Xu, what are you really thinking?
"Ning'er, there's no need to work so hard, now or in the future."
Yes, I'll take care of you.
These words, along with everything that had happened over the past ten years, were now swirling chaotically in her mind. Whether it was ten years ago or ten years later, Yan Xunan always filled her with conflicting emotions, making it impossible for her to discern right from wrong. Ultimately, who was the one he truly loved?
She stared blankly at her disheveled reflection in the mirror, suddenly realizing she couldn't even tolerate herself looking like this. She abruptly stood up, swept away a pile of cosmetics from the table, and frantically wiped the mirror with her hands. No! She wouldn't allow it!
※
Song Qing flipped through the thick stack of cooperation proposals from various companies on his office desk, feeling a headache coming on. Being too famous was definitely not a good thing.
She can't leave the office for even a moment now, as if an invisible rope is tightly binding her.
Looking at the clock on the wall, she called home to ask about her father's day. Only after learning that he and her mother had gone out to play ball did she smile.
This is the only thing she can do right now.
"Zhihan?" She looked down, thought for a moment, and dialed another number.
Xu Zhihan hurriedly pulled off his mask and walked out of the laboratory.
"Xiaoqing? Why did you suddenly think of calling me?" He wasn't unsurprised. Recently, Fuhua had been incredibly busy with the development of a new project.
"Well, I wanted to ask you about my father," she said in a low voice.
Xu Zhihan's heart sank; he already knew why they had come.
"I received a call from the First People's Hospital..."
He frowned, sighed, and no longer concealed anything.
"Yes. The teacher's condition is indeed very serious. I've advised him many times, you know..." He shrugged helplessly.
"Yes. Thank you so much for taking care of my father all these years. I... I hope you will continue to help me in the future!" Her tone was sincere and earnest, but she couldn't hide her deep self-reproach.
Xu Zhihan held the phone in silence, looking up at the vast mountain scenery around him. Song Qing's appearance at this moment was as clear as a movie playing out before his eyes.
In fact, during their first meeting, the teacher hinted that he hoped to entrust Song Qing to him. After all, only he knew best about the teacher's health condition.
He was naturally surprised, because he didn't even remember what Song Qing looked like. But after meeting Song Qing, he didn't feel any awkwardness or distance at all.
Having worked together for many years, he held Song Jingmo in the highest esteem. Without Song Jingmo's guidance, he, as an ordinary graduate student, would never have achieved what he has today.
Later, upon reflection, he realized why he felt this way: it was because Song Qing and Song Jingmo were remarkably similar, especially in personality. Therefore, he felt an inexplicable admiration, pity, and protectiveness towards this woman. He understood her deepest needs and desires better than anyone else.
"Don't worry, I will definitely cooperate with you." He promised.
"Thank you!" She smiled with relief. She could handle the company's affairs, but the research institute, which her father cherished most, could only be managed by Xu Zhihan.
Just as she was about to hang up, a hesitant voice came from the other end of the line, "You... take care of yourself."
After saying that, the other end hung up hastily before she could reply.
She parted her red lips slightly, looked into the receiver, smiled, shook her head, and put down the phone.
※
"General Manager, the planning department has submitted the cooperation proposal several days ago. What do you think?"
Lily knocked on the door, holding beautifully prepared documents. As far as she knew, interested companies had already submitted cooperation proposals to Fuhua; why, despite the general manager's significant investment, hadn't anything been done yet?
Yi Zhengwei remained engrossed in his work, not even looking up, and said nonchalantly, "Leave it for now. When do I need your intervention to get things done?" Those people in the planning department must be jumping up and down in a panic right now, right? In the business world, wolf-like greed and ambition are certainly necessary, but they clearly haven't grasped the essentials yet.
"Yes, General Manager." Lily retreated with a troubled expression; she was on the verge of a breakdown.
"Also, contact President Song's secretary and schedule a time."
Lily nodded hastily. Thankfully, the general manager wasn't truly indifferent. She patted her chest with lingering fear; at least she had some semblance of accountability.
※
These were the most relaxed days Song Jingmo had experienced in decades. In truth, some things, once truly let go, are not so bad. For so many years, he had personally handled everything, afraid of overlooking anything. Now, under his daughter's management, Fuhua had not only not regressed, but was becoming increasingly vibrant. Even the laboratory, which he cared so much about, was running smoothly. Everyone seemed to have a tacit understanding, agreeing not to call his phone anymore, no matter how big or small the matter.
"Jingmo, stop looking at your phone! I think you're just destined to be a workaholic. You've finally got your daughter back, and things at the company are on track. Are you still not happy?" Mrs. Song said angrily, taking the phone away and handing the medicine to her husband.
Seeing the colorful pills in his palm, he suddenly remembered something. After his wife left, he called Dr. Xu, whom he had almost forgotten about.
"Ah Heng, I've been busy lately and haven't been able to come for a follow-up appointment." He seemed vaguely uneasy, as if he had guessed something.
Xu Heng and he had known each other for many years; their relationship was far more than just that of a doctor and patient. At this point, there was no longer anything to hide.
"Sigh, Lao Song, don't blame me. Your daughter already knows about your health condition. Your phone was off at the time, so I couldn't do anything about it."
Song Jingmo nodded understandingly. He had been ill for so many years, and he wasn't unprepared for this situation. Besides, given the circumstances, what could he possibly be unwilling to accept? In an instant, tears streamed down his face, his heart filled with immense reluctance.
How much time do we have left?
"You know, if you can come to the hospital, I believe you'll be fine for at least six months. As long as you give us time, I'll definitely find the root cause of your illness." Xu Heng was silent for a moment, still holding onto a sliver of hope for his old friend's health.
"Ah Heng, we've been together for so many years. I'm not going to the hospital. Why don't you send someone to bring the medicine over?" He chuckled hoarsely and calmly declined the suggestion.
"I've already given the medicine to your daughter, but this isn't a long-term solution..."
"How much does she know?" Song Jingmo sat up straight with a serious expression.
"Of course I told you everything in detail. Old Song, I can't take care of you anymore!"