"Xueqing, why are you acting so strangely today?"
Song Qiao asked, a bit confused, after Xia Xueqing grabbed his clothes. He had regained some composure after stepping out of the house and realized that his earlier argument with his wife was partly fueled by Xia Xueqing's instigation.
"When we were in the ward just now, it was fine that you didn't say anything. But now, with you stirring up trouble as if you're afraid the world isn't chaotic enough, my sister is even angrier."
Song Qiao glanced at Xia Xueqing with slight displeasure.
"Brother-in-law, what do you mean by that?"
Xia Yuqing's smile vanished instantly, her expression turning sour.
"I was wholeheartedly trying to help you two as a couple, and now it's all my fault?"
"If your relationship were truly strong, no matter what I said, it wouldn't have any impact."
As Xia Yuqing spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.
Seeing her tears, Song Qiao's resentment dissipated.
"I'm sorry, Xueqing. I was too hasty just now. This really isn't your fault."
Song Qiao scratched his head and said apologetically to Xia Xueqing.
Xia Xueqing's expression improved. She gently wiped away her tears and said to Song Qiao, "Brother-in-law, I genuinely hope you and my sister can be well."
Just as Xia Yuqing was about to say something more, Song Qiao's phone rang. It was Xia Yuqing calling.
Song Qiao's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly answered.
As soon as he connected, Xia Yuqing's anxious voice came through.
"Song Qiao, where are you now? The doctor just told me our daughter doesn't have a common cold or fever. She needs a special medicine to stabilize her condition. Hurry back."
Her voice trembled, clearly showing her nervousness. She had completely forgotten the earlier conflict with Song Qiao. In front of Xixi, Xia Yuqing was solely a mother.
"Wife, don't worry. I'm coming back now."
Song Qiao agreed, hung up the phone, and immediately sprinted back towards the hospital entrance. Xixi falling ill made Xia Yuqing anxious, but as her father, Song Qiao's heart ached even more. He wished he could bear the suffering in her place.
"Song Qiao, the doctor said there's only one dose of this medicine in the entire city, and it's practically impossible to find on the market. We'll need some official channels to get it."
After Song Qiao returned, Xia Yuqing explained the doctor's instructions. Before she could finish, Zhang Chuan, who had just left, pushed the door open.
"Yuqing, Dr. Li also called me. Perhaps I can help with this matter."
Xia Yuqing suddenly remembered that Zhang Chuan had handled the hospital registration, which was why his number was on file.
"That's wonderful!"
Xia Yuqing was overjoyed. She had witnessed the influence Zhang Chuan had shown in his previous attempts to help her and was surprised he would offer assistance in this situation. Given the rarity of the special medicine, he would likely incur a significant favor.
"Uh, I can't guarantee success. This medicine is indeed very precious."
Zhang Chuan, who had initially intended to impress Xia Yuqing, felt a pang of regret when she actually turned to him for help. It seemed he would have to incur a substantial debt this time. However, if it meant earning Xia Yuqing's admiration, it would be worth any price. With that thought, he gritted his teeth and nodded. "Okay, I'll make a call right now."
"No need. I'll handle this."
Song Qiao calmly glanced at Zhang Chuan and said softly.
Xia Yuqing, whose hope had just been rekindled, became furious at Song Qiao's words. "Song Qiao, why are you still trying to be a hero at a time like this?"
"Do you have connections like his? You're just a businessman, what can you possibly do?"
Song Qiao smiled, not bothering to explain to his wife. He picked up his phone and walked out of the ward.
"Young Master Guo, I need your help with something, and it needs to be done quickly."
Song Qiao's voice on the phone was grave, which immediately made the usually flippant Guo Jun turn serious.
"Brother Song, just say the word. Whatever you need, don't hesitate to ask."
"I need a special medicine. I heard there's only one dose in our city, at the City First Hospital. I'd like you to help me get it."
"As for the price, I'm willing to pay the highest market rate for this medicine."
Song Qiao stated his request with little emotion, making Guo Jun realize the gravity of the situation. He was silent for a moment before cautiously asking, "Brother Song, is someone in your family sick?"
"My daughter, Xixi. She still has a high fever."
Song Qiao took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart.
"Alright, I'll have it delivered within half an hour."
Guo Jun was silent for a while before agreeing and hanging up the phone.
...
As the brother-in-law of the city's most influential figure, Guo Jun, though not in public office, possessed considerable influence and social standing. With a single phone call, he reached the hospital director. The director, prioritizing the urgent request, readily agreed and instructed the doctor in charge of the medication to deliver it to Song Qiao as quickly as possible.
"Wife, don't worry. Someone will bring the medicine in half an hour."
When Song Qiao returned to the ward and saw his wife pacing anxiously, he tried to comfort her.
"Really?"
"How is that possible?"
Xia Yuqing looked at Song Qiao incredulously, clearly skeptical.
"Hmph. At a time like this, you're still too proud to admit you're wrong. Let's see how you'll wriggle out of this later."
Zhang Chuan snorted dismissively, a look of contempt on his face. He stood with his arms crossed, eagerly awaiting Song Qiao's embarrassment, having abandoned any intention of helping.
"Excuse me, is Mr. Song here?"
Not long after Xia Yuqing voiced her doubts, a middle-aged doctor in his late thirties or early forties rushed in, breathless, holding a fist-sized medicine box.
"This is the special medicine approved by Director Hu. Please administer it to your child quickly. She should improve soon."
The doctor said, handing the medicine box to Song Qiao.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chuan, who had been waiting to witness Song Qiao's downfall, was instantly mortified. It had been less than twenty minutes since he had mocked Song Qiao, and reality had just delivered a harsh slap to his face.
After Song Qiao administered the medicine to Xixi, her high fever quickly subsided. Xia Yuqing's worried heart finally found some peace. Seeing this, Song Qiao told his wife to go home and rest, while he stayed at the hospital to look after their daughter.