'll come again tomorrow. I have to go to a lecture."

"A lecture?" Gao Wen asked curiously.

"It's a health lecture, but don't worry, I won't be buying anything. I'm going to learn about traditional Chinese medicine. I'm going with an old friend." Hu Hong sighed after saying that, "Old people have so much free time, they don't know what to do with it."

"Okay, see you tomorrow." Gao Wen found it amusing and thought her days were very fulfilling.

After Hu Hong left, Gao Wen drank her health-preserving porridge and picked up her phone to reply to Fang Han's message.

Their conversations ranged from work to sharing their daily lives.

Both of them tacitly understood the growing closeness between them.

Looking at the small yoga studio, Gao Wen suddenly felt very lucky.

She already has enough to love, can afford a good life, and can choose what she wants to do and who she wants to be with.

All of this is different from the trajectory of my previous life.

After getting off work, Fang Han asked Gao Wen to go shopping at the mall.

He discovered a delicious private kitchen restaurant, and they could go there together on weekends.

“Okay.” Gao Wen agreed without hesitation.

In the following days, Fang Han would coordinate with Gao Wen's off-get off work schedule, going to the gym first and then waiting for her to walk home together.

The two of them would stay in the living room for a while. If Gao Wen wanted something to eat, Fang Han would cook something simple.

Otherwise, we can just sit and chat.

I never realized there were so many topics to talk about.

I felt quite happy.

However, Gao Wen is used to going to bed early and cannot stay too long.

After Fang Han reluctantly returned to his room, Fang Hongming called him, saying that Hu Hong's birthday was coming up soon and asking how to make arrangements.

“Otherwise, you could go home tomorrow. Your mother is thinking of having a big celebration this year,” Fang Hongming said.

Fang Han was puzzled. His mother was somewhat like his maternal grandfather, low-key and frugal. Why did she suddenly want to have a big celebration?

I'll take a look tomorrow.

Before Fang Han went back, he also told Gao Wen that he was in the habit of telling her everything he did.

She had no particular thoughts; Fang Han's frequent visits home perfectly matched her understanding of him.

His family atmosphere must have been excellent, otherwise how could he have developed such a personality?

When Fang Han arrived home, he happened to run into Hu Hong and Fang Hongming discussing something.

Hu Hong was fantasizing about what to do and how to make arrangements. When asked, she said, "I've never had a birthday party before. I was too busy with work before, but now that I'm retired, I have to have one. Let's make it my retirement party and celebrate my retirement!"

Fang Hongming looked at Fang Han with a black line appearing on his forehead.

Fang Han had just arrived home and was replying to Gao Wen's messages. He had a smile on his lips and looked like he was in love, which made Hu Hong and Fang Hongming look at each other in bewilderment.

"What's wrong with you?" Hu Hong noticed the situation and squinted at Fang Han. "Were you even listening to me?"

Fang Han cleared his throat, put his phone away, and couldn't help but smile as he said to Hu Hong, "Whatever you want to do, we'll do it. Dad and I will listen to you."

"I'm going to call all my old girlfriends over, and also those I met at the yoga studio!" Hu Hong said, emphasizing, "And I'm also going to call those young girls over; I really like them, especially Wen—"

Fang Han's phone rang because of a voice message he had received.

She probably has to go to class and won't be able to type.

"I'm going out for a bit." Fang Han couldn't sit still at all. He quickly walked out with his phone to listen, his eyes crinkling with a gentle smile.

Hu Hong understood everything. She snorted heavily, turned around, and went back to her room: "I don't want to talk to you anymore, you're annoying!"

Fang Han went into the house again and saw that Hu Hong was not there, only Fang Hongming was there. He was a little confused: "Where is Mom?"

"You were staring at your phone like you were in love, which annoyed her," Fang Hongming said, shaking his head. "Don't I know your mom? It's one thing for her to want to get together with her old girlfriends, but the main thing is she wants to invite all her close friends from the yoga studio over, especially the yoga teacher she's interested in—what's her name—"

Fang Hongming scratched his head, unable to recall for a moment. In short, he said, "You're not getting any younger. She wants to organize a dinner party to see if you two hit it off."

Fang Han is twenty-seven years old this year and has not been in a relationship yet. If he were to date for two years, he would be thirty in the blink of an eye.

