Due to Li Xiulan’s situation, He Ziyu had to alter his original schedule. The local medical university, upon hearing of his arrival, specially invited him to give several academic lectures.
“Xiao Liu, have Li Xiulan’s test results come out yet?”
“Dr. He, please wait a moment, I’ll find them for you.” Nurse Xiao Liu, upon hearing his question, busied herself flipping through some papers. She quickly pulled out two lab reports and handed them over.
She had heard from other doctors that He Ziyu grew up in Hong Kong, entered university at fifteen, pursued further studies abroad after graduation, and had published several academic papers internationally. Now, not yet thirty, his medical skills were exceptionally refined, he was handsome, and he came from a good family. It was a shame his temper seemed rather poor; he was always stern and unsmiling towards everyone. The nurses in the department, though wanting to get closer, didn’t have the courage.
He Ziyu took the reports, glanced at them, and then headed straight to Li Xiulan’s ward.
His brother had repeatedly instructed him to wait until the patient was discharged before returning. As for how he and that fellow surnamed Gu had been, He Ziyu wasn’t interested in knowing about their friendship. However, he wasn’t particularly eager to return home for the time being.
He reached the ward door and heard the cheerful laughter from inside. A hint of softness involuntarily softened He Ziyu’s expressionless face.
This warm and joyous atmosphere was something he hadn't experienced in many years.
Ever since his nephew went missing, their once warm family had completely changed. His parents were dejected day after day. His second brother and his wife divorced, and that woman surnamed Zhu still harbored ambitions of entering their family through the child. But as long as he was around, that would never be possible.
“Dr. He.” Chen Lishu looked up and saw He Ziyu standing at the door, greeting him with a smile.
He Ziyu snapped back to attention, walked to Li Xiulan’s bedside, and said, “I’ve seen the test results. You’ve recovered well and can be discharged tomorrow.”
Hearing that she could finally be discharged, Li Xiulan was the happiest. She had been confined to the hospital for almost half a month and was thoroughly bored.
“That’s wonderful! Finally, I can be discharged. Old man, hurry up and pack our things, don’t be flustered tomorrow. Where are the shoes I wore when we came?”
Gu Shufou: “What shoes? For all these days, I’ve only seen these slippers.”
“Impossible, those shoes were bought for me by Lishu. Black leather laces with rubber soles…”
Watching the couple busy themselves, Chen Lishu stepped forward and thanked He Ziyu sincerely, “Dr. He, thank you so much for these past few days. If you have time, I’d like to invite you to our home for a simple meal.”
“No need to trouble yourselves, I…” He Ziyu was about to refuse when his gaze fell upon the little boy sitting by the bedside. Just then, the boy looked up. As their eyes met, the boy gave him a slightly shy smile.
The golden afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass, illuminating the boy’s playfully perky strands of hair. On his fair, tender face, were delicate eyebrows and slightly pursed lips. He Ziyu was momentarily stunned.
He had a strong, almost déjà vu feeling about this scene, which left him somewhat dazed.
Chen Lishu followed his gaze and smiled, saying, “This is my son, Gu Rui.”
He Ziyu collected his thoughts and nodded lightly, “When?”
Chen Lishu was puzzled.
“When can we have dinner at your place?”
He had thought he was going to refuse just moments ago, so Chen Lishu quickly replied, “Whenever Dr. He is free.”
“Then the day after tomorrow.” After saying this, He Ziyu felt something was missing. He thought for a moment and then added, “I have something to do tomorrow, so I might not be able to come over when Auntie is discharged.”
“This young Dr. He seems difficult to get along with, but he’s actually a very good person,” Li Xiulan remarked after He Ziyu left.
Gu Shufou nodded, “Perhaps he’s just not very talkative. Ever since your surgery, he’s come to check on you whenever he had free time. It’s truly not easy for someone with no relation to do this.”
Time flew by, and the next day arrived. Besides Chen Lishu and Gu Shufou, Gu Xingping and Ding Chen also came to pick up Li Xiulan from the hospital.
“I’m almost fully recovered. Xingping, you child, why did you trouble Ding Chen to come along too?”
“Auntie, it’s… it’s not trouble, I don’t have class anyway.”
Since their matter had not yet been revealed to Li Xiulan and Gu Shufou, Ding Chen felt a bit guilty and nervous every time he saw the elderly couple.
“Uncle, let me carry that.” Seeing Gu Shufou carrying a large bag, Ding Chen quickly reached out.
Gu Shufou smiled and waved his hand, “It’s alright, Xiao Ding, this bag isn’t heavy.”
“Oh, Dad, just let him carry it. Otherwise, why would I call him over?” Gu Xingping said dismissively.
“Yes, Uncle, please let me carry it.”
Gu Shufou looked at his daughter, then at Ding Chen, and suddenly sensed something was amiss. However, he didn’t say anything and, as instructed, handed the bag to Ding Chen.
By the time everyone arrived home, Zhao Qiuyue had prepared a table full of dishes.
“Mom, how are you? Are you tired? Do you want to go back to your room and rest for a bit?” Gu Xingye was overjoyed to see everyone return. His leg injury had significantly improved, and the cast had been removed. Although he still couldn’t put prolonged weight on it, he was gradually exercising and recovering.
“I’m fine,” Li Xiulan said, her gaze falling upon the two children lying side-by-side on the sofa. She immediately walked over affectionately.
After half a month, the two little ones had grown even more spirited. Being on the first floor, Zhao Qiuyue had specially crocheted small hats for both children, fearing they might catch a chill. Xiao Chengzi’s was blue, and Xiao Bai’s was pink, which, paired with their fair, tender faces, made one want to pinch their cheeks hard.
As Li Xiulan approached, Xiao Chengzi, very alert, turned his head towards the direction of the sound. Then, lifting his little feet, he began to make humming sounds, as if responding.
“Old man, look quickly! My grandson is talking to me!” Li Xiulan exclaimed with delight, looking at Gu Shufou. “This child is so young, and he already knows his grandma is back.”
Gu Shufou also came over. They spent a while playfully teasing the children before sitting down to eat.
In S Province, Zhu Changgui, after listening to Er Lai’s report, slammed the cup in his hand.
“Constantly hunting eagles, only to be pecked by an eagle’s eye. Well done, Gu Xingdong! You’ve truly become quite capable!”
“Brother Gui, something’s wrong!”
Just then, a man rushed in from outside. It was an employee from Zhu Changgui’s factory.
“Brother Gui, the factory has been sealed. Those people said that if you can’t pay the breach of contract fees, they’ll have to halt production and seal the factory. The bank deposits are also frozen. They said, they said…”
Er Lai urged impatiently, “What are you mumbling about at a time like this? Speak quickly if you have something to say.”
“They said if all of that isn’t enough, the next step is to seize the houses and cars.”
“This is simply going too far!” Er Lai turned around in anger. “Brother Gui, I’ll go reason with them right now!”
“Wait.” Reaching the peak of his rage, Zhu Changgui calmed down considerably. “This matter might not be as simple as it seems.”