More than ten days had passed since Yin Cheng had fainted that night and been rushed to the hospital. The snow from that evening had long melted, only to be replaced by fresh snow. This winter seemed particularly relentless, with storms following one after another, as if they would never cease. Yin Xia Mo stared blankly out the window. Hadn't everything been turning for the better? Weren't they supposed to live happily and peacefully now? Why, then, was the view outside nothing but a vast expanse of stark white winter?

The atmosphere in the hospital consultation room was colder and more solemn than the icy landscape outside. “Although the kidney transplant has temporarily prolonged his life, many other organs in his body are also failing severely at the same time. Current medical science is powerless in this situation.” “What if we attempt another surgery?” Ouchen shifted his gaze from Xia Mo, who had been silently watching the snow, and after fully absorbing the doctor's explanation, he asked in a deep voice. “He has undergone four surgeries in a short period. Surgery, after all, is destructive to the body; each operation makes him weaker, and currently, the surgeries do not seem to be significantly helping him.” Initially, Yin Xia Mo had tried hard to listen, but gradually, her ears seemed to shut off. She could hear nothing, only staring blankly at the snow outside the window. Would Xiao Cheng get better? Yes, he definitely would! He had overcome so many dangerous situations. This time... Perhaps due to her unusual silence, the consultation room gradually grew quiet. All the doctors looked at her with concern. In these ten days since returning to the hospital, she had wasted away even faster than Yin Cheng, her frame as thin as paper, her eyes dark, large, and deep. In the bottomless stillness beneath her eyes, only a faint glimmer of light occasionally flashed, sustaining her body and spirit. “Xia Mo! Doctor!” The consultation room door was suddenly pushed open rudely. Zhen En rushed in. The moment she saw Xia Mo, she cried out, unable to help laughing and weeping at the same time, “Xia Mo—Xiao Cheng is awake!” This was the third time Yin Cheng had fallen into a coma since his admission.

After being unconscious for six hours, he finally woke up again. When Xia Mo rushed into the ward, Yin Cheng’s eyes were wide open. Although he was threaded with various tubes, and the oxygen mask obscured most of his face, the moment he saw her, a childlike joy surfaced in his dark, moist eyes. “Sister…” On the snow-white hospital bed, Yin Cheng weakly stretched out his hand to her, trying hard to smile for her. Yin Xia Mo grasped it, trembling, her throat choked with surging sorrow, unable to utter a single word. “Sister, don't worry… I’m fine…” His fingers gripped hers with effort, his eyelids slowly closing as if weighed down by heavy objects. His voice was intermittent, and the coma swept over him once more, as if he had only been forcing himself awake, waiting for her to come and comfort him. “Sister… I’ll sleep a little longer… I’ll wake up soon…” His fingers gradually loosened their hold on her, and Yin Cheng fell back into unconsciousness, his frail face whiter than porcelain. “…” Yin Xia Mo stared blankly at Xiao Cheng, who had succumbed to unconsciousness again. A wave of dizziness suddenly washed over her vision, and it felt as though someone beside her supported her. After a long while, she struggled to regain her sight from the deep darkness of the dizziness. She watched woodenly as the doctors performed various checks on Xiao Cheng, then she followed them out into the corridor. “If he woke up, does that mean he’s fine?” Yin Xia Mo looked emptily at Doctor Zheng. “This…” Doctor Zheng appeared troubled. “Then, what is the next course of treatment?” she asked mechanically. “We can only resort to conservative treatment,” Doctor Zheng sighed, pausing before saying, “We must give Xiao Cheng time to restore his vital energy. If his condition improves later, we can then consider more aggressive surgical options.” “Conservative treatment…” Yin Xia Mo repeated woodenly, “With conservative treatment, approximately… how long does he have left to live…” Doctor Zheng exchanged glances with the other doctors. After a moment of hesitation, he told her, “This depends on his physical condition. If things go well, perhaps two to three months. If the situation deteriorates rapidly, perhaps within a month… However, everyone’s body is vastly different, and the human body is a marvelous structure. If the patient’s willpower is strong, a miracle might occur… So, Xia Mo, neither you nor Xiao Cheng should give up…” A miracle… A chill snaked in from the base of Yin Xia Mo’s spine, growing colder and colder. Her eardrums roared, and waves of blood surged up within her! A miracle—was Xiao Cheng’s life truly to depend on these two fleeting words? Doctor Zheng was called away by another patient. Yin Xia Mo stood lost in the corridor, suddenly feeling unable to remain there. She walked mechanically, as if falling into the deepest, blackest hell—endless, bottomless, descending ceaselessly. The bone-chilling cold was suddenly met by a soft coolness on her face. Someone draped a coat over her shoulders, gently brushing away the cold dampness from her face and hair. Some of that coldness had already begun to melt, landing on her eyelashes and tracing a path down her cheeks. “As long as you have faith, miracles can happen.” A firm, warm voice sounded above her head, like a lifeline tossed in despair. Yin Xia Mo looked up blankly at the person who had spoken. After a long time, the fog obscuring her vision gradually dispersed. She realized she had unconsciously walked to the open-air balcony at the end of the corridor. Before her, snow fell thickly, and she saw Ouchen’s deep, dark eyes filled with pity. “I have never been someone favored by fate.” Bitterness, like the swarms of snowflakes dancing in the air, engulfed her, and Yin Xia Mo trembled, closing her eyes. Since childhood, she had never believed in miracles or luck. Everything had to be earned through hard struggle. The word ‘miracle’ felt as illusory to her as the soap bubbles blown by children. “Perhaps that is why fate reserves all its happiness for Xiao Cheng,” Ouchen said amidst the swirling snow. He wrapped his arms around her paper-thin shoulders, pulling her tightly into his embrace, giving her warmth and support with all his strength. In his arms, her eyelashes trembled slightly, suggesting a minuscule flicker of hope. It was almost as if a miracle had happened.

