Huang Haitang's thoughts seemed to be entirely focused on her family and grandson. Since He Zhiyi fell ill, she had become more attentive to the family's diet, believing that a proper diet could help regulate the body and also help her grandson and granddaughter-in-law give her a great-grandson soon. Although she no longer directly urged them to have children as before, she silently expressed her hopes through the carefully prepared meals she made every day.
Every day, her meals include nourishing soups and nutritious ingredients such as red dates, goji berries, and walnuts—foods she believes are beneficial for fertility. She also prepares special dishes for her grandson and granddaughter-in-law to help strengthen their bodies and improve their endocrine system, hoping they will be in optimal physical condition to welcome their new baby.
At the dinner table, Huang Haitang would often casually mention that someone's grandson had a new brother or sister, or discuss how lively and adorable the neighbor's children were. Although her tone was relaxed, the expectation in her eyes was obvious. She would also frequently inquire about the health of her grandson and granddaughter-in-law, reminding them to take care of their health and not overwork themselves.
Although Huang Haitang didn't directly express her desire to have children, everyone in the family could sense her feelings. Her actions and words were filled with expectations for the family's future and concern for her grandchildren and granddaughters-in-law. She hoped they could understand her good intentions, while also silently supporting and encouraging them in her own way.
Gu Yunxi and He Siyan were filled with complex emotions as they faced Huang Haitang's changes. They understood their mother-in-law's worries and expectations, but also felt helpless, as Huang Haitang's behavior contrasted sharply with her past personality. They knew that He Zhiyi's illness had greatly affected Huang Haitang, and that she was likely filled with uncertainty about the future and a strong attachment to tradition.
In the kitchen, Gu Yunxi helped wash the vegetables while whispering to He Siyan, "Siyan, you know how Mom is feeling lately. She's getting old and has gone through Dad's illness, so we need to be more understanding of her."
He Siyan nodded, his brows furrowing slightly: "I know, Yunxi. But Ruiqi and Yajing are still young, and they have their own life plans. We can't put too much pressure on them just because of Mom's expectations."
At the dining table, Huang Haitang brought out another pot of chicken soup that she had carefully prepared, containing many nourishing medicinal herbs. She smiled and said to everyone, "Come on, try my soup, it's good for your health." Her gaze lingered longest on He Ruiqi and He Ruilin, her smile carrying an unspoken meaning.
Gu Yunxi smiled as she took the bowl and said softly, "Mom, your cooking is still so good." She turned to He Ruiqi and He Ruilin, "You two should drink more too, we can't let Grandma's kindness go to waste."
He Siyan chimed in, "Yes, Mom's soup is a specialty of our family." His eyes held a pleading look, hoping the children could understand their grandmother's good intentions.
He Ruiqi and He Ruilin nodded understandingly. They knew their grandmother's intentions and were grateful for her concern. But they also had their own thoughts and plans; they hoped to bring new life into the family at the right time, in their own way.
After dinner, Gu Yunxi watched TV with Huang Haitang in the living room. She said softly, "Mom, don't worry, we will communicate well with Ruiqi and the others. You should also take care of your health and not worry too much."
Huang Haitang sighed and patted Gu Yunxi's hand: "Yunxi, I know you are all filial. I'm just worried about the future of the He family..."
Gu Yunxi comforted her, "Mom, things will get better in the future. We will work together to make the He family better and better."
In this family atmosphere, everyone expresses love and care in their own way. Despite some helplessness and contradictions, love and understanding are always their common language.
He Ruizhe noticed his wife's emotional change. Although she didn't directly express her dissatisfaction, he could sense that she felt uncomfortable because of her grandmother's subtle urging. He knew that although his wife understood her grandmother's position, this indirect pressure still made her feel somewhat oppressed.
On a quiet night, He Ruizhe and his wife sat on the balcony. He gently held her hand and said softly, "I know that Grandma's concern may have made you feel a little uncomfortable, and I'm sorry to make you feel pressured."
His wife smiled slightly and leaned on his shoulder: "I know Grandma meant well, I just... need some time."
He Ruizhe nodded, indicating his understanding: "I understand. Grandpa's health is gradually improving, and I think we should go back. Our work and life are in the United States, and I also want you to return to a more relaxed environment."
He continued, "We can find a suitable time to talk to Grandma. We can tell her our thoughts and plans, let her know that we have our own pace, and ask her to understand."
The wife looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Ruize. I know it was difficult for you too, to find a balance between me and Grandma."
He Ruizhe gently hugged her: "We are family, this is what I should do. I hope you can be happy, your happiness is very important to me."
A few days later, He Ruizhe found an opportunity to sit down and talk with Huang Haitang. He said in a respectful and understanding tone, "Grandma, my wife and I are very grateful for your concern. But as you know, we are still young, and we want to focus on our work and personal growth first. We hope you can understand and support us."
Listening to her grandson's words, Huang Haitang felt a little disappointed, but she understood that she couldn't force them to live according to her wishes. She sighed and nodded, "Ruize, Grandma understands. You young people have your own ideas and plans, and Grandma will support you."
This frank conversation eased the tension within the family. He Ruizhe and his wife also arranged a trip back to the United States, hoping to continue living at their own pace and according to their plans in the new environment. They also promised to visit their grandmother frequently, letting her know that she is always on their mind.
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