People don't know where they heard about the matter of Xiuhong's family having a disabled child. Some sigh, some laugh, some curse, and some sympathize. Various sounds drift around the ears of the young couple, making them feel restless and uneasy.
"I think this family must have done something bad to deserve such a child; it's definitely retribution. If I had a son like that, I would have strangled him long ago to prevent him from bringing calamity to the world. I think there’s also something wrong with Xiuhong. Why are other people’s children fine, but hers is like that? I suspect there must be something wrong with her body," said a quick-talking woman discussing Xiuhong's family affairs with others.
"You heartless person! Do you think it was easy for us to have a child like this? It wasn’t something we were happy or willing to accept. Besides, giving birth isn’t something women can do alone. I believe that since the per capita GNP has reached ten thousand dollars, there must be something wrong with Ma Zhen from Xiuhong's family too. Otherwise, why does the child have so many defects?" The two continued their discussion back and forth.
"I think they should just have another child. Maybe the next one won't have any issues." Hearing this, the woman sighed: "I think they should just focus on raising this child instead. By doing so, they'll accumulate great virtue. They shouldn’t have another child, otherwise if it turns out to be disabled again, it will cause much more trouble."
Just then, Wanyan arrived. Xiuhong and Ma Zhen kept arguing over whether to keep this child or not. The pragmatic Ma Zhen didn’t want the disabled child, but Xiuhong couldn’t bear to part with her own flesh and blood. Of course, this decision was supported by both families beforehand. Xiuhong's sister-in-law said: "Even stray cats and dogs brought into our home need to be raised, let alone a human child. Regardless of whether he is disabled or not, since he has come to us, we have the responsibility to raise him."
Ma Zhen's pragmatic parents held a different opinion: "There has never been a disabled person in our family before. We don’t know which ancestor sinned to bring such misfortune. If people encounter a child like this, they might gossip endlessly, and this will surely tarnish our family's reputation."
Xiuhong's sister-in-law was quite clever. Seeing both families remain at an impasse over this matter, she suddenly came up with a plan to register the child. Thinking about this, Xiuhong's father-in-law said to his daughter-in-law: "Let's register the disabled child's household registration. This way, those heartless people won’t think about strangling the child anymore. Once registered, the child will be legally protected."
Xiuhong's mother-in-law agreed: "Yes, yes, let's quickly register the child's household registration to avoid unnecessary worries."
To register the household, they needed to give the child a name. Xiuhong wanted to call her son Yuyang, while Ma Zhen wanted to call him Weixin. Xiuhong said: "This child is the sunshine after the rain. Although he may make us suffer now, who knows, maybe he will become as radiant as the sun in the future. I foresee that my child will not be someone without accomplishments."
Ma Zhen sighed: "Weixin, truly weixin (only in heart). This child makes me feel regretful. That's why I want to call him Weixin. Every time I see him, it reminds me of the pain."
Despite differing opinions, most people sided with Xiuhong. Thus, naturally, their newborn son was named Yuyang under the care and support of his mother.
Raising a healthy baby should not be a big issue for ordinary families. However, for preterm infant Yuyang, things seemed less optimistic.
It was still cold in early spring when Xiuhong's family lived in a small house. She feared the cold weather would harm little Yuyang, so she hadn't changed the diaper yet. But being a new mother, she didn't realize that no matter how cold it was, diapers should be changed frequently to avoid infection of the baby's delicate skin. Due to her worry, three days later, when Xiuhong finally changed the diaper, she was shocked to find that the baby's navel had severely infected and abscessed.
Xiuhong's mother sighed: "No wonder little Yuyang has been crying nonstop these few days. His belly is infected. How could the child not cry? Sigh, Xiuhong still doesn't know how to take care of a baby!"
Xiuhong's mother quickly cleaned the dirt off the baby's body while muttering about her inexperienced daughter.
