Volume One, Chapter 11: Continuing the Family Lineage

Huo Shixu did not give an immediate response. He simply left with a phrase, "We'll talk later," and walked out of the porridge shop.

Knowing Huo Shixu as well as she did, Song Nanyi believed he would consider it. She preferred a peaceful separation; it would cause much less trouble.

Although Song Nanyi said she could take a taxi home, Huo Shixu insisted on driving her back himself.

On the way, the two remained silent—stranger to each other than when they first met.

Huo Shixu had a habit while driving: whenever Song Nanyi sat in the passenger seat, his right hand would hold her left hand. That habit had somehow changed over time, just as she hadn’t noticed him switch from steering with his left hand to his right.

“Since we’re already talking about divorce, you don’t have to be so fixated on the wedding anniversary or the auction. I do have a business trip coming up, so if you really want to go to the jewelry auction, you can take someone else,” Song Nanyi said as she was about to get out of the car.

He didn’t reply, only lowering his gaze to her ringless left ring finger.

“Where’s the ring?” he suddenly asked.

She lightly rubbed her finger, pursing her lips. “I don’t know when I lost it.”

They both understood—neither would wear their wedding rings again.

His eyes darkened. “Rest well. When I’m done with work, I’ll come back early and keep you company.”

She smiled faintly, then turned and left.

Huo Shixu didn’t return that night.

Early the next morning, Song Nanyi yawned as she went downstairs. Her mother-in-law, Sun Aiyun, was sitting leisurely on the living room sofa.

Song Nanyi was momentarily stunned but quickly buttoned up her pajamas. “Mother.”

Sun Aiyun’s gaze was always strange when she looked at Song Nanyi—part disdain, part jealousy. She enjoyed assuming the role of the matriarch, lecturing others.

In the past life, when Song Nanyi and Huo Shixu were close, he would always stand protectively in front of her whenever Sun Aiyun tried to make things difficult. Out of respect for her son, Sun Aiyun would relent.

Now things were different.

Huo Shixu no longer loved her.

“Nanyi, yesterday when you went to the old house, you saw your grandfather and father both stressed over whether you and Shixu would have children. I want to hear your thoughts,” Sun Aiyun said, wearing a pink qipao specially chosen for the occasion.

Though she was no longer young, she still wanted to outshine Song Nanyi with her aura and poise.

Song Nanyi had no intention of having children with Huo Shixu. Saying so in front of Sun Aiyun would surely send the woman into a frenzy. Since divorce was imminent, there was no need.

“Mother, having children depends on fate,” she replied.

“You’ve been married three years, but you’ve only been playing around, neglecting your duty to continue the Huo family line. Shixu is unreliable, and you’re no better. As the only son, your grandfather has high hopes for him, especially regarding children. He wants you to have seven or eight. You need to take this seriously,” Sun Aiyun lectured expertly.

Song Nanyi didn’t want to argue and nodded insincerely, “I understand, Mother.”

“Nanyi, you’re not young anymore. You don’t need me to teach you many things.” Sun Aiyun handed her a business card. “This gynecologist is a friend of mine. I’ve already made an appointment for you on Monday. Go for a checkup. If there’s nothing wrong, then get to work.”

To Song Nanyi, having children was a matter for both partners, and any examination should be mutual. It should be a reproductive health specialist, not just a gynecologist. Sending her alone implied doubt about her fertility.

“I’m perfectly healthy,” Song Nanyi said flatly.

Sun Aiyun looked at her pretty but lifeless face and sneered, “You say you’re healthy, but where are the kids? Nanyi, Shixu married you to continue the family line, not to be a mere ornament.”

Song Nanyi said nothing, her expression as if the world owed her something.

Sun Aiyun’s displeasure grew, though she dared not be too harsh.

“I’ve heard about Shixu’s affairs outside. Compared to other women, I still want you to bear his children. In my heart, you’re still my daughter-in-law.”

Song Nanyi’s heart ached. It was both a rebuke and a backhanded compliment.

Not wanting to waste energy on the Huo family, she feigned compliance, “I understand, Mother. I’ll try my best.”

“Then give me a deadline so I can report back to your grandfather,” Sun Aiyun pressed.

Song Nanyi couldn’t give a time frame and shifted the responsibility to Huo Shixu. “Mother, you should ask Shixu. He hasn’t been home much lately.”

The logic was simple: without the man present, no amount of her effort would result in reproduction.

Sun Aiyun’s expression soured but she found no reason to push further.

As she left, she tossed a parting remark, “My friend’s schedule is hard to get. Since it’s arranged, go check first. I’ll have Shixu find time to get checked too.”

“Mm.”

After Sun Aiyun left, Song Nanyi tore up the card and threw it into the trash.

…

A few days later, Huo Shixu brought Su Yuan back home.

Su Yuan appeared fearful when she saw Song Nanyi, but Song Nanyi sensed half of it was an act.

In the past, she would have confronted Huo Shixu to expose Su Yuan’s pretense.

The result? She would have only humiliated herself.

Now she no longer cared.

“Sister Nanyi, my illness is almost gone. Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to help around the house. I’m not here to freeload,” Su Yuan said softly, always starting with tears welling in her eyes.

Such natural fragility easily grabbed Huo Shixu’s heart.

Before Song Nanyi could speak, Huo Shixu cut in, “You just recovered and need to rest. We have servants; you don’t need to work.”

“Brother Shixu, I’m not that fragile. I worked in the fields since I was little. I can handle it,” she said, tilting her face up and smiling at Huo Shixu, as if waiting for his praise.

Huo Shixu turned his face toward Song Nanyi. “I have a business trip tomorrow. Yuan, I’m leaving her in your care.”

Song Nanyi said nothing.

He thought she was still sulking.

Gently pulling her into his arms, he rarely showed patience as he coaxed her, “Still mad at me? Didn’t we agree to fight at the head of the bed and make up at the foot?”

“Huo Shixu, what I told you last time wasn’t a joke. I hope you make a decision soon,” Song Nanyi reminded him.

His expression darkened but was calmer than when he first mentioned divorce.

“I’ll think it over, but I can’t promise you the outcome you want.” His eyes were complex as he looked at her. “Nanyi, I know I’ve neglected you lately. When I’m done with this…”

He didn’t finish.

Song Nanyi interrupted, “It’s fine. You focus on your work and take care of yourself.”

Though her words seemed caring, they stung Huo Shixu.

Just as he was about to say more, Su Yuan suddenly clutched her stomach, bent over, and said, “Brother Shixu, my stomach hurts a bit. Can I go rest in my room?”