"I'm okay— Ugh!" Yu Antong waved his hand and before he could finish speaking, he retched again.

Hearing this, Xing Lixuan quickly came over, patting his back, "Are you feeling unwell? Should we go to the hospital?"

After the wave of nausea passed, Yu Antong shook his head, "Maybe the long car ride made me dizzy. I'll rest in my room for a bit."

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"Rest for now. If you still feel unwell later, let me know. We'll head straight to the hospital," Xing Lixuan said. "We can't delay if you're sick."

Yu Antong nodded, "Okay."

He intended to lie down just for a while, but unexpectedly fell asleep and was only awakened when Xing Lixuan called him for dinner.

Xing Lixuan asked, "Do you still feel unwell?"

Yu Antong paused for a moment, then said, "I don't feel nauseous anymore, and there's no discomfort. I'm alright now."

Xing Lixuan breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good to hear."

As Yu Antong descended the stairs, he noticed Yu Annan, "Little Nan, when did you arrive?"

Yu Annan replied, "Auntie had someone pick me up."

Mrs. Xing turned to Yu Antong, "It's the New Year's celebration, and I thought your house would be empty, so I invited Nan over to join us for dumplings."

Mrs. Xing truly is considerate. Yu Antong had been concerned about his sister being alone at home and had even called her. But he hadn't expected Mrs. Xing to have already taken the initiative.

Warmed by Mrs. Xing's thoughtful gesture, Yu Antong felt slightly guilty, knowing that his relationship with Xing Lixuan wasn't genuine.

For dinner, Yu Antong had a large bowl of dumplings and felt no more nausea, suggesting that he was fine.

The next day, Xing Lixuan had a year-end banquet at his company, and there were a few other things to attend to. Both he and his father were at the company. With Mrs. Xing out with a friend, Yu Antong was alone at home.

During lunch, one of the dishes was steamed bass. Though the fish's meat was delicious and among Yu Antong's favorites, today, for some reason, it tasted off to him. The nausea he felt the previous day surged back.

Despite heaving for a long time, he only brought up some acidic liquid.

He had initially thought yesterday's discomfort might have been due to exhaustion, but it had already been a night. Could it be gastroenteritis?

After rinsing his mouth, Yu Antong decided to visit the hospital.

In the hospital during the afternoon, there weren't many patients. Yu Antong explained to the doctor, "Since last night, I occasionally feel the urge to vomit during meals, but it passes after a while."

After a checkup and a few questions, the doctor gave him a referral for blood tests and a gastroscopy.

The blood test came back normal, and the gastroscopy revealed nothing out of the ordinary.

The doctor commented, "It seems alright. It might be due to consuming oily or stale food recently. I'll prescribe you some digestive tablets."

Yu Antong had come to the hospital assuming it might be a minor stomach issue, but now, with no clear diagnosis, he felt unease creeping in.

As he left the hospital, a realization struck him, draining the color from his face.

Yesterday was the eve of the Lunar New Year. He suddenly remembered that in the novel "Heirloom's Beloved Husband," the last update mentioned this specific date.

On this day, the main character was summoned home by Yu Qingnian for a family dinner, ostensibly for reunion but in reality because Yu Qingnian's investment failed and he wanted money from the Xing family.

The protagonist and his uncle quarreled for a long time, but in the end, he agreed to ask Xing Lixuan for a loan.

Recollecting the plot, Yu Antong recognized the deviation in current events.

A few days ago, indeed, Yu Qingnian had called him to join the New Year's celebration. At that time, Yu Antong didn't recall this plot point but instinctively felt something was amiss with the invitation.

Thus, he declined, mentioning he was skiing with Yu family members and unsure of his return. He also hinted at no need for future visits, considering everyone was well aware of their strained relationships.

Yu Qingnian didn't say anything more.

In hindsight, he probably wanted me to help get the money too, but my firm attitude made him realize it was a lost cause, so he didn’t waste any more time.