After cleaning up, little Yuyang was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the hospital was not far away. When they arrived, the baby's belly was stitched up. From that day on, Yuyang lost his belly button. Now, all that remains is a scary scar. As the saying goes, misfortunes never come singly. Due to the large area of infection in Yuyang's navel, sepsis developed. With the child hospitalized, Xiuhong's confinement period had to be spent in the hospital with her child.
After 40 days of treatment, little Yuyang was still teetering on the brink of death. The doctors had almost exhausted all means, but the child still didn't recover. The doctors sighed, and Xiuhong felt helpless. However, when Ma Zhen heard this news, he appeared very pleased: "The child is dying soon, better not to be a burden. Just look at how exhausted everyone is because of him within a few days. If he had been a healthy son, it wouldn't have been like this. I think this is heaven punishing him. I suggest you stop trying and let the child live or die on his own."
Ma Zhen's suggestion was met with approval from his family, including his sisters and brothers.
Xiuhong's confinement period was not pleasant. Instead of sympathy and attention, she received cold words from her husband. "Look at you, always looking pitiful, unhappy that you didn't give me a good son. You act as if you're justified. Let me tell you, the Ma family is a decent family and we don't want such an abomination. Don't think I have to tolerate everything just because I'm your husband."
Xiuhong retorted: "Ma Zhen, don't be unreasonable. Could I have given birth alone?"
Facing Xiuhong's calm questioning, Ma Zhen replied coldly: "Remember, we are not an ordinary family. We don't welcome disabled children. If you want to live a good life, just get rid of this child and have another one. Otherwise, well, I can't control what the others in my family say."
Xiuhong cried, her cries filled with endless grievances and sadness towards life and the world. But when her gaze fell on the sleeping face of little Yuyang, her eyes gradually filled with strength, a sacred strength. Xiuhong's face once again radiated the gentle light of femininity. She stopped crying and firmly said: "Yuyang, trust Mommy. Mommy will not abandon you. I will make sure you grow strong and live happily, just like other children."
Just after her confinement period, Xiuhong's body was still quite weak. Yet she persisted, holding Yuyang tightly and embarking on an uncertain journey to seek medical help. After visiting all the hospitals in Nanjing and asking all her friends, the result was only one: this child had no hope of recovery.
Xiuhong did not lose hope. She continued to ask friends for information about hospitals that could cure her child. She firmly believed that her child would get better. She took Yuyang to the Nanjing Children's Hospital again. She heard that today, a specialist who returned from abroad would diagnose infants with sepsis. Entering the hospital gates, Xiuhong was surprised to see so many people bringing their children for treatment, some from Beijing, some from other places. The small window at the registration counter was crowded with people anxiously waiting for even a glimmer of hope. Her legs were sore from standing all morning until noon, from noon until evening. Just as the staff at the registration counter was about to finish work...
Finally, it was Xiuhong's turn to register. She was excited and thrilled, momentarily forgetting her fatigue. Her leaden legs moved forward as she approached the small window at the registration counter and urgently expressed her needs to the staff inside. The registration was successful, but due to the large number of patients, Yuyang's condition could only be seen the day after tomorrow. Back home, Xiuhong truly felt the meaning of time flying by. She counted the days eagerly, hoping that the exciting moment would arrive sooner. But the more anxious she became, the slower time seemed to pass. Xiuhong had no appetite, no desire to rest, spending her days staring blankly at the unfortunate child.
Finally, it was the day for the appointment. Xiuhong asked her husband Ma Zhen to accompany her and the child to the hospital. Ma Zhen shook his head and said helplessly: "I have to work this afternoon, I definitely can't go."
Xiuhong knew this was Ma Zhen's reluctance. He disliked this child and started disliking her because of this child. Xiuhong felt wronged, but this time she resolutely held back her tears. She thought: "No matter what, Yuyang chose me as his mother, and I am determined to raise him and make him truly become a sun after the rain."
