The elderly Madam He, listening to the bickering in her ear, showed a trace of helplessness on her face. She then interrupted them, saying, "Enough, you children, stop arguing over me. I've lived this long anyway; whether I die sooner or later, I will die. Ziyu, tell your mother honestly, how many more years do I have, or just a few months?"
"Mom!" All of He Ziyu's anger seemed to be extinguished by a splash of water at this moment. He pursed his lips, then walked to Madam He's side, firmly gripping her hand, and murmured, "I'm sorry, I'm truly sorry!"
"Third brother, logically speaking, there isn't no solution to this problem! Since this neurotoxin was developed by someone, you just need to find that person, ask them clearly about the components of the agent, and then you and the research institute can join forces to develop an antidote! The He family's influence spans across the capital and Country M. Finding someone shouldn't be that difficult. Why haven't you mentioned who developed this toxin after so long?" Chen Lishu voiced her doubts.
He Ziyu let out a sigh of resignation. He clenched one fist, and then said in a low voice, "This researcher was someone whom the Empress loved but couldn't have. Later, due to psychological issues, he was expelled from the research institute and vanished like smoke, leaving no trace of information! I had considered approaching the Empress to inquire about his whereabouts, but perhaps it's my imagination, the Empress has been using the excuse of national affairs to refuse my meetings lately! Our He family does have some influence in Country M, but it's not enough to fall out with their royal family. I've also been trying every way to track down that man's whereabouts during this time!"
Upon hearing He Ziyu's words, Chen Lishu's face showed a hint of contemplation. "The competition is approaching soon. The Empress will definitely appear to preside over this fashion competition. Perhaps then I can find a way to approach her!"
As soon as she finished speaking, He Ziyu suddenly reminded her with a somber expression, "Lishu, the royal family of Country M is like murky waters. They are a rather ambitious nation. I advise you not to approach her lightly. Leave this matter to my second brother and me!"
Chen Lishu shook her head, her attitude very firm. "We are all family. Since there is a place where I can contribute, I will naturally not shirk my duty! I will handle everything with proper discretion, so you can rest assured. If anything truly happens, I will report it to you immediately and will never act rashly."
"I also believe the Empress must know something, which is why she is refusing our He family's request for a meeting. We can't see the person we can't see, so we must find another way! It is indeed convenient for our younger sister to act on our behalf. Mom's illness can no longer be delayed. I fear that even if she recovers, her body will become weaker and weaker due to the accumulation and inability to digest these medications in her system! Oh, and the competition is in a day and a half. Prepare yourself well and don't let this matter delay the competition. Only when you win this competition can we proceed to make our demands!" After saying this, He Zinian walked up to Chen Lishu and gently stroked her head.
Chen Lishu's lips curved slightly upwards, and she nodded. "I understand. I am prepared for this competition and there will be no surprises! By the way, third brother, it's inconvenient for you to show yourself to those people during your return to the country, so where will you be staying?"
He Ziyu shrugged his shoulders. He didn't want to live in this house anyway. The thought of the person who harmed his mother being protected by his father right under his nose and living well made him unable to swallow his anger. So, he suppressed his rage and said, "You don't need to worry about where I'm staying; I'll make all the arrangements. Your main task now is to prepare for the competition. Once you win, Shu Se Group can become an international brand. I'll give you a surprise then as a gift for your successful competition!"
Chen Lishu glanced at He Ziyu, then at Old Master He, who was sitting silently on the sofa, and felt a headache coming on. However, Old Master He was indeed in the wrong this time. Even if she wanted to plead for him, Madam He was innocent. Now she was lying in bed, her life hanging in the balance, and she couldn't bring herself to utter any words of pleading.
With all the information mostly understood, Old Master He pursed his lips, then stood up, leaning on his cane, and said, "Alright, all of you go and rest. I will handle this matter. Ziyu, I know you are angry about this, but the priority now is to cure your mother's illness. We can discuss any dissatisfaction later, father and son."
"I have nothing to say to you. If people didn't know, they would think Meng Lei is your biological son and we are adopted. Since you favor him so much, you should just talk to him about everything, why bother coming to us?" After finishing his sarcastic remarks, He Ziyu turned around, opened the door, and swaggered towards the study.
Seeing this, Chen Lishu's lips twitched slightly. She warily scanned her surroundings, afraid that the commotion here would attract the attention of those in the room. Fortunately, her people were guarding the doors of Zhang Wan'er and Meng Lei's rooms, so there were no major problems for the moment.
After He Ziyu left the room, He Zinian also quietly departed. Chen Lishu sighed helplessly at the eerie atmosphere, "Godfather, please handle this matter properly. You can't hurt your own family for an outsider, can you?"
After speaking, Chen Lishu took Gu Xingdong and left Madam He's room. She knew they had a lot to say to each other, so she thoughtfully closed the door. Indeed, after everyone had left, Old Master He, with red eyes, approached Madam He and said with a slight tremor in his voice, "Old woman, I never expected this child to become like this. After all, he's someone we watched grow up. Why did he change so quickly? I'm sorry. If it weren't for me inviting trouble into our home, you wouldn't have been poisoned. Why didn't that scoundrel poison me instead of you? I am the head of the family; if I were to fall, he would have achieved his goal as he wished. Old woman, do you hate me very much?"
Looking at the remorseful Old Master He, Madam He felt a surge of sadness. She tightened her grip on his hand and gently shook her head.