There was no reason for it, but Chen Jinzhao felt a profound sense of calm.
It was as if as long as he remained a rational person, nothing would be unacceptable.
In contrast, Xu Nianqing was utterly distraught.
She couldn't bear to imagine Chen Jinzhao, so young, having to contemplate his mortality. He still had dreams and ambitions yet to be realized! How could heaven decree his premature demise?
"Are there any other questions?" Chen Jinzhao asked.
Xu Nianqing shook her head. This one issue was already a fatal blow; any further problems would be an unbearable injustice from heaven.
Chen Jinzhao, after his initial panic, had also accepted the reality. He turned to Xu Nianqing and said, "This matter, you and I know, heaven knows, earth knows, and no third person must ever know. I have never asked you for anything before, but I implore you, forget today's events. Do not speak of them to anyone."
"Including Yu Mengzhi."
Facing Chen Jinzhao's resolute gaze, Xu Nianqing asked, puzzled, "Why?"
Chen Jinzhao hesitated, swallowing the words he was about to speak. He then said, "Just consider it a favor to me. Do not let anyone else know, and do not ask further questions."
After a long pause, Xu Nianqing nodded in agreement.
Having conveyed the most crucial matter, Chen Jinzhao then asked, "Is there any hope for my condition?"
Xu Nianqing first nodded, then shook her head. "There is theoretical hope, but it is extremely slim. Do you recall Professor Wen's and my research direction? It included directed gene modification. If we can achieve a breakthrough, there might still be hope."
Hearing the tone of her voice, Chen Jinzhao realized this might just be a beautiful fantasy.
He shouldn't harbor too much hope.
Chen Jinzhao sighed. To see his ambitions unfulfilled and his life drawing to a close was truly a cruel twist of fate.
"Don't worry, I will do my utmost to achieve a breakthrough in the experiments. I don't want you to die; I want you to live!" Xu Nianqing's eyes blazed with a brilliant light.
Chen Jinzhao feigned lightness and smiled, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just your intention makes me very happy."
Xu Nianqing remained silent, then buried herself in Chen Jinzhao's embrace, holding him tightly.
This time.
Chen Jinzhao did not push her away.
After a few minutes, Chen Jinzhao let out a wry chuckle, "Can you let go now? Otherwise, I might not even live to forty and will be choked to death by you."
Only then did Xu Nianqing reluctantly release him.
Biting her lip, she lowered her head and said, "I'm sorry, I lost my composure just now."
"I'll head back to the lab. If you have any problems, you can find me."
They parted ways.
Xu Nianqing hurried out of the People's Hospital, determined to find a way to extend Chen Jinzhao's life. It was at this moment that she found her true life's purpose.
Meanwhile.
Chen Jinzhao remained in his ward for a while, lost in thought, before taking out his phone to call Xu Hanchen and report the matter. However, after much hesitation, he did not make the call.
This was not something Xu Hanchen could know yet.
Xu Hanchen was already at an age where he was considering retirement. If he were to tell the old man about his condition, it might stir up trouble at this critical juncture.
Moreover.
Xu Nianqing had mentioned a detail earlier: Chen Jinzhao's physical condition did not seem to be congenital. It was highly possible that someone had tampered with it.
If it were the latter, who would be the most likely suspect?
Chen Jinzhao dared not dwell on it.
He shook his head, intending to keep this secret buried within himself and not let a third person know for the time being.
Following this.
Chen Jinzhao began to consider his final arrangements. After all, he would be twenty-seven this year, and his lifespan was limited to under forty. Some matters had to be planned in advance.
Time was of the essence for Chen Jinzhao.
Looking back, he realized there wasn't a single person capable of taking over his mantle.
Yang Qinghu was too old; reaching Chen Jinzhao's current position before retirement would be an achievement in itself, so Chen Jinzhao immediately ruled him out.
Wu Gang?
Although his age was suitable, his temperament was too impetuous. He couldn't remain calm and composed in the face of major events, making him an unsuitable candidate.
After much deliberation, the most suitable candidate turned out to be Shangguan Yu'an. Only she could fully implement Chen Jinzhao's vision, and Chen Jinzhao was willing to place his complete trust in her.
However.
Shangguan Yu'an had an indispensable drawback: her background would make her hesitant in her actions.
"As for the Wu brothers, there's no need to even discuss them. They have no regard for rules, only my uncle's orders," Chen Jinzhao lamented inwardly.
"Never mind."
"I'll see if there are any suitable candidates in the future. Although I don't have much time left, it's still sufficient."
At the same time.
In Jiangning City, within the Su family's gardens.
Following the recent turmoil, the Su family gardens were far from the bustling scenes of the past, appearing desolate and mournful.
In the rear garden, Su Yuan and Su Hao sat opposite each other, their faces etched with worry.
As the most direct descendants of the Su family, their lineage, aside from Su Jian's arrest, had not seen any other members taken away. Su Yuan and Su Hao had managed to escape the storm unscathed.
"Su Hao, is there any news from Ninghai?" Su Yuan asked gravely.
Su Hao hesitated, as if words failed him.
Seeing this, Su Yuan's expression darkened further. "Just say what you need to say, don't be so evasive. There's no one else here."
"Big Brother, then I'll speak plainly," Su Hao nodded.
"These past few days, Sister-in-law has remained by Yu Huaiqing's side, almost inseparable. I heard that people sent by the Bai family have already gone to Ninghai, but it has been to no avail."
"After the incident a few days ago, these people have lost their reverence for the Su family in their eyes!"
*Clang!*
Su Yuan was furious. He slammed his hand down, knocking all the teacups on the table to the floor. He roared, "Preposterous! Bai Mei'zi has gone too far; she has shown me absolutely no respect! If this gets out, where will I be able to show my face?"
Su Hao kept his gaze fixed on his nose and heart, appearing detached and uninvolved.
Inwardly, however, he was already rejoicing.
"Big Brother, please calm your anger. Anger will not solve anything."
Su Yuan suddenly looked up at Su Hao. "Of course, I know anger won't solve anything, but Father has given a strict order that we must not stir up trouble at this critical juncture. Otherwise, I would have already sent someone to chop off that scoundrel's head."
"Big Brother, do you truly wish to kill him?" Su Hao asked tentatively.
Su Yuan nodded vigorously.
Wearing such a blatant cuckold's hat, anyone would feel terrible.
Su Hao was ecstatic inside. "Big Brother, why don't you leave this matter to me? Clearing obstacles for you, Big Brother, is my duty as your younger brother."
Su Yuan was somewhat tempted but still hesitant. "But Father said..."
"Father also said that you shouldn't indulge in debauchery outside. Did you listen to him?" Su Hao retorted. This remark irked Su Yuan, and Su Hao quickly explained, "Big Brother, don't get angry so quickly. Aren't we humans seeking peace of mind? Indulging in debauchery outside, does it not also bring you peace of mind? Furthermore, a man standing between heaven and earth, how can he be constrained?"
"It's the same when dealing with Yu Huaiqing."
Su Yuan understood Su Hao's meaning, and his hesitation lessened. "Can you guarantee that there will be no traces left behind?"
Su Hao burst into laughter.
"Big Brother, leave this matter to me. Just wait and watch the show."