The third day after the explosion had passed, and Zhan Yichen still showed no signs of waking. However, Fang Xun had learned that the Ji family, realizing the explosion hadn't been fatal, was now actively searching for their recuperation location.
In their current state, they were no match for Ji Tong. A direct confrontation would only lead to significant losses.
Therefore, Zhan Mohan decided to return to the country immediately, or they would all perish this time.
Fang Xun contacted people back home, who prepared a helicopter. They quickly returned to the country and took Zhan Yichen directly to the hospital.
Grandpa Zhan was aware of their itinerary and had been waiting at the hospital early on. Upon seeing how severely injured Zhan Yichen was, he became furious. "What on earth happened? Quickly, send him for examination! Why hasn't he woken up yet?"
As Zhan Yichen was wheeled into the examination room, Grandpa Zhan looked at Mu Linjing, his lips moving as if to speak, but he remained silent. His displeased expression clearly indicated he blamed her.
Wei Yumeng, unable to bear seeing her friend misunderstood, wanted to explain to Grandpa Zhan, but her words were cut off before she could utter them.
"Yumeng, I understand what you want to say, but some things, no matter how hard one tries, are destined to be more realistic than liking. In this world, there aren't so many mutual affections. More often, it's about matching families. A pheasant is destined not to live with a phoenix."
His words carried a hidden meaning that everyone present could understand. He was implying that the Zhan and Mu families were not a suitable match, and therefore, should not have become in-laws.
Mu Linjing also understood the implication. However, her primary concern was Zhan Yichen's injuries. After all, they had all been in trouble together, but only Zhan Yichen had not yet woken up. She felt she had no choice but to stay, and only when she heard that Zhan Yichen's examination results showed no serious issues could she truly relax.
Grandpa Zhan had said his piece. Seeing that she didn't leave, he didn't drive her away either. The group waited anxiously outside for the examination to conclude.
When the doctor emerged after a comprehensive examination, Grandpa Zhan was the first to approach. Mu Linjing hesitated for a few seconds before quietly standing at the back of the group to listen to the doctor speak.
"The patient's body has no major issues. The reason he hasn't woken up is due to previous overexertion. He is expected to wake up today. However, his injuries are healing slowly and require hospitalization."
Hearing that his fundamental health wasn't compromised, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Mu Linjing then pulled Wei Yumeng into a corner to inquire about her parents' whereabouts.
After asking Fang Xun, Wei Yumeng learned that Uncle Mu and Aunt Mu had been at the hospital for days. They had been traumatized at the Ji mansion, and with the news of the explosion reaching the country, the shock of successive events had caused them to fall ill.
Mu Linjing furrowed her brows, feeling a heavy weight in her heart.
"Why must everyone connected to me, everyone who loves me, suffer because of me?"
Wei Yumeng, hearing her words, offered comfort. "Linjing, don't think like that. You've done nothing wrong. It's Mu Bai's fault. Don't take all the responsibility upon yourself. You are also a victim in all of this."
Although Mu Linjing didn't refute her, the gloom in her eyes did not dissipate.
After confirming her parents' hospital, she decided to go see them. Before leaving, she instructed Wei Yumeng, "If Yichen wakes up and asks about me, tell him I'm going through withdrawal again. I don't want anyone to see me during the withdrawal process. Of course, if he doesn't ask about me, don't mention me to him."
Listening to her words, Wei Yumeng felt something was amiss. Seeing her about to leave, she grabbed her. "Linjing, where are you going? What do you mean by what you just said? Don't take Grandpa's words too much to heart. He must be upset seeing Yichen like this, so he spoke harshly. Please don't mind him too much."
Mu Linjing nodded with a bitter smile. "Don't worry, I won't mind. You should go back now. I need to see my parents."
Watching her leave, Wei Yumeng still felt that her words meant more than they appeared, but she couldn't quite grasp her intentions for the moment, especially since she did need to go through withdrawal, and it would be a long process.
Thinking it over, Zhan Yichen hadn't woken up yet, and Mu Linjing couldn't be at ease. She decided it would be best to wait until Zhan Yichen woke up and then offer Mu Linjing some comfort. These two shouldn't miss each other.
As the doctor had estimated, Zhan Yichen woke up that afternoon. He opened his eyes and looked around. Not finding Mu Linjing in the room, his face showed a hint of disappointment.
"Yichen, you're awake! Quickly call the doctor."
Grandpa Zhan was still very worried about him and had stayed to watch over him. After all, the explosion's destructive power was significant, and there might be undetected residual dangers.
Zhan Yichen grabbed his grandfather's arm and shook his head weakly. "Grandpa, where is Linjing? Is she alright?"
Hearing that his first concern upon waking was Mu Linjing, Grandpa Zhan's expression soured, but he suppressed his temper. "She's fine. Stop worrying about others and focus on recovering from your injuries first."
Seeing his grandfather's attitude, Zhan Yichen was unwilling to give up and called Wei Yumeng over. "Sister-in-law, tell me, where is Linjing? Why isn't she here to watch over me?"
He hadn't forgotten that during the explosion, he had tried his best to shield Mu Linjing with his body. If they were unlucky, he would have given his life for hers. If they were lucky and both survived, then Mu Linjing would finally see his feelings for her.
Now that he had woken up, according to his expectations, Mu Linjing should have been by his bedside. Everyone else was present, but Mu Linjing was missing. Had something happened to her, or was there another reason?
Fearing he might become too agitated, Wei Yumeng quickly told him the truth. "Linjing is just undergoing withdrawal at another hospital. She doesn't want anyone to see her in her weakened state during withdrawal, so she's not here. Don't overthink it. Everyone is fine, especially you. You were the last to wake up, and you really scared us."
Upon learning that Mu Linjing was simply undergoing withdrawal, Zhan Yichen finally relaxed and leaned weakly on the bed.
Seeing Grandpa Zhan's grim expression, Wei Yumeng quickly changed the subject. "Yichen, shall I make you something to eat? You haven't eaten in a long time. If you recover well, Grandpa can rest easier."
Zhan Yichen then noticed his grandfather's expression and realized Wei Yumeng was subtly reminding him. He agreed, "Then I'll trouble you, sister-in-law. You go ahead. I'll talk with Grandpa."
Grandpa Zhan's expression softened slightly. "Yichen, is it only Linjing for you?"