Chapter 188: Eavesdropping in Plain Sight
Ning Xiyue shifted slightly, squatting a little further back. Luckily, she had chosen the farthest stall in the restroom, with a wall shielding her from view, avoiding any awkwardness.
Although she didn’t understand why people liked to discuss relatively private matters in a restroom, it didn’t stop her from openly eavesdropping on the conversation.
“Mom, he treats me really well. He supports my work. I told him that as the lead dancer, I wouldn’t be having children right after marriage, and he agreed. He said it’s my decision. After marriage, everything about our family will be under my control; he listens to me about everything. At that moment, I thought, this is it—this is the man I’m choosing for life, and I’ll only marry him.”
She didn’t expect her big brother to be so eloquent. Kudos to him! No wonder he got to marry a beauty, becoming the first among the younger generation in the family to have a significant other.
“You’re so stubborn! The doctors say his eyes won’t recover easily. If he can’t see clearly, he’ll have to retire. How can he talk about a bright future?”
Song Jiayin’s mother advised her earnestly, her tone full of worry for her daughter’s future.
“He’s only a deputy company commander now. Even if he retires, his work won’t be great. Most likely, he’ll return to his hometown. And if he goes back, you’ll have to follow him. If you end up far away, and something happens, your dad and I wouldn’t even know. Nannan…”
“Mom, it’s fine. A Zhi’s eyes will get better. His sister is a skilled doctor; she specially made medicine for him. It won’t take long before he recovers.”
Song Jiayin said optimistically. After a short pause, she continued:
“Even if A Zhi’s eyes never fully recover, even if he retires and goes home, I’ll still marry him. Mom, chances to meet a good man who puts my wishes first aren’t many, and I have to seize it. Just trust me this once.”
Song Jiayin snuggled against her mother, acting coquettishly.
“You silly girl.” Song’s mother poked her head.
Song Jiayin comforted her mother’s heart and continued:
“I’m not silly, Mom. I’m fully aware. Let me explain—A Zhi himself is handsome, has a great personality, listens to me, and most importantly, treats me well. Even if he retires, he’ll still have a decent job. His family conditions are good, his parents are well-off and open-minded, and his younger siblings are grown up, so no burden. With such favorable conditions, shouldn’t I grasp the opportunity?”
Squatting inside, Ning Xiyue couldn’t help but think that her big brother’s conditions were indeed quite good. This “package” would be very competitive on the dating market. Not worried about finding a good woman—anywhere, he’d do well.
Song Jiayin’s mother sighed, “You!”
Seeing her mother soften, Song Jiayin immediately climbed onto the topic: “Mom, when we go there later, don’t give him a hard time. We’ll be a family from now on.”
“Hmph, your stubborn temper, just like your dad. Fine, I’ll leave it be. I’ll talk to your father and try to see if we can make arrangements for him to stay after retirement, so he’ll have some support.”
“I knew you love me the most, Mom.”
Their voices became smaller as they moved further away, signaling that mother and daughter were walking out.
But Ning Xiyue, with sharp ears, heard every word clearly, not missing a single one.
She hadn’t expected to hear such a fascinating conversation just by coming to the restroom.
Not wasted at all—she now knew both her future sister-in-law’s and her mother’s thoughts.
She wasn’t worried that her big brother would get emotionally hurt; he was resilient.
Even if the other woman’s mother disapproved, it wouldn’t matter. Her brother was a catch—several respectable women in the steel factory community already liked him.
From her family’s perspective, the mother’s concern might seem unreasonable, but from the other mother’s point of view, Ning Xiyue could understand.
It was a mother worrying about her daughter’s future, not wanting her to suffer.
Ning Xiyue knew she’d do the same if she were the mother. Every mother loves her child and worries endlessly for them.
So she didn’t take it to heart. Whether her brother’s relationship worked out depended on them.
Her main goal now was to quickly make the perfect medicine to restore her brother’s eyes, ensuring he returned to full health and normal life.
Seeing that the two women had left the restroom, Ning Xiyue hurriedly fastened her waistband, washed her hands, and quickly headed to the ward. Passing by the doctor’s office, she saw mother and daughter inside, with Jiayin asking the doctor about proper patient care.
Perfect timing.
Ning Xiyue quickened her pace, heading to the ward. Since she had this chance, she had to get there first to remind her brothers, preventing them from discovering her restroom eavesdropping.
“I’m back.”
Ning Xiyue closed the ward door behind her and walked in.
Ning Qingyuan looked up from writing, concerned: “Sis, did you get constipated? Why did it take so long? We’re in the hospital; do you want to see a doctor for some Western medicine?”
“Yes, sis, constipation can’t be delayed. The longer it drags, the worse for your body.” Ning Qingzhi nodded earnestly.
Ning Xiyue gave them a look of disbelief, half laughing, half exasperated: “Big brother, second brother, I’m the barefoot doctor. Everyone in the team gets medicine from me. For constipation, the best medicine is Chinese herbal. There’s plenty that clears the intestines effectively, and they work really well.”
“However,” Ning Xiyue waved her hand helplessly, “I’m not constipated. I didn’t go to the restroom. I just ate too much at lunch, so I went upstairs to walk off my food.”
“Good, I almost thought you fell into the restroom,” Ning Qingyuan said, resuming his writing.
Ning Xiyue, thinking Jiayin and her mother would arrive soon, decided to change the topic. It was important to make a good impression. As the men of the family, they should show the proper attitude so Jiayin wouldn’t feel awkward.
“Enough about me. How’s your pen name coming along? Haven’t decided yet? If not, the three of us can think together.”
Ning Qingyuan put down his pen, frustrated: “Haven’t decided yet, big brother, little sister, help me think of one. It should be elegant, easy to remember, and pleasant sounding.”
Ning Qingzhi gave him a disdainful glance: “Even if we help, you’ll probably say it’s unsuitable. Think for yourself.”
“Sis~, help me out.”
Ning Qingyuan could only look at Ning Xiyue. He truly couldn’t come up with one; choosing a pen name was even harder than writing an article.
“I’ve got it!” Ning Xiyue clapped her hands with a smile. “Brother, we can take a character from your name to refine it. Any of the three characters in your name alone are already pretty good.”
“What are you two talking about that’s so fun?”
Song Jiayin pushed the door open, followed by her fashionable, elegant, well-maintained mother, her eyes proud while assessing the three siblings.
Ning Xiyue calmly allowed the scrutiny, smiling politely, looking directly at Jiayin’s mother. She didn’t see any sign of disdain or disapproval.
At least, a courteous person.
Since that was the case, they would respond in kind, showing proper manners and respect.
