Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

Every day after his shift, Lin Ruhai would go to the Wang family's house to pick up Wang Xifeng and bring her home. However, he always returned disappointed because the Wang family would always find various excuses to keep Wang Xifeng at home. Wang Zisheng and his wife would then warmly entertain him, comforting him by saying that Wang Xifeng had been spoiled since she was a child and had no idea how to be a stepmother. They would keep Wang Xifeng at home and teach her the principles of life and etiquette. Hearing this, Lin Ruhai felt deeply ashamed, feeling that he owed his wife something, and so he returned to the Lin family with an apologetic look on his face.

He decided to go find Wang Xifeng in person and have a good talk with her.

When he arrived at Wang Xifeng's residence, he found a little maid guarding outside the door and faint crying sounds coming from the room.

When Wang Xifeng saw Lin Ruhai, she cried even more sadly.

She expressed her grievances and helplessness, while Lin Ruhai listened silently.

He realized Wang Xifeng's difficulties and also knew his own incompetence.

After several such incidents, Lin Ruhai realized that he had to find a way to mend his relationship with Xifeng, otherwise the family would fall into chaos. The next morning, Lin Ruhai got up early and went to the market to buy a batch of precious supplements and jewelry. He decided to formally apologize to Xifeng, hoping to get her forgiveness. When he arrived at Xifeng's door, the maid at the door told him that Sister Feng didn't want to see him. Lin Ruhai did not give up. He sat quietly outside the door, waiting for Xifeng to appear.

In this way, a day passed, and night fell, and Lin Ruhai still stood there firmly. Finally, the door slowly opened, and Fengjie walked out of the room and saw Lin Ruhai sitting on the ground. A flash of surprise and emotion flashed in her eyes, but then she returned to indifference. Lin Ruhai quickly stood up, walked in front of Fengjie, and bowed deeply, "Madam, I know I was wrong, please forgive me." Fengjie looked at him, was silent for a moment, and finally sighed softly, "Forget it, I accept your apology, but you must distinguish right from wrong in the future." Lin Ruhai nodded repeatedly, "Thank you, madam, I will definitely keep it in mind."

Xifeng looked at the man in front of her coldly, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, but more of a determination. She said word by word, "Although I accept your apology, it doesn't mean I forgive you."

After hearing this, Lin Ruhai's heart felt heavy as if a huge stone had been pressed down on it, and a look of regret appeared on his face. He sighed deeply, lowered his head, his face full of regret, and said with a hint of pleading in his voice, "My dear, I know I was wrong. It is indeed my lack of care and consideration for you that has led to this situation. Please forgive me!" Then, he raised his head, his eyes full of sincerity and guilt, and said seriously, "Without you by my side these past few days, I have been unable to sleep at night and have lost my appetite..." After saying this, he looked at Xifeng with those pitiful eyes again, like a child who had made a mistake, quietly waiting for forgiveness.

Xifeng's heart rippled as she listened to Lin Ruhai's words. She silently gazed at the man before her, noticing that his once handsome features now looked haggard, evidently from a lack of sleep. Furthermore, a faint blue shadow had appeared beneath his bright eyes, and a hint of stubble had sprouted around his mouth, making him look considerably older than before. She sighed inwardly, thinking, "Alas, after all, I once loved him deeply. Seeing him like this, I can't bear it..." Her heart softened at this thought, and her tone softened. She gently chided, "Look at you, so slovenly. Aren't you worried that the children will laugh at you someday?" With that, she turned and instructed the maidservant to prepare toiletries for Lin Ruhai.

Lin Ruhai glanced at Xifeng gratefully, then silently walked into the bathroom and began to wash himself. He scrubbed vigorously, trying to wash away the fatigue and dirt on his body, and even more, the guilt in his heart. After his shower, he changed into clean clothes and walked over to Xifeng.

Xifeng looked at the rejuvenated man with a gentle gaze, a sense of relief and joy welling up in her heart. She asked softly, "Are you still hungry?" Lin Ruhai nodded slightly, and with a hint of shyness, he whispered, "Madam, I'm still a little hungry." As soon as he finished speaking, his stomach made an unfortunate "gurgling" sound, as if telling its owner about its emptiness.

Xifeng's lips curled up in a doting smile. She then stood up and ordered the kitchen to prepare some food. Soon, a table full of delicious dishes, both visually appealing and fragrant, was placed before them. Lin Ruhai eagerly picked up his chopsticks and devoured the food, praising Xifeng's culinary skills. Xifeng, on the other hand, sat quietly by his side, gazing at him lovingly, her eyes filled with a happy smile.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Lin Ruhai burped contentedly. Then, he gently embraced Xifeng and said tenderly, "Thank you, my lady." Xifeng nestled tenderly in his arms, listening to his heartbeat and feeling his broad, warm chest. They both tacitly chose silence, immersing themselves in this rare peace and warmth.

Gradually, Lin Ruhai's breathing became steady, and he fell into a deep sleep, hugging Xifeng. Xifeng looked at his sleeping face, sighed softly, and secretly made up her mind to protect her child.

The next morning, Lin Ruhai woke up and looked at his wife's sleeping face. He felt very satisfied, but when he thought of Xifeng's previous indifference, his heart tightened, as if being tightly grasped by an invisible hand.

Lin Ruhai gently dressed Xifeng. After they finished their meal, he slowly spoke, "Madam, I've carefully examined the servants in our household these past few days and discovered that many were arranged by the old lady of the Jia family, while others were sent by the second branch of the Jia family. I've already sold them all." He took out an exquisite box and handed it to Xifeng, saying softly, "This contains the money from the selling of the servants. I'll leave it all to you, madam. From now on, all matters of our family will be under your control. As for Daiyu, I've instructed the servants to pack her luggage and plan to send her back to the Lin family's old residence in Gusu."

