Chapter 1151 [Bonus chapter] I Can Come?
"Let's just support each other," said Zhai Yanjun to Xiang Wai in a small voice. "I'm here for you."
Xiang Wai felt better to hear that and finally smiled a little again.
"Mom," started Xiang Weimin as he looked at Song Xin'ai. "Are you going back to the lab today?"
Song Xin'ai nodded her head which made him frown a little.
"Why don't you just go home?" he suggested. "You should rest for a few days. I heard you were hospitalized again."
"Mom, you okay?" asked Xiang Wai in concern once she heard that. She didn't know at all. No matter what attitude she always had towards her own mother, she was still very concerned about her health. Even she knew how Song Xin'ai didn't take care of herself and often fell sick.
Song Xin'ai felt warm when she heard the concern from her kids and shook her head, "I'm fine now. I was just too tired. It wasn't even a big deal."
"Whether it was a big deal or not, you should still take breaks when it's necessary," said Xiang Weimin. "I don't even know why you're working so hard?"
"Says the man who is taking a vacation for the first time since he joined the Air Force?" asked Song Xin'ai.
Xiang Weimin cleared his throat, "Isn't it because now I have experienced that taking breaks is good for health? Don't always work. Work is never gonna end anyway. But work might end us one day. So, let's take our time and rest when we can."
"Xin'ai, you should listen to your kids," said Grandfather Xiang. "Don't always lock yourself in the lab. Go out and bask in the sun sometimes. Have you seen how pale you are?"
"It's almost like looking at a vampire!" commented Hyson. Seeing everyone looking at him, he smiled sweetly, "I'm right. Don't stare at me. I get shy too."
"Dramatic!" said Xiang Wai but Hyson chose to ignore it this time.
Hyson looked at the healthy breakfast in front of Song Xin'ai and frowned deeply, "Professor Song, are you eating this tasteless breakfast because of your health?"
"No," replied Song Xin'ai. "I always eat like this."
"What?!" Hyson was horrified. "Why?"
"I just like it?" Song Xin'ai didn't know what was wrong with his reaction.
Hyson shook his head, "You are really Raelle's mother. But it's so sad. How can you deprive yourself of the blessing of the wonderful flavors of life? How could you? The numbing chili, the burst of sweetness, that sour wonderfulness. How can you stay away from all that?"
"She can," said Raelle. "She didn't find an annoying best friend like you, after all."
Hyson nodded in agreement, "See? This is why I say I'm your life's blessing, Ellie! If I hadn't forced you to try every other dish, wouldn't you be missing out on so much in life? You should thank me! I did so much for you."
"Don't put yourself on the pedestal. The only reason you always ordered different dishes whenever we went to eat was that you wanted to taste everything."
"It's all the same!" said Hyson stubbornly and turned to Song Xin'ai. "You, you're missing out on so much. What's the fun in eating this?"
"Is it that bad?" asked Song Xin'ai as she faced him in amusement.
"Of course, it is," he replied. "My heart is hurting for you."
"Oh, what a kind soul you are," said Song Xin'ai.
Hyson laughed at that and said not so humbly, "I know, I know. I have always been awesome. Or else would I have found a boring best friend for myself? It's my kind-heartedness."
"You have a lot to say this morning, Hyson," Raelle pointed out. "What are you trying to hide behind these chatter of yours?"
Hyson avoided her eyes instinctively and said, "What can I hide? Can I even hide anything from you?" He should have known he won't be able to escape those eyes of his best friend. But he already knew it. He wasn't that surprised. He was happy as long as no one else noticed it. "Stop annoying me," he said to Raelle. "Professor Song, you should come over to our house sometime. My godmother makes delicious food. I'm telling you. She is the best." Feeling a pinch on his waist, he added unwillingly, "My mother is also not bad. She is just slightly worse than my godmother. However, she loves to cook for the son on her left side. After all, I'm picked up from the trash."
Yue Yue rolled her eyes Hyson feeling disgusted with this son who held too many grudges. Too childish.
"I..." Song Xin'ai wanted to refuse but couldn't bring herself to do so either. She couldn't understand it too. She felt ashamed to even didn't want to refuse either.
It was the first time in her life, she had such a lively breakfast. She face the Xiang family. How could she go to their house? But she didn't want to refuse either.
It was the first time in her life, she had such a lively breakfast. She wasn't annoyed by Hyson's chatter but it only lifted her mood. She found him so adorable. Her own kids were silent when they usually ate with her or were very serious. So, it was rare to find this happy bean.
Deep down, she always knew that what she desperately wanted was a family. A warm family where happiness would linger even in the air. And currently, she felt like she found it.
She didn't think that what she missed in life was a husband. No. That wasn't what she wanted. She really wanted a family like this. It was too beautiful. Like a dream. She couldn't even bring herself to believe that this wasn't a dream but a reality.
"Xin'ai, you should come when you have time," added Grandfather Xiang seeing her hesitation. "Chenyan has gotten an expert at cooking. You'd be surprised to taste her food."
"I can come?" she asked with expectation in her eyes.
Grandfather Xiang actually felt a little bitter and sad for her. She had such big kids and yet, she looked like someone who lacked love the most. He smiled gently and warmly at her, "Of course, you can."