On the day of the divorce, I became Qin Shao's darling.

She refused while glancing at Qin Jiamo, hoping he would help her out of the predicament.

Qin Jiamo not only didn't refuse on her behalf, but also nodded slightly and said calmly, "Accept it. It's only proper etiquette. Don't go against your uncle and aunt's wishes."

"Yes, it's just a small gift, and it's the child's birthday, so it's only right." The two elders continued to persuade her, insisting on stuffing the gift into her arms.

Lin Xiwei couldn't refuse, so she had no choice but to accept.

But that wasn't the end of it. Qin Jiamo's cousins, who were of the same generation, also stepped forward one after another, presenting the gifts they had prepared for Junjun.

"This small token represents our blessings for the child. Happy birthday!"

The "small tokens" they mentioned were either pure gold safety locks, Hetian jade safety buckles, or icy jadeite leaves, and some even gave gold bars directly.

Lin Xiwei never expected that truly wealthy people would express their feelings in such a simple and direct way!

She did nothing, and in the blink of an eye, her assets increased by several million.

Lin Xiwei's face was practically frozen from smiling, and she could only nod and thank her repeatedly, accepting the gift graciously.

"Gamo, help Weiwei pack up these gifts and take her to the back garden to see how the birthday party is being arranged. Junjun will be in our care; his great-uncle and great-aunt both seem to like him very much."

With a smile on her face, Madam Qin seemed to have temporarily emerged from the grief of a parent outliving their child.

Qin Jiamo nodded, then turned to look at Lin Xiwei, "Put your things upstairs, I'll pick them up when I take you back."

Lin Xiwei bowed to the elders and left first.

As she went upstairs, she looked at Qin Jiamo and asked, "Is your family always this extravagant when giving gifts?"

Qin Jiamo smiled faintly, "More or less, did I scare you?"

Lin Xiwei said shyly, "I thought wealthy families were all full of backstabbing and infighting, but I didn't expect your family to be so united and harmonious."

"It was a family tradition established by my great-grandfather, passed down from generation to generation. If any family focuses on internal strife, they are making an enemy of the entire family. In addition, neither my brother nor I joined the family business, so the other relatives felt indebted. Now that Yue Lang has died in the line of duty, there is one less competitor for the other families, so they probably have more pity and sympathy for my parents."

Qin Jiamo explained in a low, slow voice, her heart still aching as she thought of her younger brother who had died young.

"Now that they know Yue Lang has a child, they are naturally willing to show their utmost goodwill. The little something they've given you is precious to ordinary people, but to any branch of the Qin family, it's nothing more than a drop in the ocean. So please accept it without worry, don't think it's a big deal."

After Qin Jiamo explained it this way, Lin Xiwei understood completely.

True wealthy families don't care about gifts worth a few hundred thousand. If they're going to be concerned about something, it's a project worth hundreds of millions.

They would be more than happy to exchange this "small amount of money" for a reputation for generosity and leave a respectable and magnanimous impression.

Lin Xiwei once again felt the gap between ordinary people and the wealthy.

Their vision and perspective are on a completely different level.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The birthday party was held in the back garden.

Although it was winter and the temperature was low, there was a large sunroom in the backyard that was warm and cozy.

A child's third birthday should normally be celebrated in a grand manner, but the Qin family is still in mourning, so it is not appropriate to hold a large-scale celebration.

So the family got together to see the child and celebrate his birthday.

Qin Jiamo led Lin Xiwei into the sunroom, which was already mostly furnished.

"Is this arrangement acceptable? If you have any further ideas, we can have them add to it."

Lin Xiwei was stunned by what she saw as soon as she stepped into the sunroom.

The banquet hall was decorated to resemble a tranquil, deep space.

Against a backdrop of deep blue and silver-gray, a nearly two-person-tall model of a space rocket stands in the center, with a backdrop of a Milky Way curtain covered with fluorescent constellations, and several floating, misty planet balloons slowly rotating.

The long table was covered with velvet printed with a nebula pattern, and each guest had a small astronaut doll in front of them.

The whole scene was filled with the pure innocence of children's dreams, as if it were a gathering in outer space.

Lin Xiwei stared in amazement, exclaiming, "It's so beautiful, so high-class! Did you have this all made?"

She turned to look at Qin Jiamo, her eyes shining as she asked.

