Chapter 101: A Beautiful Daughter-in-Law Meets Her Parents-in-Law

After careful discussion between Kang Jimin and Elder Su, they unanimously agreed that the fact Su Fang had given birth to Kang Ning’s child must remain strictly confidential for the time being. Everyone in the family, from top to bottom, was to keep silent, never mentioning a word to outsiders. If anyone inquired, they would only say she was Kang’s adopted daughter.

Elder Su understood Kang Ning’s current situation well. When Kang Jimin sought his opinion, he immediately agreed, saying, “Su Fang is like a daughter to all of us, but who the father is must never be spoken of!” Both Kang Jimin and Elder Su knew that as long as Su Fang and her daughter lived peacefully within the Kang family, no one would dare cause trouble.

Having seen his daughter the previous night, Elder Su was unable to say a word to her while she was unconscious. His mind was restless, filled with worry, and he did not sleep all night. By seven in the morning, he was already pacing anxiously. About ten minutes later, Nurse Zhang arrived, knocking gently on the door, carrying a thermos filled with chicken soup that had simmered for hours. Kang Jimin immediately followed Elder Su, trailing behind Nurse Zhang as she led them towards the maternity ward.

Throughout the corridor, every doctor and nurse they passed stopped to greet Kang Jimin warmly. Even Nurse Zhang kept exchanging pleasantries with others along the way. Elder Su’s spirits lifted, and he grew to admire Kang Jimin’s reputation and character even more deeply.

As soon as Su Fang emerged from the operating room, the head nurse arranged for her to be placed in the VIP ward, where the accommodations were excellent and the care meticulous. Since the previous night, Mrs. Kang had stayed by Su Fang’s side. Su Fang awoke twice and was met each time with Mrs. Kang’s devoted care and gentle comfort, which brought immense warmth and solace to Su Fang’s weary heart after enduring so much hardship.

When Mrs. Kang saw Nurse Zhang and the others enter, she rose with a smile and softly said to Elder Su, “Xiaofang hasn’t woken up yet. Let her sleep a little longer; yesterday was exhausting enough for her. Let’s go see the baby first.”

Elder Su nodded, and together with Kang Jimin, they approached the bedside to watch their daughter sleeping soundly. The steady rhythm of her breathing eased their minds.

They exchanged a smile before turning to the baby’s crib. Seeing the rosy, healthy infant, their eyes filled with joy and tenderness. When the nurse gently changed the baby’s diaper and the little one revealed a shy smile, Kang Jimin’s broad grin could barely conceal his delight.

Once the nurse finished and closed the door behind her, Kang Jimin proudly remarked, “Such a beautiful little one!”

Nurse Zhang gently flicked the baby’s nose and fondly said, “This child looks almost exactly like little Ning did at that age. That chin definitely takes after his mother—so lovely. I’ve nearly been tempted to give him a kiss several times.”

Seeing Elder Su’s joyful and touched expression, Kang Jimin was inspired and smiled gently. “Brother Su, I have an idea. Since this is a good opportunity, why don’t we discuss it together?”

Elder Su nodded. “Go ahead, brother.”

With everyone’s attention, Kang Jimin stroked his chin thoughtfully and declared, “Brother Su lost your wife many years ago and has always regretted not having someone to carry on the family name. Therefore, I’ve decided that this child will take the Su surname! This way, we can all feel more at ease.”

Elder Su was unexpectedly moved by Kang Jimin’s generosity and kindness, at a loss for words. “This… this…”

Kang Jimin laughed heartily. “Don’t decline, brother. The next grandson can take the Kang name!”

Mrs. Kang hadn’t anticipated Kang Jimin’s decision either. Though slightly disappointed at first, she soon accepted it with ease. “Alright, I agree. How about we name him Su Xiaokang? The name carries both of us within it, wishing our grandson a healthy and joyful life. What does everyone think?”

“A great name!” Kang Jimin and Nurse Zhang both echoed happily.

Elder Su, deeply moved by the sentiment of carrying on the family line, looked at everyone with gratitude. “I… I’m so touched I don’t know what to say. Thank you, brother, thank you, sister-in-law, and thank you, Sister Zhang. I never expected this—I’m truly overjoyed! But, but little Ning is also an only child.”

Kang Jimin chuckled strangely. Seeing the puzzled looks on their faces, he explained, “After stepping back from public office for nearly a year, I’ve come to realize it’s just a government position. Even if I don’t work for the government, I can still serve the people! Once little Ning’s matters are settled, our family will open a private hospital. Money won’t be an issue—it’s just a matter of effort. For example, two months ago, I treated a patient from Chengdu who secretly left me 200,000 yuan before leaving. I’m not boasting; with me in charge, making a few million a year is entirely possible. Brother Su will help too. Most of our family are medical professionals—no one will be idle. Where else could we find such conditions? Another benefit is that Su Fang and her husband will have something to do. Even if she has ten or eight grandchildren, it’s fine. At worst, we’ll joyfully pay fines. No need to worry about the family line ending, right?”

Elder Su and Nurse Zhang laughed heartily, while Mrs. Kang shot her husband a sharp glance. “What nonsense are you talking about? Who’s going to have ten or eight grandchildren for you? You don’t understand how hard it is for us women. You really don’t know what you’re saying!”

Everyone laughed again just then as Su Fang, having awakened, coughed twice, prompting them to quickly suppress their laughter and gather around her.

Mrs. Kang propped up a large pillow so Su Fang could lie more comfortably. “How are you feeling, child?”

“Much better,” Su Fang replied softly, then turned to Elder Su, tears welling in her beautiful eyes. “Dad… I’m sorry.”

Elder Su took her hand, filled with sorrow. “Xiaofang, let the past be the past. I don’t blame you for anything except sneaking out like that. What if something terrible had happened? What would your father have done? Listen to me, no more crying. From now on, no matter what happens, don’t keep things to yourself. You are my daughter, and no matter how big the problem, your father will support you. Don’t carry burdens alone.”

Su Fang nodded gratefully. Mrs. Kang brought a warm towel to gently wipe her face while Nurse Zhang handed over the baby.

Overjoyed, Su Fang took her son, tears of happiness streaming down her face as she gazed at his adorable face, fingers in his mouth. Her profound and sincere maternal love moved everyone deeply. They quietly watched the blissful mother and child, with tears glimmering in the eyes of the two elder women.

After a long while, the kindly nurse returned to take the baby for routine care. Elder Su spoke to Su Fang about naming the child. Seeing Su Fang shyly lie down and pull the blanket over her flushed face, Elder Su chuckled heartily, then affectionately teased, “Xiaofang, from today on, you’ll have to call us your parents. All of us are your mothers and fathers now, haha! What’s there to be embarrassed about? The ugly bride must meet the in-laws eventually!”

Kang Jimin found this amusing and laughed heartily. Mrs. Kang, hearing Elder Su’s words, was displeased and gave him a sharp look. Sitting at the bedside, she gently brushed Su Fang’s hair and proudly declared, “Ugly bride? Such a lovely daughter-in-law is hard to find even with a lantern. If anyone ever dares say my daughter-in-law isn’t beautiful again, I’ll never let it go!”

Kang Jimin and Elder Su exchanged glances before bursting into laughter together.