Today's weather was not favorable. Though it was still early spring, the trees already showed fresh green buds. Peach trees on both sides of the road began to show faint pink blossoms. The afternoon sun made people feel refreshed, signaling the arrival of spring. People seemed to become more lively, and their steps brisker, unlike the sluggish pace of summer. Xiuhong rode her bicycle on the way to the Children's Hospital, with Yuyang lying quietly on the rear rack. At this moment, Xiuhong's heart was filled with joy and excitement, but mostly with anxiety. Approaching the hospital gates, Xiuhong was somewhat nervous. She hesitated, fearing that this examination would end in tragedy. But since they were already at the hospital, Xiuhong had no choice but to proceed because little Yuyang desperately needed the doctor's examination. His pale face showed no vitality, his tightly closed eyes evoked pity, and this fragile life seemed as if it could be blown away by a breath of wind. Seeing this, Xiuhong suddenly found courage. She forgot her fear and bravely entered the hospital gates.
Facing the doctor's concern, Xiuhong appeared increasingly nervous. She worried about whether her son Yuyang could be saved. After pondering for a long time, the doctor said solemnly: "It's very difficult to cure this child. He has 'infection-induced sepsis'. However, the problem isn't just that, but his age is too young, which may complicate the treatment. Nevertheless, I will try my best to help you. Now, let's go to the operating room and see if this last method can save your son."
A ray of hope flashed in front of Xiuhong's eyes. She seemed to already see her son smiling happily and hear Yuyang calling her mom. Overwhelmed with emotion, Xiuhong said: "Thank you, Doctor. You are the savior of our whole family. If you really cure the child, I will never forget you, and I will forever be grateful to you."
Ah, the hearts of parents are truly sorrowful. For Yuyang, Xiuhong was willing to give everything, regardless of whether he was disabled or not. As a mother, Xiuhong most looked forward to her son getting better quickly and living like other children. Without too many requests or expectations, all she wanted was for her child to grow up safe and sound.
The operating room doors were tightly closed, and the child made no sound. Xiuhong's heart gradually tightened, feeling suffocated, fearing that hope would fade again. Just as she thought this, Xiuhong heard the child's whimpering. This sound seemed heavenly, and Xiuhong felt relieved. She knew hope was near, and she was glad that her child had survived. The red light outside the operating room door lit up, and the doctor pushed out a small stretcher. Excitedly, Xiuhong rushed forward: "My child, mommy heard you cry, mommy heard your voice. Come, darling, let mommy take a good look. Do you know, mommy hasn't lost you!" Xiuhong wanted to pick up her child, but the doctor stopped her: "You can't hold him yet. You need to wait until the wound heals before moving him. During this stage, he can only rely on intravenous fluids to sustain life."
Regardless, Xiuhong was moved. She saw relief in the doctor's expression, knowing the surgery was successful. She clearly understood that in a few days, her son would be able to go home with her.
Xiuhong stayed in the hospital with her child for a few days. During these days, Xiuhong became increasingly happy, seemingly forgetting that Yuyang was still disabled. Every day, she waited happily for her child to get better quickly and hoped that he would suddenly open his eyes and cry at her.
Little Yuyang was very smart. At just three months old, he had already learned to flip over like other children. Xiuhong felt that this little guy was definitely not the foolish child that the doctors described. Xiuhong had always avoided looking directly into Yuyang's eyes, fearing to see the whiteness in them. But during one instance when she was celebrating Yuyang's success in flipping over, she suddenly noticed that the child's eyes were wide open. She discovered that the originally red eyeball had a hint of blue, making it look quite beautiful. What startled Xiuhong more was that she realized Yuyang's eyes could move back and forth with her movements, suggesting that he might not be completely blind.
With renewed confidence, Xiuhong made a firm decision: she would definitely cure her child's eye condition and ensure that her son could see the light. Xiuhong repeatedly teased her child, testing his eyesight, wanting to confirm that what she had just seen was not an illusion. But reality proved that it wasn't an illusion—it was indeed real, genuinely present. Xiuhong was overjoyed, thinking that her child had hope.
