As Yang Zhiguo’s words fell, a commotion was heard at the hospital room door. Zhang Wan’er’s face flickered with anticipation and panic, and she quickly lay back on the hospital bed.
Yang Zhiguo looked at Zhang Wan’er, who had entered her role in an instant, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. He wondered when the usually obedient girl had learned such underhanded tactics. He was unsure if his indulgence would ultimately be a good or bad thing.
The room door opened, and Gu Xingdong walked in. He looked at the pale and still person lying on the bed and asked, “Did the doctor say what’s wrong with her condition? Is it serious, or is it improving?”
Hearing Gu Xingdong’s voice, Zhang Wan’er was like a startled bird. She became agitated, exclaiming, “You leave, you leave! I don’t want to see you! Get out!”
This sudden turn of events stunned everyone present, especially Yang Zhiguo, whose brows were furrowed as tightly as a rope. He couldn’t fathom what this girl was up to. Hadn’t she been the one to ask him to call the person over? Now that the person was here, she was pushing him away, making his earlier efforts seem redundant.
While Yang Zhiguo was lost in thought, Zhang Wan’er buried her face in his embrace and whispered in a voice only they could hear, “Uncle, what are you still waiting for? Hurry up and create an opportunity for Gu Xingdong and me to interact!”
So that’s what she was waiting for! A hint of helplessness flashed across Yang Zhiguo’s face. He then turned and said urgently, “What are you waiting for? I can’t control her alone. Come and help quickly! What if she gets hurt a second time?”
Gu Xingdong pursed his lips and with a final stride, reached Zhang Wan’er, grabbed her shoulders, and forcefully pushed her back onto the bed.
Zhang Wan’er looked into his deep eyes, her own reddening, and tears instantly welled up. She sobbed, “Xingdong, please, can you leave? I don’t want you to see me in such a state. I’m not clean anymore!”
Yang Zhiguo, a consummate actor, quickly interrupted Zhang Wan’er’s words. “What do you mean, clean or not clean? You did what you had to do to save yourself. Don’t worry about it anymore. Gu Xingdong has promised me he will take responsibility for you!”
Zhang Wan’er shook her head, tears streaming down her face, showing no sign of surprise. She said expressionlessly, “I don’t want to force you to take responsibility for me in this way. My current status doesn’t match yours. From now on, you’ll walk your sunny road, and I’ll walk my single-plank bridge. Let’s not have any more contact.”
“Wan’er!” Yang Zhiguo was completely baffled by what this girl was up to and had no idea how to proceed with the act.
Silence fell upon the ward. Yang Zhiguo pursed his lips. Just as he thought Zhang Wan’er had more in store, she winked at him.
He was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood. He put on a show of helplessness and shook his head, saying, “This is your own business as young people. I don’t want to interfere too much! Gu Xingdong, starting tomorrow, you will return to Alice’s side. You must protect her well during this time.”
Gu Xingdong immediately agreed to this request. As he was about to leave, Yang Zhiguo stood up, grabbed him by the collar, and forcefully pulled him out of the ward.
The two arrived at a corner of the hospital. Yang Zhiguo lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. After a long pause, he slowly spoke, “You can’t stop liking someone in a short period of time. Just listen to what Zhang Wan’er said. You still need to take responsibility! You can’t shirk this responsibility!
Her emotions are still sensitive now. I hope you can guide her more, help her accept herself again. Don’t forget that her current situation was caused by you all! She is the most precious princess of the Zhang family, and my brother’s only daughter. If anything happens to her, no one in your Gu family will escape!”
Gu Xingdong looked at Yang Zhiguo’s profile and lightly opened his thin lips, assuring him, “Don’t worry, I’m not the type to shirk responsibility. I promised to be responsible, and I will be. I will give her a new life and help her move past what happened these past few days.”
Hearing Gu Xingdong’s promise, Yang Zhiguo exhaled deeply. He nodded with satisfaction and patted his shoulder, saying, “Alright, I’ve said what I needed to say. Go back and prepare. You’ll return to Alice’s side in about a week!”
With that, Yang Zhiguo turned and left the hospital.
---
Meanwhile, in another hospital room, Chen Lishu gazed out the window, lost in thought.
Mother He brought a washed apple to Chen Lishu and teased, “What’s wrong? Are you worried that Gu Xingdong is staying in Zhang Wan’er’s room and reluctant to come back? Gu Xingdong is a devoted person. He would never be attracted to another woman. You can be completely at ease. He’s just there to handle the current situation!”
Hearing Mother He’s voice, Chen Lishu snapped out of her thoughts. The corners of her mouth curved upwards, and a distracted smile appeared on her face. “I trust Gu Xingdong completely. What I don’t trust is Zhang Wan’er and her group. Who knows if she’ll use this incident to force Gu Xingdong into a corner?
Godmother, I was just thinking, if I were Xingdong, and someone used this incident to constantly blackmail me, I wouldn’t know what decision to make. I’m very worried that Gu Xingdong might make an irrational choice for me.”
A gentle smile appeared on Mother He’s face. She reached out and stroked Chen Lishu’s head, saying, “You’re not Gu Xingdong, so how do you know he can’t handle it? That boy is smart. He might have already thought of a solution to this problem. Let’s not talk about it too much for now. After you return, how will the company be handled?
When your Godfather and I went grocery shopping earlier, we passed by the company and saw many workers waiting at your company’s entrance. They’re all waiting for you to rally and get the company running so they can earn a living!”
Upon hearing this, Chen Lishu’s interest was piqued. She firmly grasped Mother He’s hand and smiled, saying, “To be honest, my trip to Shanghai has yielded new insights. I plan to return to the company after I’m discharged. Within a week at most, the company will be back on track!”
Mother He looked at the visibly excited Chen Lishu and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes, during this time, your Godfather and I will pay close attention to the company’s direction. We need to act discreetly. The current situation is not ideal, and negative news about you could surface at any moment.”