Two hours after falling unconscious, Yin Cheng woke up again, fulfilling his promise to his sister. Although his face was as pale as the snow outside, and his body grew weaker, his condition seemed to be improving. He spent more time out of bed, gradually becoming more energetic, and his voice when talking and laughing seemed stronger than before. The azaleas on the windowsill were blooming brilliantly. “Sister, it’s snowing again outside.” Yin Cheng sat propped up on the bed, his eyes shining as he watched the silver snowflakes dancing outside. “Yes, this year’s snow is unusually heavy,” Yin Xia Mo replied, smiling as she carefully watered the azaleas. “The children must love it.” “I love it too! Sister, shall we go out and have a snowball fight? We can go with Brother-in-law when he gets here!” he exclaimed excitedly. Yin Xia Mo froze, looking at the blooming azaleas. The word “Brother-in-law” gently stirred a warmth and emotion deep within her heart. Ouchen spent almost the entire day at the hospital, delegating all company matters to his capable subordinates. He was busy every day communicating with doctors to discuss treatment plans, constantly inviting other renowned specialists to join the consultations, and even flying abroad personally to bring in experts. When he appeared in the ward, he spoke infrequently, but he took over all the incidental tasks besides caring for Xiao Cheng. If he hadn't been by her side, she might truly not have managed to hold on… “The doctors said you can’t go outdoors yet. We’ll go once you’re stronger.” Snapping back from her thoughts of Ouchen, Yin Xia Mo turned to him with a smile, seeing his eyes filled with childlike longing. He had always loved snowball fights as a child, and building snowmen; every snowy day was like a happy festival for him. “Those doctors always exaggerate; my health has actually improved a lot these past few days,” Yin Cheng chuckled, dramatically flexing his arm in a classic Popeye pose. “Sister, look, my arm is strong! I even think I’ve gained a little weight.” “Yes, you do look much more spirited,” she said, her heart suddenly aching as she looked at his paper-pale face and increasingly frail body. She forced a bright smile and walked over to sit by his bedside. “Maybe after some more time, you can be discharged.” “That’s right! And since surgery isn't needed now, I should be able to leave soon. Ah, I really miss home. Milk must be so lonely by itself,” he murmured dreamily, then smiled again. “After I’m discharged, there are so many things I want to do…” “How about holding an exhibition?” she suddenly suggested. “An exhibition?” “Yes, your solo art exhibition, displaying all your best works.” She spoke softly, a bright light shining in her eyes. “Before, your works were only entered into contests or received awards. Now is the time to formally present them to the world.” “Sister, only famous painters hold solo exhibitions, right?” “Nonsense! Who says only they can? Besides, your paintings are better than theirs, so you are even more qualified to have an exhibition!” she said enthusiastically, as if the scene of his exhibition was already unfolding before her eyes. “We must invite all your classmates and teachers then, of course me, and Ouchen, and Zhen En…” As she spoke, her lips paled, and a shadowy figure from her childhood memories flashed in her mind. “If I get the chance to have an exhibition, I don't want too many people to come,” Yin Cheng gazed at her deeply. “Because most of those paintings were drawn for only one person: for Sister. As long as Sister likes it, as long as Sister is a guest, that is enough.” “Xiao Cheng…” Yin Xia Mo was stunned, a surge of sour, warm moisture flooding her eyes. But the shadowy figure in her mind made her hesitate for a long time. She didn't know if Xiao Cheng still remembered that person—the one who had driven her mother into hell with suffering, the figure who only occasionally surfaced in fragments of their distant childhood. “Is there anyone else you wish to see?” After a long silence, she asked tentatively and carefully. Xiao Cheng was just a small child then; perhaps he had completely forgotten. “Hmm?” “For example, do you remember, when you were little, there was an Uncle Xia…?” If she could, she would rather never mention that person in front of Xiao Cheng. But that person was, after all, Xiao Cheng’s… She didn't want Xiao Cheng to have any regrets. If Xiao Cheng wanted to see him, she would find a way, no matter what, to bring that person before him.

