Teasing the Icy President - Chapter 23 - Warmth

When Mu Qingtian arrived at the hospital, it was already seven in the evening. The hospital was brightly lit, almost dazzling. She hurriedly called her mother, who informed her that they were on the fourth floor and that her father was still in surgery, expected to be out in about an hour. After a few quick exchanges, she hung up, grabbed little Junze, and headed for the elevator. After pressing the button several times to no avail, she realized it was out of order.

“What is this? Even you are against me now?” she muttered in frustration. With no other choice, they took the stairs, racing up as fast as they could. Thankfully, it was only the fourth floor; if it had been the 20th, she would have been done for. By the time they reached the fourth floor, both were panting heavily.

“Oh my goodness, I’m exhausted,” she said, hands on her knees, looking at the equally worn-out little Junze. “Are you tired too?”

Little Junze blinked, stood up, and strutted back and forth in front of her. “How do I look?” This little act brought a smile to Qingtian’s tired face. She hugged him, “Good boy, let’s go.”

Nodding, little Junze took her hand, and they walked down the long corridor. At the end, they saw a solitary figure pacing anxiously. Qingtian’s heart nearly burst with emotion as she called out, “Mom, Mom.”

“Qingtian!” The woman turned, her face lighting up with joy at the sight of her daughter. Zhong Qiuyan, Qingtian’s mother, extended her arms and embraced her daughter. Anyone watching might not have guessed they were mother and daughter, as Qingtian took after her father, with a rounder figure, while her mother was a young, stylish woman with a perfect figure. But this did not affect the deep bond between them.

“Qingtian, you’re finally back. I’ve been so worried. Do you think your father will be okay?” Zhong Qiuyan asked, wiping her tears. Seeing her mother cry made Qingtian’s heart ache. She quickly hugged her mother, saying, “Mom, don’t worry. Dad is strong, and heaven will keep him with us. Everything will be fine.”

At this moment, little Junze chimed in, “Yeah, Grandma, don’t worry.”

His words were like a bombshell, shocking both Qingtian and Zhong Qiuyan. Covering her mouth, Zhong Qiuyan asked her daughter, “What? Did he just call me Grandma?” She looked closely at Junze.

Before Qingtian could respond, little Junze answered, “Yes, hello, Grandma.”

Qingtian’s face must have turned green. She looked at little Junze with a pained expression, “Hush, hush, don’t say such things.”

Her mother, however, exclaimed, “Qingtian, how could you? You haven’t been home for years, and now you bring a child back? Our family’s reputation is at stake!”

This accusation left Qingtian dumbfounded. She regretted bringing him along, always causing trouble. Scratching her head, she stammered, “Mom, it’s not what you think. I have nothing to do with him.”

“Qingtian, are you lying to me? I may not support you being a single mom, but… this child is adorable. Who’s his father? He must be a rich and attractive man, right?” Qingtian never expected her mother to encourage her like this. It was a tragic comedy.

Breaking free from her mother’s grip, Qingtian protested, “Mom, how can you think that? Look at me, I’m as round as a barrel. Who would want me? I eat more than anyone, who could afford to keep me? Besides, how could I do such a thing behind your back?”

She rolled her eyes and then looked down at little Junze, “Stop saying nonsense, or I really won’t care for you anymore.”

Little Junze stuck out his tongue and hid behind her, smiling at Zhong Qiuyan with a blush, “Hello, Grandma. Mom’s temper is often bad, but I’m used to it!”

Zhong Qiuyan pulled him out from behind Qingtian, smiling warmly, “Qingtian, this child is so sweet and adorable. I like him a lot. When your father wakes up, he’ll be happy too. We’ve been waiting to have a grandchild.”

Qingtian was on the verge of a breakdown. What was going on? She glared at little Junze in her mother’s arms, “You little rascal, you’re just trying to embarrass me. Fine, if Mom likes you, I’ll let it go. But I have no idea who your parents are. You followed me from the train.” She raised her hand, “I swear, it’s not my doing!”

Hoping for her mother’s sympathy, she was surprised when her mother looked at little Junze and said, “Qingtian, this child must have been abandoned. He’s so pitiful. We should keep him for now, but I don’t have time to care for him. Your father needs attention too, so…”

Head spinning, Qingtian realized her mother was right. She would have to take care of him. Shaking her head in confusion, she sighed, “Great, now I’ve got a child out of nowhere. I’m never getting married, Mom.”

Zhong Qiuyan gently patted her head, “Who says? Our Qingtian is kind and filial. Such a good girl will surely find a good husband.”

“Mom…” Qingtian was moved to tears, grateful for her mother’s unconditional love and support, which always made her feel safe. She sniffed and said, “Mom, don’t worry. Even if I never marry, I’ll always be here for you and Dad.”

Zhong Qiuyan shook her head, “Silly child, that’s not what I want.”

Listening to this, little Junze felt the warmth of a loving family, his small mouth curling into a smile. He was glad he had found the right “mommy,” revealing his dimples as he chuckled. Qingtian noticed, “What are you giggling about, you little imp?”

Little Junze stuck out his tongue, made a funny face, and ignored her. After a few seconds, he turned back, “Mommy…” His sweet voice sent shivers down Qingtian’s spine. Thankfully, no one else was around to witness her embarrassment.

“Who is Ye Heng’s family?” A nurse appeared at the end of the corridor. The three of them paused, and Qingtian called out, “I am, we all are.”

She ran over to the efficient-looking nurse, smiling, “How’s my dad?”

The nurse adjusted her glasses, “The surgery was successful. He’ll be out soon, don’t worry.”

“Thank you, thank you so much,” Qingtian said, her relief turning into tears. She squeezed the nurse’s hand, almost hurting her. The nurse blushed, “Oh, you’re welcome. Look, he’s coming out.” She quickly withdrew her hand, thinking, “Wow, she’s strong… my hand hurts…”

“Dad…” Qingtian saw her father lying motionless in his hospital gown, and her heart surged with emotion. She rushed to his side.

The lead doctor gestured for silence, “The patient needs rest. Please keep your voices down.” Qingtian nodded, embarrassed, unsure what to say next. She followed them as they wheeled her father into the Intensive Care Unit.

Her mother, holding little Junze’s hand, stood frozen with anxiety. Qingtian embraced her, “Mom, don’t worry. Dad will be fine.”

Zhong Qiuyan nodded, “I know your father will be okay. He promised to protect me for life. I owe him so much.”

Indeed, her father had always shouldered the burdens, leaving the love and care for his daughter and wife. Though he spoke little, his kindness was evident. Qingtian remembered the times they played and talked, his reassurance about her weight, and his comfort against ridicule. All those warm memories were etched in her heart.

She held onto one belief: to use all her strength to protect her parents from any harm. It might be a small power, but she was willing to try.

“Dad, get well soon. Rich or poor, we are the happiest family. I love you both,” Qingtian silently vowed. The night was deep, but the stars were still awake, listening to her heartfelt wishes, shining even brighter…