Chapter 5,219: ?
Even if she couldn't open her eyes the next day.
Tangerine seemed to understand the unspoken meaning behind Madam Xiao's words. Or perhaps she didn't.
She nodded blankly.
A weak smile appeared on her pale face.
"...This won't do."
Madam Xiao took a tissue from her pocket.
She carefully wiped the tear tracks from Tangerine's face.
After stiffening for a moment, Tangerine relaxed.
She let Madam Xiao wipe the tear tracks from her face.
Madam Xiao looked over Tangerine's face.
It was spotless.
There wasn't a trace of tears.
If not for Tangerine's red eyes, there would have been no sign she'd been crying.
"There."
Madam Xiao's lips curved upward.
Her expression was as gentle as her voice.
"You're not a little crybaby anymore."
Madam Xiao reached out and poked Tangerine's cheek.
Then she lifted the corners of her mouth.
"Smile, okay?"
"Especially when you're with your child."
"That way, your child will smile too."
"...Children are very sensitive."
Madam Xiao looked at Tangerine.
"Don't let her realize anything too soon..."
Making a child realize that she was about to leave her parents forever, then count down the days on her fingers...
That was too cruel.
Even if that day couldn't be avoided, Madam Xiao hoped the child wouldn't know until the very last moment.
She hoped the child would remain wrapped in love and sweetness.
Tangerine's pupils contracted for an instant.
After a long pause, she nodded firmly.
She hoped a miracle would happen.
And she was willing to believe that one would.
Until the miracle came, she wouldn't say a thing.
Of course.
If a miracle did happen, she'd have even less reason to say anything.
Her child...
Only needed to grow up happily.
If there