It was the evening of September 28, 1979.
Following her doctor's advice to get some exercise, Chu Yufen walked along the corridor with a hand supporting her lower back.
For some reason, she felt like visiting the room where Song Ning's relative was staying.
By the time she arrived, the old man was on his deathbed.
Song Ning and Song Wang were both gathered beside him.
Seeing her come in, Song Ning quickly made room and had her sit beside the bed.
The old man reached a trembling hand toward her.
Chu Yufen instinctively took it.
When Qiu Youshi could not find his wife in the corridor, he came looking for her too.
He saw that the old man in the hospital bed seemed to be fading fast.
For a moment, he did not know whether to come in or leave.
But Song Ning ushered him straight to a seat on the other side of the bed.
She placed Uncle Qiu's other hand in Qiu Youshi's.
Two trails of clear tears immediately flowed from Uncle Qiu's eyes.
His lips moved in a soundless cry.
No one else knew what he was saying, but Song Ning did:
"Dad!"
"Mom!"
"I'm leaving!"
Although Qiu Youshi and his wife were somewhat bewildered, they knew he was a relative of the young woman who had helped them. Neither pulled their hand away, and they quietly stayed with him.
Uncle Qiu passed away with a smile.
In this life, he had no regrets left.
Immediately afterward, Chu Yufen went into labor.
A nurse hurried over and took her into the delivery room.
Song Ning began making arrangements for Uncle Qiu's funeral, but did not forget to tell Qiu Youshi:
"Prepare plenty of easy-to-digest food to keep her strength up. The baby won't be born anytime