The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife-Chapter 520 - 523. Over and done with.

Shen Qinglan listened to Jiang Chenxi recount the events and was somewhat surprised at the unexpected turn of events.

"So, what do you plan to do now?" The Chen Family had approached him demanding he take responsibility, but what would Jiang Chenxi’s choice be? Would he do as the Jiang Family said, dissolve his engagement with Pei Yinong out of guilt and be with Chen Wanqiao, or would he stand by Pei Yinong?

"Little sister-in-law, I came today to ask for your help. I want to find the doctor who treated Hengyi’s leg injury last time."

Shen Qinglan raised an eyebrow slightly, "Doctor Eden?"

"Right, him. I want to ask him to have a look at Chen Wanqiao, to see if there’s a chance to cure her illness." The main reason Mrs. Chen was pressing Jiang Chenxi to take responsibility was because of Chen Wanqiao’s illness. If they could cure her, Mrs. Chen wouldn’t have to worry about her daughter being unable to marry and having to live a life without support.

Seeking Doctor Eden’s help is of course no issue, I can speak to him for you, but Chenxi, tell me the truth, if Chen Wanqiao’s illness can’t be cured, what will you do? Would you dissolve your engagement with my cousin?" This was Shen Qinglan’s primary concern, as Jiang Chenxi’s attitude towards the situation was very important.

Jiang Chenxi’s gaze was deep, "I won’t. I love Yining, and in this life, I only want to be with her. I’m grateful for everything Chen Wanqiao has done for me, and I do feel guilty about her predicament, especially if it results in her losing the chance to find happiness. If that happens, I’m willing to care for her as a brother for the rest of her life, and even our future children with Yining could call her ’Mom,’ but I cannot marry her."

Jiang Chenxi knew his decision was selfish, but feelings weren’t something to be given out of pity. Besides, he believed that even Chen Wanqiao herself would disdain a love born out of charity.

A flash of satisfaction crossed Shen Qinglan’s eyes as she continued, "What if Mrs. Chen persists, what will you do then?"

"I can accept looking after Wanqiao, or providing financial compensation, but if her mother demands too much, then I will have to firmly refuse." Regardless of the amount of compensation Mrs. Chen asked for, Jiang Chenxi would agree, since Chen Wanqiao had, in a way, saved his and Pei Yinong’s lives, and human life and Chen Wanqiao’s own happiness couldn’t be measured in money.

"I understand. I’ll contact Doctor Eden for you and ask him to check on Chen Wanqiao. However, you also have to be prepared; although Doctor Eden is skilled, after all, he is not a miracle worker, so if..."

"Little sister-in-law, I understand. I just want to ask Doctor Eden to have a look, and if it’s not possible, I won’t insist."

"I’ll call Doctor Eden now," Shen Qinglan said, pulling out her phone to call him, but a prompt indicated that he was not in the service area. She frowned slightly and dialed Andre instead.

Andre did answer.

"Where is Doctor Eden?" Shen Qinglan asked directly.

"Eden has gone out again, this time I don’t know where. He said he was researching some plant, I can’t remember the name; An, do you need him urgently?"

"I do need him for an important matter. Did he mention when he would be back?"

"He didn’t say, but it could be a long time; he’s been gone for over a month now," Andre said.

Cissily had already woken up; after Doctor Eden had examined her and confirmed that she was okay, he left. In recent years because of Cissily and Jin Enxi’s circumstances, Eden hadn’t pursued his beloved research, devoting most of his energy to them. Now that they were both fine, he resumed his medical research that he was passionate about.

Hearing this, disappointment was evident on Shen Qinglan’s face. Doctor Eden was a medical fanatic, and it was common for him to disappear for one or two months when engrossed in his research, "If Eden comes back, have him call me or come directly to Beijing to find me, I need his help."

At Shen Qinglan’s words, Andre’s expression changed slightly, "An, did something happen to you?"

"It’s not me, a friend has encountered some trouble," Shen Qinglan explained without going into detail, then hung up.

Jiang Chenxi had overheard her conversation and looked at her, "Little sister-in-law, is Doctor Eden not around?"

Shen Qinglan nodded, "He’s gone, and there’s no telling when he’ll be back. However, I can find someone else to help you." As she spoke, she dialed another number that Anan had given her.

"Xiaoqi," Allen’s raspy, unpleasing voice came through the phone.

