Chapter 455 - 232: Cable Car Accident?

Chapter 455: Chapter 232: Cable Car Accident?

"Son, this is our new home from now on. The old house... we mortgaged it."

Wang Yafang stammered.

’So it’s true. I thought my memory was just a bit confused...’

Xie Yuan turned, took his mom’s handbag, and said with a smile,

"I’ve been wanting to move for ages, and we finally did! This place seems great, it’s close to the city."

Wang Yafang and Xie Guoliang both forced a smile. Their son was being considerate, but they felt a pang of bitterness.

But as long as their son was awake, that was the best thing possible. Nothing else mattered.

"Wait! Son, don’t move just yet."

Wang Yafang remembered something, bustled around in the kitchen for a moment, and brought out a brazier, placing it by the door.

"Step over this! Be careful not to burn your feet."

Seeing this, Xie Yuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

"Isn’t a brazier for... other occasions?"

"Don’t worry about that. It’s to get rid of bad luck and bless you with good health and a smooth life from now on!"

Xie Yuan did as he was told and stepped over the brazier. He then saw his parents break into genuine smiles.

His mother wiped the corners of her eyes again, then turned to a small statue of Buddha on a partition shelf and bowed, muttering prayers for the Buddha’s protection, which made Xie Yuan feel a bit helpless.

’I’m home.’

Xie Yuan looked at his new room. It was old but clean, and no matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t get used to it.

But when he heard his parents tidying up outside, a smile couldn’t help but touch his lips.

’Even though this is my first time in this house... this is what home feels like.’

A moment later, Xie Guoliang came in and looked at Xie Yuan.

"Son, are you tired?"

"I’ve been resting for so long, how could I be tired? I’ve got plenty of energy," Xie Yuan said, half-joking.

Xie Guoliang smiled too. Although he felt his son was slightly different than before, it was normal for someone to change after such a major event. As long as he was up and moving, that was all that mattered.

"Alright then. Get ready, and we’ll go out to eat. Your grandparents, uncles, and aunts are all waiting to celebrate with you!"

「Chunjiang Restaurant.」

Though it was called a "restaurant," it was really just a home-style eatery by the river. However, the food was delicious and inexpensive, and it was close to his maternal grandmother’s house, so Xie Yuan’s family often had gatherings there.

They had booked the largest private room, but the 14-person table still wasn’t enough. They added a few extra chairs, and it was packed.

His paternal grandparents had passed away long ago, so the only elders present were his maternal grandfather and grandmother. With his two maternal uncles and their families, plus his paternal uncle and aunt, it was a bit crowded, but lively.

Seeing his family so cheerful and happy, enjoying a simple meal with more joy than a New Year’s Eve dinner, Xie Yuan started to feel a sense of reality.

’This must be real. Ever since I woke up, everything’s felt hazy, and I can’t remember many things clearly. It must be a side effect...’

But being surrounded by his family gave Xie Yuan a warmth he hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

His uncles and aunts had often taken turns with his mother to look after him... his grandmother had cooked meals every day for his grandfather to bring to the hospital... his paternal uncle and aunt had helped contact doctors, research all sorts of medicines and treatment plans, and even wrangled with the scenic area management for compensation, greatly easing the pressure on his family.

A warm current surged through Xie Yuan’s heart.

’I’m finally home.’

He stood up, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. The lively conversation died down.

Xie Yuan raised his glass of orange juice and said earnestly,

"Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt..."

He went through the list of all his relatives before continuing,

"Thank you all for taking care of me and helping me. Without you, I might not have woken up. I can’t drink alcohol, so I’ll use this juice instead. A toast to all my elders, and to my brothers and sisters!"

Xie Yuan drained his juice in one go. His family’s eyes grew warm, and his aunts even reached for tissues.

"The boy’s grown up."

"Hear, hear!"

His paternal and maternal uncles were very emotional, raising their glasses and downing them in one gulp.

Wang Yafang was also filled with emotion. After Xie Yuan sat down, she asked,

"Didn’t you used to hate all this formality?"

Xie Yuan shook his head.

"When thanks are due, you have to give them."

After the round of drinks, his paternal uncle looked at Xie Yuan.

"Xie Yuan, now that you’ve recovered, what are your plans for the future? Are you going to continue your studies, or..."

Xie Guoliang pushed up his glasses.

"Big Brother, there’s no rush. Let him rest for a couple more days."

His aunt also gave his uncle a nudge.

"What’s your hurry? He just got out of the hospital. It’s not right to ask about these things and pressure him!"

His uncle looked a bit embarrassed and sighed.

"Xie Yuan’s out of the hospital, I was just asking. After all this time, Second Brother and his family..."

Xie Guoliang shook his head.

"It’s fine, Big Brother. The family’s okay. I’ve taken on a few more classes, so my salary is a bit higher."

His uncle nodded and sighed.

"You should take care of your health, too. You’re working from dawn till dusk. We don’t want one of you getting out of the hospital just for another to go in."

His aunt’s brows shot up, and she chided,

"Xie Guodong, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!"

On the other side of the room, his eldest maternal uncle pulled Wang Yafang out into the hallway. They whispered for a moment before he forcefully stuffed an envelope into her hand, which she couldn’t refuse no matter how she tried.

Xie Yuan’s ears twitched. He could hear their conversation.

"...Sister, take this. Xie Yuan just got out of the hospital, you’re going to need money."

"Oh, Brother, I can’t! Your grandson was just born, don’t you need the money more?"

"It’s fine. Your sister-in-law and I are both retired. We have nowhere to spend our pensions anyway."

"How can you say that? Besides, Sister-in-law..."

"Don’t worry about her, she knows... Well, just don’t mention it to her."

Xie Yuan glanced at his maternal aunt. He could clearly see that she had noticed her husband and sister-in-law step outside. Her expression darkened, but she didn’t say anything.

In the noisy room, the voices from the hallway should have been inaudible, but Xie Yuan could hear them. As for everyone’s expressions—things Xie Yuan never used to pay attention to or remember—he now saw them all with perfect clarity.