Episode Seven

11

Liao Meixiu returned to the cloth shop and discussed with her parents about lending out the sanheyuan courtyard.

After hearing Meixiu’s explanation, Liao Wuxiong thought for a moment.

Wuxiong said, “Since Director Yang has this kind of need, and that sanheyuan courtyard usually sits empty, breeding mosquitoes, why not lend it to him as a favor? It would also count as doing a public service for the community.”

Chuntao, feeling uneasy, asked, “If that house is converted into a ward, inevitably some patients may pass away there. Won’t the old house become a haunted house? Would anyone dare to live there in the future?”

Wuxiong waved it off, saying, “You know, just like a clump of taro or sweet potato, we’re doing a public good. Guanyin Bodhisattva will only bless us—surely He won’t go against us.”

Chuntao said, “If you think it’s okay, then handle it as you see fit.”

Wuxiong said, “Director Yang will be our future in-law. Since he asked for it, of course I can’t refuse.”

Chuntao said, “Don’t speak as if it’s guaranteed. Whether the families are truly joined will only be decided after Meixiu marries into his family.”

Wuxiong said, “Did you take the wrong medicine today? I say one thing, and you immediately complain.”

Chuntao said, “You’ve been so busy with Yingjun wandering outside that you’ve never paid attention to him.”

Wuxiong said, “Who says I haven’t cared about Yingjun? He’s always out playing around, isn’t it often that I scold him?”

Chuntao retorted, “You only know how to scold him. Is that how you’re teaching Yingjun?”

Wuxiong, annoyed, said, “Fine! I’ll get a chain and tie him at the shop entrance. Will that satisfy you?”

Chuntao said, “He’s not a dog. How can you, as his father, treat Yingjun like that?”

Wuxiong sarcastically replied, “Yingjun turned into a wandering brat because of you spoiling him! All he ever does is chase after mahjong friends all day…”

The couple argued back and forth. Meixiu, unable to bear it, said, “Stop arguing!”

“No use talking to you, you’re impossible,” Wuxiong said, turning to Meixiu. “Tomorrow, pass my meaning to Director Yang. Once the old house is renovated, hand it over to him to manage.”

Meixiu said, “Alright.”

At that moment, Officer Murano arrived at the cloth shop with Liao Yingjun and the other two. Wuxiong, Chuntao, and Meixiu came out of the shop.

Murano said, “Boss Liao, I’m leaving Yingjun in your care.”

Wuxiong said awkwardly, “Thanks for bringing him back, Officer. He didn’t cause you any trouble, did he?”

Murano said, “Yingjun provoked Xu Laizhi, the gambling house owner. From the looks of it, the other side won’t let it go easily. For now, don’t let him wander outside.”

Hearing that Yingjun had gotten into trouble again, and this time with a local gang figure like Xu Laizhi, Wuxiong couldn’t help feeling worried. Yet he forced a wry smile and said, “Sorry to trouble you, Officer. Please come into the shop for some tea.”

Murano said, “No need! Yoshida and I are on duty. We’ll visit another day. Good night, Meixiu.”

Murano removed his hat and saluted Meixiu, then turned and left with Yoshida.

Wuxiong took a quick step forward, grabbed one of Yingjun’s ears, and said, “Aren’t you going inside the shop yet?”

Yingjun was dragged inside by Wuxiong, begging along the way, “Father, not so hard! My ear’s almost coming off!”

Meixiu followed behind, unable to stop herself from secretly laughing.

Inside the shop, Wuxiong, holding a large rattan rod, began to lose his temper: “You’re always idle, wandering around, and now you even provoke a gang boss. Are you tired of living? Should I order the hardware store to make a dog cage and lock you inside?” He swung the rod at Yingjun.

Yingjun knelt on the floor, hands covering his head and face. “Father, please don’t hit me.”

Seeing this, Chuntao quickly snatched the rod. “Speak nicely to Yingjun. He’ll listen to you.”

Wuxiong, still angry, said, “If he were obedient, the sun would rise in the west.”

Chuntao said, “I’ll talk to Yingjun. You see, this time you provoked a gang boss, and your father even had to send someone to reason with him. Do you understand how serious this is?”

Yingjun said, “Mother, I understand!”

“You’ve been born as such a troublesome son, always defying me. How did the Liao family give birth to a child like you? It’s truly frustrating, wasted effort!” Wuxiong ranted continuously at Yingjun, then turned to Hongtong and Wugui, warning, “If you two keep taking the young master to those shady places, I’ll fire you and make you go home to count your toes!”