Yin Cheng’s body suddenly stiffened! She sat there woodenly, his bright eyes of a moment ago gradually dimming. The words “Uncle Xia” spoken by her mouth were like a nightmare left in the past, long sealed away, yet now stirred up again, revealing bloody scars. Seeing his expression, Yin Xia Mo knew. Even though he was very young then, he had never forgotten…

“…Why did you go find her! What exactly did you say to her!” The young her tightly held Xiao Cheng’s hand, hiding near the doorway of the living room, listening to the furious roar coming from inside. She was terrified. She knew that Uncle Xia held considerable power in the underworld, and he seemed to have killed someone before. Now, the sound of him shouting at her mother seemed like he wanted to kill her. “I went to tell her that you are my Luna’s man! Didn’t she abandon you long ago? And she’s already married, she has no right to cling to you!” Her mother also shouted back loudly, her roar punctuated by the trailing sound of crying. “Slap—” A loud slap struck her mother’s face, startling the girl in the room and making her pale. She wanted to rush out to protect her mother, but the trembling, three-year-old Xiao Cheng prevented her from leaving. “You hit me?! What right do you have to hit me?!” After the shock, her mother screamed in disbelief, shouting as if insane, “After all these years, how have I treated you? I protected you at the risk of my life, keeping you safe from pursuing enemies! Look at the burn scar on my chest, and the knife wound on my back! And your son! You don’t even want to acknowledge the son I bore for you, do you?!” Saying this, her mother rushed over like a whirlwind, flung the door open, snatched Xiao Cheng away from her side, and dragged him in front of that man. “He is your son!” The man glared at her mother, his face ashen, without sparing Xiao Cheng a single glance, and said coldly, “He is not my son, and I have nothing to do with you!” With a violent slam, the man left without looking back. Her mother stared blankly at the closed door, tears flowing wildly. The young her looked fearfully at her mother, then at Xiao Cheng, seeing his eyes filled with terror and his small body trembling fitfully. …After that day, the man never appeared at home again. Her mother stopped working at the nightclub, hiding in the house crying all day, drinking copious amounts of alcohol. Then, every night, the drunk mother, ignoring her pleas, took Xiao Cheng and searched the world over for that man. She didn't know how many places her mother dragged Xiao Cheng to. Nor did she know if her mother ever found that man. Every time they returned late at night or in the early morning, her mother was hopelessly drunk, her face stained with messy tear tracks. And Xiao Cheng, like a frightened kitten, trembled in her arms, filled with fear, having nightmares. …Finally, one day, her mother gave up. “You don't have a father.” Her mother stared fixedly at Xiao Cheng, her eyes bloodshot, radiating a strong scent of alcohol. “Your father is dead! Do you hear me?!” The young her hugged Xiao Cheng tightly, feeling him shuddering, and he nodded as if vaguely understanding. ……………… All this time, she believed heaven was fair, taking away as much as it gave. But for Xiao Cheng, fate seemed exceptionally cruel and unjust, forcing the then three-year-old to endure too much harsh reality. Then came the mother’s death, being sent to an orphanage, the car accident—it seemed his life had never known the taste of happiness or joy. And now, heaven wanted to take his life away too! Looking at Yin Cheng’s vacant, weak face, Yin Xia Mo’s heart ached intensely. The restraint she had forced upon herself by feigning happiness for days began to unravel. No matter how much she deceived herself, she clearly understood that Xiao Cheng’s body was deteriorating rapidly day by day. He grew thinner, his complexion paler, his periods of unconsciousness longer, and his waking moments shorter… “Besides you and Brother-in-law, I have no other family.” After a moment of recollection, a smile returned to the corner of Yin Cheng’s pale lips, his clear eyes devoid of any lingering attachment. “I don’t want to disturb him, nor do I want him to disturb me.” “Xiao Cheng…” The complexity of mixed emotions prevented Yin Xia Mo from continuing. Perhaps Xiao Cheng was right. Even if Boss Xia appeared before Xiao Cheng right now, even if Boss Xia acknowledged him, what meaning would it hold? Decades of life could not be relived, and the mother was long dead and could not be reborn. “Why hasn’t Brother-in-law arrived yet?” Yin Cheng deliberately changed the subject, teasing her. “Isn't Brother-in-law always by your side? Why is he taking so long today? Is he jealous because you spend all your time with me?” “Knock, knock.” As if responding to Yin Cheng’s words, the ward door was tapped, and then Ouchen entered carrying a large, seven-tiered food container. His gaze first landed on Yin Xia Mo. Seeing that although her expression was somewhat drawn and distant, she still maintained composure and serenity in her brow, he then turned his attention to Yin Cheng. “How are you feeling today?” Ouchen placed the food container on the bedside table and asked Yin Cheng in a deep voice. “I feel a bit better than yesterday. We were just discussing what we’ll do when I get discharged,” Yin Cheng said with a smile. “Any plans?” “Sister wants to hold an art exhibition for me, but for the exhibition, I only want Sister as a guest, so we’re having a headache over this disagreement.” Yin Cheng joked. “Then let the exhibition run for a few more days. The first day will be open exclusively to Xia Mo, and it will open to the public starting the second day.” Ouchen lifted the lid of the container, and the aroma of warm food drifted out. “Leave the exhibition arrangements to me. You two eat first.”