Seeing her satisfaction, Qin Jiamo's expression softened, and a smile appeared on his lips. "I asked Junjun what kind of birthday party he wanted, and he said he wanted to be an astronaut, so I asked someone to plan this theme. Seeing how satisfied you are, he must like it very much too."

Lin Xiwei walked in, still deeply shocked.

Thinking of Qin Jiamo and the two elders' doting love for Junjun, she was deeply moved once again.

"Thank you so much. You're all so good to Junjun, even more so than I am his own mother." She turned around and thanked him from the bottom of her heart.

The huge changes she encountered in a short period of time left her feeling powerless to care for her child.

She didn't have any particular plans for her son's third birthday—she thought it would just be her and her son celebrating alone, with Chu Qing joining them at most.

Unexpectedly, Qin Jiamo didn't even consult her, but directly asked Junjun for his opinion and arranged such a perfect astronaut-themed birthday party.

This room full of starlight was not only a surprise for Junjun, but also a "coronation" for her.

After all, she had never had a proper birthday celebration with her family since she could remember.

If her parents remember, they will cook her a bowl of noodles.

If he doesn't remember, he'll only say "Happy Birthday" after she reminds him, and then impatiently say, "How old are you? You're still like a child, always thinking about your birthday."

Even after Junjun was born, her parents complained that she was being too extravagant when she organized a birthday party for him a couple of years ago. They said that it was enough for the family to have a meal at home, and why bother with all those fancy things?

The sense of ritual and being valued that she craved was never fulfilled.

Now, she is surprised and delighted by the unexpected appearance of an "outsider" in her life, who has presented her with such a perfect picture.

As Qin Jiamo listened to Lin Xiwei's sentiments, he couldn't help but think to himself: "Because he's my own son."

But he could not speak after all.

In his parents' eyes, Junjun is the continuation of Yuelang, and a way to make up for their regret of outliving their son.

Now even all our relatives and friends think so.

He could only do his best to keep this lie hidden.

"Because we are all Junjun's family, it is only right that we do these things for him," Qin Jiamo responded.

Lin Xiwei looked at him, and although she didn't say anything more, the gratitude, appreciation, and emotion flowing in her heart once again overwhelmed her hard-won rationality.

The birthday party was very lively.

Junjun became the center of attention, with everyone revolving around him. He got whatever he wanted, and everyone applauded whatever he said.

The little guy was all smiles, not at all like a sick child.

While cutting the birthday cake, Junjun happily said, "Mom, birthdays are so wonderful! I want to celebrate my birthday every day from now on."

One sentence made the whole audience burst into laughter.

Grandpa Qin quickly assured his grandson, "From now on, Junjun will be this happy every day!"

Lin Xiwei looked at her son's long-lost happy smile, and her eyes unconsciously searched for Qin Jiamo, casting a grateful glance at him.

……

Before the banquet was over, Junjun was already feeling somewhat exhausted.

His illness has not fully recovered, and even after being discharged from the hospital, he will need to rest and recuperate.

So Lin Xiwei carried him out of the banquet hall and went back to their room to sleep.

Lying down on the bed, Junjun blinked his big eyes and whispered, "Mommy, I really like this grandpa and grandma's house. It's better than the old grandpa's house."

Lin Xiwei's smile was bitter.

Speaking of her "grandfather from before," she couldn't help but sigh.

Today is her child's third birthday, but no one from the Su family called or texted her to mention it.

Logically speaking, grudges between adults should never involve children.

After all, they were once a family, and before the divorce, she had diligently maintained harmony within the family.

Unexpectedly, now that she and Su Yunfan have broken up, they have cut ties with her completely, not even caring about their child's birthday.

Seeing the somewhat cautious look in her son's eyes, Lin Xiwei understood what he was thinking.

The little guy felt that "abandoning" his old grandpa was a bit of a shame, but he had to face his truest feelings—that he liked his current grandpa.

She smiled and touched her son's face, saying softly, "Mom also thinks these grandpa and grandma are the best. If you like it here, you can come often in the future."

"Hmm." Junjun nodded, then suddenly said out of the blue, "Mom, why don't you give Grandpa and Grandma another grandson!"

Lin Xiwei was stunned and completely bewildered.

"Who told you that? Or did you just make it up yourself?" She felt that a three-year-old child shouldn't understand these things.

Sure enough, Junjun said without any guile, "Grandma was talking to my great-aunt about it. She said that you and my uncle should have a baby, and that once my younger brother and sister are born, my illness will be cured."

