"Why didn't Kai Cheng tell me?" Mei Yun's face was shocked, and she took a step back, murmuring to herself.
Qin Xiu Yi reached out to steady her, but his hand hovered in the air before being lowered.
"Perhaps he had his own difficulties, fearing you couldn't accept it all at once. That's why he didn't tell you the whole truth."
Qin Xiu Yi looked at her complex expression and paused slightly. "The reason I'm telling you this is not to blame your nephew.
That entanglement is between the three of them, and they must resolve it themselves. Moreover, your nephew has already chosen to withdraw.
I just want you to understand that Si Ye's feelings for Shen Xi are absolutely sincere; he's willing to sacrifice everything for her.
These past years, he's kept Shen Xi, no, it should be Yin Xi, in his heart."
"Yin Xi? You know her true identity too?" Mei Yun asked in surprise.
"Yes. While you were hospitalized in K City, Si Ye told me himself. He must have known for a long time, which is why he pursued Yin Xi so relentlessly," Qin Xiu Yi said to her with a serious look.
He then recounted how the two met, how they signed that contract, and how Qin Si Ye had spent the past five years desperately searching for Yin Xi, guarding her home, and taking care of her younger brother.
After hearing his words, Mei Yun couldn't help but take another step back. After a long moment, she finally looked up and said, "Alright. I understand. You can go."
Then, she slowly turned and walked towards her own door.
"Mei Yun, do you understand now why I didn't agree to your request in the hospital?" Qin Xiu Yi took a step forward, watching her retreating back.
Mei Yun's footsteps faltered slightly. She didn't look back, nor did she say a word, continuing to walk forward with large strides.
By the time Shen Xi returned to the hospital from Abel's house, it was already noon.
She bought two meals at the cafeteria. Just as she finished eating with Qin Si Ye, she suddenly received a call from Mei Yun.
Her heart skipped a beat. Shen Xi stood up, picked up her phone, and walked outside. "I'm going out to take a call."
"Who is it? You have to hide it from me?" Qin Si Ye frowned.
"Auntie. I'm afraid she'll scold me again. You won't find it pleasant to listen to," Shen Xi stopped and looked back at him.
Qin Si Ye smiled. "How do you know she's going to scold you? Maybe she's going to apologize to you."
"I don't believe a word you say. Auntie was still so angry last night; how could she possibly apologize to me?" Shen Xi glared at him slightly and walked out.
She quickly went to the stairwell and answered the call. "Hello? Auntie."
"Xi Xi, are you at the hospital now?" Mei Yun's gentle voice came from the other end of the phone.
"Yes." As soon as Shen Xi answered, she realized something. "Auntie, you know everything?"
"Mmm. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so cold to you last night. Kai Cheng did those things and didn't even tell me. I..." Before Mei Yun could finish, Shen Xi, with tears in her eyes, quickly interrupted her.
"Auntie, please don't say that. It's all my fault for deceiving you first."
"No. Xi Xi, you've suffered too much all these years. When it comes to matters of the heart, we shouldn't have pressured you like that.
Kai Cheng is right; as long as you are happy and live a good life, that's all that matters.
Qin Si Ye is an outstanding man, worthy of your lifelong commitment. Auntie will no longer oppose your being together and will bless you instead."
Hearing this, the tears in Shen Xi's eyes flowed like a breached dam. She covered her mouth, choked with emotion, and sobbed, "Auntie, Thank… thank you! Thank you!"
"Xi Xi, don't cry. You've been through a lot lately," Mei Yun's voice also quivered with tears. "The children should be on summer vacation now, right? Have them come back to B Country to visit. I'll treat you all to a meal then."
"Okay. They might arrive tomorrow morning," Shen Xi said, a tearful smile on her face.
For a moment, she almost told her about the children's father-son relationship with Qin Si Ye, but she worried it would get too complicated and be difficult to explain, so she held back.
"Really? That's wonderful. While you're here taking care of Qin Si Ye, I'll go to your place and cook for them," Mei Yun's voice was also filled with joy.
They chatted for a while longer before hanging up. Shen Xi wiped her tears and walked back to the ward.
She pushed the door open with a somber expression. Seeing her state, Qin Si Ye immediately sat up straight and asked with concern, "Why are you crying again? Did she really scold you?"
"Mmm," Shen Xi replied, still with a cold face. "She said it's all your fault; if you hadn't come here to seduce me, none of this would have happened."