Chapter 39

The Power of Family As the morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the cozy bedroom, Lin Xiaoxiao gently opened her eyes. Beside her, Lu Tingshen was still asleep, a peaceful smile on his face. She quietly got out of bed, intending to go to the kitchen to make breakfast, but was suddenly interrupted by a call from her mother. "Xiaoxiao, your father wasn't feeling well again last night. We might need to go to the hospital again." Her mother's voice was filled with worry. Lin Xiaoxiao's heart sank. She quickly responded, "Mom, don't worry, I'll be right there." Lu Tingshen was awakened by the conversation. Seeing Lin Xiaoxiao's anxious expression, he immediately asked, "What's wrong?" "It's my father. He's not feeling well again," Lin Xiaoxiao replied, her voice tinged with anxiety. Lu Tingshen got out of bed at once. "I'll go with you." The two hurried to the hospital, Lin Xiaoxiao's mood heavy throughout the journey. Lu Tingshen held her hand tightly, giving her strength. Upon arriving at the hospital, the doctor informed them that her father's condition had fluctuated and that further tests and treatment were necessary. "We'll do our best. Don't worry," the doctor's words provided them with some reassurance. In the waiting room, Lin Xiaoxiao felt helpless and anxious. Lu Tingshen gently embraced her, offering comfort. "Xiaoxiao, we're here. Everything will be alright," he said, his tone firm and warm. In the days that followed, the two of them divided their responsibilities, balancing work and caring for her father. In his spare time, Lu Tingshen continuously researched her father's condition, hoping to find better treatment options. "Tingshen, the information you found is incredibly useful. Let's discuss it with the doctor," Lin Xiaoxiao said gratefully. Lu Tingshen smiled, "As long as I can help, I'm willing to do anything." With Lu Tingshen's help, the doctor devised a new treatment plan for her father. As the treatment progressed, her father's condition gradually stabilized. "Xiaoxiao, Tingshen, thank you for all your hard work during this time," her father said from his hospital bed, his heart filled with gratitude as he watched the two of them. Lin Xiaoxiao sat by the bed, holding her father's hand. "Dad, we're family. There's no such thing as hard work." Lu Tingshen added, "Uncle, get well soon. We still want to go on a seaside vacation with you." A long-lost smile appeared on her father's face. "Alright, alright, I'll do my best." In the days that followed, Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen continued to accompany her father through his rehabilitation. They encouraged him to participate in various activities, such as crafts and light outdoor activities, to enhance his enjoyment of life and boost his confidence. "Xiaoxiao, look at this little wooden boat Dad made. His craftsmanship is still so good," Lu Tingshen praised, holding up her father's work. Lin Xiaoxiao nodded with a smile. "Yes, Dad's craftsmanship has always been the best." As time passed, her father's health improved. He began to walk on his own and even started attempting some simple household chores. "Xiaoxiao, Tingshen, I think I'm almost ready to be discharged," her father said hopefully after a rehabilitation session. Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen exchanged a smile, knowing that their efforts had finally paid off. "Dad, once you're discharged, we'll have a proper celebration," Lin Xiaoxiao said excitedly. Lu Tingshen nodded, "Yes, we need to celebrate your recovery properly." Her father's recovery not only brought hope to him but also revitalized the entire family. Throughout this process, Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen deeply understood the power of family and the meaning of love. "Xiaoxiao, Tingshen, thank you for your constant companionship and support," her father said emotionally on the day of his discharge. Lin Xiaoxiao hugged her father tightly. "Dad, we'll always support you."Lu Tingshen also stepped forward to embrace him, "Uncle, you are our pride.""