Rebirth: She is Ready for a Counterattack!-Chapter 289 - 288: Explanation

Back home.

Upon opening the door, a houseful of people were chatting; Liu Fen and Han Xue were making dumplings with Li Xuemei, while Li Qinghai was leisurely watching TV, which was showing opera, a favorite of the old man.

Jianguo and Jianhui were tidying the house, wiping floors and windows, while Wu Fengying and Han Qi were leisurely sitting on the sofa eating fruit, though the two didn’t get along, staying at opposite ends and keeping a considerable distance from each other.

Little Hu Zi, in Han Qi’s arms, was babbling words that no one understood, occasionally fed something to eat by Han Qi.

The atmosphere in the house was quite pleasant.

Perhaps everyone felt that Li Zhaodi’s appearance was robust, and she certainly wouldn’t have any major issues.

No one thought anything would happen.

Upon hearing the sound of the door opening, Li Qinghai first raised his head to look over.

His old partner weighed heavily on Li Qinghai’s mind; though he didn’t think there would be anything wrong, it was impossible not to worry.

His dim, yellowish eyes swept over Gu Ruhai and Li Weimin, who first entered the room; the old man’s heart suddenly sank, noticing something wasn’t quite right with their demeanor.

Li Qinghai unconsciously tightened his grip on his dry tobacco pipe.

His heart jumped.

"Eldest, where’s your mother?"

He looked over behind Li Weimin, but aside from Gu Xiaoqing, no one else was there.

Li Qinghai instinctively felt his heart begin to ache, as if he couldn’t catch his breath.

Li Xuemei and the others heard Li Qinghai’s voice and peeked out from the kitchen. Seeing only Gu Ruhai, Li Weimin, and Gu Xiaoqing, Li Xuemei immediately sensed something was amiss.

Having lived in the city for the longest time, she understood the hospital situation; if nothing was wrong, Li Zhaodi should have returned, but she hadn’t, which implied something had happened.

It definitely meant hospitalization.

There’s no need to say anything about hospitalization; it certainly isn’t a small ailment.

Doctors wouldn’t suggest hospitalization for minor illnesses.

She hurried forward a few steps to ask, "Big brother, Ruhai, what’s going on? Where’s mom?"

Instantly, everyone in the house realized something was off.

Jianguo and Jianhui paused, looking at Gu Ruhai and Li Weimin; Han Qi and Wu Fengying were also watching, waiting for more details.

Li Weimin sat down, "Han Qi, Fengying, take your kids back to the room."

This was an order, completely unlike the normally amiable father-in-law.

Wu Fengying and Han Qi had no choice but to leave quickly.

Han Qi was somewhat resentful; what could be said that they couldn’t hear?

Grumbling, she walked off with little Hu Zi in her arms.

Li Qinghai clutched his chest, as Gu Xiaoqing walked over and supported him saying, "Mom, Aunt, also big brother and second brother, you should all sit down. This matter definitely needs to be discussed with everyone, but grandpa is fine, don’t be so nervous."

The first priority was to calm Li Qinghai; Gu Xiaoqing worried about his heart, hoping not to cause the old man any distress.

Everyone sat down.

Li Weimin paused for a moment and said, "My mom was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the hospital today; she needs to be hospitalized for surgery."

Li Xuemei immediately covered her mouth as tears gushed from her eyes.

Others weren’t familiar with the concept of cancer.

But Li Xuemei knew; through dealings with various business owners, she learned of such matters, some of whose parents died from cancer.

Now her own mother had this illness, how could Li Xuemei feel at ease?

Li Qinghai looked at his eldest son in confusion; he didn’t understand what cancer meant but perceived from his daughter’s reaction that it must be a bad illness.

He anxiously asked, "Does your mom have anything wrong?"

Gu Xiaoqing gently patted Li Qinghai’s back, saying, "Grandpa, don’t worry. Grandma’s illness was detected early, it’s in its earliest stage. The doctor said that as long as the surgery is done to remove the problematic parts, with good medication and care, there’s no issue. Don’t worry too much.

My grandma started her hospitalization today because there’s a lot of preliminary tests to be done, so my second uncle is staying with her at the hospital. Later, when we’ve prepared food, we’ll take it to grandma, allowing my mom and aunt to swap with my second uncle."

These words immediately reassured Li Qinghai; the old man didn’t know how serious the illness was, but his granddaughter was a university student, and since she spoke so, there surely was no problem.

So he smiled and said, "Alright, as long as it’s nothing serious, I’ll also go visit your mom later; she must be frightened alone in the hospital. My wife always says hospitals aren’t good places, even healthy people find themselves ill there. If I don’t accompany her, she’ll be silently cursing me, won’t she?"

Li Qinghai hadn’t separated from Li Zhaodi all his life; now, with his partner hospitalized, his heart felt anxious and empty.

Li Weimin wanted to dissuade the old man from going, but hadn’t yet decided how to say it.

Gu Xiaoqing held onto Li Qinghai’s arm and said, "Grandpa, you mustn’t mention grandma’s illness to her; she’s unaware of it. If she knew there’d be an incision to remove something, grandma would be terribly frightened.

So let’s not tell grandma, ensuring she doesn’t worry, and can peacefully stay in the hospital."

This was preventive, to prevent Li Qinghai from slipping in conversation.

Li Qinghai agreed.

Li Xuemei staggered into the kitchen, feeling as weak as a puddle of mud.

Gazing at the dumplings on the board, her tears fell incessantly.

Han Xue and Liu Fen entered, followed by Gu Ruhai.

The two were not as easily deceived as Li Qinghai, realizing in their hearts that this ailment wasn’t a good one.

Li Xuemei suddenly threw herself into Gu Ruhai’s arms, stifling her sobs. Even while on the verge of emotional breakdown, Li Xuemei knew not to let Li Qinghai hear.

"It’s alright, really alright; I’ve already asked the doctor. We discovered it early, it’s timely, and as long as surgery is performed, recovery will happen quickly." Gu Ruhai whispered comfortingly to Li Xuemei.

In the living room, Li Qinghai and Li Wei faced each other sitting.

"Eldest, speak truthfully; what exactly is up with your mother? I’m not a child; earlier I discerned your mother’s illness isn’t good, right?"

Now Li Qinghai was displaying true seriousness and solemnity.

Li Weimin nodded, "Dad, the doctor said with surgery there’s an eighty percent chance mom can still survive. With proper care, she can live for another ten-plus years. But if the surgery isn’t done, and the condition worsens, it’s hopeless, she’ll only last three more years at most."

Li Weimin knew he couldn’t hide this from his dad.

Nor could he hide this affair.

Li Qinghai clutched his dry tobacco pipe tightly, after a long pause, sighed and said, "Then listen to the doctor. No matter the cost, we must cure your mom."

Li Weimin nodded.