Talking about this, Wang Liansheng shared his thoughts: "I want to go visit."

Ling Chengyan pondered briefly and nodded: "Okay."

Speaking of which, Old Mr. Lian was somewhat a benefactor to Wang Liansheng. However, no one expected that the once healthy old man would come down with such a serious illness.

She added, "Confirm the time, and I’ll go with you."

Over the years, Old Mr. Lian had transferred most of his business back to the country and spent most of his time living in Hai City. After falling ill, he was hospitalized at Hai City Hospital for treatment.

Making a trip to Hai City is tight, even if flying back and forth in a day is quite rushed, especially considering limited flights and hardly any chance of a return on the same day.

The couple exchanged a few words and then moved on from the topic.

Upon arriving at Provincial University, the relatively classic and grand entrance bore a red banner that read: "Welcome New Students."

They parked the car outside the school. Ling Chengyan lifted a suitcase, while Wang Liansheng carried a bedding roll, leaving Xiao Yu with the least to carry — a basin and toiletries.

Despite being an adopted sister that Ling Chengyan picked up, Xiao Yu had been part of the family for many years. She was always gentle and sensible, which both the Wang Family and the Ling Family appreciated.

Upon learning that Xiao Yu was admitted to Provincial University, the whole family was overjoyed. The two sister-in-laws from the Wang Family made her a new quilt set, and those from the Ling Family bought her bed sheets, pillowcases, and a bed skirt — all without Ling Chengyan having to lift a finger; the essentials were complete.

Today, Xiao Yu wore an A-line dress with small daisies on a pale blue background, crafted from fine-woven, washed cotton fabric. It had three-quarter-length sleeves, a front placket with a belt, and two large ornamental pockets. The gentle color and simple yet chic style complemented Xiao Yu’s figure, making her look particularly graceful and outstanding.

At the entrance, there was a reception area where senior students greeted newcomers. One plump senior sister smiled and greeted Xiao Yu, "You’re a new student, right? What’s your major?"

Xiao Yu glanced at Ling Chengyan, who gave her an encouraging smile. Xiao Yu took a light breath, stepped forward, and handed over her admission letter: "I am..."

The girl cheerfully introduced herself as Lin Di, a sophomore student. After looking at Xiao Yu’s admission letter, she happily called to the side, "You two, there’s a junior from your department here. Go ahead and help out."

The boys had noticed Xiao Yu earlier but held back due to the presence of Wang Liansheng and Ling Chengyan. With the girl’s reminder, they swiftly walked up to greet her, eagerly taking over the luggage from Wang Liansheng and Ling Chengyan, warmly guiding them toward the dormitory building.

Keys to the dormitory were obtained, arrangements were made, and then they proceeded to complete the enrollment procedures, transferring household registration, and academic records. By the time most tasks were settled, half the day had passed.

Xiao Yu’s dormitory was a six-person room. She arrived neither early nor late, as two others were already present, seemingly nice enough to get along with.

Ling Chengyan and Wang Liansheng bought Xiao Yu fifty yuan’s worth of meal tickets. Noticing that it was almost noon, and given that Xiao Xing and Shi Tou needed to return home for lunch after school, they didn’t linger and left Xiao Yu before heading back.

With Xiao Yu’s steady and reliable nature, and having stayed at boarding school for three years in high school, the family wasn’t overly concerned now that she was attending university in the same city. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Having resolved one matter, Wang Liansheng and Ling Chengyan, busy over the last few days, took a day off on Saturday to bring Xiao Xing and Shi Tou along and flew to Hai City.

Hai City, the largest city, was undoubtedly prosperous, hosting both world-class universities and hospitals.

Upon their arrival in Hai City, Ling Chengyan and Wang Liansheng, with the two children, first checked into a hotel, dropped off their luggage, and freshened up before heading to the hospital with gifts in hand.

Old Mr. Lian stayed in a private ward, which, while not spacious or comfortable, was at least quiet. Accompanied by an assistant in their thirties and a hired caregiver.

When Wang Liansheng and Ling Chengyan arrived, Old Mr. Lian had just finished treatment and was resting on the bed.

Xiao Xing and Shi Tou knew Old Mr. Lian well. He had once taken the two kids around Hai City, so upon entering the ward, the two rushed to the bedside unprompted by the adults.

"Grandpa Lian, are you feeling better?" Xiao Xing asked, looking concerned at Old Mr. Lian’s swollen face.

Shi Tou followed swiftly, calling, "Grandpa Lian!"

Old Mr. Lian slowly opened his eyes. Upon seeing the two children standing by the bed, his eyes brightened, and he lifted his hand to touch Xiao Xing’s braid and rub Shi Tou’s bald head.

"How come you’re here?"

"Mom and Dad brought us," Xiao Shi Tou answered.

Lagging a step behind, Wang Liansheng and Ling Chengyan asked the doctor about Old Mr. Lian’s condition. By the time they entered the ward, Old Mr. Lian was already chatting with the two kids.

The assistant, surnamed Gao, greeted Ling Chengyan and Wang Liansheng as they entered, taking the gifts to the side.

Seeing the two come in, Old Mr. Lian beamed with joy: "You came all the way from afar."

Wang Liansheng said, "We planned to come upon hearing of your illness. The kids wanted to join, so we had to wait for the weekend to take leave. Is your health improving?"

They had just inquired with the doctor — Old Mr. Lian had been admitted for half a month, and after initial treatment, surgery was scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday.

Old Mr. Lian chuckled and nodded, "Much better, no need to worry."

Seeing the old man in good spirits, Ling Chengyan also offered some consolation with a smile: "You’ve always been in great health. With a minor issue like this, with active cooperation with the doctors, you’ll recover quickly."

"Yes, yes, I’m working hard," Old Mr. Lian gladly echoed.

Elders always wish for good health, especially those hospitalized — the prospect of a swift recovery is what they most wish to hear, and Ling Chengyan’s words were well received by Old Mr. Lian.

After chatting for a while, Assistant Gao came over, inquiring if it was time for Old Mr. Lian’s nutritional meal, which had just arrived.

Before Old Mr. Lian could respond, Wang Liansheng quickly said: "Since it’s here, let’s have it."

With that, he washed his hands, assisted Old Mr. Lian by setting the tray table, and while Assistant Gao served the meal, he tucked the napkin into the neck of Old Mr. Lian’s shirt...

Having previously handled reception duties and cared for the old man, he did so now with familiarity and ease, without any stiffness or reluctance, naturally embodying the role of a descendant to Old Mr. Lian.

Old Mr. Lian, in high spirits, found his appetite much improved, asking for another helping, which greatly delighted Assistant Gao and the caretaker, Mrs. Rong.

After the meal, Old Mr. Lian got out of bed to move around, needing no assistance other than Xiao Xing and Shi Tou by his side, walking out of the ward and onto the large terrace outside the ward for some light activity.

The large terrace featured an activity area, with verdant plants, a pavilion, and a small pond housing various colorful koi.

The two children accompanied Old Mr. Lian to the pond, playing with the naive koi. The interaction between the elder and the two youngsters was serene and warm.