A few days later, Xiuhong didn't leave the hospital immediately. She went to the registration counter again and booked an appointment with an ophthalmology expert. The elderly expert looked to be at least sixty years old, but he was energetic, his face glowing with vitality. He kindly looked at the baby in Xiuhong's arms, flipped his eyelids, and shone a small flashlight. Regretfully, he told Xiuhong: "The child has cataracts combined with glaucoma. He is too young now, though surgery could potentially alleviate the condition, it carries risks due to the need for general anesthesia, which the child might not endure."
Anxiously, Xiuhong asked: "Doctor, please check how old my child must be to undergo surgery for treatment."
"Take your child to the measurement room to test the intraocular pressure, and I'll inform you about the specific treatment timing after the results."
The doctor patted little Yuyang's face: "Your child is quite smart. Look, he is smiling at you."
The measurement room was not large, with various instruments scattered neatly around the doctor's table. The doctor warmly asked: "What do you want to measure?"
"I want to measure my child's intraocular pressure."
The doctor nodded: "Alright, please come over to the bed."
Xiuhong placed the child on the measurement bed. After some preparation, the intraocular pressure measurement began. As soon as the probe touched little Yuyang's eyes, the child let out a wail. The doctor tensed: "This child's intraocular pressure is extremely high. Measuring it this way is painful, and the child keeps moving, risking injury to his eyes. General anesthesia is required for accurate measurement."
Hearing this, Xiuhong became anxious: "General anesthesia, can my child withstand it?"
"It should be fine."
Worried, Xiuhong said: "Alright, let's do the full anesthesia for the sake of the child's eyes."
A needle slowly injected anesthesia into little Yuyang's body. The child cried loudly, writhing continuously. Xiuhong and the doctor held the child steady, trying to minimize the duration of the pain. Xiuhong's face and clothes were drenched in sweat. Gradually, the child's cries subsided, and little Yuyang drifted into a deep sleep. Despite the lingering tears in the corners of his eyes, his face showed a rosy glow. Looking at her child's peaceful slumber, Xiuhong's eyes filled with tears. She didn't know if the choice she had made would awaken this fragile life. She was worried, afraid, and above all, deeply empathetic towards life.
The intraocular pressure measurement was completed, revealing a terrifying result of 80. Such high intraocular pressure in such a young child prompted the pediatrician to sigh: "Surgery cannot be performed now, or it would risk causing lifelong damage to the child. We must wait at least until he is two years old before considering treatment."
Tears still lingered on Xiuhong's face, mingled with joy, excitement, and some regret. She murmured: "Yuyang, when you turn two, Mommy will definitely bring you here for treatment. Don't worry, you will see this colorful world."
Xiuhong waited in the hospital corridor for her child to wake up. As time passed minute by minute, an hour had gone by, but little Yuyang still hadn't awakened. At this point, Xiuhong felt panic and rushed into the treatment room, anxiously asking the senior doctor: "Why is the anesthesia so potent? The child still hasn't awakened?"
The busy senior doctor also found it unusual, picked up the child to examine, and discovered that the child was still deeply asleep: "The dose of anesthesia was too high. We must wake the child now, or the consequences could be unimaginable."
The senior doctor held the child and gently slapped his bottom. Soon, the child emitted a faint cry. "The child has awakened!" Xiuhong was overwhelmed with emotion: "The child has awakened, he has finally awakened. Little Yuyang is fine!"
In the morning, sunlight bathed the entire earth. The willows had quietly sprouted fresh green buds, and the third month of spring in Nanjing was full of vitality. Xiuhong carried little Yuyang in the hospital courtyard basking in the sun. As people passed by her, some showed sympathy, some disdain.
"Look at Xiuhong, she seems to care deeply for her son. Later, I suggested she abandon the child and adopt a healthy one, but guess what? She got upset with me, calling me heartless and cruel. She even compared me to a tiger that wouldn't eat its offspring. She’s ruthless!"
"I just can't understand it. Why bother cherishing such a sick child? Xiuhong treats him like a treasure. Truly, I've never seen anything like it!"
Xiuhong paid no heed, continuing to entertain little Yuyang, telling him stories and singing songs. It seemed that the little Yuyang in her arms was the cutest angel.