Jiang Nuan arrived with four bodyguards, spotting Hua Chun and Hua Yulong nearby.
"Throw these two out," Jiang Nuan ordered, pointing at Hua Chun and Hua Yulong, "and never let them step foot in this hospital again."
"Yes, madam."
The four bodyguards approached and dragged the stunned father and son away.
Hua Yulong, regaining his senses, roared at Jiang Nuan, "Jiang Nuan, you wait! If you dare ruin my plans and cause me to lose a hand, I'll make your entire family pay with their lives."
Jiang Nuan met his gaze with a cool stare. "I'm ready whenever you are."
Hua Yulong was speechless.
Finally, peace returned.
Jiang Nuan said nothing more and quickly entered the hospital room.
Song Baoli breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Jiang Nuan.
"Nuan Nuan, you're here. The old man's breathing is stable, but he still hasn't woken up," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. He looked at Jiang Nuan as if she were a savior.
Jiang Nuan walked over, sat down, and calmly took the elder's pulse.
After a minute, Jiang Nuan produced a bottle of medicine and handed it to Song Baoli. "One pill every hour until the elder wakes up."
Song Baoli replied, "...Alright!" He then added somewhat dejectedly, "Nuan Nuan, next time you have such good medicine, remember to give it to me in advance. Saving lives is exhausting."
Song Baoli slumped onto a nearby stool.
Jiang Nuan walked over with a smile, pulled out some paper, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "It's okay. In the future, don't panic in such situations. If you really can't handle it, you can call me, and I'll tell you what to do. I'll also refine some life-sustaining medicine for you when I have time."
Song Baoli instantly perked up. "Great! That way, I won't have to rush over in emergencies. Just give me the medicine, and I can handle it myself." He was no longer tired, looking at Jiang Nuan with excitement. He most enjoyed studying Jiang Nuan's medicines.
Jiang Nuan noticed his eagerness but didn't say anything, merely nodding slightly.
Hua Ying, tears in her eyes, walked in with Lu Jinyan.
"Nuan Nuan, Doctor Song, thank you!" Her grandfather had once again come through the brink of death. She had already heard their conversation.
Jiang Nuan looked at Hua Ying. "When the elder wakes up, tell him to think more positively and not to get so angry that he faints."
Hua Ying nodded quickly. "Nuan Nuan, I will. I'll persuade Grandpa."
"Good! Call me if anything comes up. I need to leave."
Lu Jinyan looked at his sister. Their mother had called, asking them to return early, but seeing Hua Ying's condition, he couldn't leave. He wanted to stay and accompany Hua Ying, fearing Hua Yulong and his group might return. Hua Ying alone would not be able to face them.
"Nuan Nuan, I..."
Jiang Nuan knew what he was thinking. "You stay and keep Ying Ying company. I'll talk to Mom."
"Okay, thank you, my good sister!" Lu Jinyan exclaimed happily, his hands gesturing wildly.
Jiang Nuan's reaction was: "!!" So this was how one became a "good sister." She was only doing it for her third brother's generous Lunar New Year red envelope.
After Jiang Nuan and Song Baoli left, Hua Ying looked apologetically at Lu Jinyan. "Jinyan, I'm sorry. Please don't take what my older brother and father said to heart." They were just friends, not even a confirmed couple. Their words had truly saddened her.
Lu Jinyan was certain he liked Hua Ying; it was love at first sight. He had only seen such things in dramas, never expecting it to happen to him. "Ying Ying, you don't need to feel sorry. I understand." He really couldn't afford the thirty billion betrothal gift. He said nothing more.
"Ying Ying, you sit and rest. I'll arrange for dinner to be brought over."
"Okay!" Hua Ying's tear-filled eyes fixed on him, full of gratitude. Thanks to his companionship these past few days, she had been able to stay strong. He still had after-effects from his car accident, yet he stayed by her side.
Lu Jinyan smiled and went to prepare dinner. As he reached the doorway, he glanced back at Hua Ying, a hint of worry in his heart. If thirty billion in betrothal gifts was truly required, what would he do?
Lu Jinyan sighed. "I should ask Nuan Nuan or Little Jiu later if there are any quick ways to make money." He cast a deep glance at Hua Ying before leaving.
As Jiang Nuan went downstairs, she received a call from Mu Jiuchen, informing her that he was waiting for her at the hospital's entrance.
"I'm also on the first floor," Jiang Nuan said, hanging up and walking out.
In the setting sun, his tall figure stood bathed in sunlight. The moment he saw her, his previously cold gaze softened instantly, becoming as gentle as flowing water. He walked slowly towards her, radiant in the orange twilight. Passing girls gazed at him shyly, their expressions turning to disappointment as they saw Mu Jiuchen holding Jiang Nuan's hand and walking away.
At that moment, Jiang Nuan felt a surge of pride.
In the car, Jiang Nuan looked at him, her eyes sparkling with a smile. "What are you smiling about?" she asked in a melodious voice.
Mu Jiuchen looked at her. "I'm very proud."
Jiang Nuan, puzzled, asked, "Proud of what?"
Mu Jiuchen's voice was filled with pride. "I have a very beautiful wife."
Jiang Nuan blushed shyly, feeling a bit embarrassed by his praise. "Let's go. We're heading back to the Lu family. Mom is waiting for us for dinner."
Mu Jiuchen replied, "Okay! They say mothers-in-law dote on their sons-in-law the most. Mom is always happy to see me." Jiang Nuan had to admit he was right; her parents really liked Mu Jiuchen.
"Look at you, getting all smug."
Mu Jiuchen became even more proud. "I have to be smug!"
"Hehe..." The atmosphere was unusually warm.
...
When Jiang Nuan and Mu Jiuchen arrived home, dinner at the Lu residence was ready. Jin Yan was delighted to know that the couple would be returning. As they entered, Jin Yan called out to Mu Jiuchen, "Little Jiu, come, come. Today I made your favorite braised beef, and also spicy shrimp, which your dad made especially so you could have a drink with him."
Jiang Nuan thought, "That saying is truly timeless: mothers-in-law dote on their sons-in-law the most!"
"Okay, thank you, Mom. You've worked hard!" Mu Jiuchen said with a gentle smile.
Lu Chengsi emerged from the kitchen, saw them, wiped his hands on his apron, and chuckled, "Ah! My dear son-in-law is here! Quickly, quickly, come sit and have a drink with me."
Lu Jincheng and Lu Jinyue looked at Mu Jiuchen with sympathy. Their parents' attention had finally shifted to Mu Jiuchen. They cast sympathetic glances his way.
Mu Jiuchen didn't mind and sat down to drink with Lu Chengsi.
"Ah! Your grandfather isn't home tonight. We have his favorite braised chicken," Lu Chengsi said with a hint of regret, thinking of his father. As people age, they spend less time together. Even living under the same roof, he only saw his father for about half a month a year.
Mu Jiuchen comforted him, "Dad, there will be many more opportunities."
"Right, right," Lu Chengsi agreed, not wanting to dwell on sad thoughts. "Come, Little Jiu, let's have a drink."
The family enjoyed a harmonious dinner. As they were nearing the end, the doorbell suddenly rang.