“Mother, it’s all in the past,” Lin Wanqiu comforted softly. “I know you were influenced by the times back then. Besides, I’m doing just fine now, aren’t I? Nian’an and Nianxi have both grown up and become sensible. Our family is very happy.”
"As long as you're happy, as long as you're happy." Grandma Shen nodded, holding Lin Wanqiu's hand tightly. "Wanqiu, you're a good daughter-in-law. I'm not good enough for you. From now on, I will definitely make it up to you and treat you and the children well. I will never be like I was before."
Seeing the determination in Old Mrs. Shen's eyes, Lin Wanqiu felt very gratified. She knew that Old Mrs. Shen had truly come to her senses, and this family was finally about to truly be harmonious again.
Shen Tingzhou had just returned from fetching water when he saw this scene and was deeply moved. He walked to the bedside, took Shen's other hand, and said, "Mother, I'm relieved that you think this way. From now on, our family will live a good life together and never have any more conflicts."
Grandma Shen nodded, her eyes filled with tears, yet she smiled with immense satisfaction. She knew that although she had suffered a lot during her illness, she had also gained long-lost family affection, making the family more united and harmonious.
In the days that followed, under the meticulous care of Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou, Old Mrs. Shen recovered quickly. She was no longer as mean and selfish as before, but became gentle and kind. She would often chat with Lin Wanqiu about everyday things, inquire about her health and the food factory's business, and remind her not to overwork herself.
However, her good fortune didn't last long. Just the day before Grandma Shen was scheduled to be discharged from the hospital, her condition suddenly worsened again. That morning, Lin Wanqiu brought her breakfast as usual, but found that Grandma Shen was pale and breathing rapidly, with the same symptoms as when she had her last attack.
Lin Wanqiu was shocked and immediately pressed the call button. Doctors and nurses rushed to the scene and, after examination, discovered that Old Mrs. Shen's heart function had suddenly failed, and her condition was extremely critical. The doctors immediately began resuscitation efforts, but this time, Old Mrs. Shen's body was already exhausted, and no matter how hard the doctors tried, they could not save her life.
A few hours later, the doctor regretfully told Shen Tingzhou and Lin Wanqiu, "I'm sorry, we did our best. The patient was too weak, and his heart function had completely failed. We couldn't save him."
Upon hearing the news, Shen Tingzhou was struck dumb, frozen in place, unable to recover for a long time. Lin Wanqiu's eyes also instantly reddened, tears streaming down her cheeks. Although she and Old Lady Shen had a history of grievances, her meticulous care over the past few days had already fostered feelings of affection for the elderly woman. She knew that Old Lady Shen had come to her senses, but she hadn't expected that fate wouldn't give her much time to make amends.
Grandma Shen lay peacefully on the hospital bed, her eyes closed, her face showing no sign of pain, as if she were simply asleep. A faint smile played on her lips; perhaps she left this world peacefully, carrying with her feelings of guilt and love for her family, and a lingering attachment to it.
Shen Tingzhou slowly walked to the bedside, grasped Old Madam Shen's cold hand, and finally couldn't hold back his tears. "Mother..." he choked, his voice hoarse, "Your son didn't even have a chance to properly repay your kindness, how could you leave us like this..."
Lin Wanqiu stood to the side, silently shedding tears. She knew that Old Madam Shen's passing was a huge blow to Shen Tingzhou. She walked to Shen Tingzhou's side, gently patting his back, silently comforting him.
The setting sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on Old Mrs. Shen's face. This once harsh and difficult old woman ultimately left this world with regret and guilt.
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