Hongtong and Wugui turned pale with fear. Hongtong said, “It’s the young master’s own decision. We did try to advise him.”

Wuxiong said, “From now on, you’re forbidden from accompanying the young master to those places. I’ve made myself clear.”

Hongtongzi said, “We’ll hold back the young master and prevent him from going in the future.”

Wuxiong said, “Yingjun, stay obedient in the shop for now. Until I’ve settled this matter through someone, if you dare go out, I’ll break your legs. And stop challenging the Japanese officers—I don’t want the neighbors gossiping behind my back. Got it?”

Yingjun said, “Father, I got it.”

Chuntao pulled the exhausted and sweaty Yingjun. “Look at yourself, all stinky and sore. Go wash up and change clothes.”

Chuntao led her son into the inner room. Meixiu, meanwhile, felt a tinge of schadenfreude…

12

Cai Dengke and his brother Dengfa were nephews of Old Jia Chief Cai Jicheng. When young, they had mixed in the Haixian area and were considered local gang figures on Qingshui Street. However, the two brothers were upright, just, and often mediated disputes. They had considerable prestige in the Haixian region.

Xu Laizhi was originally a junior follower of the brothers and had studied martial arts under Dengfa. Later, Dengke, recommended strongly by Yang Zhaojia, was recognized by Dapi Sub-Office Chief Tu Fei Xinichi and appointed as the head of Qingshui Street. The Liao brothers were very respectful toward Yang Zhaojia, addressing him as “senior” both in public and in private.

The next morning, Liao Wuxiong brought several boxes of expensive gift sets to pay a courtesy visit to Street Chief Cai Dengke’s residence. Wuxiong explained the situation of Yingjun offending Laizhi and requested Dengke to mediate.

Dengke, after listening, said, “To judge this matter properly, I need to understand more. I won’t believe one side’s story alone. Brother Wuxiong, you return first, and bring your son Yingjun to me. I will instruct my subordinate Dengfa to bring Laizhi and his accomplice here for a face-to-face confrontation.”

Wuxiong found Dengke’s words reasonable: “Street Chief, we’ll follow your plan. I’ll bring Yingjun over so you can ask him directly.”

Dengke said, “If it is indeed as your son Yingjun said, caused by Laizhi’s accomplice cheating, and Laizhi is at fault, I will deal with him immediately and give you a proper explanation.”

Dengke immediately instructed his clerk: “Ah Cai, go and notify my younger brother Dengfa to bring Laizhi over.”

Ah Cai said, “Yes, Street Chief. I’ll go right now.”

Dengke said, “Brother Wuxiong, bring Yingjun here before noon. I’ll handle it personally.”

Wuxiong stood up to take his leave.

13

The clerk Ah Cai arrived at Dengfa’s martial arts hall and relayed Dengke’s instructions.

Dengfa said, “Okay. Later, tell my elder brother. I will personally bring Laizhi and his gambling accomplice over.”

Dengfa immediately instructed a junior disciple beside him, “Fanzi Mu, go find Laizhi and bring him along with that dealer. Tell them I need to speak with him.”

Dengfa was puzzled, wondering why the cloth shop boss Liao Wuxiong would come to his elder brother over something involving Yingjun. It was well-known that Meixiu, Liao’s daughter, was about to marry Director Yang’s son. Everyone on Qingshui Street knew this. Since the Liao family would become relatives of the Yangs, they could not offend Wuxiong. The matter had to be carefully investigated; otherwise, elder brother Dengke would have reason to blame him.

After a while, Fanzi Mu brought Xu Laizhi and A-Cong in front of Dengfa.

Knowing that the truth could not be hidden, Xu Laizhi immediately knelt with A-Cong and kowtowed, saying, “Master, my disciple knows he was wrong.”

Seeing Laizhi’s guilty expression and admission, Dengfa realized it was his own subordinate who was at fault.

Dengfa, his face cold as frost, asked sternly, “Lift your head. Laizhi, recount everything exactly as it happened.”

Laizhi lifted his head and said, “Liao Yingjun and his two accomplices went to my gambling house to play dominoes…”

After Laizhi finished, Dengfa knew he was not lying and relaxed his expression. “Since you were at fault from the start, how could you order Heilong to follow Yingjun? You know this violates the rules of the Jianghu. Although I didn’t approve of you opening a gambling house, I didn’t stop you either. But from today onward, you must change to a legitimate business, or I will no longer recognize you as my disciple and expel you from Haixian. Gambling houses ruin families financially—it’s a serious crime.”