"..." Lin Xiwei looked at her son, unsure how to respond.

She didn't expect that it wasn't just Qin Jiamo who had this idea, but even Old Madam Qin had it.

"Mom, is what Grandma said true? If you have another baby, will my illness be cured?" Junjun asked innocently.

Lin Xiwei cannot guarantee this to her child.

Because even the most authoritative doctors dare not make such a promise.

She had no choice but to change the subject: "Honey, you should go to sleep first. This matter is too complicated; you wouldn't understand."

"Okay..." Junjun pouted, snuggling deeper into the blanket. Before closing his eyes, he muttered, "It would be nice if I had a younger brother or sister."

Lin Xiwei smiled without saying a word and gently patted her to sleep.

There was a gentle knock on the door. She turned around and saw Qin Jiamo walk in.

Junjun had just fallen asleep, so Lin Xiwei quickly made a "shush" gesture to him. He immediately stopped at the door and didn't come any closer.

A few minutes later, after confirming that the child was sound asleep, Lin Xiwei got up and went outside.

"I'm watching him while he's asleep. Why don't you go down and eat something else? I noticed you didn't eat much at lunch," Qin Jiamo said softly as she approached.

Lin Xiwei didn't respond to his words, but instead gestured for him to go out first, as she had something to say.

Qin Jiamo followed her as she turned and went out.

After the room door closed, Lin Xiwei looked up at him, thought for a moment, and said, "The elders were chatting this morning and mentioned that matter..."

Qin Jiamo asked, puzzled, "What is it?"

Lin Xiwei looked at him, her face flushed with embarrassment, "It's just... like you suggested, we... have a child."

Qin Jiamo remained silent, his expression unchanged.

"How could godmother say such a thing in front of Junjun? He doesn't really understand, and he thinks that as long as I give him another brother or sister, his illness will be cured. What if he still isn't cured after I give birth? Then he..."

Lin Xiwei knew that Madam Qin meant no harm and was probably just chatting with another elder.

However, no matter what, children are prone to misunderstanding when they hear this.

Qin Jiamo understood her concerns. "I'll find some time to talk to my mom and ask her to avoid mentioning these things in front of the children next time."

Lin Xiwei looked at him, her eyes filled with shyness: "Did you tell the two elders about this?"

Qin Jiamo did not deny it.

Since he doesn't deny it, then that's it.

Lin Xiwei said anxiously, "How could you tell the two elders about this? I haven't thought it through at all, and does your family really not care about what others think? If this were an ordinary family, it would be fine, but you are a wealthy and prestigious family."

"You're overthinking it. No matter how wealthy or prestigious a family is, survival is the most important thing. My parents and I think the same way: as long as Junjun's illness can be cured, we have to try anything. After all, this isn't illegal or criminal, as long as you agree."

Lin Xiwei looked troubled and turned to walk away.

Qin Jiamo followed in her footsteps.

She took a few steps and suddenly stopped, turning back to look at the man. "Qin Jiamo, we can't make such an absurd decision about the birth of a life. In my opinion, only a little life that is deeply loved and anticipated can come into this world, not one with such obvious utilitarianism and a sense of mission. I've already let Junjun down; I can't let another child down too."

She said she was sorry to Junjun because she hadn't stood her ground and had softened her heart because of Su Yunfan's pleas, so she used special means to give birth to Junjun.

Now, hasn't Junjun been abandoned?

"I understand what you mean," Qin Jiamo said earnestly, looking into her conflicted and struggling eyes. "I won't let him come into this world unloved and without a reason. I will love him, just like I love Junjun."

Lin Xiwei frowned: "You like children that much?"

"Yes," Qin Jiamo said firmly, "I like children."

I also like you having children.

But Qin Jiamo kept these words on the tip of his tongue and didn't say them aloud.

"The child is born, but who will the child live with?" Lin Xiwei seemed convinced and finally considered the next question.

Qin Jiamo said without much hesitation, "We can get married, the child can live with us, and there's Junjun too. We can be a happy family of four."

"Marriage?" Lin Xiwei was shocked. "You're going to marry me?"

"right."

Lin Xiwei stared at him for a long while before saying incredulously, "Do you even know what marriage means? You've been single for so many years, you must be a staunch non-marriage advocate, right? You've never even dated—why are you suddenly getting married? And to a divorced woman no less?"

Lin Xiwei deeply suspected that he was hiding some kind of conspiracy!