"I want to take a bath."
"Okay, I'll go run the water right now." Aunt Zhang turned and went to the bathroom.
At that moment, the cellphone on the nightstand rang. She lay there motionless until Aunt Zhang came out, picked up the phone, and handed it to Ning Zijin's ear.
"Zijin." A gentle voice came from the phone. Hearing this voice, Ning Zijin's eyes welled up with tears, but she held back, not letting herself cry.
"Uncle Si, what made you think to call me?"
"Are you crying?" Ning Qinglin sensitively detected something off with her voice.
"I've caught a cold these past few days. I haven't yet congratulated you on your upcoming wedding. It's a pity I probably won't make it to the celebration, but don't worry, I will not be shortchanging you on the gift money," Ning Zijin feigned nonchalance.
"Zijin, actually, I really didn't want to trouble you, but..." Ning Qinglin sighed, "I'm really out of options."
Ning Zijin sat up, "What's wrong, Uncle Si?"