95 Albatross around the neck

With a self-depreciating smile, he said, "it was the same pride which prevented me from reaching out to her for so many years post her marriage. My ego couldn't accept the fact. And one wrong decision led to another. But does this mean that we are to carry this albatross around our necks forever? I admit it – marrying Mei Zhen was an absolute wrong decision. My heart simply wasn't ready to accept anyone else in it, probably would never be ready. So should I continue making hers and my life miserable? She deserves better, a better person, a better marriage and hopefully a better life. But she won't acknowledge it if I bring it up to her. In fact I have tried to speak with her on a couple of occasions but every time she simply brushes it under the carpet. As per her, there is nothing wrong with our marriage. On the other hand, there is Jia Li. I know it for a fact that she would never be able to return Wei's love. I also know that he is crazily in love with her. Unfortunately, his love won't be enough for them to build a relationship on it. Hence I need to do this. You may think that this is morally wrong or deceitful or both, but it is my only recourse if I am to have a chance at happiness in this lifetime."

Present Day

"What would you want me to do at this moment," Ethan asked Tang.

"Since they can't explain your presence here at the hospital, please go and stay at a hotel but stay in town. Keep an eye on Jia Li's well-being for me. I don't want a repeat of what happened this morning," he said with clenched teeth, referring to Mei Zhen's aggression against her.

The door to his room slid open and his father walked in with a bag of food.

"Your favourite rice congee soup and sweet buns. Unfortunately the food isn't that hot anymore," he said with a smile, looking at his son.

"Now that your father is here, I will take your leave. It was good meeting you. Let's catch up soon again once you feel better," Ethan bid his farewell and left the father-son alone in the room.

"Where is your mother? I thought she would be stuck to her precious son like glue," Mr. Xie enquired with a raised eyebrow.

"Chu forcibly took her to grab a bite in the cafeteria," he replied, taking a mouthful of the aromatic soup.

"This is delicious. Oh, it has been so long since I last tasted this. Thanks, dad!" he spoke haltingly between wolfing down his breakfast.

Mr. Xie felt extremely happy looking at his son's open, warm expression. It had really been too long. He had terribly missed this camaraderie, even more than he had realised.

"Dad, how long will I have to stay at the hospital? When can we go home?" he asked.

Mr. Xie looked at his watch and replied, "the best neurosurgeon in Shanghai is on his way here. Once he examines you, we would know better. There is nothing serious, I just want to be doubly sure before we leave the hospital."

Just then Chu and Mrs. Xie walked in.

Chu jumpedupto snatch the remaining piece of bun from her brother's hand but he moved it out of her reach in the nick of time.

"Not fair, dad. You got it for him and not for me. I have always suspected that I am mom's love child, born out of wedlock. Else, why would you treat me in such a step fatherly way," she pouted.

"Aiyyo, this girl doesn't think even for a second before she speaks. Is that something you can joke about? I shudder to think how will you behave with Ethan once you are married," her mother chided her without thinking.

"Married to Ethan? He's the guy I just met, right?" Tang frowned, staying in character.

Giving his wife a death stare, Mr. Xie said, "uh, that is to say, your sister foolishly thinks herself to be in love with this guy whom she has met recently. As always, your mother is supporting her and sheltering her. Don't take her words seriously."

"Ooh, look at you. Aren't you still too young to think of marriage? And how come I haven't heard of this guy till now? I thought I was the one who knew all your secrets," Tang teased her.

Giving her brother a black look, she escaped from the place.

"Ethan, where are you?" she phoned him.

"I am on my way to book a hotel nearby to stay in. Tang wants me to keep an eye on Jia Li, especially post the happenings of this morning. He is also agitated about Wei's proximity to Jia Li right now. While I am here, you should think of ways to get everyone to agree to let Tang come here to convalesce for a few days. That should help him get an opportunity to explore Jia Li's heart," he said sagely.