The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 215. Grandpa Fu is critically ill; Aunt returns (second update)

Chapter 215: 215. Grandpa Fu is critically ill; Aunt returns (second update)

Wen Xiyao smiled, "Being so formal with me?"

Qinglan went with the flow and nodded seriously, "That’s true, maybe you’ll be my sister-in-law in the future, there’s really no need for formalities with you." After speaking, she observed Wen Xiyao’s expression from the corner of her eye. The words were not without a testing purpose. Recently, Chu Yunrong had been singing Wen Xiyao’s praises in her ear, and Qinglan was somewhat disdainful of Shen Junyu for still being a single virgin at thirty. If Wen Xiyao liked her brother, that wouldn’t be too bad.

Wen Xiyao shook her head helplessly, "Even you are teasing me. My relationship with your brother is simply a professional collaboration."

Seeing that she wasn’t joking, Qinglan felt a bit disappointed and shrugged, "Alright, let’s pretend I didn’t say anything." She glanced in the direction of the kitchen, "If my mom’s behavior has caused you any trouble, I can talk to her."

"There’s no need for that, Auntie is nice, and it’s pleasant to have a meal together occasionally."

Since she didn’t mind, Qinglan naturally wouldn’t say more. Just then, Chu Yunrong came out of the kitchen with a bowl in hand, "Qinglan, come and have some noodles."

It was a simple tomato and egg noodles with a few greens on top. Chu Yunrong spoke dryly, "Mom isn’t very good at cooking, I can only make noodles. Have some to fill your stomach, and I’ll ask Sister-in-law Song to make you something tasty when we get home tonight."

Whether before marriage or after, Chu Yunrong’s living conditions were quite good, and she never needed to cook. The only thing she knew how to make was tomato and egg noodles, which she learned when she was young for Shen Qian. If there were any similarities between Qinglan and Chu Yunrong, it was probably their culinary skills. Both of them were not good at cooking.

Chu Yunrong watched Qinglan nervously. She hadn’t cooked in many years and didn’t know how the noodles tasted. It was the first time she was making something for her daughter. It would be embarrassing if it didn’t taste good.

Qinglan took a taste—it was very average and even a bit too salty, "It’s good, thank you, Mom."

Chu Yunrong breathed a sigh of relief, smiling tenderly, "If you like it, eat more."

Qinglan began to eat the noodles with a composed expression.

"Xi Yao, there’s more in the kitchen, do you want to eat some more?" Chu Yunrong asked Wen Xiyao. Even though they had lunch together before coming over, Wen Xiyao hadn’t eaten much, and she might be hungry.

Wen Xiyao shook her head, "Auntie, I just had lunch with you, I’m not hungry right now."

Qinglan finished the whole bowl of noodles with an unchanged expression, "Are you still hungry? Mom can get you some more?"

"I’m full, thank you, Mom." Qinglan declined, just wanting to drink some water. She picked up the bowl, declined Chu Yunrong’s offer to wash up, and the first thing she did upon entering the kitchen was grab a teacup and drink two cups of water.

"Qinglan, you should come back with Mom. You’ve just recovered from being sick, and I’m worried about you living here alone." After Wen Xiyao left, Chu Yunrong looked at Qinglan and said.

Qinglan shook her head, "Mom, there’s no need. Fu Hengyi will be back tonight, he has a two-day holiday."

"Hengyi is coming back?"

Qinglan nodded, Fu Hengyi had told her this morning over the phone.

Chu Yunrong was reassured, and after giving Qinglan a few more instructions, she left. Qinglan sat on the sofa, feeling helpless at how unaccustomed she was to the now over-caring Chu Yunrong. She’d even consulted with Chu Yunrong’s psychiatrist, Doctor Zhou, over the phone. According to Doctor Zhou, Chu Yunrong had been subjected to hypnosis many times, mistaking Li Xitong for her, which caused a transference of feelings. Now that she was gradually coming back to her senses, this was normal behavior. Plainly speaking, this was the love Chu Yunrong had originally for her daughter—she just needed to accept it.

Fu Hengyi arrived home early. When he arrived, Qinglan was about to start painting. The canvas was still blank as she had just picked up the brush, "What are you painting?"

Fu Hengyi asked softly.

