Chapter 94: I Also Want to Be With My Daughter-in-Law

The old lady has been strong all her life; although her legs are unsteady, being pushed around in a wheelchair like a "useless person" makes her feel somewhat resistant and awkward.

"Mom, this is the child's filial devotion," Li Huijuan stepped forward and gently urged, "You've just been discharged; your legs still need to recover slowly, you mustn't overexert yourself."

"With this wheelchair it's much more convenient; we can just circle the courtyard and the alley entrance without going far."

Jiang Jianguo also spoke up: "Listen to the kids; getting your health back first is the most important."

Jiang Nainai looked at her son and daughter‑in‑law, then at her eager grandchildren and granddaughter‑in‑law, and hesitated for a moment.

In the end she couldn't resist everyone's enthusiasm, and was half‑pushed, half‑dragged onto the seat, supported by Jiang Ran and Su Ruan.

Jiang Ran carefully pushed the wheelchair, Su Ruan stood by with Grandma's water cup and a thin blanket, and the family surrounded Jiang Nainai, marching out of the hospital in a grand procession.

Getting into the car and returning to the familiar courtyard, she saw the plants she had tended—though a bit neglected—still growing stubbornly, and Jiang Nainai's eyes became slightly moist.

Golden nests, silver nests—nothing compares to one's own doghouse!

Jiang Ran steadily pushed the wheelchair into the yard, and Su Ruan carefully smoothed the thin blanket over her knees.

The courtyard's flora was indeed a bit untended; the roses had grown wild, the gardenias in the corner had shed many leaves, yet the fresh green sprouting from the soil and the stubborn blossoms on the branches still brimmed with vigor.

Seeing all this, Jiang Nainai's eyes couldn't help but become wet again, murmuring, "Home is still the best…"

Before this sentiment could linger, word of Jiang Nainai's discharge and return spread through the alley.

The first to peek in was Aunt Wang, who lived opposite the diagonal door, carrying a small basket filled with a few freshly picked, glistening tomatoes.

"Aunt Jiang! I heard you were discharged today, finally back! Feeling better now?"

Aunt Wang's voice was loud and carried sincere concern.

Jiang Nainai, upon seeing the old neighbor, immediately smiled; though she spoke slowly, her spirit was strong: "Much better, much better! Thank you for thinking of me and bringing something."

"Oh, what's this! Home‑grown, no chemicals, sweet as can be!"

Aunt handed the basket to the approaching Li Huijuan, brought it to Jiang Nainai, examined her complexion closely, and praised her.

"Look, your complexion is much rosier than before! You were well cared for in the hospital!"

"Wow, this wheelchair is really nice; it looks comfortable!"

Jiang Nainai's slight discomfort with the wheelchair turned into a bit of pride after the neighbor's praise; she patted the wheelchair's armrest.

"Indeed, Ranran spends money recklessly, insisting on buying this gadget, but sitting in it feels quite sturdy."

As they spoke, Zhang Nainai from the neighboring yard, leaning on a cane, was helped over by her granddaughter.

She was older than Jiang Nainai, her legs even less steady, and upon seeing Jiang Nainai in the wheelchair, envy showed in her eyes.

"Old sister, you finally returned! We've all been thinking of you!"

"Your chair is great; it lets you go places, far better than my old cane!"

One after another, several groups of neighbors arrived after hearing the news.

Some carried a few eggs, others brought a bowl of freshly boiled dumplings, and some showed off their hand‑stitched layered cloth shoes, claiming they were good for the feet…

The tiny courtyard instantly buzzed with activity, filled with long‑missed lively atmosphere and neighborly warmth.

Everyone gathered around Jiang Nainai's wheelchair, chatting noisily, sharing the amusing events of the past two months in the alley.

Whose son got married, whose daughter entered a technical college, whose cat gave birth…

These trivial yet genuine daily tidbits kept Jiang Nainai enthralled, her smile never fading, occasionally interjecting a comment.

Though seated in a wheelchair, she remained one of the central figures in this neighborhood circle.

No one expressed excessive pity for her limited mobility; instead, they were glad to see her recover and return.

This egalitarian, lively attitude dispelled the lingering subtle sense of inferiority Jiang Nainai felt from using a wheelchair.

【7】 "Aunt Jiang, from now on just bask in the sun in this yard, look at the flowers, direct Ranran and RuanRuan, and enjoy a peaceful life!" Aunt Wang said briskly.

"Hey, Jiang Shen, from now on just stay in this courtyard, bask in the sun, look at the flowers, direct Ranran and RuanRuan, and enjoy a peaceful life!" Wang Shen, quick‑witted and blunt.

"Exactly, the kids are all filial, so you can rest easy!" Zhang Nainai added.

Jiang Nainai listened, nodding with a smiling face.

Her gaze swept over her son and daughter‑in‑law pouring water for the neighbors, the granddaughter beside her beaming with satisfaction, the grandson crouched on the ground inspecting the wheelchair wheels, and the gentle‑eyed granddaughter‑in‑law standing quietly at her side, filling her heart with immense contentment and happiness.

A serious illness made her deeply appreciate the value of family and the warmth of the neighborhood.

Though her legs aren't as agile as before, her heart feels steadier and fuller than ever.

The neighbors sat for a while, fearing they'd disturb the old lady's rest, and then gradually took their leave.

Before departing, they repeatedly reminded, "Aunt Jiang, take good care of yourself; we'll come visit whenever we can!"

"Exactly, if you need a hand, just say the word anytime!"

Su Ruan, seeing her grandmother's delighted expression, felt happy herself; she rolled up her sleeves and smiled at Li Huijuan, "Mom, Grandma's home today, everyone's happy; let me cook dinner, you can rest too."

Li Huijuan had been shuttling between the hospital and home these days, feeling quite weary; seeing her daughter‑in‑law volunteer, she felt both concern and relief, and didn't refuse: "That's wonderful, perfect chance to taste RuanRuan's cooking. Mom, shall I assist you?"

"No need, no need," Su Ruan quickly waved her hand, "I can do it alone, it'll be quick."

At that moment, Jiang Ran bounded over like a large dog, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Su Ruan: "Daughter‑in‑law, let me help! I'll wash, chop, and stir the fire for you!"

He remembered how delicious Su Ruan's cooking was last time, and that working together in the kitchen with his daughter‑in‑law was also a pleasure for him.

Before Su Ruan could answer, Jiang Jiaojiao, quick‑eyed and swift‑handed, grabbed her brother's back collar and pulled him back: "Enough already! Clumsy hands, don't cause trouble for RuanRuan! Today Mom and I are helping; we don't need you!"

She squinted at Jiang Ran, then gestured toward Jiang Nainai, saying, "Your job is to keep Old Buddha company watching TV! Serve him well!"

Jiang Ran, blocked by his sister, felt a bit reluctant, but also thought she was right; he was indeed a bit clumsy, and could end up causing trouble and displeasing his daughter‑in‑law.

He looked toward Su Ruan as if seeking help.

Su Ruan, seeing his plaintive expression, couldn't help laughing, and gently said, "Jiang Ran, go keep Grandma company, watch TV, chat. The kitchen has me, my sister, and Mom; that's enough."