Laizhi said, “Master, I will follow your advice. Today I will close the gambling house.”

Dengfa said, “After closing the gambling house, come see me tomorrow. I will give you a letter of introduction to Huang Tianlin in Wuqi. He is the fisheries association chief and my sworn brother. I will instruct him in the letter to supply you with imported goods so you can open a legitimate imported goods shop on the street.”

Laizhi, unexpectedly turning misfortune into opportunity, kowtowed several times to his master: “Master, thank you for giving me the chance to start anew!”

Dengfa said earnestly, “I’ve given you the opportunity. It’s up to you whether you make the most of it…”

14
Cai Dengfa, accompanied by Xu Laizhi, came to the residence of the elder brother, Street Chief Dengke. Father and son Liao Wuxiong had already been chatting and drinking tea with Dengke for a while.
Dengke pulled out a chair for his younger brother Dengfa and said, “Little brother, sit down and have some tea.”
Dengfa sat down, with Laizhi standing respectfully behind him, showing no trace of the domineering demeanor he had as a gambling hall boss the day before. Liao Yingjun, standing behind his father, couldn’t help but smirk in his mind: “So Xu Laizhi is really just a braggart…”
Dengfa said, “Big brother, I have fully clarified the situation, and the fault lies with Laizhi.”
Dengke asked, “Then how will you handle your disciple?”
Dengfa said, “I will have Laizhi shut down the gambling hall today and change his line of business to opening an imported goods store, engaging in legitimate trade.”
Dengfa continued, “That’s good. This way I won’t have to instruct the precinct chief to raid his gambling hall.”
Laizhi’s face turned pale as he thought, “So the Street Chief has already planned to go after me. Fortunately, my master intervened in time to save me. Otherwise, if the gambling hall were raided, I’d have ended up in jail…”
Dengfa said, “Brother Wuxiong, I apologize to you; I have not disciplined my disciple properly.”
Wuxiong said, “It’s my son Yingjun’s fault for not behaving well. This time, it serves as a lesson for him.”
Dengke said, “Alright, the matter has now been satisfactorily resolved. Brother Wuxiong, when your daughter Meixiu gets married, be sure to send an invitation. My brother and I will specially come to attend the wedding banquet.”
Wuxiong, touched that Dengke had given him full face, said, “At that time, we will definitely invite the Street Chief to act as the witness and sit in the honored position!”
Dengke said, “Which witness? You need to invite your elder brother-in-law, the senior Mr. Yang Zhaojia. He is your future in-law and will certainly preside over the wedding.”
Wuxiong said, “Brother Dengke, you are too polite. You are the current Street Chief. At least this introducer must be you!”
Dengke felt very pleased. To be the introducer at the wedding between the Yang and Liao families and have a chance to show face, he recognized Wuxiong’s handling of social relations as truly smooth and skilled.

