The next morning, Zhan Yichen saw Mu Linjing and her family off at the station. Zhan Mohan, on the other hand, went to the hospital to pick up Zhan Lin. Old Master Zhan sat in the living room waiting.
Soon, Zhan Mohan brought Zhan Lin into the house. Upon seeing his grandfather, Zhan Lin let go of his elder brother's hand and ran over.
Old Master Zhan caught him in his arms, his eyes crinkling as he smiled. "My Lin'er has lost weight. It's good that you're recovered. Tell Grandpa whatever you want to eat, and Grandpa will satisfy you."
Zhan Lin immediately listed a string of dishes. Having been in the hospital for so long, he truly missed home.
Glancing around, he asked, "Grandpa, where is my mother?"
What Wei Yumeng had worried about had finally happened. How could they explain right from wrong to a child of a few years old? How could they tell him that his mother was a great sinner?
In a child's heart, a mother was the most sacred angel in the world, the most indispensable figure. However, Wen Yulan clearly did not deserve such a description.
Old Master Zhan thought for a moment and could only say, "Your mother is ill. Grandpa has sent her somewhere to recover. You'll be able to see her when it's Chinese New Year."
Although Zhan Lin was a little disappointed, he didn't cry or make a fuss. This matter had passed for now.
Seeing this, Wei Yumeng called him over. "Lin'er, come and see the babies. This is your little nephew."
Zhan Lin was clearly curious about the title and immediately ran over. "They look just like Big Brother."
"Yes, when they grow up, they'll chase after you and call you Uncle."
A child's attention could be easily captured. Soon, Zhan Lin was engrossed by the two little ones, amusing himself by the stroller.
Only then did Wei Yumeng walk over to Old Master Zhan. "Grandpa, the maid from the west suburbs said her condition isn't good. She's been somewhat delirious and erratic, and doesn't even recognize Yichen."
Old Master Zhan sighed heavily upon hearing this. "Bring her over. Lin'er hasn't seen her in a long time. Find a doctor to examine her thoroughly."
Wei Yumeng shook her head. "The doctor has already seen her. She's been taking medication. They say it's because Lin Jing's accident was caused by her, and she keeps having nightmares, which has led to this state."
"Isn't that because she did something wrong? If she can't be cured, let her fend for herself. We'll bring her back for Chinese New Year, and I'll see how mad she's become."
Seeing that Old Master Zhan was getting angry, Wei Yumeng stopped talking. Everyone should have been happy today after picking up Zhan Lin, but these topics had dampened everyone's spirits.
When Zhan Yichen returned after seeing off Mu Linjing, he saw Zhan Lin running around the house safe and sound. He excitedly scooped him up and held him above his head.
"You're all better?"
Zhan Yichen giggled, delighted by his brother's actions. "Second Brother, I'm all better! Put me down quickly, I want to get toys for the babies."
Zhan Yichen placed him on the ground, and watched him dart upstairs. He brought many of his own toys from his room and piled them next to the stroller.
"Big Brother, Sister-in-law, these are the gifts I'm giving them. When I grow up, I want to earn a lot of money like Big Brother and Second Brother, and buy them toys."
Looking at the innocent child before her, Wei Yumeng felt a pang of sadness. It was a pity he hadn't been blessed with a kind mother, otherwise, he wouldn't be in this situation of mother and son separation.
She pulled Zhan Lin into her arms. "Lin'er, do you like these two babies?"
Zhan Lin nodded honestly. A child of his age willingly giving up all his toys was enough to show his affection.
Wei Yumeng continued, "Then you should visit them at Sister-in-law's place more often in the future. Sister-in-law also likes Lin'er very much."
Zhan Lin was still young and took it as a simple invitation, nodding happily. However, the adults understood that he was still young and needed a mother's care.
There was only Wei Yumeng, a woman, in the household. Although the maids took care of his daily needs, they were bound to neglect some of his psychological needs.
Old Master Zhan was very pleased with Wei Yumeng's thoughtfulness.
"Lin'er, go and visit your Sister-in-law more often from now on. She likes you very much."
Zhan Yichen was extremely grateful. Although they were brothers, Zhan Yichen and Zhan Lin were not born of the same mother. He was naturally grateful that she would care for Zhan Lin like her own younger brother.
"Big Brother, thank you and Sister-in-law for taking care of Lin'er."
Zhan Mohan squeezed his shoulder. "Let's not talk about this. When it's Chinese New Year, bring your mother over so Lin'er can see her."
"But she..."
Zhan Yichen had seen what Wen Yulan was like when she was delirious and was somewhat worried.
Zhan Mohan stated that it was Grandpa's wish, so he could only agree.
He could only hope that Wen Yulan wouldn't cause any trouble that day, lest she scare the child.
Since finding out about Wen Yulan's delirious and erratic state, he had also consulted doctors to diagnose and treat her. The doctors would report Wen Yulan's physical and mental condition to him every few days.
It was said that Wen Yulan's condition was worsening, and consequently, her health had deteriorated. She now looked terrifying and exhibited some violent tendencies.
This made him extremely worried about bringing Wen Yulan back. If she had an episode, a ruined New Year celebration would be a minor issue; harming someone would be a major one.
In the afternoon, Mu Linjing and her parents returned to their hometown. The house had been empty for days and had a layer of dust.
Fortunately, Zhan Yichen had tidied up before they left. Once they cleaned up and bought some New Year goods, they would be ready for the celebrations.
Mu Linjing knew that their family would have a very peaceful New Year this year. It was not yet time for her uncle and aunt to be released, so no one would come to freeload. Naturally, they could have a happy New Year.
Aunt Mu's health had recovered. The family cleaned the house while chatting leisurely and unhurriedly.
Speaking of Zhan Yichen, her father finally changed his tone.
"Yichen is quite a good boy. Seeing that his family treats you well, your mother and I are relieved."
She knew that her father had accepted Zhan Yichen and would no longer object to their engagement.
It was not in vain that Zhan Yichen had persevered for so long; he had finally seen the light of day.
As they spoke, her father brought up the matter of Zhan Yichen's mother again. He had remained silent about it earlier out of consideration for the Zhan family's reputation. Now that it was just their family, asking about it was harmless.
However, this question caused Mu Linjing's heart to skip a beat. She knew her parents loved her. If they knew how Wen Yulan had constantly made things difficult for her, then her relationship with Zhan Yichen would be jeopardized.
Let alone Wen Yulan making things difficult for her, she had even tried to kill her. If she merely said that Wen Yulan was difficult to get along with, her parents' resolve would waver.
Therefore, she did not elaborate, only saying that Wen Yulan had always been in poor health and that she had only met her a few times.