The 99th Divorce

When he heard his mother’s words, Li Jinnan lit a cigarette. With a chuckle, he replied, “Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”

When Qin Shuhua saw Li Jinnan’s expression, she knew for sure he had someone in mind. A smile appeared on her face. It widened until her mouth couldn’t close. She exclaimed, “Wow, my sons have all matured to the extent that they’ve each found a wife for themselves! When will you be bringing her home to meet me? I’ll evaluate her for you!”

Li Jinnan inhaled his cigarette and shook his head as he replied, “It’s not at that stage yet. When the time is right, I’ll bring her back.”

Qin Shuhua’s smile grew even more dazzling. She nodded her head. “As long as you know what to do, I won’t have to worry at all!” With that, she looked toward Qiu Manyu and asked, “When do you intend to get married?”

Qiu Manyu didn’t say a word. She looked to Li Beixing instead.

Li Beixing’s face was serious as he replied, “The sooner the better. I might be able to wait, but the child can’t.”

When that reply was uttered, everyone was shocked. At that moment, Captain Li Xun walked out. When he heard the statement, surprise filled his elderly face. “What? The lady is already pregnant?”

The age in his elderly voice was apparent. From afar, he was doddering. His back was rickety, and his hair was white.

Su Qianci supported Captain Li carefully as he walked out. When she heard the news, she was equally surprised. She asked, “Big Brother, is that true?”

Qiu Manyu’s face was blushing. She gave Li Beixing a side-eye.

Li Beixing didn’t feel as if he had said anything wrong. With a grin, he replied, “Yes. We weren’t careful and hit the bull’s-eye. That’s why I said the sooner the better.”

Li Jinnan was even more pressured when he heard that. With a shake of his head, he chuckled and commented, “Your speed is really fast!”

“Of course! I’m the eldest brother. I have to be as fast as possible so that you won’t have any more excuses.” Li Beixing held Qiu Manyu’s hand and said, “Mom, let’s eat. I’m hungry.”

Qin Shuhua was even more elated. She stood up and excitedly went to the telephone as she replied, “Alright. Set the table quickly. I’ll give your father a call and tell him to come home earlier.”

When Li Sicheng emerged from inside, two boys followed him, each on one side. In his arms was another son. On his cold and tough face was a little smile.

Captain Li looked at his whole family gathered and laughed wholeheartedly. He patted Su Qianci on her hand and looked at Su Qianci’s belly, which was barely showing. He then looked at Qiu Manyu’s flat abdomen and commented, “I should hurry and come up with a name for your children. Ha ha! Otherwise, if I leave, I won’t get the chance to any longer!”

“No! Don’t talk rubbish!” Su Qianci refuted immediately with a tone of displeasure. “You’re still healthy!”

“Exactly!” The crisp and clear voice of a little girl rang out. Li Jianyue shouted, “Long live Great-Grandpa!”

“Great-Grandpa will live for a long time. Great-Grandpa is only 75 years old now. He still has 25 years to go!” Li Jianqian piped up. “Great-Grandpa, in 25 years’ time, my son will be born too. When that time comes, Great-Grandpa, you can choose a name for my son too!”

“Me too! Me too! Me too!” Li Mosen wanted a part of the fun too. “The names that Great-Grandpa comes up with are so beautiful!”

The crisp words of the children brought tears to Captain Li’s eyes. He nodded his head and said, “Alright, alright. I will live to that ripe old age.”

Even as he spoke these words, his dry and papery hands were trembling. Li Xun knew himself best. No one really knew if he’d be able to live until then. For now, with four generations of the family gathered, he was content.