Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

River added, "Even if you don't choose our wives, at least live long enough to see us get married and become dads."

The old lady laughed. "That was my plan. I really thought I still had the energy to arrange marriages for the three of you. But as I get older, my strength just isn't what it used to be. All those old-age issues are catching up with me. Aging is hard to deny. If I could live as long as your Grandpa Jimenez, I'd be content." Old Mr. Jimenez had lived to a hundred.

If she could reach that age, she'd definitely get to see her three youngest grandsons settle down and have families of their own.

But she wasn't sure she'd make it that far.

These days, she often felt like she was standing with one foot in the grave. She'd be satisfied to reach ninety-four or ninety-five. By then, her three youngest grandsons would likely be married.

If all nine grandsons had families, and their parents were enjoying peaceful, happy retirements, then she could face her late husband without regret or guilt. "Grandma, you're much healthier than Grandpa Jimenez ever was. You'll definitely outlive him."

Mr. Jimenez had suffered serious injuries when he was young, yet he still made it to a hundred.

ones who

decided at birth. That's what she believed. She'd lived through war, chaos, and hardship in her youth.

political times. She

reached middle age and old age, the York family had risen

behind

children and grandchildren—and every one

plenty of people

only thing she once regretted was never having a daughter or

a great-granddaughter. The York family had

if she passed away now, she'd have no

lady said, "River, you've known the Lafond girl for five or six years-you know her well. Now that you've realized your feelings for her, don't waste time. Go after her. Your sisterin-law told me she probably has feelings for