Shen Qinglan was silent for a few seconds before speaking softly, "Allen, I want to ask Peter for a favor, to treat someone for me."

"Okay, I’ll have him go to you this afternoon," Allen agreed without hesitation, without even asking who she wanted to save.

Hearing this, Shen Qinglan’s lips tightened slightly, "Allen, thank you!"

"You never have to thank me, Xiaoqi," Allen said, laughing gently, his tone tender.

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Chenxi asked, "Little sister-in-law, who is this Peter?"

"Peter is a doctor whose medical skills are no less than Eden’s. For now, since we can’t locate Eden, we’ll have Peter come over and take a look."

"Thank you, little sister-in-law."

"We will soon be family, so there’s no need for such formalities," Shen Qinglan said calmly, "Have you visited Chen Wanqiao in the hospital?"

Jiang Chenxi shook his head. These past few days, his main focus, along with Pei Yinong, had been on the lawsuit against Gu Jiajia. This time, he was determined to put Gu Jiajia in prison and to request the judge for a heavy sentence.

Mentioning Gu Jiajia made Shen Qinglan frown. This woman was too malicious at heart; it was better for her to be locked away still, "Do you need my help?" The undertone of Shen Qinglan’s words was clear to them both.

Jiang Chenxi shook his head, "Little sister-in-law, I can handle this." He also knew quite a few people in this area.

"That’s for the best, but if you do need help, just let me know."

"I certainly won’t stand on ceremony with you," Jiang Chenxi said. After talking to Shen Qinglan for a few more moments, he left the Fu Family residence. Now that he had found the person he was looking for, he planned to take care of some things and then go to the hospital. It wasn’t right for him not to show up when Chen Wanqiao was hurt because of him.

Peter came along with Allen. Initially, Allen did not intend to come, but he was forcibly dragged along by Peter. According to him, it was too good an opportunity to see Shen Qinglan to pass up easily.

Peter went directly to the hospital. When Shen Qinglan learned that the two had arrived, she also planned to go to the hospital, but she was entangled by Anan, "Mommy, where are you going?"

"I’m going to the hospital to see a friend."

"Can I come with you?"

"No, you can’t. You need to stay at home."

Anan frowned, clearly unhappy, "But Mommy, I want to go."

"Why?"

"I want to see Uncle Allen." Anan told the truth. She had already overheard the conversation when Shen Qinglan was on the phone that morning, "Mommy, has Uncle Allen arrived?"

"It’s not him, it’s Uncle Peter who’s coming with him."

"Then Uncle Allen must have come too. Mommy, let’s go together, I want to see Uncle Allen."

"Okay." Shen Qinglan thought for a moment and agreed. Anan immediately became happy.

Shen Qinglan arrived at the hospital with Anan, while Dr. Peter was in the ward checking on Chen Wanqiao, and Allen was waiting for him in the hallway.

Anan saw Allen and immediately ran over, hugging his legs, "Uncle Allen."

Allen hadn’t expected Shen Qinglan to bring Anan too. He smiled gently and reached out to pat Anan’s head, "How come you’re here?"

"I knew uncle was coming, so I asked Mom to bring me with her. Uncle, did you miss me?" Anan smiled sweetly.

Allen’s eyes were tender as he nodded, "Mm, I did."

Anan beamed, "I missed uncle too. Uncle, come over to my house for a visit this time. I’ll ask Granny Liu to make you a cake." He was still keen on the idea of inviting Allen over for a visit.

But Allen didn’t reply to his invitation and looked at Shen Qinglan instead, "Xiaoqi, Peter is inside treating that lady."

Shen Qinglan nodded, glanced at the bodyguard-like person standing behind Allen, and said, "Thank you. But I’ll need you to take care of Anan for a while, I’m going to find out about the situation inside."

Allen knew she was deliberately giving him a chance to spend time with Anan and smiled as he nodded, "Go ahead."

"Uncle, why do you call my mom Xiaoqi? My mom’s name is Shen Qinglan." Anan asked curiously, looking at Allen.

Allen smiled gently, "Xiaoqi is also your mom’s name, just like how you’re called Anan." He had grown used to calling Shen Qinglan Xiaoqi and didn’t want to change it. Maybe it was a way to deceive himself into feeling that by calling her Xiaoqi, it was as if she was still by his side.

Anan immediately understood, "Ah, so Xiaoqi is my mom’s nickname."