“Dad,” Fang Han interrupted him, “I have my own ideas, tell Mom not to worry about it.”

"I heard that girl is beautiful, tall and fair-skinned—"

"Please stop talking." Fang Han didn't want to hear it; he felt it was disrespectful to Gao Wen. He emphasized in a deep voice, "I have someone I like."

He was convinced of it.

Fang Hongming fell silent.

Hu Hong's angry voice came from inside the house: "You won't even see me once, you'll regret it!"

"I won't regret it," Fang Han said firmly.

When Fang Han left home, he heard Fang Hongming say that the chrysanthemum tea he had recently bought was good, and the persimmon cakes were also edible. He packed some of each, as well as half a box of osmanthus cakes made by Fang Hongming.

They carried large and small bags with them.

Not to mention Hu Hong, even Fang Hongming was speechless.

They know their son very well; he doesn't like snacks. They recall that last time he came back, he took this and that, carrying them out, mostly things that little girls like.

Fang Hongming comforted Hu Hong: "Let him be. It's a good thing either way. It's good that he's in a relationship."

Hu Hong, her face drooping, stormed back into the house, saying angrily, "I don't want to see him for the next few days! I won't even let him come back for my birthday!"

“I’ll tell him right away.”

......

the next day.

Hu Hong arrived at the yoga studio with dark circles under her eyes.

When Gao Wen saw her, she frowned slightly: "Didn't you sleep well last night?"

When Hu Hong saw Gao Wen, the thought that she would never be her daughter-in-law again made her heart ache as if it were being scraped by a knife. She handed the stewed white fungus and lotus seed soup to Gao Wen and said with a pitiful expression, "My son is in love."

"That's good news." Gao Wen breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

People in the museum often teased Gao Wen, saying that Hu Hong had taken a liking to her as her daughter-in-law. Although Hu Hong only mentioned it occasionally and never said much, Gao Wen still felt pressured because Hu Hong was too good to her and she had no way to repay her.

“No,” Hu Hong said hesitantly, her head bowed, taking a deep breath. “I like you, but I’m afraid she’ll bully me.”

As she spoke, the scene seemed to be unfolding in her mind. Her body trembled, and she looked at Gao Wen with a mournful face, "You're a good girl, you wouldn't bully me."

"..." Gao Wen looked at Hu Hong and saw that she was really worried about this issue. She felt a little pitiful and a little amused. She comforted her, "You are so good, your daughter-in-law will not bully you. She will treat you well. Don't you want a daughter? A daughter-in-law is like half a daughter. Isn't that great?"

“My old friend Wang Xiufen thinks so too. She gave all her money to her son’s wedding, goes to collect free eggs every day, and cleans her daughter-in-law’s house every week, and she still gets scolded for being an old hag,” Hu Hong said, becoming even more humble, and then self-reflecting, “I’m not as hardworking as her, I can’t cook, and I can’t take care of children. I’m afraid she’ll be even more dissatisfied with me—”

When Fang Hongming was young, he was sent abroad for work. Both he and his wife were working, and Fang Han was raised by four elderly people.

Gao Wen really didn't understand this kind of family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflict. In the past, many such conflicts had occurred in the Gao family, and they were very complicated. She couldn't give Hu Hong any effective advice. Seeing Hu Hong's fearful and uneasy expression, she became troubled.

“We are destined to be apart,” Hu Hong said, holding Gao Wen’s hand with deep regret. “Now I feel that my son may not be good enough for you either. You should find someone better.”

When Hu Hong said this, she had already mentally filtered and selected the high-quality men around her.

Since their family isn't fortunate enough to have that kind of luck, they should find Gao Wen a good match. She won't force it. It would be even better if the two young people could hit it off, so that such a good girl wouldn't be tricked away by a smooth-talking scumbag.

Her cousin, Hu Yiyu, is quite good.

He is a medical doctor, an only child, has a high income, is handsome and refined, has a good temper, and his parents are kind-hearted people with a sense of propriety and boundaries. He owns two villas and an unfurnished marital home, and it is said that he has prepared a million-dollar dowry for his future daughter-in-law.

"My birthday is in a few days, do you want to come to my house?" Hu Hong asked Gao Wen.

She thought that if Gao Wen came, she would invite her cousin's family as well, especially Hu Yiyu.

