"Brain rate is too slow, blood pressure is dropping, oxygen is needed immediately!" Lin Wanqiu made a decisive decision, quickly assembled a portable oxygen cylinder, and put the oxygen mask on Grandma Shen's face. The oxygen was slowly delivered into her body, and Grandma Shen's breathing gradually became more stable, and her complexion regained a little color, but she was still very weak.
The surrounding guests held their breath, watching Lin Wanqiu busily at work with admiration and concern in their eyes. Li Manjun, the head of the provincial song and dance troupe, stood on the outskirts of the crowd, observing Lin Wanqiu's calm and collected demeanor, and couldn't help but nod in approval, feeling even more favorably disposed towards this country woman. She stepped forward and said softly, "Ms. Lin, would you like me to contact some experts at the provincial hospital? I know several leading experts in cardiology."
"Thank you, Commander Li, but not for now," Lin Wanqiu said without looking up, as she was measuring Grandma Shen's blood pressure. "Her condition has stabilized a bit, but she must be taken to the county hospital for a thorough examination as soon as possible, as it might be an acute myocardial infarction."
"Myocardial infarction?" Upon hearing this, Shen Tingzhou's expression grew even more grave. He gripped Lin Wanqiu's hand tightly. "Wanqiu, we'll take Mother to the hospital right now. Do whatever you say!"
"Okay!" Lin Wanqiu put away the medical equipment and slung the first aid kit over her shoulder. "Old Shen, you hold Mom while I go call a car. Director Wang, could you please look after Nian'an and Nianxi for me, as well as the guests here? I'm really sorry to have spoiled everyone's fun."
"Don't worry, Wanqiu, I'll take care of things here!" Wang Xiulian nodded quickly. "Just focus on taking the old man to the hospital, and let us know if anything happens."
Shen Tingzhou carefully picked up Old Mrs. Shen. Her body was as light as a feather. Her usual sharp and shrewish demeanor had vanished, leaving only old age and fragility. A pang of sorrow gripped Shen Tingzhou's heart. He remembered how, although his mother favored boys over girls when he was young, she had sewed cotton clothes for him in the cold winter and stayed by his bedside when he was sick. Those warmths, long forgotten by time, instantly flooded his heart, making him feel even more guilty.
Lin Wanqiu hurried out of the auditorium. The sunlight outside was still warm, but she felt no gratification. She ran to the entrance of the food factory and saw the commune secretary's jeep parked there. She quickly went up to him and explained the situation. Upon hearing that Old Lady Shen had suddenly fallen seriously ill, the commune secretary immediately said, "Wanqiu, get in the car quickly! I'll take you to the county hospital; it'll be fast!"
Shen Tingzhou carried Old Lady Shen out quickly, carefully placing her in the back seat. Lin Wanqiu followed closely behind, sitting beside her and holding her tightly. The jeep started, kicking up a cloud of dust, and sped off towards the county town. Inside the car, Old Lady Shen leaned on Lin Wanqiu's shoulder, her breathing still weak. She closed her eyes, but scenes from the past flashed through her mind.
She remembered when Lin Wanqiu first married into the Shen family, she was a timid young girl, diligent and filial. But because Lin Wanqiu had given birth to a daughter (Lin Wanqiu had miscarried a daughter before Shen Nianxi was born), and because she felt Lin Wanqiu's family was of modest means, she constantly made things difficult for her, even trying to drive her out of the Shen family and seize her dowry after Shen Tingzhou's "sacrifice." She remembered how she and Zhang Lan had repeatedly cut back on Lin Wanqiu and Nian'an's food rations, watching Nian'an grow thin and pale from hunger, while she remained unmoved; she remembered how Lin Wanqiu had built her own food factory and prospered, while she was consumed by jealousy, always trying to gain something from it; she remembered how, at the celebration banquet today, she had thrown a tantrum to get a seat at the head table, embarrassing Lin Wanqiu in front of everyone…
One incident after another lashed at Old Mrs. Shen's heart like a whip. She slowly opened her eyes, looking at Lin Wanqiu, who was taking such good care of her, her eyes filled with guilt and remorse. This daughter-in-law, whom she had always disliked, had extended a helping hand without hesitation when she was in a life-or-death situation. This kindness made her feel utterly ashamed.
"Late Autumn..." Old Mrs. Shen's voice was still weak, but it carried an unprecedented sincerity, "Before...it was my fault...I'm sorry for you..."
Lin Wanqiu was startled and turned to look at Old Madam Shen. She saw tears welling up in Old Madam Shen's eyes, her cloudy eyes filled with regret. All the grievances and hardships of the past years surged into her heart. She remembered the days when she was hungry and cold in the Shen family, the various difficulties she was made to by Old Madam Shen and Zhang Lan, and the hardships of raising Nian'an alone. But at this moment, looking at Old Madam Shen's frail appearance, all those resentments seemed to vanish.
"Mother, don't say anymore, get some rest," Lin Wanqiu said softly, her voice tinged with a barely perceptible sob. "The past is the past, the most important thing now is to get better."
Grandma Shen nodded, tears streaming down her face, dripping onto Lin Wanqiu's hand, warm and burning. She had so much to say: she wanted to apologize for her past actions, thank Lin Wanqiu for taking care of Nian'an and Nianxi, and tell her that she had known she was wrong all along, but was too ashamed to admit it. But the intense pain returned, and she could only close her eyes, letting the tears fall silently.
Sitting in the front passenger seat, Shen Tingzhou witnessed everything, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew Lin Wanqiu had suffered a lot over the years, and he knew how outrageous his mother's past actions had been. Now, seeing his mother finally realize her mistakes, and witnessing Lin Wanqiu's magnanimity and kindness, his guilt and love for Lin Wanqiu deepened even further. He secretly vowed that he would make it up to Lin Wanqiu and protect this family in the future.
The jeep sped along, the scenery outside the window rushing past. The wheat seedlings in the fields were a pale green, and wisps of smoke rose from the distant villages, creating a peaceful and serene scene. But the atmosphere inside the car remained heavy. Shen Tingzhou would occasionally turn around to ask about Old Madam Shen's condition, while Lin Wanqiu held Old Madam Shen's hand, feeling her weak pulse, and silently praying.
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