15
As time passed, Yasuko’s belly gradually became visibly prominent. Because she was carrying twins, by the seventh month of pregnancy, it was already as large as a ten-month pregnancy.
On the weekend, Tetsuhiko held Yasuko’s hand and, accompanied by family members, strolled through Ueno Park.
Tetsuhiko said, “Yasuko, starting tomorrow, you should quit your job. Seeing you commute by rickshaw with such a big belly makes me really uneasy.”
Yasuko said, “Why should I quit? I’ve been at this job for almost two years and am very familiar with it. The pay is excellent—more than twice what my husband makes as a high school teacher!”
Beside them, Michiko said, “Yasuko, your husband is being considerate. Don’t be stubborn.”
Reiko also said, “Yasuko, you should listen to your grandmother.”
Yasuko said, “Alright, alright. Grandma, Dad, tomorrow I’ll ask the company for maternity leave.”
Reiko said, “After maternity leave, you’ll still need to take childcare leave. Don’t leave the twins entirely to your mother.”
Michiko said, “Reiko, don’t worry. I will help take care of the great-grandchildren as well.”
Yasuko said, “Alright, I will take a long leave and stay at home to care for the children until they go to elementary school.”
Keiko said, “When my sister gives birth, I should have graduated from university and can also help.”
Reiko said, “Keiko, are you not planning to work? Do you want to stay at home as a young lady and let your parents support you?”
Keiko complained, “Dad, jobs are so hard to find outside. I studied music. Unless I get a chance to join a symphony or orchestra, what well-paying work could there be for me?”
Hironobu said, “I’ll check at my school to see if there is a music teacher vacancy. If there is, you can come and teach at my school first.”
Keiko happily said, “Being a teacher like you isn’t bad at all, Dad.”
Hironobu smiled wryly, “Earlier, your sister even used me as an example, complaining my salary was low.”
Keiko said, “That’s because your elder sister’s company is profitable! Public schools aren’t a business; naturally, the salary can’t compare.”
Michiko said, “Why do you two have to compare salaries? What’s the point? In the future, Tetsuhiko’s specialist doctor salary will definitely match the income of our entire family.”
Keiko smiled shrewdly, “Brother-in-law will be our source of livelihood in the future.”
Yasuko said, “You think too highly! Don’t forget your brother-in-law has to support two households.”
Unexpectedly, Keiko argued, “Brother-in-law’s future income will be high! Supporting two households is nothing. Later, when I tutor my nephews, I’ll just take a salary from him.”
Yasuko said, “But your brother-in-law has to agree to hire you first. Otherwise, you won’t have a salary to receive.”
Keiko said, “Of course he must employ me. He taught me the violin and encouraged me to apply to the university’s Western music department. So he must provide for me in the future!”
Nishikawa Shō scolded playfully, “You little rascal, your head is full of twisted reasoning.”
Tetsuhiko said, “Later, let’s find a shaded spot and have a picnic?”
Keiko said, “Sure! I’m carrying this big basket of lunch; my arms and back are tired.”
Reiko said, “And you dare complain? Your own violin has always been carried by Mom.”
Keiko said, “Because later I want to play the violin to entertain the family.”
The family quickly found a shaded spot. Hironobu laid out a large mat, and Keiko placed the basket of food on newspaper sheets on the mat.

16
The Qingming holiday was approaching, and more patients were coming to Yang General Hospital for treatment. Liao Meixiu decided to resign from her teaching job before the long holiday to focus on helping at the hospital.
Meixiu first discussed with her father Wuxiong: “Director Yang previously asked me whether I would like to resign from my public school teaching position to become the head nurse of the inpatient ward. I said I would consider it carefully.”
Wuxiong said after listening, “Since Director Yang values you so highly and wants you to be head nurse, of course I agree with your decision.”
Wuxiong knew Meixiu’s relationship with Xin Tai. Although it could only be maintained through letters, it had been stable over the years. Meixiu’s focus on helping at the hospital would strengthen the bond with the Yang family elders. In the future, if Meixiu married into the Yang family, it would be far better than marrying that officer Murano, and with the marriage, their grandchildren would likely become doctors. This would enhance the prestige of the Liao family locally. Wuxiong’s family business did not rely on Meixiu’s income. He only cared that she would find a good husband. Thinking of a husband like Xin Tai made him smile even in dreams.
Wuxiong asked, “During this year’s Qingming holiday, will Xin Tai come back to pay respects to the ancestors?”
Meixiu said, “He said this year he needs to prepare his graduation thesis and the medical qualification exam, so he won’t be back until the end of October.”
Wuxiong said, “Still have to wait that long?”
Meixiu said, “If he doesn’t pass the medical exam, coming back is useless! He can’t treat patients anyway.”
Yingjun interjected, “Aren’t you afraid that waiting like this might cause problems?”
Meixiu asked back, “What kind of problems?”
Yingjun said, “For example, if someone interferes unexpectedly, or Xin Tai changes his affections.”
Meixiu said softly, “If it’s the former, Xin Tai will tell me proactively; if it’s the latter, I’ll accept it…”
Yingjun didn’t say anything further. Between Xin Tai and Murano, he respected Meixiu’s choice. Either one could become her husband; it didn’t matter to him as her older brother. Although he intended to create opportunities for Murano, he sensed Meixiu only regarded Murano as a congenial friend. Betting on Murano was just wishful thinking. Meixiu’s lifelong affairs were ultimately not his decision.
Wuxiong said, “Don’t joke about your younger sister. I’ve watched Xin Tai grow up; I have confidence in him.”
Yingjun said, “Of course I hope my sister will have a good future, but the world is full of unpredictability.”
Although Yingjun often jinxed things with his words, his prediction about Meixiu and Xin Tai’s relationship unfortunately turned out true.