Hu Yiyu must be thirty by now, right?

What if the two young people hit it off?

Don't let the good stuff go to outsiders! What a wonderful girl! She should marry into a good family!

"I've been very busy these past few days, with classes all scheduled, so I probably won't be able to find the time," Gao Wen said truthfully. Faced with Hu Hong's enthusiasm, she genuinely didn't know how to interact with her, feeling nervous and at a loss.

"Fine." Hu Hong couldn't hide her disappointment and muttered softly, "What's the point if you don't even come?"

Their family doesn't hold birthday banquets, especially the older generation. They've experienced hardship and don't like extravagance, so their family has never held any banquets.

"What did you say?" Gao Wen didn't hear clearly.

"It's nothing, let's do it next time then," Hu Hong said with a forced smile.

Gao Wen noticed that Hu Hong was in a bad mood; she didn't know how to handle such an intimate relationship.

Silence was the only option.

That evening.

Gao Wen thought about it for a long time before going to bed. She picked up her phone and placed two urgent orders.

The next morning, Hu Hong came to class as usual.

She doesn't plan to hold a big celebration.

Hu Hong and Gao Wen said, "I only invited one table of people, all of whom are my old girlfriends. We originally planned to cancel, but the word got out, so we just had a meal together."

"After class, you can go back and have a big meal." Gao Wen took the assistive device and used it to relax her muscles.

"Okay!" Hu Hong seemed afraid that Gao Wen would feel guilty, so she didn't bring up the topic again.

They really took this lesson very seriously.

Before get out of class even ended, Hu Hong's phone kept ringing; today was destined to be busy.

After the class, she didn't have time to chat with Gao Wen. She took her clothes out of the shopping bag and went to the changing room.

After Hu Hong changed her clothes and hung up the phone with her old friend, she received a call from Fang Han. She came out, intending to complain about Fang Han, but then she saw a bouquet of flowers and a birthday cake on the table.

Hu Hong stopped in her tracks, as if she had guessed something, and a smile involuntarily spread across her face.

"Don't come back and cause trouble. This is none of your business." Hu Hong said, hanging up Fang Han's phone decisively. She walked quickly to the table, looking at Gao Wen with surprise in her eyes. "Is this all for me?"

"Well, happy birthday, and may you enjoy good health and happiness." After thinking it over, Gao Wen decided to order a bouquet of flowers and a cake for Hu Hong.

Hu Hong cared for her and felt sorry for her, and she genuinely favored her.

She has to do something.

Hu Hong looked at the exquisitely designed goddess cake and the large bouquet of flowers, her eyes reddening slightly.

She is a very emotional person, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears.

"This is the first time I've received flowers and a cake, and such a beautiful one at that. It must have cost you a lot of money," Hu Hong's first thought was this, and she said with heartache, "You're just a young girl, earning money isn't easy."

"If you come to class more often and keep attending, I'll make it back in no time," Gao Wen said half-jokingly, handing Hu Hong the tea she had just poured out and let it cool. "There's plenty of time, I have a long-term vision."

Hu Hong was amused: "Wenwen, you had some discomfort during your last period. I think you should take care of your health. I have a nephew who works at a hospital that combines traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Why don't you ask him to help you get an appointment with a specialist? I'll take you there to see a doctor and give you some traditional Chinese medicine."

Hu Hong suddenly realized that Hu Yiyu could be of this use.

Whether the two of them end up together or not is not important; they can still help each other.

What if you happen to hit it off while you're helping out?

Such a wonderful girl deserves to marry into a very good family; her cousin-in-law is so lucky!

Gao Wen immediately refused when she thought of the unpleasant taste of traditional Chinese medicine: "No need. It's because I've been too tired these past few months that I'm having a strong reaction. I haven't been as busy lately, so it should get much better."

“The specialists at their hospital are very good. I was having menopausal discomfort, and I felt better after taking Chinese medicine for half a month. He was the one who helped me make the appointment.” Hu Hong thought more and more about Hu Yiyu. “You’re busy lately, so don’t worry. If you want to see a doctor, I’ll take you.”

"Mmm." Gao Wen didn't refuse again.

......

Hu Hong took the flowers and cake, and even bought a vase before going home.

When she got home, several of her old friends had arrived.