Allen smiled faintly.

Anan looked down and rummaged through his little backpack. After a while, he took out a lollipop from the bottom of the bag, "Uncle, this is what Daddy bought for me. It’s really tasty. Here, you can have it."

Allen had lived half a lifetime and had never tasted a lollipop. Even as a child, he had never known the taste of one. He took it in his hand and examined it closely.

"Uncle, this lollipop is so tasty. I begged Daddy for a long time before he agreed to buy it for me, and now I’m giving it to you."

Usually, Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi didn’t allow Anan to eat a lot of snacks, and the amount he could have was strictly controlled, especially candy. Even this lollipop was something Anan had begged Fu Hengyi for a long time before he agreed to buy it. After purchasing it, Anan was too reluctant to eat it, keeping it in his bag, occasionally taking it out to look at. Today, he was willing to give it to Allen, which showed how fond he was of him.

Allen peeled off the candy wrapper. Seeing Anan’s eager gaze and unconsciously swallowing, he smiled and held the candy to Anan’s lips, "Eat it."

Anan, however, shook his head, "Uncle, this one’s for you."

"Uncle is an adult now, and I don’t eat candy anymore. You have it." Anan was irresistibly adorable.

Anan hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a quiet voice, "Then, uncle, I’ll just take a tiny taste, and then it’s all yours, okay?"

Allen nodded, and Anan stuck out his little tongue to lightly lick it. He squinted his eyes contently, smacking his lips, "Uncle, it’s very sweet, very tasty. You try it." He pushed the lollipop toward Allen’s mouth, looking at him with hope.

Allen watched him curiously, "You sure I should eat it?"

Anan nodded emphatically, "Go ahead. Next time, I’ll ask Daddy to buy me an extra one to give to you."

Allen stuffed the candy into his mouth, the lollipop tasting of fruit. The sweetness spreading on his tongue actually made him a bit nauseous, as he did not like it. However, Anan’s eyes were black and bright with joy, instantly making him feel that the candy in his mouth wasn’t so hard to accept.

"Uncle, is it tasty?"

Allen nodded, "It’s very tasty."

Anan’s eyes sparkled, "I knew Uncle would like it."

In the hallway, Allen and Anan shared a very warm moment together, but the atmosphere in the hospital room was somewhat tense.

When Jiang Chenxi arrived at the hospital, Mrs. Chen refused to let him in. After all, during his time at the Jiang Family’s, Jiang Chenxi had turned down her request, and Zhong Lei had visited Chen Wanqiao at the hospital; it seemed there was no intention of breaking up between the two.

However, upon hearing Jiang Chenxi say that he had found a very good doctor to treat Chen Wanqiao, Mrs. Chen eventually couldn’t bring herself to refuse. For her, the most important thing was Chen Wanqiao’s health.

Dr. Peter first looked through Chen Wanqiao’s medical records, then gave her a comprehensive physical examination, his expression becoming increasingly grave, causing everyone else’s hearts to skip a beat.

Chen Wanqiao herself seemed to be the most at ease person present. Seeing Dr. Peter not speaking for a long time, she smiled gently and spoke warmly, "Doctor, just tell me the truth about my health; we are mentally prepared." It couldn’t get any worse than it already was.

Dr. Peter glanced at her and stroked his chin, "Your condition is indeed very tricky. Your uterus has suffered severe trauma, quite severely damaged. The hopes of conceiving a child in the short term are slim."

Unexpectedly, as soon as his words finished, Mrs. Chen grabbed his hand excitedly, her face aglow, "Doctor, do you mean to say there’s a chance Wanqiao can be cured?" Dr. Peter had said it was not possible in the short term, which didn’t mean it was impossible for a lifetime.

Dr. Peter raised his eyebrows slightly, glanced at the hand Mrs. Chen had grabbed, and a flash of displeasure crossed the depths of his eyes. He disliked physical contact with strangers.

Mrs. Chen didn’t notice the displeasure in his eyes and just stared at him intently, "Doctor, can my daughter’s illness be cured?"

Dr. Peter subtly withdrew his hand and spoke indifferently, "Given her current physical condition, getting pregnant would be extremely difficult. However, it’s not completely impossible like the doctors in this hospital have said—perhaps after three to five years of conditioning, in a few years, she might be able to conceive a child."

Mrs. Chen’s eyes instantly brightened, "Are you really serious?"