17
Cai Tingkai was Xin Tai Yang’s elementary school classmate and also his grade-level peer at Taichung First High School’s junior department. Meixiu learned that Tingkai graduated last year from the Department of Language and Literature at the Imperial University and was temporarily working at Ziyunyan handling clerical tasks. Meixiu planned to ask Tingkai to take over her teaching position at the public school and proactively called to arrange a meeting.
Meixiu arranged to meet Cai Tingkai at a pavilion in Aofengshan Park. Tingkai arrived first and stood at the top of the long entrance staircase, looking down.
After a moment, a beautiful figure appeared at the bottom of the staircase. It had to be Meixiu. Her long, silky black hair had left a deep impression on Tingkai since their elementary school days.
Seeing Tingkai at the top of the stairs, Meixiu waved. After fifteen minutes, she had reached Tingkai’s side.
Meixiu, slightly out of breath, said, “Senior, sorry to keep you waiting.”
Tingkai frowned and said, “Being called like this makes it feel like we are strangers.”
Meixiu pouted her small cherry lips and asked, “Then, how should I address you?”
Tingkai said, “Just call me by my name, like you call Xin Tai.”
“That’s not the same!” Meixiu thought. She said aloud, “Then I’ll call you Senior Tingkai.”
Tingkai said, “Alright! After all, I’m not Yang Xin Tai. I heard that once Xin Tai finishes his studies and returns to Qingshui Street, you will marry him?”
They walked and talked toward the cherry blossom grove, where some townspeople were already strolling and enjoying the flowers.
Meixiu asked, “You heard this from the townsfolk, right?”
Tingkai said, “Lin Qinglong, Chen Muyan, Wang Dawang, Wu Wenzhang, Pan Tieqiu, and several of our classmates have all heard that your marriage to Xin Tai is approaching. You have waited many years; lovers are finally united, and the outcome should be blessed.”
Meixiu said, “If that is a blessing, thank you, Senior Tingkai. But I invited you to meet because I want you to take over my teaching position at Qingshui Public School.”
“Take over your teaching position?” Tingkai asked puzzledly, “You’ve taught at the public school for several years with a great reputation. Why do you suddenly want to resign?”
Meixiu said, “Director Yang asked me whether I wanted to transfer to be the full-time head nurse at his hospital. After considering it, I decided to accept.”
Tingkai said, “I see. But I’d rather believe you made this decision out of loyalty to Xin Tai.”
Meixiu said, “That’s also a reason, but as head nurse at the hospital, I can take care of many patients. Compared to staying at the public school writing on the blackboard all day, it might have a bigger impact.”
Tingkai said, “Hearing that, I have no reason not to help you so you can be free. Also, you won’t have to deal with that troublesome Director Chen at school anymore.”
Meixiu asked, “How do you know about that?”
Tingkai said, “Your older brother Yingjun told me! He proudly said he once handled Chen Qingke right in front of Principal Watanabe.”
Meixiu asked, “When did my brother tell you?”
Tingkai said, “About four years ago, shortly after you started at the public school.”
Meixiu recalled carefully, “Seems that did happen.”
Tingkai said, “Your brother actually cares for you very much. He once said he would never allow anyone to bully you.”
“Turns out my brother…” Meixiu said, “Anyway, next Monday at noon, please come to the public school. I’ll introduce you to Principal Watanabe.”
“Alright, I’ll come next Monday at noon.” Tingkai pointed toward the cherry blossom grove and said with meaning, “Look, this cherry blossom grove is in full bloom! To love flowers with the heart of admiring a beauty is a special delight; to love a beauty with the heart of admiring flowers, one cherishes it with deeper affection.”
Meixiu, having read this couplet before, immediately recognized Tingkai’s implied meaning: “It’s a line from Zhang Chao’s Youmengying from the Qing dynasty, right?”
Tingkai praised, “You are clever and very learned!”
Meixiu said, “Your classical Chinese foundation is solid, but I think Lin Bu’s line from the Song dynasty, ‘Sparse shadows slant across clear shallow water, faint fragrance drifts at dusk,’ better describes this scenery.”
Tingkai said, “Viewing beautiful scenery requires a beautiful companion to be truly elegant…”
Meixiu smiled, “You literary scholar, you really know how to show off!”
Tingkai laughed awkwardly, “Haha! How dare I! Before such a talented and beautiful lady, I speak only from my heart, only from my heart…”

