Chapter 146: Treat It as Child Support for the Two Grandchildren

Over the years, Sheng Xinhao hadn’t exactly been a model father.

So, this money—just treat it as child support from Sheng Xinhao for Xiaoxi.

“I just don’t know if Xiaoxi will ever be able to have children in this lifetime.” Whenever the topic of children came up, the elderly couple would sigh.

Sheng Zexi’s health issues had never been mentioned to Sheng Xinhao—he’d only told them.

Of course, they didn’t want Sheng Xinhao to know. Otherwise, with how old-fashioned he was, if he found out Xiaoxi couldn’t have children, his favoritism would probably shift straight to his younger son.

Sheng Xinhao was a very pragmatic man.

“But didn’t Xiaoxi say before that Ningning knows medicine and cured him? Maybe we’ll get good news soon,” Grandpa Sang comforted.

Grandma Sang sighed. “I hope I get to see great-grandchildren—boy or girl, it doesn’t matter. But more than that, I just hope Xiaoxi can have kids. Only then will his life feel complete.”

For the older generation, a man’s life is only truly fulfilled if he has a loving wife, children to dote on, and understands the responsibilities of being a husband and father.

That way, even in old age, he won’t be lonely.

Just then, the phone suddenly rang.

Grandpa Sang got up to answer it. As he walked, he said, “You know, we were just talking about Xiaoxi and Ningning—maybe it’s them calling.”

“It could be,” Grandma Sang said, following him.

As soon as Grandpa Sang picked up, he heard Sheng Zexi’s familiar voice calling for his grandpa.

Grandpa Sang was instantly delighted. “It really is Xiaoxi! We were just talking about you and Ningning.”

“It’s really Xiaoxi! Let me talk to him,” Grandma Sang said, not arguing with her husband as she took the phone.

“Xiaoxi, it’s Grandma. How have you been lately? Is Ningning well?”

“We’re both doing well.”

After a few pleasantries, Sheng Zexi said, “Grandma, Ningning is right here with me. We’re calling today to share some wonderful news with you and Grandpa.”

“Wonderful news?” For them, the best possible news would be that Ningning was pregnant—but could that really be?

The next second, Sheng Zexi’s voice came through the phone: “Grandma, Ningning is pregnant—three months along already, and it’s twins!”

The words exploded in Grandma Sang’s ears like a thunderclap.

Her eyes widened, her hand holding the receiver trembling as she looked at her husband, so excited she was momentarily speechless.

After a long moment, she grabbed his arm with her other hand and said, “Did you hear that? Xiaoxi said Ningning is pregnant—three months, and with twins!”

“Really?!” Grandpa Sang was overjoyed.

“Wonderful, wonderful!” They had just been talking about Xiaoxi’s children, and now they’d received such a huge surprise.

Ningning was pregnant—three months with twins. Two at once! This was just too good!

“Let me talk to Ningning, I want to speak with her.”

Soon, Gu Jianing took the phone.

On the call, Grandma Sang spoke gently, asking about Gu Jianing’s health and the babies.

She carefully explained all the things to watch out for during pregnancy.

When she learned that Gu Jianing was doing well, she finally relaxed.

“Ningning, how about I come to the Northwest Military District to take care of you? Otherwise, it’ll be too hard on you,” Grandma Sang suggested.

After all, unlike her husband, she didn’t need to work, and she was in good health.

“Grandma, that’s not necessary. I’m doing well, and it’s only three months in.”

“But when your belly gets bigger, what about after you give birth? Who will take care of you and the babies?”

Gu Jianing explained that her mother would come to help her during her confinement.

“That’s good, but you’ll still need help with the babies—and since you’re having twins, things will get more difficult as you get further along. I’ll still come over when the time comes.”

In the end, Gu Jianing couldn’t refuse, and agreed that once she was further along, Grandma Sang would come to the Northwest Military District to help take care of her.

When the phone was handed back to Sheng Zexi, Grandma Sang sighed emotionally, “I never thought Ningning would get pregnant, and with twins! Now it’s perfectly reasonable to ask Sheng Xinhao for money. They’re his grandchildren—he should help support them.”

Hearing Sheng Xinhao’s name, Sheng Zexi frowned. “Grandma, what’s going on?”

Grandma Sang didn’t hide anything. She told him how Sheng Xinhao had come by, trying to persuade them to get Sheng Zexi and Ningning to divorce, and how he wanted the house and half their savings.

The more Sheng Zexi listened, the darker his expression became.

“Grandma, there’s something else you don’t know—Ningning is amazing. She’s a doctor at the Northwest Military District now. Not long ago, there was a landslide in a nearby village, and Ningning took part in the rescue. She was even commended for it…”

“Oh, I knew it! Ningning is a wonderful girl. It’s just Sheng Xinhao—he’s blind. His eyes must be covered in cow dung, otherwise he wouldn’t have married that snake in the grass.”

As a woman herself, and with so many years of experience, Grandma Sang could see through people at a glance.

That Fang Wanyong was a snake in the grass, and only a blind fool like Sheng Xinhao would be taken in by her, still thinking she was a good person.

“Xiaoxi, your grandpa and I will get those things for you. If he really brings them over or transfers the money, just accept it. Treat it as compensation, as child support for your two children.”

“Take it without worry. Otherwise, who knows when that woman will trick him out of it all.”

“Grandma, I understand.” At first, Sheng Zexi had been reluctant to take anything from Sheng Xinhao. He didn’t want anything from him, nor did he need his help.

But Grandma had a point.

Some of those things had belonged to his mother. Even if she didn’t want to acknowledge him or be close, blood ties can’t be denied. Some things were rightfully his.

Besides, he wasn’t alone anymore. He had a wife and children to support.

Whether it was money, the courtyard house, or any property, it was all good. He knew his little wife was a bit of a money-lover.

“As long as you understand.” Grandma Sang was relieved. She’d been worried Xiaoxi would be stubborn.

But seeing him now, after marrying Ningning, he’d changed a lot.

That was a good thing.

“If he dares to come by again, I’ll just keep taking things from him—and everything I get, I’ll give to you,” Grandma Sang vowed to take whatever she could from the irresponsible Sheng Xinhao and give it all to her grandson.

Sheng Zexi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Meanwhile, just as Sheng Xinhao was leaving home with the property deed to transfer ownership, he suddenly shivered. Looking up at the sky, he frowned. Early spring in Beijing was still a bit chilly."