Chapter 832: The Tong Family Has a History of Genetic Diseases
Chapter 832: The Tong Family Has a History of Genetic Diseases
Editor: Henyee Translations
Gu Jin lowered her gaze, her thoughts unreadable. After a pause, she spoke softly, “Auntie Tong, I have a question, but it might involve our family’s privacy.”
Tong Wan regarded Gu Jin warmly, treating her like a beloved daughter-in-law. “It’s alright, dear. We’re family. Feel free to ask anything.”
Gu Jin hesitated briefly before continuing, “Before your child was born, did you already know you were having a daughter? Did you undergo a prenatal gender test?”
In patriarchal societies, prenatal gender testing was generally restricted to prevent gender-based abortions. However, aristocratic families often had privileges allowing them to know the gender in advance through various means. There were also exceptions, such as when genetic diseases linked to sex chromosomes needed early detection.
Tong Wan nodded, concerned that Gu Yang and Gu Jin might misunderstand. She clarified, “Yes, we did undergo a gender test as part of the prenatal checkup.”
“We don’t hold any preference for boys over girls. The test was not about gender bias.”
Gu Yang quickly interjected, “Was it because of a genetic disease in the family?”
He remembered Tong Wan’s hemophilia, which was linked to a genetic disorder.
Neither the Gu family nor the Ruan family had a history of hemophilia. Initially, upon discovering Gu Yang’s condition, they attributed it to bad luck or a rare genetic mutation.
Ruan Xueling, involved in jewelry design, was exposed to radioactive materials occasionally, which could potentially cause genetic mutations in offspring.
Subsequently, after learning that Gu Yang was not their biological daughter, the Gu family assisted her in locating her biological parents.
Hemophilia was a genetic disease, so when they searched for Gu Yang’s biological parents, they focused on families with hemophilia in Jin City and nearby areas. Unfortunately, their efforts proved futile, and they eventually had to abandon the search.
Tong Wan disclosed, “The Xiao family has no history of hereditary diseases. However, my maternal side does have a history of genetic illnesses. I may carry genes predisposing to certain conditions, hence the need for prenatal testing.”
“This child isn’t the only case. Before giving birth to Yize, I also underwent prenatal testing to screen for hereditary diseases.”
“I didn’t want my child to suffer from illness from birth. I wished for her to grow up healthy.”
Moved by Tong Wan’s maternal devotion, Gu Yang expressed, “Auntie Tong Wan, you’re a wonderful mother.”
Gu Jin nodded in agreement, respecting Tong Wan’s privacy regarding the specifics of the Tong family’s genetic disease.
Considering this was the family’s private matter, Tong Wan had opened up as much as she felt comfortable revealing.
The information provided was sufficient for Gu Jin to dismiss any lingering doubts she may have had.
Out of respect, Gu Jin refrained from probing further. Despite her distaste for societal norms, she understood boundaries.
Tong Wan insisted that Gu Yang and Gu Jin stay for dinner at the Xiao residence before Xiao Yize drove them back to school.
Gu Yang had evening self-study sessions to attend.
Feng Jue had been waiting all day, determined to escort Gu Yang back to their classroom. He timed his arrival with a shared electric scooter, stationed at the base of her dormitory building.
Gu Yang couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation at Feng Jue’s persistence, but she relented when she saw his determined expression.
Feng Jue took Gu Yang’s hand and placed it around his waist, content only when she hugged him back. He couldn’t resist shooting a teasing glance at Gu Jin.