"If you don’t believe me, then you can find someone else," said Dr. Peter, a bit annoyed. He disliked anyone questioning his medical skills, which he took great pride in.

Mrs. Chen seemed to realize her words were inappropriate and quickly added, "It’s just that I misspoke, don’t take offense. I’m just too worried about my daughter. If you can cure my daughter, I’ll do anything you ask."

Chen Wanqiao, who had already prepared herself for the possibility of never becoming a mother in this lifetime, was now suddenly told that there might still be hope for her. She looked at Dr. Peter, mouth slightly trembling, too excited to speak.

"Don’t get too excited yet. Her body has suffered too much damage. I’m talking about the possibility of conceiving after three to five years of recuperation; it’s not guaranteed she’ll be able to give birth," Dr. Peter stressed. He wanted to make it clear; otherwise, if Chen Wanqiao still couldn’t conceive later on, he didn’t want the blame to fall on him.

Mrs. Chen nodded repeatedly, "Yes, we understand that. Just knowing there’s hope is the greatest news, we wouldn’t dare to ask for more." The doctors at this hospital had already pronounced a death sentence on Chen Wanqiao; now Dr. Peter had given her a new verdict, how could she not be thrilled?

"During the recuperation process, she also needs special care. To put it bluntly, her body is like a shattered glass bottle; to fix a shattered glass bottle requires a great deal of patience. So, during the process of conditioning, she must be very careful. Recovery will also require enduring some hardship."

"I’m not afraid of hardship," said Chen Wanqiao immediately, determined. Being a complete woman mattered more to her than suffering a bit of hardship. Her face remained pale, but her eyes were resolute.

"Doctor, we understand what you’re saying and we’re not afraid of hardship. But what particular things should we take care of during the recuperation? Please explain the details to us," Mrs. Chen echoed. If Chen Wanqiao could truly recover, then her marriage with Zhong Lei might still have hope.

Dr. Peter listed some precautions and important points one by one. Afraid of forgetting, Mrs. Chen took out a notebook and painstakingly wrote them down.

Mrs. Chen looked towards Shen Qinglan, "Miss Shen, thank you for helping our Wanqiao find such a good doctor." Although Shen Qinglan did it for Jiang Chenxi’s sake, she had indeed helped her daughter, and this thanks was necessary.

Moreover, this doctor’s medical skills were clearly better than any other doctor she knew. Last night, she had already shown Chen Wanqiao’s medical records to experts she knew in the field, and the experts had said there was nothing they could do. Mrs. Chen had already given up hope, but now that there was a glimmer of new hope, no matter who provided it and for what reason, she should be grateful.

Shen Qinglan’s expression was indifferent. "There is no need for that, Miss Chen is someone I greatly admire, and if I can help her, then of course I should." She didn’t hide her admiration for Chen Wanqiao, and indeed, her attitude toward love was admirable. She truly embodied what it meant to give one’s heart without seeking anything in return.

Shen Qinglan admitted that even if she were in Chen Wanqiao’s place, she might not be able to do better.

"Peter, how long can you stay here?" Shen Qinglan looked at Peter.

"I can stay for a while, until her health improves a bit before I can start to regulate her condition," Peter said, indicating that at the current stage, Chen Wanqiao needed to focus on recovery.

"Then you and Allen can stay in an empty apartment I have in the city for the time being."

Peter did not refuse, since he was going to stay for a while, the issue of accommodation had to be addressed; staying in a hotel was nowhere as good as staying in Shen Qinglan’s house, where he might also create opportunities for Allen to see Shen Qinglan, right?

Later, Peter realized he had overthought it; the apartment was indeed just an empty property Shen Qinglan had, which she hardly ever visited.

With Chen Wanqiao’s issues resolved, Peter did not stay any longer and went with Allen to the apartment Shen Qinglan had mentioned. The apartment was regularly cleaned and maintained by someone, so it was ready for them to move in directly.

"Allen, I think you should thank me." Sitting on the sofa in the apartment’s living room, Peter said with a smug face, "I’ve created an opportunity for you to see Shen Qinglan."

Allen glanced at him indifferently and maneuvered his wheelchair into the master bedroom. Peter touched his chin, pondering. Allen didn’t seem very pleased—could it be that his feelings for Shen Qinglan had faded? But he shook his head almost immediately, dismissing the thought. Shen Qinglan was Allen’s obsession; if his feelings had faded that easily, he wouldn’t be Allen.

