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Chapter 617: Chapter 617: Thanksgiving Wine
Li Jiao looked at the bustling scene outside, and although she usually preferred peace and quiet, this moment’s festivity surprisingly brought her joy rather than annoyance. Perhaps it really was that one’s mood determines how they perceive things, for even Sister Wei, whom she found annoying, suddenly seemed adorable.
It seemed in an instant, everything in the world had become endearing. Every little thing appeared beautiful in her eyes.
As everyone sat down to eat, Bai Xiao felt someone sit beside her, casting a slight shadow over the table. She sipped her orange juice, the sweet taste traveling from the tip of her tongue straight to her heart.
The three men eating inevitably involved cigarettes and alcohol. When the conversation reached its peak, their voices grew louder, filling the air with laughter. Compared to the enthusiastic Director Zhang and Hu Biao, An Zhiyuan appeared quieter. He leaned back in his chair, a cigarette held between his fingers, and when someone spoke to him, he showed a smile or briefly responded.
Director Zhang, holding up his glass, said loudly, "These past few days have been the happiest of my life. No matter how we articulate it, it’s rare for us all to be together today, so I must offer a proper toast."
Bai Xiao watched as Director Zhang’s furrowed brows smoothed out, making him look much younger. She couldn’t help but curve her lips upward, feeling the grip on her hand tighten. She turned her hand over and gently clasped An Zhiyuan’s large hand.
Hu Biao joined in the fun, "What toast? Just drink a crossing-cup wine with your wife! This is the drink you should have. Sis, I’m a plain man, and seeing you sitting here dining with us all today, I feel happy for the Director, too."
Li Jiao blushed. Over the years, she had always avoided the company. How could she dine with them, paralyzed and bedridden? Anyone visiting their home did so quietly, fearful of upsetting her, daring not partake in meals there.
Because of her, their home hadn’t entertained guests in many years, all because they feared her reaction to seeing these people, which caused awkwardness. Gradually, everyone maintained a distance from Director Zhang.
Director Zhang laughed heartily, a laugh she hadn’t seen on her husband in a long time.
"What nonsense are you talking! But this drink should indeed be to honor Doctor Bai. Come, mother of my child, pick up this glass. I know you don’t drink, but you must have a sip today. This is a toast of gratitude, thanking Doctor Bai for saving our family, thank you, Doctor Bai, thank you so much," Director Zhang said, his voice choking up. Without another word, he lifted the glass and drank it down in one gulp.
Li Jiao also picked up the glass in front of her and poured herself some white wine.
"Doctor Bai, thank you for giving me the courage to live. No moment has made me feel this life is more worth cherishing than now. Thinking back to when I attempted suicide, I truly feel it was foolish. If I had really died then, I probably would have been the one to regret it the most. 𝘯𝘰𝑣𝘱𝑢𝘣.𝑐𝑜𝑚
Abandoning such a wonderful husband and daughter, I would have been filled with remorse," she said and also drank it all in one gulp.
All eyes were on Bai Xiao as she picked up the wine glass, "Although you claim to be tough as nails, at the end of the day, you are still ordinary men. Their wives aren’t roles that just anyone can fill. Nowadays, many young girls admire you, wanting to date you to satisfy some vanity, but if they really married you, they might run faster than rabbits. So here’s what I say—this drink is to all our families."
Everyone raised their glasses.
