136, Anger, Remorse (Weekend bonus chapter complete)

He had immediately contacted the Ji family to explain Gao Shen’s recovery and once again brought up the arranged marriage between the two families. However, he had yet to receive any response; it was clear that the Ji family did not believe him.

Upon hearing that his youngest son was getting married, he felt he had to intervene immediately. He wanted his son to visit the Ji family in person to prove his physical condition, believing that all misunderstandings would then be cleared up.

"Father, Qingxin and I have already submitted our marriage application to the military, and we have already received our marriage certificate in Ning City," Gao Shen said bluntly, not wanting his father to continue holding onto false hope.

"You! You unfilial son!" Gao Yaohua bellowed, his eyes wide and burning with rage.

"I met the Ji family when I was in the hospital for my surgery. Give up; the Ji family has no interest in us," Gao Shen said calmly.

Back at the hospital, the Ji family had recognized him after seeing his medical records. The young lady from the Ji family, whom his father kept mentioning, had even come to his ward specifically to see him. He remembered it clearly: when she entered and saw him, her eyes had brightened for a moment, but as her gaze swept down to his left foot, her expression immediately turned to contempt, even a hint of mockery.

It was as if she were mocking him for his own overestimation of himself, her eyes conveying the message: "You, a cripple, actually dare to dream of marrying me?"

He had only learned of this so-called engagement from his father after the Gao family’s decline. He had never felt any curiosity or hope regarding this verbal agreement, knowing full well that the Gao family had fallen and that the stable, prosperous Ji family would certainly look down upon them. Consequently, when he met the Ji family at the hospital, he had not offered any pleasantries or sought to get closer to them.

Yet, his father was still harboring hopes of this marriage, unable to see the reality of the situation and chasing unrealistic dreams. This only made Gao Shen sneer inwardly.

At these words, Gao Yaohua seemed to have his energy drained, and he slumped into his chair.

"I came here to tell you directly that I am getting married the day after tomorrow, not to negotiate or argue. You are welcome if you wish to come, but I will not force you if you don't. These are new clothes your daughter-in-law and sister-in-law bought for each of you, along with some snacks and candies for the children." Gao Shen, having no desire to continue the idle chatter, stated the purpose of his visit, placed the items from his basket on the table, and turned to leave.

"In-law, we’ll be heading off now. If you have time, feel free to come over earlier; Suyun is there too!"

Zhang Liangping, seeing Gao Yaohua’s livid expression, no longer cared about his mood. He spoke to Gao Shen’s mother instead, his tone much gentler. The couple held no ill will toward Gao’s mother; they were simply frustrated by her soft, submissive nature, always yielding to whatever Gao Yaohua said.

"Oh, alright, I will certainly go!" Gao’s mother said with a faint smile. Her youngest son was getting married—as a mother, how could she not show up? Regardless of what her husband said, she would attend her son’s wedding banquet, even if she had to sneak out. Hearing that Jingyun was coming as well, she felt a glimmer of joy; she hadn't seen her old friend in years and had missed her dearly.

Nearby, Gao Wei and his wife had been quietly hiding in the corner. Seeing how furious their father was, they didn't dare to intervene. They wanted to benefit from the situation but were wary of Gao Shen. It was best to let their parents handle it while they simply scavenged for whatever they could get.

Before their party could even make a scene, Gao Shen had come to them personally, bringing gifts. Su Lijuan’s eyes lit up; she immediately stepped forward to rummage through the pile, snatched up the portion belonging to their family, and hurried back to their room.

Naturally, she was eager to try on the new clothes. Every woman loves beauty, and no woman dislikes new clothes.

Gao’s mother looked at the remaining clothes and food, noting that the majority had been snatched up by her eldest daughter-in-law, and quietly gathered the rest.

She returned to her room, hanging up the new clothes to keep them from wrinkling; she intended to wear them to her youngest son’s banquet. Thinking of how the family hadn't helped with any of the arrangements for his wedding, a trace of bitterness welled up in her heart.

Then, as if having made a decision, Cao Shuyun walked out. Passing through the courtyard, she didn't even glance at Gao Yaohua as she hurried out the door.

Gao Yaohua, sitting in the yard in a daze, saw his wife rushing out but had no desire to ask where she was going or to engage with her; he let her go.

Where was she going? He could guess well enough. Gao Yaohua snorted coldly.

Cao Shuyun couldn't care less about what her husband was thinking, nor did she want to ponder whether she would be scolded upon returning home. At this moment, she only wanted to do something for her youngest son, to make up for her inadequacy as a mother. The lack of care and attention she had shown him always filled her with guilt and tears whenever she thought of it.

Seeing her youngest son settle down, get married, and start his own life was the greatest wish and comfort left to her in this world.