Xifeng was startled by these words, a look of surprise on her face. After all, Lin Daiyu was their biological daughter, whom they had raised for seven or eight years. Lin Ruhai had always treated her with a certain dismay. Now, it seemed as if Lin Ruhai had truly decided to give up on his daughter.

Wang Xifeng took a deep breath, tried to calm herself down, and then replied coldly: "Since you have made the decision, then do as you wish. However, it is almost the end of the year, so let's make a decision after the New Year." After that, she took the box from Lin Ruhai's hand, looked at him firmly, and said that she would support his decision.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the end of the year. Xifeng's belly was already four months old, and ever since the doctor diagnosed her with twins, Old Lady Lin had become restless. Lin Daiyu was now confined to the courtyard every day, learning various rules and regulations, and even dared not speak too loudly to Lin Ruhai.

On New Year's Eve, the family gathered around the dining table, enjoying a sumptuous reunion dinner. Because Xifeng was feeling unwell, Mrs. Lin asked her to return to her room to rest. Only Mrs. Lin and Lin Ruhai remained in the spacious hall, and the atmosphere seemed somewhat quiet.

Mrs. Lin smiled and asked, "Ruhai, what are you going to do with Daiyu?" Lin Ruhai smiled and replied, "Mother, I think we should send her back to our hometown in Gusu. When she's older, find her an honest and respectable family. That way, she'll have a stable life and at least enough food and clothing. This way, we can fulfill the bond between father and daughter."

Hearing this, Madam Lin couldn't help but chuckle, "Your arrangement is indeed full of love and care for your daughter, but I'm afraid she may not appreciate your kindness. Don't forget, that girl has already written a letter to tell Jia Min about this matter. Maybe someone from the Jia family will be here soon."

Lin Ruhai was stunned for a moment before saying, "Let's see what Daiyu chooses this time! She's been adopted out after all."

Xifeng was unaware of the conversation and had no interest in it. Since she was four months pregnant, Xifeng's pregnancy symptoms had become increasingly pronounced. She had no desire to eat, only to sleep. She spent most of her day in deep sleep, as if trying to make up for decades of sleep deprivation.

After examining her, the doctor simply said it was a normal pregnancy reaction. However, Mrs. Lin and Lin Ruhai remained concerned, fearing Xifeng might have a problem. So, they cooked her all kinds of delicious food, hoping to whet her appetite. Every time they saw Xifeng take an extra bite, they would dance with joy like children.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, Xifeng's belly was already nearly six and a half months pregnant. Pregnant with twins, her belly was much larger than usual, appearing particularly prominent. Whenever she went out, she was surrounded by people, carefully guarded, fearing any mishaps. Meanwhile, Madam Lin, after this period of exercise, had become remarkably healthy, her legs and feet nimble, and she no longer bore the slightest trace of her old age.

Because twins are prone to premature birth, Mrs. Lin began preparing for a midwife and wet nurse early on, working with great enthusiasm. She had already prepared gifts for her grandson and granddaughter and couldn't wait to welcome the new life.

Lin Ruhai started prenatal education since the first fetal movement. This may be what we call practicing the trumpet after the big one is useless in modern times. He played various instruments and sang poems and songs facing Xifeng's belly.

One night, Xifeng was sound asleep, but Lin Ruhai was awake. He carefully placed his hand on Xifeng's belly, feeling for the baby's movements. Suddenly, he felt a gentle kick, and his heart was filled with joy. He couldn't help but whisper to Xifeng's belly, expressing his anticipation and love for the child.

However, this action disturbed Xifeng, who was sound asleep. She felt someone making noises in her ears, which made her feel irritated. So, she subconsciously stretched out her foot and kicked Lin Ruhai hard, kicking him off the bed.

Lin Ruhai was startled by the sudden kick, but he quickly realized what had happened. He knew Xifeng must have been woken by him, which was why she reacted this way. However, he didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled and climbed back into bed, asking with concern, "Madam, is your leg cramping again? Let me help you massage it." As he spoke, he gently massaged Xifeng's leg muscles, trying to relieve her discomfort.

Xifeng was initially a bit annoyed, but after feeling Lin Ruhai's care and consideration, she gradually calmed down. She sighed softly and complained softly, "It's all your fault. You're still not quiet in the middle of the night." Lin Ruhai quickly apologized and said he would be careful not to disturb her rest in the future.

In this way, the two fell asleep again in a warm atmosphere, and the relationship between them became deeper because of this little episode.

Lin Ruhai gently massaged Xifeng's legs, asking with concern, "Are you feeling better?" Xifeng rolled over and mumbled, "Much better, please don't bother me." Lin Ruhai chuckled and continued massaging. Suddenly, Xifeng felt the baby kick in her belly. She cried out in surprise, "Hey, the baby's moving!" Lin Ruhai quickly placed his hand on Xifeng's belly, feeling the baby's movement, a happy smile on his face. He whispered, "Baby, Daddy's here, you have to be good." Xifeng felt a warm feeling in her heart as she watched Lin Ruhai's expression. She knew that although this man could be a little stubborn at times, he truly loved her and their child.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside. Lin Ruhai frowned and stood up to open the door. A maid rushed in, breathlessly annoyed, "Oh no! The old lady has fainted from anger at the young lady!" Lin Ruhai's heart sank, and he quickly followed the maid to the old lady's room.

When Lin Ruhai rushed to Mrs. Lin's yard, Lin Daiyu was lying beside Mrs. Lin's bed, crying and sobbing.