Young Wang, being strong and vigorous, managed to carry Tang Hong’en to the car despite nearly stumbling.

His legs were trembling as he pressed the accelerator.

After rushing Tang Hong’en to the nearest hospital, the doctor inquired about his medical history and performed an initial examination before first scolding Young Wang.

“The patient’s gastric ulcer is quite severe and requires long-term treatment and care. He cannot be subjected to stress…”

After reprimanding Young Wang, the doctor suggested surgery.

Surgery?

Young Wang didn’t dare make this decision for Tang Hong’en. It was only after Tang Hong’en’s condition stabilized that he made the decision himself. His stomach problems had been recurring, and he had refused surgery last time in Peng Cheng because work left him no time.

He still had no time now, but Tang Hong’en’s condition couldn’t be delayed any longer.

If he kept being hospitalized, it would give people the impression that he was in poor health, which would be detrimental to his work. Tang Hong’en’s emotions had been too volatile today, and since he was in the capital for a meeting anyway, where the best medical facilities were available, he finally resolved to undergo the surgery.

However, he was all alone in the world.

Judging by tonight’s attitude, his ex-wife probably couldn’t wait for him to die.

Though Ji Jiangyuan was his biological son, the father and son hadn’t seen each other for over a decade. Tang Hong’en had no way of knowing his son’s attitude toward him and wouldn’t let Ji Jiangyuan come to the hospital.

His family ties were thin, and though he had siblings, their relationships were extremely distant.

Usually absorbed in work with his mind full of important matters, he never dwelt on the loneliness of his solitary existence. Now facing surgery, Tang Hong’en couldn’t help feeling somewhat melancholic.

“I’ll make arrangements for my work in Peng Cheng. Don’t notify anyone, and don’t disturb the Peng Cheng liaison office staff in Beijing. The care worker will look after me post-surgery.”

Tang Hong’en methodically arranged his surgery matters.

Young Wang, having worked with Tang Hong’en for several years and knowing his situation, felt a pang of sadness. Yet Tang Hong’en had said he was a young comrade who couldn’t handle things well.

“You sometimes can’t even match up to a young girl.”

Which young girl?

Besides his driver and secretary, the only person who had been close to Tang Hong’en these past few years was Xia Xiaolan, who had brazenly attached herself to him.

After Tang Hong’en’s surgery, while he was still under anesthesia, Young Wang thought it over and decided to notify Xia Xiaolan. Since the leader had mentioned her, perhaps he wanted to see her. Xia Xiaolan was indeed good at cheering people up.

…

Xia Xiaolan arrived at the hospital at noon.

She had an English class in the morning. Thinking of Tang Hong’en’s “guidance,” she simply went straight to English teacher Lin for advice. Teacher Lin seemed to have been waiting for Xia Xiaolan to ask, and pulled her aside for an explanation:

“I wasn’t thorough in my consideration. Knowing your English foundation was quite good, I wanted to understand other students’ levels better… Oh, and I’ve registered you for the National College English Competition. The preliminary round is in mid-November, so you can start preparing early.”

Was it that simple?

It was that simple!

Tang Hong’en was right – she had overcomplicated things. Using the simplest method would often yield clear answers. She shouldn’t have applied business world tactics in school!

Teacher Lin mentioned recommending her for the College English Competition, and Xia Xiaolan didn’t object. It was organized by the Ministry of Education, with preliminary rounds held at individual schools, though few freshmen typically participated, with third and fourth-year students being the main contestants.

Xia Xiaolan had a good discussion with Teacher Lin about the English competition. Teacher Lin explained that this was the Ministry of Education’s first national English competition, and performing well could open up opportunities for Xia Xiaolan.

“In any case, come to me if you have any questions.”

Teacher Lin was very frank, and Xia Xiaolan didn’t even need to ask the calculus teacher – it was likely for similar reasons that she had perfect scores in only math and English.

It was almost noon when she rushed to the hospital.

“How did he end up hospitalized? When he left the school last night, he didn’t seem that serious!”

Tang Hong’en was weak from surgery, so Xia Xiaolan directed her questions to Young Wang. Young Wang didn’t dare mention that after leaving Hua Qing, the leader had gone to the Ji family’s house for more torment. Young Wang didn’t know what had happened at the Ji residence; by the time he saw Tang Hong’en, the situation was already serious.

“I can’t discuss the specifics, but this is the current situation, and the leader doesn’t want others notified.”

While nurses could help with care, Young Wang was mainly worried about Tang Hong’en’s mental state, which was why he had notified Xia Xiaolan. Unfortunately, when she arrived, Tang Hong’en was resting, so she would have to return in the evening.

She still spoke with the doctor to understand Tang Hong’en’s surgical situation and felt somewhat relieved after getting the details. The chronic gastric ulcer could have become malignant at any time. While surgery wasn’t the ideal choice, this simple cutting procedure had at least temporarily resolved a potential crisis. Whether it would recur would depend on Tang Hong’en’s lifestyle habits.

Previously, Xia Xiaolan had hoped her hard-won patron would stay healthy, but after their prolonged association, she truly regarded Tang Hong’en as a close uncle figure – unlike her actual Uncle Xia, whether the elder or younger one, who never acted like a proper uncles should. It wasn’t about whether they could help Xia Xiaolan; they simply never treated her as a niece.

Even strangers could develop genuine bonds, while some people remained selfish, their hearts impossible to warm.

“I have class this afternoon, so I’ll come back to see Uncle Tang in the evening.”

Xia Xiaolan stayed at the hospital for half an hour, but Tang Hong’en didn’t wake up, and she had afternoon classes. She had left her bicycle on the first floor of the hospital. While heading downstairs, she saw two young women who looked like students arguing in the corridor.

One insisted that illness required medical attention, while the other seemed hesitant.

Xia Xiaolan looked twice, “Si Yan?”

One of them was Gu Siyan, whom she had met once before – Zhou Cheng’s aunt’s niece, the eldest daughter of Gu Zhengqing, her number one fanboy among Zhou’s relatives.

Xia Xiaolan thought for a moment before tentatively calling out.

“…Sister Xia!”

Gu Siyan recognized her decisively. People who had met Xia Xiaolan rarely forgot her. Moreover, Xia Xiaolan had thoroughly impressed the Zhou family’s younger generation with her academic prowess, leaving a deep impression on Gu Siyan!

Xia Xiaolan had even given her a dress before, so Gu Siyan was very warm in her greeting.

Xia Xiaolan smiled too, “I was afraid I’d mistaken you. It’s Monday, why aren’t you in school?”

“I’m accompanying my classmate to the hospital. He Jia has had stomach problems these past couple of days, and she threw up again after lunch. The school doctor is practically useless, so I dragged He Jia here!”

He Jia was the other young woman.

She also called Xia Xiaolan “sister,” and Xia Xiaolan asked if they had brought enough money. Gu Siyan nodded. Though Xia Xiaolan needed to get back to school, she thought for a moment and took out 50 yuan from her wallet to give to Gu Siyan:

“Take your classmate for an examination first. Since you’ve already taken time off to come to the hospital, get a proper check-up from the doctor. Consider this money a loan from me, and if you need anything, come find me at Hua Qing.”

Were the two girls arguing because they hadn’t brought enough money?

Since one was Zhou Cheng’s cousin, Xia Xiaolan felt obligated to help. Fifty yuan should cover the examination, and if it turned out to be something serious, they would notify their parents. Xia Xiaolan left in a hurry and didn’t think much of this small incident… Three days later, when Gu Siyan came to repay the money, she seemed like a frightened bird, making Xia Xiaolan realize that the young girl might truly be in trouble.