**

It was three days later when Zhong Lei next came to the hospital; he and Chen Wanqiao had agreed on a time. He had visited the hospital as planned that day, and Mrs. Chen had been reassured, but since he had vanished for the past two days, her anxiety had resurfaced.

"Zhong Lei, you’re here, come in, have a seat. I’ll get you a glass of water," Mrs. Chen said warmly as she saw Zhong Lei. Chen Wanqiao’s health had a chance of recovery, and her biggest concern now was the marriage between Zhong Lei and Wan Jiao.

She was genuinely satisfied with Zhong Lei, but if he and Chen Wanqiao could not end up together, it would indeed be a great pity.

"Auntie, please don’t trouble yourself. I’m just here to see how Wan Jiao is doing," Zhong Lei said with a smile.

"Mom, I want to eat Xiao Yang’s fried buns from Victory Street. Could you get some for me?" Chen Wanqiao said to her mother.

Knowing the two had things to discuss, Mrs. Chen nodded, "Sure, I’ll go get them for you now. Zhong Lei, would you like anything? I can pick it up for you as well."

Zhong Lei waved his hand, "No need, Auntie, I’ve already eaten."

"Alright then, I’ll be on my way. Call me if you need anything," the latter half directed at Chen Wanqiao who nodded.

It wasn’t until Mrs. Chen left that Chen Wanqiao finally turned to Zhong Lei, "Take a seat."

Zhong Lei sat down and quietly observed Chen Wanqiao. Some color had returned to her face, and though she still looked pale, she no longer had the almost translucent quality of the previous days. He was slightly relieved, "How have you been these last few days?"

Chen Wanqiao smiled faintly and nodded, "Much better."

The two were silent as they looked at each other.

"Wan Jiao, have you thought about what I mentioned the other day?" Zhong Lei broke the silence, asking softly.

Chen Wanqiao kept her head down, looking at her own hands, "Zhong Lei, do you mind?"

"What?" Zhong Lei instinctively asked.

"Do you mind what happened this time?" she thought to herself. Any man would mind, right?

"Do you want to hear the truth?" Zhong Lei asked her. Chen Wanqiao nodded.

"The truth is, I mind but I can forgive. Wan Jiao, I’m not a saint; I’m just an ordinary man. So, yes, I was disappointed in you when it first happened, and I did waver. But choosing to forgive you was a decision made after a lot of thought. Just like I said that day, it’s not easy to meet someone you love. So I want to give you a chance, and give myself a chance too."

"Zhong Lei, I don’t deserve for you to be this good to me." Chen Wanqiao’s voice was soft, filled with guilt.

Zhong Lei smiled slightly, "Whether you deserve it or not isn’t for you to say, it’s for me to decide." His expression was calm, but his eyes looking at Chen Wanqiao were tender, "Wan Jiao, actually, you’re a good person, better than you think. You’re a woman who dares to love and hate. I believe what you can pick up, you can also put down. What you need is just time. And I can give you that time."

Chen Wanqiao’s eyes reddened slightly and she felt a lump in her throat, "Zhong Lei, if only I had met you first." If she had met Zhong Lei from the beginning, maybe they would be very happy now.

Zhong Lei laughed, taking her hand, "It’s not too late now." With his other hand, he gently wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes, "Silly girl, why the tears?"

"Just feeling sorry for you."

"There’s nothing to be sorry or not sorry for, this is my own choice. And my efforts are not without wanting something in return. My only requirement is that from now on, you live well with me and be devoted to me. Can you do that?"

Chen Wanqiao looked steadily into Zhong Lei’s eyes and nodded seriously, "I can."

"That’s enough then." He said softly, embracing Chen Wanqiao gently in his arms.

"Wan Jiao, thank you for giving me a chance, and I thank myself for being willing to give you one too," he said softly.

Chen Wanqiao hugged Zhong Lei back. She thought to herself how fortunate she was to have met someone who cared for her so deeply. What reason did she have to shrink back? "Zhong Lei, thank you," she said quietly in her heart.

Chen Wanqiao relayed to Zhong Lei exactly what Dr. Peter had told her.

On hearing this, Zhong Lei smiled and said nonchalantly, "We won’t insist on the matter of children."

Chen Wanqiao looked at him, "Are you just comforting me, or do you really not like kids?"

