Wen Xinya had drawn up a herbal nourishment and dietary plan for Old Mr. Mo, which was in coordination with the doctor’s treatment. Old Mr. Mo was recovering rapidly and the haggardness on his face vanished within just five days. He looked much more energetic than before and it was all a blessing in disguise.
Wen Xinya was on cloud nine and she would visit the hospital every day, regardless of how much Old Mr. Mo chided her for being too noisy and annoying. She insisted on doing so, even after Old Mr. Mo ordered her to focus on her academics on several occasions.
Old Mr. Mo had long given up on trying to talk her around.
For the first time, he discovered how annoying his usually-obedient granddaughter could be!
“Grampy, I brewed this oyster-and-clam soup for four hours and it’s suitable for you because it helps nourish the heart, boost Qi and strengthen the kidney. Si Yiyan drank this soup for three whole years while he was receiving treatment for his old ailment. Look at him now. He’s healthy and strong, isn’t he?” Wen Xinya held a bowl of soup in her hands and leaned closer towards Old Mr. Mo, putting on her best behavior and feeding him some soup.
Oysters were good for nourishing the kidney and the weather was warm enough for nourishing too. For both men and women, oysters were great for nourishing, especially after suffering a major illness.
She had researched on oysters and their medical properties because of Si Yiyan.
“You’re so young. Stop spending your time staying by my side. Young people like you ought to focus on your studies and your career. Mother He and Mother Jiang also know how to cook these nourishing meals,” Old Mr. Mo said while staring at the fresh bowl of oyster soup in front of him. He could tell that Wen Xinya had put in plenty of effort when brewing it and hence, dared not turn her down. Besides, the herbal soups that she made had always tasted superb.
“Grampy, you’ve already said those words plenty of times before and I’m getting sick of hearing them. Since you’re ill, I ought to be a dutiful granddaughter and stay by your side to take care of you. You were the one who taught me that filial piety comes first. Besides, I’m a grown-up and I know my limits. I won’t let it affect my academics and career.”
Those who were old and sick would often wish for their family members to stay by their side and be filial to them, unlike Old Mr. Mo, who often chased her away like she was an annoying fly. She almost thought that he was really infuriated with her.
“Are you starting to find me long-winded now?” Old Mr. Mo was speechless. After thinking about what he had done in the past few days, he could not help but admit that he was getting too long-winded. People tended to become too naggy once they were old.
Wen Xinya hurriedly said, “Grampy, I didn’t say that you’re being too long-winded and naggy!”
Staring at her bright and sparkly eyes, Old Mr. Mo had no choice but to finish the soup silently.
The smooth fragrance and subtle aroma of herbs managed to balance out the fishiness of the oysters and gave it a burst of deliciousness and flavor.
Wen Xinya grabbed the empty bowl from Old Mr. Mo’s hand and placed it on the bedside cabinet. Holding onto his arm, she kissed his face and said, “Grampy, you’re really impressive.”
She then scooped another bowl of soup for Old Mr. Mo.
The smooth and fragrant oyster soup was extremely appetizing for Old Mr. Mo, who proceeded to finish three bowls at one go.
That was one more bowl than usual.
Old Mr. Mo then tried to negotiate with her. “Xinya, I’ve been hospitalized for more than ten days and I’ve been recovering well too. The doctor also said that there are no longer any major issues with my health. Can I be discharged?”
Due to the fact that his parents, wife, and daughter had all passed away in the hospital, Old Mr. Mo had always been resistant towards hospitals and he had never stayed in a hospital for long either. Besides, the hospital was not as comfortable as home and he could not stand boredom either. He would usually spend his time reading, writing calligraphy, painting or entertaining himself with chess.
Wen Xinya stared at Old Mr. Mo in bewilderment and asked, “Grampy, what did you say? I didn’t hear you clearly.”
Old Mr. Mo’s words were way too shocking and she felt the need to hear him repeat himself.
Old Mr. Mo again asked, “Go ask the hospital authorities, just when can I leave the hospital?”
Old Mr. Mo did not beat around the bush this time and instead cut straight to the point and made his intentions known.
Wen Xinya rubbed her ear and asked, “What? I didn’t hear you clearly…”
At this point, Old Mr. Mo knew that she was clearly just poking fun at him and feigning ignorance!
Wen Xinya stared at him with her eyes wide open and she said in a cutesy manner, “Grampy, I think I heard you saying something about getting discharged. You want to get discharged now…?” She grinned to reveal her pearly whites before exclaiming, “Dream on!”
Getting discharged now…
What a joke. Even if the doctor agrees, I won’t!
Old Mr. Mo was being irresponsible towards his own body by asking to be discharged in such a condition.
Old Mr. Mo stared at his granddaughter sternly and asked, “Shouldn’t you be asking for the doctor’s opinion?”
Old Mr. Mo noticed that she was smiling sinisterly like a little demoness who was poking her nose into everyone’s business. He suddenly began to sympathize with Si Yiyan.
Wen Xinya smiled radiantly and said, “The doctor said that patients who have suffered myocardial infarction would usually have to stay in the hospital for further observation for two to four weeks, depending on the severity of their condition. Do you think your condition is severe?”
Old Mr. Mo was completely speechless.
Smiling innocently and radiantly, Wen Xinya said, “So… Grampy, are you going to listen to the doctor or me?”
No matter who you listen to, you’ll still have to listen to me in the end!
Old Mr. Mo asked with a sullen expression, “When can I be discharged, then?”
After giving it some thought, Wen Xinya answered self-righteously, “You have had a close shave with death this time and you must be hospitalized. There are 28 days in four weeks. After deducting the past ten days, you still have to stay here for about 18 more days.”
Wen Xinya secretly laughed to herself. Old Mr. Mo was recovering well and so were his cardiac muscles. The doctor said that he could be discharged after two to three weeks of hospitalization.
Old Mr. Mo asked with a frown, “That long?”
He stared at his granddaughter apprehensively.
Wen Xinya said resignedly, “Grampy, cut it out. Your illness was very dangerous this time and although you’re healing well, the doctor said that you have to stay in the hospital for further observation. Don’t keep asking to be discharged.”
This time, she would have to stay in the hospital for three weeks. Whether or not he could be discharged would have to depend on Old Mr. Mo’s recovery.
Old Mr. Mo stared at his granddaughter, who looked stern and assertive as if she was disciplining a recalcitrant child. He could not help but feel a little melancholic.