What alarmed Yu Antong was that the description in the original novel about borrowing money intensified the readers' dissatisfaction with the protagonist. Many comments mentioned that the protagonist was too saintly. Despite Yu Qingnian's treatment, he was still trying to get money from the Xing family, which turned many readers off.

Subsequently, the author stopped updating and announced in a note that the protagonist would be written off.

Over the past six months, Yu Antong lived freely, having long forgotten about the original plot.

Recalling it now, a chill overtook him.

Could his inexplicable nausea be a sign of impending doom? Would he still be bound by the fate laid out in the original story?

Many events after he entered the novel had changed. For instance, there was a banquet in the novel that never happened, and some characters' roles had changed.

Every single thing was shifting, making him mistakenly believe his life wouldn’t end abruptly.

It seems that while the protagonist's experiences can change, their life span might still be controlled by the original plot.

Well, half a year of joyful living was worth it.

Instead of returning to the Xing residence, Yu Antong headed to his own home to see his younger sister, Yu Annan.

Yu Annan was on winter break, considering attending tutoring sessions. Given the cold weather, Yu Antong arranged for a private tutor at home. After all, their financial situation was no longer dire.

"Brother, why are you here?"

Yu Antong replied, "Not welcome?"

“Please rest for a bit, teacher. My brother is here,” Yu Annan said to the tutor. Turning to Yu Antong, she added, “Of course you’re always welcome. But didn’t we just see each other yesterday?”

Yu Annan chuckled, “Missed me already?”

Yu Annan had adopted her brother's cheerful demeanor over time.

"Need any help with your studies?" Yu Antong glanced at her workbook.

He realized he couldn’t remember any of the high school material.

Trying to deflect, Yu Antong shifted topics: “Have you thought about what you want to pursue after the college entrance exam?”

“I’m still undecided. I'm leaning towards photography, but I’m also considering medical school.”

Chuckling, Yu Antong said, “Those are pretty different. What are you thinking?”

“Whatever you decide, as long as it makes you happy, I’m behind you,” he affirmed. “And if someday I'm not around, I want you to keep living your best life, okay?”

Yu Annan sensed something was amiss. "What do you mean, brother? Did something happen? Where are you going?"

Yu Antong realized that her college entrance exams were soon. He didn't want to disturb her preparations, seeing how diligently she was studying.

"Hahaha." He quickly laughed it off, saying, "Where is your mind wandering to? What I meant was, you're growing up and heading to college soon. I can't always be around you like before."

Yu Annan sighed with relief, grumbling, "You scared me, brother."

After some more chat with Yu Annan, Yu Anzong headed back to the Xing residence.

By the time Yu Anzong arrived home, only Mrs. Xing was there. Xing Lixuan was probably attending the year-end banquet.

"Where did you go, Anzong? Why did you come back so late?" Mrs. Xing said, "I was about to call you."

Yu Anzong managed a faint smile, "I went to visit my sister."

The housekeeper asked if he would like some dinner, to which he replied, "I already ate with my sister. Mom, you go ahead. I'm heading to bed."

Mrs. Xing was pulling out a chair and missed the forced nature of his smile.

Yu Anzong intended to ask Xing Lixuan for a divorce once he returned.

After the passing of Grandmother Xing, it was evident that Xing Lixuan was deeply emotional. Thankfully, although they both had some affection for one another, it wasn't too profound.

It's better to end things now, sparing Xing Lixuan further pain.

The only regret would be failing to live up to the genuine kindness and affection of the Xing parents.

Growing drowsy while waiting, Yu Anzong started to nod off on the bed. Past ten, he heard the front door, signaling Xing Lixuan's return.

He listened to the approaching footsteps. Just when they seemed almost at the door, they grew distant again.

A bit later, Xing Lixuan entered the room. He was slightly tipsy from the banquet, carrying a crystal trophy. He mumbled as he handed it to Yu Anzong, "Here, baby. For you."