"I’m not particularly fond of kids, and I’m not saying that just to comfort you. However, if in the future you do want to have children, and it happens, then I’m willing to try to be a qualified father."

"But what about your uncle and aunt..." Chen Wanqiao hesitated.

Zhong Lei’s parents didn’t know she had been in a car accident and admitted to the hospital, obviously, Zhong Lei had deliberately kept it from them.

"Don’t worry about my parents, I’ll handle them. They are aware of my attitude toward children, so even after we’re married, they won’t make things difficult for you over this. If my parents say something in your ear, you can just push everything onto me. If all else fails, say it’s my body that has the problem, that I can’t have children."

Zhong Lei had already planned a way out for Chen Wanqiao, and these past three days he hadn’t been idle, having a deep talk with his parents about children, clearly stating his own stance. Luckily, Zhong Lei’s parents were open-minded; while not supporting their son’s approach, they understood it.

At this moment, Chen Wanqiao was unaware of what Zhong Lei had been doing for her behind the scenes, but hearing his words, she was moved. In her heart, she became even more determined to cooperate well with Dr. Peter’s treatment, striving to restore her health.

Being unable to have children and not wanting to have children are two different things. She hoped that when Zhong Lei wanted to become a father, she could bear him a child.

When Mrs. Chen returned with the fried buns, Zhong Lei was nowhere to be seen in the ward. Her gaze shifted slightly as she looked at Chen Wanqiao, "Where’s Zhong Lei?"

Chen Wanqiao saw the anxious expression on her mother’s face and felt a sourness in her heart. She smiled and said, "He went to buy some fruit for me."

On hearing this, Mrs. Chen breathed a sigh of relief, "Have you two made up?"

Chen Wanqiao nodded, "Mom, the wedding date with Zhong Lei remains unchanged."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Chen’s eyes immediately brightened, "Are you serious? You and Zhong Lei haven’t broken up?"

Chen Wanqiao solemnly nodded, "Yes. Mom, I’m very lucky to have met a man worthy of my lifelong commitment."

"Good, good, good," Mrs. Chen said ’good’ thrice, her eyes moistening slightly, "This way, Mom can rest assured. Wanqiao, you must treat Zhong Lei well in the future."

"I know." Even if her mother hadn’t mentioned it, she had already decided that from now on, she would be very good to Zhong Lei, as good as she could possibly be, to repay him for his care and love.

"Mom, everything is fine between Zhong Lei and me now; you don’t have to trouble the Jiang Family anymore," Chen Wanqiao spoke softly.

Mrs. Chen’s gaze shifted slightly, "Wanqiao, do you still have feelings for Jiang Chenxi...?"

"Mom, where did your thoughts drift off to? I’m not saying this because of Jiang Chenxi, but for myself and Zhong Lei," Chen Wanqiao said helplessly, "After this incident, Zhong Lei didn’t leave me. Instead, he chose to tolerate me. I don’t want to have any entanglement with the Jiang Family and cause him any displeasure."

Mrs. Chen thought about it and agreed, "Mom was thinking wrong, yes, yes, you should sever ties with the Jiang Family."

Originally, Mrs. Chen had harried the Jiang Family solely for her daughter’s happiness in the second half of her life, to hold Jiang Chenxi accountable. Now that Zhong Lei was willing to continue being with her daughter and there was hope for her daughter’s recovery, there was no benefit in continuing to entangle with Jiang Chenxi, and naturally, Mrs. Chen wouldn’t cling to him any longer.

"Alright, Mom has a clear understanding of this matter now. I’ll go to the Jiang Family and make things clear one of these days. But we really owe Miss Shen this time," said Chen Wanqiao’s mother. If not for Shen Qinglan getting Dr. Peter, perhaps Chen Wanqiao’s health wouldn’t have seen hope so soon.

"Miss Shen is indeed a very good person. When I’m discharged from the hospital, I’ll invite her to a meal to express my gratitude properly."

"That’s right, and Dr. Peter too, they both deserve our thanks. However, there’s no need to wait for another day to deal with the Jiang Family. I’ll go there now and make things clear," Mrs. Chen was impatient, wanting to act immediately upon deciding.

Chen Wanqiao didn’t stop her, simply saying, "Mom, try to be polite when you speak."

Mrs. Chen nodded, "Mom knows. Do you think I’m an unreasonable person in your eyes?"

