CHAPTER 503: CHAPTER 505: THE VIETNAM WAR

"Mr. Chen, he’s threatening us," Mrs. Feng shouted.

Gao Jiazhi said, "If you don’t tell the truth, don’t even think about getting out. You can just stay in jail, I wonder how long you can endure it."

Gao Jiaxing also said, "Do you believe I have the ability to keep you locked up here indefinitely?"

The Feng Family was terrified, and Wang Xiumei was also scared. She definitely did not want to be confined in a cell.

At that moment, Mr. Chen came over, nodded at Gao Jiazhi and Gao Jiaxing, and then ordered people to take the Feng Family and Wang Xiumei out for interrogation.

This time, Wang Xiumei and the Feng Family told the truth. So it turned out that Feng Zhiguang had committed adultery, and his partner was Wang Xiumei.

Feng Zhiguang was dismissed from his position, and his reputation was ruined. Even worse, he was disabled by Gao Jiaxing, who broke both of his legs. Wang Xiumei faced the same fate, becoming a disgrace among the teachers.

The Feng Family swiftly moved in with The Wangs, taking over their home without a word of consent from Wang Xiumei, and started calling the shots as if they were the owners.

Wang Xiumei couldn’t object openly, but she felt a sense of disgust towards the Feng Family’s bandit-like behavior. However, for the sake of the child in her womb, she endured.

She was now pregnant, alone, and unsure how to take care of a child.

Yet with the Feng Family moving in, Wang Xiumei found herself in a passive situation and even regretted not discussing the marriage certificate with Feng Zhiguang. She was somewhat reluctant to marry a disabled man.

Wang Xiumei didn’t bring it up, nor did the Feng Family, not even Feng Zhiguang.

In the view of the Feng Family, the important thing was that the grandson carry their Feng bloodline, especially now that their reputation was already tainted.

And then this ’family’ began living together like this.

The Gao family didn’t linger on it. Gao Yongfang had been buried, and there was no news of Xiao Mei. The year passed just like that.

Upon arriving in S City, Xia Xiao didn’t visit her maternal home; she asked Gao Jiazhi to send some things instead.

Gao Guoqiang and Zheng Xianghong continued to make breakfast and take care of the grandson as usual. Xia Xiao worked on her design drawings, and after the Chinese New Year, the school term swiftly resumed.

Gao Jiaxing and Yu Shijie returned to the military academy to report, and Xia Xiao also went back to school. Yang Xuehua, who was close to giving birth, took leave for the time being.

Unexpectedly, at this time, both Gao Jiaxing and Yu Shijie brought back unwelcome news. The war in Yue District had erupted, and they were both being deployed.

Xia Xiao was taken aback. She had forgotten such a significant event as the Vietnam War. Now Gao Jiaxing was off to fight, and Xia Xiao couldn’t help but worry. Even though she knew Gao Jiaxing was capable, war was still war, with real guns and real bullets.

But facing Gao Jiaxing, Xia Xiao couldn’t say the words asking him not to go. She could only silently prepare dry food, a pot of water, clothes, and two pairs of shoes for him.

"Xiaoxiao, I’ll come back safe," Gao Jiaxing held her tightly.

"Mhmm, go and fight fiercely," Xia Xiao said. "Don’t be merciful to the enemy because, as the saying goes, ’Being kind to the enemy is being cruel to oneself.’ But make sure to protect your life. I’m not afraid of you being injured or disabled, but if you don’t come back, don’t expect our mother and children to forgive you." Xia Xiao’s threat revealed her inner turbulence, worry, and even fear.

The atmosphere around Yu Shijie and Yang Xuehua was even heavier. Yang Xuehua was close to her due date, but at such a time, Yu Shijie was off to battle, which left her incredibly anxious.

After seeing off Gao Jiaxing and Yu Shijie, the hearts of Xia Xiao and Yang Xuehua felt empty. But looking at Yang Xuehua’s belly, Xia Xiao still comforted her, "Sister Xuehua, Gao Jiaxing and Yu Shijie are so capable, they won’t have any issues."

"My heart is pounding violently," Yang Xuehua said, constantly patting her chest and struggling to find peace.

"Don’t be anxious," Xia Xiao reassured. "For you and the child’s sake, Yu Shijie will take care of himself. Sister Xuehua, you need to stay steady. Right now, the most important thing is to protect yourself and the baby, and not to distract Yu Shijie. Once the war is over, they will return."

After finishing her words, Xia Xiao went to pour a cup of water for Yang Xuehua, stirring in some spring water and handing it to her.

Yang Xuehua finished the water and then clutched her belly, "I think I’m going into labor."

Xia Xiao quickly called over Zheng Xianghong, "Mom, Sister Xuehua’s about to give birth."

Before long, Zheng Xianghong hurried over, took Yang Xuehua’s pulse, and then declared, "She’s going into labor. Xia Xiao, go boil water, make porridge."

"Auntie, I just ate, I’m not hungry," Yang Xuehua interjected.

"You may not be hungry now, but you’ll need that porridge later," said Zheng Xianghong, urging Yang Xuehua to lie down right away to avoid losing too much amniotic fluid.

Soon, Yang Xuehua began to experience contractions, intermittently suffering from labor pains, drenched in cold sweat.

Xia Xiao boiled water and sought help from neighbors. Everyone was willing to help, and now that Yang Xuehua was giving birth, they came over to lend a hand.

Because it was her first child and Yang Xuehua was older, the birth was somewhat difficult. After struggling until one in the morning, the baby’s head finally emerged.

"It’s born, it’s born, a big healthy boy," everyone rejoiced.

Xia Xiao finally exhaled, her face breaking into a joyous smile as Yang Xuehua, exhausted, fell into a deep sleep. Zheng Xianghong took care of the baby while Xia Xiao expressed her gratitude by sharing some food with the helpful neighbors.

Looking at Yang Xuehua’s son, Xia Xiao sighed wistfully. If only Yu Shijie could have seen his son being born.

Yet, nothing was ever perfect. Married to a soldier, whenever there was a battle or a mission, soldiers had to set out immediately.

"Mom, you go to sleep. I’ll watch the baby."

"There’s no need; you’re tired too, and you still have school," Zheng Xianghong said.

Xia Xiao shook her head, "Mom, you go to sleep, I’ll take care of him." Xia Xiao insisted, not waiting for Zheng Xianghong’s reply, and firmly asked her to rest.