It turned out he remembered he had promised to show Yu Anzong the trophy on their way back from skiing and had gone to his study to get it.

Accepting the trophy, Yu Anzong gently traced the engraved name - Xing Lixuan. Setting it aside, he ushered the slightly tipsy man to sit. The smell of alcohol wafted, "You've been drinking?"

"Mhm," Xing Lixuan nodded, "They toasted in your honor. Since you weren't there, I drank on your behalf."

A pang of sadness hit Yu Anzong. Noticing Lixuan wasn't too drunk, he said, "Xing Lixuan, can I ask you something?"

Lixuan nodded, "Sure."

Yu Anzong inquired, "Do you like me?"

Xing Lixuan chuckled, his thoughts elsewhere. Suddenly, he turned serious, "Dream on."

He wasn't about to confess his feelings first. He wanted Yu Anzong to make the first move.

Relieved by the response, Yu Anzong continued, "That's good to hear. With grandma gone, shouldn't our arrangement come to an end?"

Xing Lixuan seemed stunned, as if he didn't quite grasp the implications.

Yu Antong straightforwardly said, "Let's get a divorce."

Xing Lixuan, with his back turned, took a sip from the glass on the bedside table. The water was already cold. "What nonsense are you talking about now?"

This little schemer must be up to another one of his antics.

Yu Antong replied seriously, "I'm not joking. I really think we should divorce."

The cold water sobered Xing Lixuan up. He slammed the glass on the table, his voice colder than the water, "Why?"

Yu Antong pursed his lips, hesitating before saying, "Didn't I mention our agreement has reached its end…"

With a loud "Bang!" Yu Antong jumped in surprise.

Xing Lixuan had angrily thrown the glass onto the floor. Pointing at Yu Antong, his trembling finger showed his fury, "Yu Antong, don't you have a heart?"

The sound of the shattering glass alerted Xing's parents, who rushed over, knocking on the door, "Lixuan, Antong, what happened? Did you two have a fight?"

The door wasn't locked. Upon opening, they immediately noticed the broken glass and water on the floor.

Xing Lixuan, with bloodshot eyes, glared at Yu Antong, filled with an intense grudge.

Xing's mother frowned, "What's going on here?"

Xing Lixuan continued to glare at Yu Antong without speaking, his gaze piercing.

Yu Antong hadn't intended to explain, knowing the truth might be too hard to believe. Xing Lixuan would just assume it was a made-up excuse.

Whatever. Believe it or not!

Deciding to spill it all, Yu Antong began, "Recently, I get nauseous at the faintest fishy smell, and I sometimes feel strange in my stomach. I might be…"

Before he could finish, both of Xing's parents exclaimed in unison, "Antong, are you pregnant?!"

Their voices were filled with a mix of disbelief, but mostly joy and anticipation.

Yu Antong's final words, 'I might be dying', were stuck in his throat, never making it out.

He thought he had misheard. Turning to face Xing's parents robotically, he asked, "Dad, Mom... what did you just say?"

Author's note:

Thank you to the angels who voted or nourished me between 2020-01-04 17:14:25 and 2020-01-05 22:51:10.

Special thanks to those who gave support: Gu Banban with 2; Ni Zi, Asura, and Ruthless Kanna with 1 each.

Thanks for the nourishments from: Miao Miao Xi with 15 bottles; Soft Bunny, Cute Me, Little Star with 10 bottles; Adorable Xian Xian with 9 bottles; Yue Yu Xinhua with 6 bottles; Extremely Beautiful, Smile with Eyes Closed, Luo Luo with 5 bottles; Mo a Perdu Fet., Soy Sauce, Undercover with 3 bottles; Jia Kabala, Dreaming Awake with 2 bottles; Love Little Star, Wang Ji, Looking Forward, Liu, Hua Jiuqi Qiu, Spring Summer Autumn Winter, Jing Xi, Glutinous Rice Ball with 1 bottle each.

I truly appreciate everyone's support! I'll keep doing my best!

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