The daily meal menu was decided upon after Yin Xia Mo consulted with the doctors, prepared strictly by the chefs at the Ouyang residence according to the list and ingredient specifications, and then delivered by courier. To prevent Xiao Cheng from losing his appetite eating alone, the meals were served in double portions, and Yin Xia Mo ate with him. Every layer of the container held light, bland dishes. Yin Xia Mo neatly arranged the dishes on the small table, but the dish in the last layer made her pause. It was boiled beef in chili oil, with a thin layer of chili floating on top. “This is…” She remembered Ouchen knew that Xiao Cheng currently could not eat spicy food. How could this dish be included in the delivery? Did the chef make a mistake? “This dish is for you.” Ouchen gazed at her increasingly thin face. He guarded Yin Cheng’s room every day, and the meals he ate were the same light, low-salt fare as Xiao Cheng’s. Her own appetite had become tiny; she would only take a few bites before putting down her chopsticks. The boiled beef was a dish she had dearly loved as a child; she remembered how the spiciness made it appetizing, and he hoped she still liked it. A warmth slowly welled up from the bottom of Yin Xia Mo’s heart. She involuntarily looked at Ouchen and suddenly noticed that he, too, had lost a significant amount of weight. Since Xiao Cheng was hospitalized again, all her attention had been focused on him, and she hadn't even spoken with Ouchen once. That divorce agreement was still sitting on her bedside table. “Ah, it smells so good just asking about it,” Yin Cheng said wistfully, taking a deep breath toward the boiled beef, then chuckling. “Sister, you are so lucky. Brother-in-law is so thoughtful and considerate; he didn't even forget your favorite dish from when you were little. Sigh, I really want to try some, but I can't right now. Sister, you must eat more. Will you eat my share for me, okay?” “Okay,” Yin Xia Mo replied with a smile, reaching for a piece of meat, then stopping herself. She asked Ouchen quietly, “Did you eat?” Calculating the time, he had picked up a famous foreign doctor at the hospital today and then brought over this specially prepared container from home. With such a tight schedule, he surely hadn't had time to eat. “…” Before Ouchen could answer, she had already placed another set of chopsticks in front of him, saying gently, “Let’s eat together. If you skip meals, your stomach will hurt.”

Summer of Foam III