Chapter 22

The day after I met with Uncle Qiao, my mom happened to call and told me to come home for dinner with Suhang. She said my dad insisted on cooking himself, that I used to love crucian carp soup most, and he’d gone to the market early in the morning to buy fish.

In the kitchen, my dad was hunched over the sink, scraping fish scales. Suhang had his sleeves rolled up beside him, slicing ginger into fine shreds with practiced skill.

While he worked, Suhang filled my dad in on company matters.

My dad didn’t really care. “You just make the decisions. That’s enough ginger. Peel some garlic.”

My mom watched the two men’s backs in the kitchen, her face full of contentment. “These days your dad’s like a kid waiting for the weekend, just wanting to see you two. He’s been pushing me to call you early! Once people get old, all they want is the whole family together, happy and harmonious!”

Over dinner, my mom accidentally mentioned that my dad had had a stent put in his heart not long ago.

“Oh come on, why bring that up!” my dad cut her off quickly.

“I’m bringing it up on purpose. The doctor stressed over and over that with his temper, that won’t do anymore. He has to keep his mood up. From now on everyone has to keep an eye on him-let’s see if he still dares to lose his temper!”

“I’ll change! I’ll change, all right?” My dad gave an embarrassed grin. “What’s a retired old man doing losing his temper anyway? I’m very happy now!”

“Dad, when were you in the hospital? Why didn’t you tell me?” I blurted, anxious.

“Last month. Just a minor procedure! I was in the hospital for one day. Your mom took good care of me, that was enough! You two are busy…”

Suhang spoke up nervously as well. “Dad, anything to do with your health is a big deal. You have to tell us about everything, no matter what. There’s a Doctor Chen at Provincial Hospital who’s a friend of mine. Tomorrow I’ll drive you over to him for a checkup. I won’t be at ease until I see the results.”

“No need…”

My dad had just started to refuse when my mom gently pressed down on the back of his hand. “The kids are this worried. Just listen and go. Think of it as reassuring them.”

“All right, all right, I’ll do as you say.” My dad compromised, but his face was full of happiness.

Bitterness and heartache welled up inside me. All those questions I’d been preparing for so long slipped back down my throat without a sound.