When they saw Hu Hong return with flowers and a cake, they all said enviously, "Did your Fang Han send this to you?"

As people get older, they inevitably start comparing how filial their children and grandchildren are.

“No,” Hu Hong refused to let Fang Han take the credit, “He’s not that thoughtful! It was a girl from my yoga studio who gave it to me.”

"That little girl you like?" one of the older women asked.

"Um."

"Has your Fang Han gone to see him?" the other person asked again. "Does he like him?"

"Never mind, he has someone he likes, I don't want to interfere in his affairs." Hu Hong was regretful, but she didn't want to meddle in Fang Han's business.

Upon hearing this, the aunt said, "Do you have any photos? My son isn't dating anyone yet, let me see them."

Hu Hong remained cautious: "Then I don't have it. I'll ask again next time."

She said that, but actually just snorted coldly.

No, although this old lady's family is nice, her son is too fat and only has a bachelor's degree. He's not good enough for Gao Wen!

You need a good family background, good looks, a high level of education, and loving and harmonious parents.

Not one can be missing!

While everyone was praising Gao Wen's thoughtful and exquisite gift, Fang Hongming returned from outside and raised his voice to Hu Hong, saying, "Xiao Han bought you a massage chair. It was delivered to your door. Where do you want to put it?"

Every year, Fang Han would give Hu Hong very practical gifts.

It's either a latex mattress or a massage chair or other large furniture.

Upon hearing this, everyone present once again showed expressions of envy: "You still say your Fang Han is unfilial, he's much better than my son!"

“He sends these big gifts every year,” Hu Hong said helplessly, but her smile remained. “When we have a get-together, I don’t let him, a young man, come back to cause trouble.”

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, two workers carried a high-end massage chair inside and, following Hu Hong's instructions, installed it in the main room.

Hu Hong put flowers in the vase she bought, had dinner with her old friends, and then opened the cake.

She was incredibly happy.

I feel extremely satisfied.

That evening, Hu Hong sent Gao Wen a message: "Wenwen, this has been the happiest birthday I've ever had! Thank you! I hope you're happy every day and always stay this beautiful."

Gao Wen could sense her happiness from her words.

She replied to her with a smile.

Gao Wen and Fang Han were taking a walk in the neighborhood.

Saying it was to help with digestion was actually a way to spend more time together.

Seeing Gao Wen chatting with a smile, Fang Han guessed, "Are you chatting with that auntie?"

"Yes." Gao Wen nodded. "A very lovely and kind aunt."

Fang Han knew her; Zhang Ni had mentioned her a few times. In his opinion, she was an aunt who "lacked martial ethics," so he asked, "Does she have a son?"

"Yes, her son recently started dating, and it's making her very worried." Gao Wen couldn't help but laugh when she recalled Hu Hong's furrowed brow that day, which looked both awkward and funny.

Upon hearing this, Fang Han realized that the other party's son was in a relationship.

This is wonderful news!

He smiled and said, "That's good."

Before he could finish speaking, Fang Han's phone received a message from Hu Hong: "Thank you, son."

Hu Hong was in a good mood because of the flowers and cake Gao Wen gave her. Seeing the massage chair Fang Han gave her made her feel even better. It was both romantic and practical, and she had to show her appreciation to her son.

Fang Han typed a reply to Hu Hong.

Hu Hong then sent another message: "I'm not going to concern myself with your affairs anymore. I'm planning to try and set up a girlfriend for your cousin Yiyu; his parents are really worried about him."

Fang Han was truly thankful, even saying, "Great, the one you've chosen might like you."

It would be best to introduce Hu Hong's favorite to Hu Yiyu, so that Hu Hong wouldn't have to keep thinking about making a move on him and could put her mind at ease.

Hu Hong: [I know!]

Fang Han put his phone away with satisfaction. Gao Wen noticed the smile on his face and couldn't help but ask, "Is there some good news?"

"Two minor problems have been resolved," Fang Han said with a smile.

The aunt's son is in love, and Hu Hong wants to introduce the girl to Hu Yiyu. Aren't these the two little troubles in his mind? Naturally, it's a happy occasion.

Gao Wen assumed it was a work-related matter and nodded knowingly, "That's good then."

"Mm." Fang Han's smile remained unchanged as he continued to nod.