Chapter 448: Chapter 448 - Of A Certain Age yet Still Seeking Love.
Si Chen remembered all of Lin Fengying’s past actions, so he always had a cool relationship with her. However, if Lin Fengying lived a peaceful life, Si Chen would not bring up the past.
Unfortunately, Lin Fengying, despite her age, still yearned for love, that’s why so many later things happened.
After hearing the full story, Tong Yao developed a strong dislike for Lin Fengying. She found it unjust that such a woman could enjoy the happiness of old age.
Tong Yao watched Si Chen as he spoke. His tone was always indifferent, as if he was talking about someone else’s story. He seemed calm and unfeeling.
However, the calmer he was, the more Tong Yao felt heartache for him. She reached out and hugged Si Chen, intending to belittle Lin Fengying, but changed her mind. After all, Lin Fengying was Si Chen’s mother. She swallowed the words that were on her tongue.
Of course, she did not hold back her scorn for Lin Fengying in her heart.
Si Weimin wasn’t a good person either. Fortunately, Yuan Caizhen had the intellect to run away fast. Although Si Weimin didn’t kidnap a child, he did kidnap adults, making him no less than a human trafficker.
Perhaps Yuan Caizhen’s rescue by him was all premeditated.
Si Chen’s throat bobbed slightly, and he took a deep breath. "Yaoyao, there’s something I’ve never had the chance to tell you." He had wanted to speak up earlier, but seeing as Tong Yao was in a bad state, he decided not to.
"What is it?"
Given the seriousness of his tone, Tong Yao had a sense that something was wrong. She loosened her grip on him and watched him intently.
Si Chen said seriously, "During the last surgery, I found a brain tumor in my dad. But don’t worry, it’s currently no problem, as the tumor is 1cm in size, so no surgery is needed. We just need to keep observing his health and make frequent hospital visits to monitor the growth of the tumor. I have already spoken to Dr. Du about this. From now on, you can seek his guidance. I will keep in touch with him to understand the condition of the tumor."
When the tumor was discovered, Tong Yaohui was still unconscious. To prevent Tong Yao and Wen Yun from worrying, Si Chen didn’t speak up at the time, and it had been delayed until this moment.
The tumor was small and wouldn’t affect Tong Yaohui for the time being. It was best to frequently visit the hospital to monitor it.
Upon hearing that Tong Yaohui had a tumor in his brain, Tong Yao felt as if she had been struck by lightning. A tumor was a severe illness in her view and had a significant impact on the body. Her father was already old, and battling this disease would be challenging.
Despite not having much medical knowledge, she understood that Si Chen must have been right when he said surgery wasn’t needed for the time being, but she couldn’t fight the urge to voice her doubts.
"Why can’t we operate now? Won’t the tumor cause more harm as it grows larger?"
Under normal circumstances, shouldn’t the source of the disease be removed before the tumor worsens?
Si Chen looked a bit complicated on hearing her statement and explained, "Dad is already old. He might not be able to take frequent surgeries. The tumor is currently small, not affecting his health so we don’t recommend surgery."
After a pause of two seconds, Si Chen brought up the most critical point, "The tumor is located in a difficult place, and with our current medical standards in the country, if the tumor were to become malignant, the success rate of treatment would be relatively low."
Although Si Chen assured her that the tumor was presently not a problem, after listening to the latter part, Tong Yao’s heart sank. According to Si Chen’s statement, the tumor was like a ticking time bomb that could threaten her father’s life at any moment.
She treasured having her parents in this lifetime. The mere thought of Tong Yaohui possibly dying from the brain tumor was heartbreaking.
She also understood why Si Chen was so determined to study abroad, "Is this the reason why you’re so adamant about going abroad?"
Si Chen nodded, "You don’t need to worry too much. I’ve been keeping an eye on Dad’s health. At the appointed times, take him to the hospital for examination. Don’t let him get angry, as mood can significantly affect his health. I’ve also been researching the tumor with Dr. Du and studying similar cases. You should be assured, Dad will be alright."
He planned to carry a report of Tong Yaohui’s condition with him while going abroad. There, he could discuss the condition with foreign doctors, and if he found a good doctor, he could take Tong Yaohui abroad for treatment.
"Why didn’t you tell me earlier? You let me misunderstand you for so long." Tong Yao was touched, and her concern for him returned.
That was how he was - reticent, modest, and never boasting or taking credit. He always quietly did everything well, how could she not love him?
She was an ordinary person. Hadn’t she always wanted a simple yet warm life where they could handle life’s trials and tribulations together?
Si Chen reached out and gently moved a few stray locks from her forehead, giving a light laugh, "It’s never too late to tell you. I won’t be around to take care of the household once I go abroad. You’re going to have to rough it out for a while."
Tong Yao half-jokingly said, "Just don’t bring back a foreign girl, then I won’t feel it’s tough." No matter how strong she was in front of others, in front of Si Chen, she was like a child.
The two of them sat and talked for over half an hour. When Si Chen saw that it was time, he escorted Tong Yao to her doorstep and then went back to the hospital to discuss the tumor in Tong Yaohui’s brain with Dr. Du.
With his departure fast approaching, the tumor in Tong Yaohui’s brain didn’t have any serious symptoms, but a tumor was a tumor. As long as it was there, it posed a potential threat. He wanted to anticipate any possible sudden situations.
Such anticipation would prevent them from becoming flustered if anything happened.
Just like that, a few days passed by in a blink of an eye. On the day of Si Chen’s departure, the three members of the Tong family all arrived at the airport to see him off. Despite Tong Yao repeatedly trying to look strong, she couldn’t help but get teary when he turned to go through the security check.
Seeing his daughter so distraught at her husband’s leaving, Tong Yaohui said, "You used to throw tantrums at him when Xiaochen was here. Now that he’s gone, do you regret it?"
"She’s already so upset, and you’re still telling her off." Wen Yun frowned at Tong Yaohui, then comforted Tong Yao, "Don’t be upset, if you miss Xiaochen, we can go visit him together. After all, your dad and I have never been abroad, we can take it as a vacation."
After being reproached by his wife, Tong Yaohui conceded and agreed with her. "Your mom is right. With the convenience of planes nowadays, it’s faster than taking a train to Li City."
Tong Yao chuckled and pouted in faux indignation. "If we are meeting as a couple, what would you two be doing there?"
Upon hearing this, both Tong Yaohui and Wen Yun laughed and agreed, "Fine, fine, we won’t go. When you do go, take some homemade food for him. Foreign food is different from ours, and Xiaochen probably won’t get used to their food."
The emotions of young people change so fast, unlike during their times.