“Although Commander Lu is an outsider, he’s been managing Huansha Island for many years now. Over these years, the island has developed better and better, and Chief Lu has contributed to that. As for the Lin family… Hmph.”
“The Lin family might not be good people.”
“Who knows? Maybe these rumors were spread by the Lin father and son themselves.”
Clearly, there were still many sensible people who saw through the rumors and recognized the essence and truth of the matter. These individuals would later be grateful for their wisdom.
Meanwhile, after Sheng Zexi left Commander Lu’s place, he returned home and told Gu Jianing about the rumors outside and the orders that had been issued.
After hearing it, Gu Jianing was momentarily stunned, then calmly said, “That’s fine, actually.”
She didn’t agree with issuing mandatory orders for forced evacuations. Over the years, she had come to understand one truth: if you know someone is in danger, you can try to save them. But if you’re willing to lend a hand and they refuse your help—whatever the reason—then you shouldn’t interfere further.
“Brother Xi, the fact that we were able to see the Future Newspaper was a blessing from heaven, a chance given to us. But opportunities like this aren’t something you can just expect to have whenever you want.”
“One chance is a gift. Asking for more is unnecessary.”
“We can help people, but we don’t need to interfere with their fate.”
“Everyone has their own destiny. Let’s respect each person’s path.”
“There’s no need to bear those karmic burdens. As long as we’ve done our best with a clear conscience, that’s enough.”
These words were meant to comfort Sheng Zexi, but they were also a reminder to herself. She wasn’t a saint, and she didn’t need to take responsibility for everyone’s fate.
Sheng Zexi pulled Gu Jianing into his arms. “You’re right.”
In truth, his thoughts aligned with hers. Though he was a soldier, and a soldier’s inherent duty was to protect the country and its people, he was also human. He had emotions and his own limits.
Some things couldn’t be forced. As long as they did their best and stayed true to their conscience, that was enough.
“Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. I’ll keep an eye on the typhoon situation. For now, I’ll take you to the hospital,” Sheng Zexi said.
Gu Jianing’s due date was just around the corner. With the severe typhoon arriving tomorrow, Sheng Zexi was worried he might not be able to take care of her, so sending her to the hospital in advance was the safer option.
“I’ve already hired a nanny—a local auntie from the island. She seems reliable and will take care of you.”
“Okay.”
“What about Xingxing and Yueyue?”
“The daycare is closed because of the approaching typhoon, so they don’t need to go.”
“I’m not comfortable leaving them home alone, and having them stay at the hospital with you isn’t ideal either. So I’ve asked Zhao Weiguo—his wife agreed to look after them. They can stay with the Zhao family during the typhoon. What do you think?”
Gu Jianing thought for a moment, then nodded. “That’s fine, but we should ask Xingxing and Yueyue for their opinion first.”
“Alright, I’ll go ask them now.”
Soon, Sheng Zexi brought Xingxing and Yueyue over and explained the arrangement to them.
“Dad might have to go on duty, and Mom needs to go to the hospital to have the baby. We might not be able to take care of you during this time, so you’ll stay with Uncle Zhao Weiguo’s family for a few days. Auntie Zhao will look after you. Is that okay with you?”
Xingxing and Yueyue fell silent, exchanging a glance.
Sheng Zexi would likely be extremely busy due to the typhoon and might not even make it home.
Even if he had time, his first priority would be to check on Gu Jianing at the hospital.
So if Xingxing and Yueyue stayed at home, aside from Amber, there would be no one to take care of them.
If Amber were human, that would be fine—but Amber was a dog. While she could protect them, she couldn’t care for them.
Xingxing and Yueyue also realized this. Truthfully, they wanted to go to the hospital with their mother.
The two little ones felt that since their mother was about to give birth to their younger sibling and their father would be busy, they should be there to accompany and protect her.
But they also knew that, at just over two years old, they were still too young.
They wouldn’t be much help, and might even distract their mother or cause trouble for her.
So, despite not wanting to be separated from her, the siblings nodded in agreement.
Before taking Gu Jianing to the hospital, Sheng Zexi first brought Xingxing and Yueyue to Zhao Weiguo’s house. He carried a bag of food, some ration coupons, as well as the children’s clothes and toiletries.
Zhao Weiguo’s wife was gentle and kind, and she warmly welcomed Xingxing and Yueyue.
The Zhao family had three children—two girls and a boy—all older than Xingxing and Yueyue.
These three kids were a bit smitten with appearances, so they were delighted to have the adorable Xingxing and Yueyue staying with them.
“Be good at Uncle Zhao’s house, alright? Once Dad finishes his work and Mom gives birth to your little sibling, we’ll come pick you up.”
“Behave yourselves, understand?” Sheng Zexi reminded them before leaving.
Xingxing and Yueyue nodded. Though reluctant, they said, “We understand, Dad. We’ll be good.”
“Good.” Sheng Zexi patted their heads and hugged them before leaving.
Once back home, he packed Gu Jianing’s luggage and some essentials for childbirth, then headed to the county hospital.
On the way, he noticed the weather had changed noticeably—it was becoming increasingly hot and stifling, the air pressure so low it felt hard to breathe.
By the time Gu Jianing was settled into a private room at the county hospital, the wind had picked up.
Sheng Zexi looked out the window at the swaying tree branches—the wind had clearly grown much stronger.
Just then, a woman in her late forties or early fifties walked in. She was plainly dressed, with a kind and gentle face, giving off a good first impression.
This was Auntie Zhou, the woman Sheng Zexi had hired to care for Gu Jianing.
Auntie Zhou was a local of Huansha Island. Her family was struggling financially, so she often took on short-term caregiving jobs at the county hospital to earn extra money.
Sheng Zexi had noticed her by chance when he came to arrange Gu Jianing’s hospitalization and thought she seemed reliable, so he hired her for the time being.
After meeting Sheng Zexi and Gu Jianing, Auntie Zhou quickly got to work.
She wasn’t much of a talker, but she was efficient and thorough in her care. Gu Jianing had a good impression of her.
With nothing urgent to attend to for now, Sheng Zexi stayed at the hospital with Gu Jianing.
Meanwhile, as the sky gradually darkened—
The islanders who had chosen to evacuate had already left. Those who refused remained in their homes, living their lives as usual.
Night fell, and everything seemed calm on the surface.
But in truth, it was merely the calm before the storm…
Leave a Reply