Chen Wanqiao smiled gently, "My mom, of course, is not."

**

At the Jiang Family, Mr. and Mrs. Jiang and Jiang Chenxi were sitting in the living room, also discussing Chen Wanqiao’s matter.

"Chenxi, what do you think about what your Aunt Chen said that day?" Mrs. Jiang asked her son.

"Mom, what I said that day is my stance. I will find the best doctor in the world for Wanqiao, and I would even take care of her for a lifetime, but marrying her is something I cannot do."

Mrs. Jiang sighed, "How could such a thing happen? You and Yining were about to get married."

"Mom, you and Dad don’t need to worry about this, I’ll take care of it," Jiang Chenxi consoled his mother, who, along with his father, had been looking troubled these past few days. It was painful for him to see.

"Take care of it? With what will you take care of it!" Mr. Jiang’s face was stern.

"Old Jiang, let’s talk this through nicely, no need to lose your temper," Mrs. Jiang interjected, then looked at her son, "Chenxi, Mom knows this might not be the right time to say this, but I can’t help but speak up. It’s our Jiang Family who owes Wan Jiao, and whatever demands they make, it’s only right that we try to meet them. As for your and Yining’s wedding, I think it’s best to postpone it for now."

Chenxi’s expression changed slightly, "Mom."

"Don’t misunderstand, I’m not asking you to break off your engagement with Yining, I’m suggesting that you delay the wedding. Wait until Wan Jiao is discharged from the hospital and feels better before discussing this matter again. Now, with Wan Jiao lying in the hospital and you planning your wedding, what would outsiders think?" This was something Mrs. Jiang had also discussed with her husband. Since marrying Wan Jiao was no longer a possibility, they should consider Chen Wanqiao’s feelings as much as possible in other respects.

Jiang Chenxi was silent for a moment before speaking calmly, "Mom, let me think about this."

"Go back and discuss it with Yining too, let her know not to misunderstand. Mom isn’t trying to stop you two, and I know this situation has caused Yining to be wronged."

"I understand, I will discuss it properly with Yining," Jiang Chenxi said. But knowing Yining as he did, he was certain that she would agree to this.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Mrs. Chen arrived.

"Old Zhang, you’re here, come take a seat," Mrs. Jiang greeted her; Mrs. Chen’s maiden name was Zhang.

"I’ve come today to discuss Wan Jiao’s situation with you," Mrs. Chen got straight to the point.

Mr. Jiang and Mrs. Jiang exchanged glances, with Mrs. Jiang speaking up, "Please sit down, let’s talk about it slowly."

"No need, I’ll just say a few words and then leave. Miss Shen found a good doctor for Wan Jiao, who will treat her illness, and Wan Jiao’s marriage to Zhong Lei hasn’t fallen through because of this. We can let the matter rest, and I’ll take back what I said about holding Jiang Chenxi responsible. From now on, I only hope that our two families can cease all contact forever."

"Old Zhang..."

"If you’re thinking of apologizing, there’s no need. A simple ’sorry’ can’t erase the suffering my daughter has experienced, and I won’t ask you for any compensation either, but you must pay the medical expenses." Although her family could afford the medical bills, it wouldn’t do to let the Jiang Family shirk their responsibilities entirely.

"That is only right," Mrs. Jiang replied, who would have offered to pay the medical expenses even if Mrs. Chen had not mentioned it.

"Let it be then, now that everything is clear, I’ll leave," Mrs. Chen said as she was about to go, but Mrs. Jiang stopped her, "Old Zhang, whatever compensation you ask for, our family will have no objections."

"I already said, forget about compensation. After all, we were friends once. Also, I will not invite you to my daughter’s wedding, and we will not attend your family’s wedding either."

Having said her piece, Mrs. Chen promptly left, leaving the three members of the Jiang Family sitting in the living room, looking at each other in silence.

Eventually, it was Mr. Jiang who spoke first, "Since the Chen Family has said so, let it be." He stood up and walked into the bedroom with his hands behind his back, but his backbone was slightly bent.

Mrs. Jiang sighed deeply, "Chenxi, you and Yining..."

"Mom, I know. I’ll talk to Yining in person tomorrow," Jiang Chenxi said, his heart aching. In this whole affair, the most innocent person was actually Yining.

But before Jiang Chenxi had the chance to see Pei Yining, he received a phone call from Chen Wanqiao.