Chapter 1214 - 1214: 780 Daylily, also known as the worry-free flower

Zhang Sumei gazed at the two adults and one small child sleeping soundly before gently turning off the light. Instantly, the room plunged into darkness, leaving only two distinct breathing patterns: one light, one heavy. These sounds weren't disruptive; instead, they imbued the space with a unique tranquility that calmed her.

Unable to sleep, Zhang Sumei sat by the baby's cot, quietly listening to Du Heng and Wu Shengnan's snores. Her unfocused gaze drifted through the windowpane, staring out at nothing in particular. In the darkness, her fingers brushed the corner of her eye—perhaps to wipe away a tear, or maybe just to soothe an itch. She scratched it gently, an action unnoticed by anyone else.

At eighteen, young and naive, she had nevertheless resolutely married Du Ping. Back then, the Du Family had no elders to support them, only a young, immature brother-in-law, Du Heng. Their financial situation was dire; to say they were dirt poor, with nothing but four bare walls, was no exaggeration. Her parents had disapproved, and friends and relatives had been pessimistic about their future. Without her parents' support, their family of three led a tight life. After their eldest daughter was born, life became incredibly arduous. Not only did they lack the guidance of elders, but they also had to endure bullying from others.

She had provided for Du Heng—his food, his drink, his schooling all the way through University. For this, she had been mocked and looked down upon more times than she could count. Even after Du Heng graduated and started working, when he was in his late twenties and couldn't afford the betrothal gifts to get married, the biting sarcasm and ridicule never ceased. For over twenty years, only she, his Sister-in-law, truly knew the bitterness and hardship involved.

But thankfully, her husband was hardworking. Though not fabulously wealthy, they never worried about food or clothing. And Du Heng, the brother-in-law she had practically raised, had made her proud—excelling in his exams, studies, and work, never causing her undue worry. Now, everything was different. In just two or three short years, her life had undergone an unimaginable, earth-shattering transformation, like something out of a dream. Those who once gave her the cold shoulder, mocked her, ignored her, or spread rumors about her—now, didn't every single one of them greet her with a smile? Weren't they all warm, generous, and deferential, bowing and scraping?

The old saying, 'Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river,' signifying how fortunes can change, had come true for her in far less than thirty years. She no longer had to toil in the fields and even had her own small business. While she couldn't claim to be earning vast sums daily, they definitely had enough to eat and drink and no longer had to worry about money. Not only did they have plenty to eat and drink, but the clothes and accessories she wore now were worth more than what those who had once mocked and belittled her, and their entire families, could earn in a whole year.

Her daughter was also doing well, studying in the Capital. Unlike when Du Heng was a student, worrying about twenty or thirty yuan for weekly living expenses, Du Heng now secretly gave her daughter so much money that she had become a little heiress. Her son was still young, but Du Heng had already planned out his future. Even if he didn't achieve great success on that path, he wouldn't have to endure the same hardships Du Heng and Du Ping had.

Was this the life she had wanted? Yes. In fact, it was even better than the life she had dared to want. Was this the life she had hoped for? Yes. It was a life she once could only dream of, a life that would have been an extravagance. More than anything, though, she wanted her family to be healthy and even happier. Zhang Sumei's thoughts were a whirlwind, bringing tears to her eyes one moment and a smile to her lips the next.

But her primary concern was always the little treasure beside her. Every so often, she would gently place her finger under the baby's nose, checking for the faint warmth of breath. She had done the same for Du Xuejing and Du Yi when they were babies. Even now, with all her experience, she knew it was a bit silly, but she couldn't resist the urge to check, to reassure herself.

The Doctor had said that newborns needed to be fed every two hours, and Zhang Sumei had committed this to memory.

As faint light filtering through the gaps between the buildings outside began to dispel the darkness, and the sounds of the waking city rose in a gentle cacophony, Zhang Sumei started preparing formula for the baby. She turned on the light, poured water, measured out the formula, and gently shook the baby bottle. Zhang Sumei moved with utmost care, afraid of disturbing Du Heng and Wu Shengnan, who had just become parents.

Just as she turned, however, she noticed Du Heng, asleep on the sofa, shivering slightly. Zhang Sumei's heart clenched. Did I see that wrong? she thought, looking more closely. No, there was no mistake. Du Heng was definitely trembling, his body curled up as he slept.

Has he caught a cold? Zhang Sumei frowned. Gently swirling the freshly prepared baby bottle in her hand, she walked over to Du Heng and gave him a light nudge.

Du Heng's heavy snores ceased. He blinked, looking bewilderedly at Zhang Sumei, who stood before him holding the baby bottle. "What's wrong, Sister-in-law?"

"Did you catch a cold?" Zhang Sumei asked softly.

At Zhang Sumei's words, Du Heng suddenly became aware that his head felt foggy and heavy. The skin around his lips felt tight, and his mouth was parched. His throat, in particular, felt dry and scratchy.

I've caught a cold! he realized.

Du Heng sat up, coughed softly twice, and said with a frown, "It must have been the draft in the elevator earlier." As he spoke, he pressed a hand to his throat, about to cough again.

But Zhang Sumei cut him off. "Don't cough! Don't say another word! Get out of here right now and go to your dormitory to sleep. You can't risk spreading your cold to Nannan and the baby. Go on, hurry!"

As she spoke, she began to physically usher Du Heng out of the room.