Like a sudden thunderclap, like a heavy blow to our heads, chests, and hearts, the hospital's test reports and the doctor's diagnosis hit us. Holding the diagnosis report and with our daughter in her arms, my wife looked blank and silent. I told myself to stay strong; I am the greatest support for these two.

Our baby, only six months old, opened her eyes like dark grapes. She had just grown her first "green bean tooth." She grinned at me, chewing on her own little hand. She had no idea of the immense challenges that awaited her in this world. Must an angel fallen to earth carry a certain kind of imperfection?

I started the car; no matter how sad, I had to ensure they were fed, and then continue searching for treatment options. My wife, after getting out of the passenger seat, circled around to the back, hoping to pick up our sleeping daughter from her infant car seat. Despite her efforts to hold back, my wife's emotions shattered, tears streaming down.

"She's only six months old! She's so adorable, so delicate. How could she become deaf? How could Heaven take away the hearing of such an angel?" Perhaps sensing her mother's mood, our daughter furrowed her brows in her sleep. I reassured my wife repeatedly and guided her into the restaurant in the shopping center.

"Yuan Yuan, we need to be strong. Our little one still relies on us!" I held my wife's hand across the table, encouraging her, and in turn, encouraging myself. "Didn't the doctor say? Early detection of congenital deafness gives her a chance to regain her hearing with timely intervention. She might need a cochlear implant, a lot of rehabilitation training. She needs our support!"

My wife tightened her grip on my hand, offering me a reluctant smile that said, "I understand the reasoning, but I'm still heartbroken." The two of us ate quietly, aware of the long and challenging road ahead. Only the little one, unaware of everything, slept soundly, finally stirring awake after we finished our meal.

"Let's take a stroll." I suggested that instead of having my wife worry while carrying our daughter at home, we could walk around the mall. Coincidentally, we came across a newly opened jewelry store from the Yujiaofuzi brand, so I took my wife inside.

The intricately carved jade in the glass cabinet was truly ingenious, with designs brimming with traditional Chinese charm, bringing a sense of inner tranquility. I immediately noticed the Happy Laughing Buddha on the counter. The masterful craftsmanship of the carver was evident in the detailed depiction of the Buddha's face in the jade, while still preserving the natural radiance of the jade.

"It's said that men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha. Let's buy a set of parent-child jade for you and our little one. This laughing Buddha, always smiling and compassionate, imparts a sense of peace."

"Sir, you have a discerning eye! This jade piece is called 'Buddha's Affinity.' The Buddha helps those with affinity. Every Buddha has a connection with us, just as we have our own missions to fulfill in this world."

My wife picked up the translucent jade laughing Buddha and playfully shook it in front of our daughter, making her giggle. Our daughter, with her tiny white teeth showing, reached out as if trying to grab it. It was rare to see both mother and daughter so lighthearted. The jade Buddha was adorned with a vivid green bead above, and around the perimeter of the white gold and jade setting, glistened dazzling diamond accents. The reflected light framed their smiles beautifully.

With a solemn gesture, I placed a Happy Laughing Buddha for my wife and child each. Life's journey is full of storms, but it lasts only a hundred years. I hope that no matter how things change in the future, our family of three can find inner peace and stability. The affinity brought by the jade Buddha reflects the gentle strength within our hearts.