It was precisely to keep Ling Yuchen from worrying.
Ling Yuchen remained silent from beginning to end. Only after Gong Zhijing finished her meal did he silently pack away the dishes.
Gong Zhijing stayed alone in the room, her thoughts swirling, unable to quell her anxiety.
She used her phone to search for information about Alzheimer's disease.
This disease was incurable, a chronic illness that could only be managed with medication to slow its progression, and its impact on lifespan was unpredictable.
However, its effect on a person was significant.
It led to memory decline, cognitive impairment, and so on.
Gong Zhijing felt as though a jar of five flavors had been overturned in her heart, a mix of emotions overwhelming her. Just as life had begun to settle, another piece of dreadful news arrived.
After a long while, Ling Yuchen returned with Ling Leyou.
Ling Leyou slept obediently in the stroller, her eyes open as she waved her little arms.
Gong Zhijing picked up her daughter, about to offer some comfort, when Ling Yuchen had already gone into the bathroom.
She could only feed her daughter first, then have the confinement nanny take her away to be cared for.
Ling Yuchen spent a considerable amount of time in the bathroom before emerging.
He was wrapped in a bath towel, his hair damp with water droplets, his expression as cold as ever.
Gong Zhijing wanted to comfort him but didn't know what to say.
Ling Yuchen changed into his pajamas and lay down on the bed, his voice deep as he said to Gong Zhijing, "Sleep."
Gong Zhijing quietly lay down beside him, and then a pair of large hands embraced her waist, pulling her into his arms.
At this moment, words were useless; being with him was enough.
The next day, Ling Yuchen took Madam Ling to the hospital early in the morning.
Gong Zhijing, still in her confinement period, could only wait at home with the baby for news.
A blood test for Alzheimer's could confirm the diagnosis within five hours.
After a long wait, the results finally came: Madam Ling did indeed have Alzheimer's disease.
From now on, medication could only be used to slow the progression of the illness.
What was the point of dwelling in sadness and grief? It would only add to the distress.
It was better to face it with a calm heart and let the elderly lady live out her remaining years happily.
The following days were remarkably peaceful.
Xia Linfeng was sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
Han Wenjuan was detained for only half a month and had already divorced Xia Linfeng. After her release from the detention center, she was picked up by Xia Wanfu.
Gong Zhijing shared the same sentiment as Gong Ye: as long as Han Wenjuan could settle down from now on, they would not hold grudges for past grievances.
The days passed one by one, and Gong Zhijing counted down each day until the end of her confinement.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yunfei was also preparing for Ling Leyou's full moon celebration.
As the first great-grandchild of the Ling family, this full moon banquet was exceptionally grand.
Not only would people from the business world attend, but also many influential figures from the political arena.
After a month of seclusion, Gong Zhijing felt as though she was getting moldy. She ate a light diet every day, and her taste buds were dull.
Every day, she craved milk tea, barbecue, spicy hot pot, small cakes, and ice cream...
Countless times, her cravings became unbearable, but the moment she thought of her baby breastfeeding, her cravings would vanish.
Little Ling Leyou's full moon banquet was held at the most luxurious hotel in Kyoto.
On this day, all the businesses under Tengkong Group were holding promotional events, with discounts on all merchandise.
The streets and communities belonging to the group were decorated with balloons and red ribbons to celebrate the occasion.
Dignitaries from both the political and business worlds gathered, and official social media accounts posted celebratory updates.
This was an unprecedented level of attention, and she was the only one to have such a magnificent full moon banquet.
From the moment she was born, little Ling Leyou stood at the pinnacle, becoming an object of admiration for everyone.
Early in the morning, Wen Xuanyuan and Qiao Xinyue rushed over to accompany Gong Zhijing.
The weather in May had already warmed up, neither cold nor hot, and quite comfortable.
The day before, Gong Zhijing had already chosen what to wear. It was the first time she experienced how rich and colorful the lives of the wealthy could be.
Zhu Yunfei had taken her to choose clothes. It wasn't about shopping or having them delivered; instead, more than a dozen models paraded in front of her, showcasing different outfits, and she could choose whichever she liked.
Among the models were several very famous movie stars.
She had initially chosen a simple yet elegant red long dress.
However, Zhu Yunfei said it was too plain and picked out a golden long dress for her.
The long hem trailed on the floor, shimmering and radiant. The fabric was smooth silk, comfortable to the touch.
The cinched waist design was very alluring, accentuating her voluptuous figure.
Paired with a platinum necklace inlaid with a circle of diamonds, each diamond dangling like a teardrop, sparkling, elegant, and beautiful.
Gong Zhijing felt it was too ostentatious.
But after comparing the two dresses in front of the mirror, she realized that Zhu Yunfei's taste was indeed superior.
This golden gown made her skin appear as fair as snow, her features lively, and even without makeup, she exuded a dazzling aura, making her exceptionally striking.
When Gong Zhijing emerged after changing her clothes.
Qiao Xinyue and Wen Xuanyuan were mesmerized.
"Wow, wow, wow, Jingjing, you're so beautiful!"
Wen Xuanyuan exclaimed dramatically, her gaze burning with admiration.
If she were a man, Gong Zhijing would have suspected her of having ulterior motives.
"Xuanyuan, you're exaggerating."
Qiao Xinyue gazed at her intently, her voice filled with adoration, "No exaggeration at all. You look truly beautiful, even more so than celebrities."
Gong Zhijing felt rather shy from their compliments.
Soon, Ling Yuchen arrived, holding Ling Leyou.
Ling Leyou was wearing a small red dress with a stylish lace doll collar and white leggings.
Her feet were adorned with red shoes and socks, with red ribbons tied into bows on the sides of the socks.
Although only a month old, her features were already meticulously sculpted, resembling a porcelain doll.
Ling Yuchen was impeccably dressed in a suit, his posture upright, exuding an air of nobility. He looked at Gong Zhijing with eyes full of admiration.
The family of three was exceptionally captivating.
However, Wen Xuanyuan and Qiao Xinyue's attention was drawn to Ling Leyou.
"May I hold her?"
Wen Xuanyuan's eyes were filled with adoration for the cute baby.
However, when facing Ling Yuchen, she was a little hesitant.
Ling Yuchen held the baby with one hand and glanced at his watch. He said coolly, "It's getting late, we need to head to the hotel."
Three or four elegantly dressed maids came forward to hold Gong Zhijing's skirt hem.
The family of three left the house and got into an expensive RV.
Wen Xuanyuan was a bit disappointed at not getting to hold the baby, but there would be plenty of time in the future. For now, attending the banquet was the priority.
Outside the opulent hotel, a red carpet was laid out, and a giant spraying fountain was exceptionally beautiful.
Security guards stood rigidly all around, maintaining a serious demeanor.
Luxury cars arrived one after another, the entrance bustling with guests coming and going.
Ladies in evening gowns were graceful and poised.
Gentlemen were dressed in sharp suits, their faces adorned with polite smiles.
Those who received an invitation were no ordinary individuals.
As the Ling family's car approached, it immediately drew the attention of the crowd.