18
Opening the envelope on the desk, “It’s Teacher Liao Meixiu’s resignation letter!” Watanabe Kōtarō, principal of Qingshui Public School, was greatly shocked and immediately brought the resignation letter to the teachers’ office.
Unaware of the situation, Director Chen Qingke, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers, arrived a step earlier at Meixiu’s desk: “Teacher Meixiu, today is my birthday. After work, I would like to invite you to stay and serve as the master of ceremonies for my birthday celebration. I have prepared a large boxed cake to entertain all the teachers in the school!”
After correcting the last student’s exercise book, Meixiu began packing the stationery on her desk. With a stern expression, she said: “Sorry, Director Chen, I need to pack up my stationery and personal belongings. Please do not disturb me any further!”
Chen Qingke asked: “Packing up stationery and personal belongings?” For a moment, he did not understand the meaning of her words.
Principal Watanabe came to Meixiu’s seat: “Teacher Meixiu, you are teaching so well—why are you suddenly submitting a resignation?”
Meixiu said: “Sorry, Principal. I have arranged to meet a teacher from the literature department. I will go to your office shortly and explain the situation to you in detail.”
Chen Qingke, taken aback, exclaimed: “Teacher Meixiu, why are you resigning so suddenly? I will not allow you to do this…”
Meixiu said unhappily: “My resignation requires the principal’s approval!”
After packing a bag of stationery and personal items, Meixiu said to the principal: “Principal, the person I arranged to meet should have arrived. I will now go to your office.”
Watanabe, helpless, could only say resignedly: “Alright then! Go to my office and we’ll talk.”
Chen Qingke, as if struck by a bolt of lightning, stood frozen for a moment. It was only when Meixiu walked out of the office that he realized what had happened, and he immediately chased after her.

19
Cai Tingkai was pacing along the flower path outside the principal’s office when he saw Meixiu with the gray-haired Japanese principal following behind her. To his surprise, there was also a horse-faced man hurrying to catch up from behind.
Tingkai was puzzled: “What is this Pig Brother Director making a fuss about?”
Meixiu waved to Tingkai, who walked over with elegance and composure.
“This is my senior from the literature department, Cai Tingkai. His father is our current street chief, Cai Dengke. This is the kind and approachable Principal Watanabe.” Meixiu first introduced the parties to each other, then said: “My senior is extremely learned, very scholarly. He will certainly be able to teach better than I can.”
Watanabe said: “Cai, Teacher Meixiu, please come into my office first.”
The three of them entered the office in order, and Director Chen, uninvited, followed in afterward.
“Teacher Meixiu, please reconsider carefully. The students all love you, and the school really needs you…” The principal, while earnestly persuading her to stay, could not sway Meixiu’s decision in the slightest.
“Please don’t resign, okay? It will be very hard for the children to accept this, Teacher Meixiu…” Director Chen Qingke stood to the side, earnestly trying to dissuade Meixiu from resigning, but she remained unmoved.
Watanabe could not help but complain about Chen Qingke: “Director Chen, if you had not repeatedly harassed Teacher Meixiu, she would not have suddenly submitted her resignation!”
Meixiu did not wish to explain further, letting Principal Watanabe find a reason that would make himself feel better.
The most distressed was Director Chen Qingke. He felt deep self-blame, genuinely believing it was because of him: “Principal, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. It’s because I’ve always liked Teacher Meixiu…”
Meixiu said: “Principal, if you want me to leave at ease, please agree that Senior Tingkai will take over my work.”
Seeing that Meixiu’s decision was firm and that she had already arranged a successor, Watanabe understood the situation and could only reluctantly agree: “Alright! I agree to let you leave, but I hope you will often return to visit your colleagues and the children, treating this place as your own family home…”

20
Yasuko was pushed into the delivery room, while the entire Nishikawa family waited outside.
After a while, the sound of a baby crying came from the delivery room, and it was a harmonious duet, orderly in pitch. The nurse carried out two infants and said: “Congratulations, it’s a pair of adorable siblings, a girl and a boy.” The whole family was overjoyed. Michiko even shed tears. Her greatest regret in life had been that after giving birth to Riko, she had her uterus removed due to a malignant tumor, and could never bear children again.
Nishikawa Kō comforted his elderly wife Michiko: “This is a happy occasion, you must not cry.”
Reiko, also tearful, felt regret because she had not had a son.
Hironobu said with relief: “Yasuko is truly remarkable; the Nishikawa family now has a firstborn grandson to carry on the family line.”
The elderly Nishikawas each held one infant, their faces full of contented smiles. Yasuko was brought out, and Tetsuya and Keiko stepped forward with concern.
Tetsuya gently stroked Yasuko’s hair and said lovingly: “Yasuko, you’ve worked hard.”
Keiko said: “Sister, it’s twins, a boy and a girl, and they are both so cute.”