“Xiaohui, what brings you here so early?” “You so rarely get a day off, you should be at home relaxing. We’re happy to look after the little one.” “Why don’t you stay for a bite before you head back?” If she hadn’t heard the words herself, she never would have been able to reconcile the kind, gentle woman standing before her with the venomous voice from moments ago. She managed a tight smile. “No, it’s alright. It’s getting late anyway. We'll eat at home, we wouldn't want to impose.” With that, Su Xiaohui got in her car and drove away. She simply couldn't pretend she hadn't heard a thing. Because of the incident, Su Xiaohui was still cold to Zhou Sen when he came home, but he, of course, had to ask. “Honey, what’s wrong?” “My mom called. She said you seemed to be in a bad mood today.” “She had the nerve to complain to you?” Su Xiaohui could only laugh in disbelief. Hearing this, Zhou Sen’s expression darkened. “Honey, what’s that supposed to mean?” “What’s it supposed to mean? I should be asking what your mother meant!” Su Xiaohui didn’t hold back, recounting every last word she had overheard that day. “All these years... *all these years*, Zhou Sen, and I never knew. I never knew your family was so old-fashioned, so obsessed with having boys.” “Don't you dare tell me you didn't know.” “You kept it from me, telling me how much they loved Lele, that they absolutely doted on her.” “You’re a master at papering over the cracks, aren’t you? Just brilliant. I’m so impressed!” With that, Su Xiaohui furiously slammed the door shut. Right now, she couldn't even stand the sight of him. In the ten-plus years since they’d met, married, and built a life together, she’d never once suspected his parents held such archaic beliefs. In person, her in-laws always treated her like their own daughter. To think they would say such things behind her back... And the joke was on her, for actually believing them, for treating them like her own parents. Su Xiaohui was simmering with rage, but when she woke up the next morning to a full breakfast spread on the table, much of her anger dissipated. Zhou Sen looked at her, his face etched with guilt. “Honey, I’m so sorry. I talked to my mom yesterday. You know how she is, she just runs her mouth sometimes. She wanted me to apologize to you, said she didn’t mean it like that.” “And you’re completely wrong about me wanting a son. You know how I treat Lele. Whatever anyone else thinks, you know the truth.” Most of her anger had already subsided, and with Zhou Sen’s coaxing, she decided not to dwell on it any longer. That evening, she found a fine jewelry box from a luxury brand in his bag. She opened it and saw the necklace she'd mentioned wanting a while back—the one that cost over twenty thousand dollars. What made it so special was that each one was unique, designed with a custom logo and date provided by the client. The one in her hands was engraved with the initials of her and her husband's surnames, followed by the number 16—the day their daughter was born. It was clear he had put a lot of thought into the gift. She wondered how long he’d been planning it; it must have been at least two or three months. He had his moments. Su Xiaohui smiled to herself, placed the box back in the bag, and pretended she hadn't seen it. The next few days passed, and Zhou Sen didn't mention the necklace. Su Xiaohui wasn’t in a hurry. Christmas was just around the corner, and she figured he was waiting to give it to her as a Christmas present. Zhou Sen had always been sentimental about these things. That day, it was her turn to work at the clinic. She had just changed into her scrubs when her first appointment arrived. “Chen Shu?” Su Xiaohui looked at the young woman before her. She was in her early twenties, with a sweet, quiet demeanor. “What seems to be the problem?” she asked. Chen Shu fiddled with her fingers. “Doctor, I’m a little over three months pregnant. I’m here today to set up my prenatal file.” Su Xiaohui froze for a second. Starting a family so young? She was a bit surprised. Young people these days seemed reluctant to have children, and those who did often waited as long as possible. “Step behind the curtain, I’ll listen for the heartbeat first.” The baby’s heartbeat was normal—a strong, steady rhythm that pulsed with vigorous life. Seeing no issues, Su Xiaohui wrote out the necessary forms for Chen Shu. Just as Chen Shu left, an intern came running out after her. “Dr. Su, where’s that patient who just left? She dropped something.” “She just walked out, if you hurry you can catch…” Su Xiaohui’s words caught in her throat. Because the object in the intern’s hand was an identical match to the necklace Zhou Sen had bought. And what made her heart stop, engraved clearly on the pendant, were the characters: SZ16