The night remained as calm and tranquil as before, yet Xiang's heart brimmed with an overwhelming sense of happiness and joy.
He cradled a precious gift, certain to bring surprise and elation to his cherished wife.
Just as Xiang reached out to lift the initially crying baby from the cart, the infant's tears ceased as if sensing safety and warmth in Xiang's touch.
With the determination of a marathon runner nearing the finish line, Xiang hastened towards home, each step propelled by eagerness to share his precious find with his awaiting wife.
Amidst the stillness of the night, a gentle breeze danced through the air, accompanied by the rhythmic chirping of insects, as if nature itself celebrated Xiang's newfound blessing – a baby boy.
The faint flickering of street lamps mirrored the flicker of excitement in Xiang's heart, casting alternating shadows on his path.
The rhythmic creaking of the cart's wheels added to the symphony of the night.
In a moment of realization, Xiang joined in the nocturnal chorus, his voice rising in harmony with the night. "Oh, splendid night, brimming with blessings! Tonight's blessings are like a winning lottery ticket, and I am the fortunate recipient... Owuwouwo..."
Engrossed in the euphoria of his journey, Xiang's strides led him to the threshold of their humble abode, a sight marred by accumulated refuse, its structure precarious against the gentlest breeze.
Yet, akin to the transformative nature of sweetened coffee, where bitterness yields to sweetness, the trials endured by Xiang and his wife failed to tarnish the harmony and tenderness of their love.
As he swung open the door, crafted from repurposed iron pieces, Xiang's heart raced with anticipation. However, his excitement turned to alarm as he discovered his wife's absence within their familiar quarters.
Frantically, he scoured every nook and cranny of their home, yet his search yielded no trace of her.
The once tranquil night, reminiscent of clear water reflecting joy, now mirrored a turbulent sea, its surface disturbed by the anguish and panic swirling within Xiang's heart.
Seeking solace within their home's confines, Xiang attempted to quell the rising tide of despair that threatened to engulf him.
Amidst the silence, his wife's voice echoed softly in his mind, a haunting reminder of her absence and the abrupt turn of events.
"Oh, my dear Xiang... Oh, my dear Xiang..." her words reverberated, casting a shadow over his thoughts. "This night, which bestowed upon me moments of bliss, now plunges me into sorrow. What meaning lies within this unfolding tragedy?" Xiang pondered aloud, his hands clasped tightly, head bowed in solemn contemplation, on the precipice of tears for the loss of his beloved wife.
Finally, a gentle hand tapped Xiang's shoulder, breaking him from his reverie. "My dear Xiang, why the long face when I'm right here?" Ying's soft voice pierced the silence, her eyes meeting Xiang's.
Xiang's heart skipped a beat, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and the warmth of Ying's presence filled the void within him.
Without hesitation, Xiang rose and drew Ying into a tight embrace. "Oh, my darling Ying, where were you? I was frantic when I couldn't find you in the room. Please, never leave my side. You're my everything, my most precious treasure," Xiang murmured, holding Ying close.
Ying's response was filled with affection and understanding. "How could I ever leave you, my dear Xiang? You may think yourself a simple man, but to me, you're a hero. Your sweet words are enough to sustain me. I know that with me by your side, you can conquer anything. Without me, you'd be as vulnerable as a stroke victim."
Their bond was like a finely tuned instrument, each complementing the other's strengths and weaknesses. Just as a sword needs a skilled hand to wield it effectively, and a spearman would struggle with a sword, Xiang and Ying were stronger together. Their love held the promise of an extraordinary journey, a tale yet to be fully told.
Slowly, their embrace loosened, and Xiang began to inquire of Ying, "Where have you been, my dear Yisang?"
"Your better half has been calling you incessantly since you returned from work, but it seems you didn't hear at all. I wonder what could make my Xiang ignore his soulmate," Ying replied, her expression tinged with annoyance.
Suddenly, Xiang remembered the gift he intended to give to Ying. "Oh, my dear Yisang, I just remembered something. Wait here for a moment," Xiang said, stepping outside.
Xiang quickly located his cart and retrieved the box he had taken from the street. As he approached Ying, he noticed something peculiar—the box, which had been wide open before, was now neatly wrapped like a present. However, Xiang's happiness overshadowed any sense of strangeness.
"Yisang, I have something that will both surprise and delight you," Xiang said, his face beaming with joy.
"Cough... Cough... What is it, Xisang? Don't play any tricks; I'm not feeling well," Ying murmured weakly, her face pale.
"Yisang... I got carried away by recent events and completely forgot about your condition. I'm sorry, Yisang," Xiang quickly placed the box in front of Ying and hurried to fetch water from the kitchen.
Xiang hurried to the kitchen to fetch water and was surprised to find a cooked meal waiting on the stove. Despite the unexpected discovery, he remained focused on his task of getting water for his beloved wife.
"Here, Yisang, drink this water. Hopefully, it will help soothe your cough," Xiang offered, handing over a glass of water. The iron glass, salvaged from a heap of trash a few days ago, still looked presentable, albeit with a broken handle—a relic of its former owner's wealth.
"Thank you, Xisang. I hope your water will alleviate my cough," Ying replied, accepting the glass with hopeful anticipation.
"Once you've finished, set the glass aside and then try opening the box in front of you," Xiang instructed, gesturing toward the box containing the baby. Despite a fleeting moment of unease about the box's current state—closed tightly and resembling a gift—Xiang pushed the thought aside. His primary concern was his beloved wife's reaction upon discovering the contents of the box.