Seeing him, Qinglan was delighted and stood up, putting her paintbrush down, "You came back early?"

"Mhm." Fu Hengyi first checked her complexion, which didn’t look bad, and felt relieved, "Did you take your Chinese medicine on time?"

"I’ve taken it already, and I’m supposed to pick up more tomorrow."

Fu Hengyi was aware that she needed to pick up the medicine, as he had timed his return for this, he touched Qinglan’s hand, feeling its chill, and frowned slightly, "Let Doctor Zhong give you a different prescription tomorrow." She had been taking it for so long without seeing any effect, which made Fu Hengyi doubt its efficacy.

"Naturally, Chinese medicine takes time to work. Let’s not talk about this for now. Since you’ve come back early, let’s go to the Military District tonight and have dinner with Grandpa." Qinglan suggested.

Fu Hengyi naturally had no objections and after changing his clothes, he took Shen Qinglan back with him. Only Aunt Zhao was at home; Old Sir Fu had gone out to meet old friends for tea.

By dinner time, Old Sir Fu stepped through the front door. Seeing his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, he was delighted and ended up drinking a bit more than usual. That’s when the accident occurred.

In the middle of the night, Fu Hengyi suddenly woke to a muffled thud followed by a pained cry from Old Sir Fu. With a start, he opened his eyes, leapt out of bed, flung open the door of his room, and dashed out.

Old Sir Fu was lying on the ground floor, unconscious; blood was steadily oozing from his head. Fu Hengyi’s face paled, "Grandpa."

Shen Qinglan also got up and followed Fu Hengyi out. Seeing the old man’s condition, her expression changed drastically. Her first action upon returning to the room was to make a phone call.

Aunt Zhao was naturally awakened by the commotion. The house was in chaos as an emergency ambulance roared into the Military District in the dead of night. Such a disturbance could not be concealed, and by dawn, news of Old Sir Fu’s hospitalization had spread throughout the entire Military Region.

Old Sir Shen, upon hearing the news, had Shen Junyu take him to the hospital. By then, Old Sir Fu was still in the emergency room, not having come out yet. Fu Hengyi was leaning against the hospital wall, with Shen Qinglan by his side.

"How is the situation?" Old Sir Shen asked Fu Hengyi.

Fu Hengyi, looking grim and downcast, spoke in a low voice, "We don’t know yet; the doctors are still trying to save him."

"What on earth happened for him to be rushed to the hospital so suddenly?"

"Grandpa had a couple of extra drinks last night. He accidentally fell down the stairs from the second floor while going to the bathroom," Shen Qinglan said softly, her emotions sinking. Although the man lying inside wasn’t her biological grandfather, he was an elder who treated her with affection, and he was the grandfather of the man she loved. Her worry was no less than that of Fu Hengyi.

Old Sir Shen’s complexion shifted instantly at the news. A fall from the second-floor stairs could be problematic even for the young, let alone for someone as old as Old Sir Fu, now in his eighties. Old Sir Shen’s eyes, looking towards the surgery room door, were filled with concern.

Shen Junyu didn’t know how to comfort Fu Hengyi and remained silent, as did Chu Yunrong. It wasn’t until nine o’clock in the morning that the door to the surgery room finally opened. Seeing the doctor emerge, Fu Hengyi immediately approached.

"Doctor, how is my grandfather?"

"Old Sir Fu has a fractured right arm and some other minor scrapes, but the problem is the head trauma he sustained, which led to substantial bleeding. If he doesn’t regain consciousness soon, the family should be prepared for the worst."

Everyone understood what ’prepared for the worst’ meant. Fu Hengyi’s complexion became ashen as he looked gravely at the doctor, realizing the gravity of the situation, even though they had done their utmost. Now, it was up to fate.

"Commander Fu, we are truly sorry, but we have indeed done all we could." This was the best Military District Hospital in Beijing, and Old Sir Fu’s surgery was performed by a nationally renowned expert. However distressed Fu Hengyi might have been, he did not take it out on the doctor and remained silent.

It was Shen Qinglan who stepped forward to thank the doctor. Meanwhile, Shen Junyu took care of the hospital admission procedures. Old Sir Fu was placed in the ICU, with hopes that if he could regain consciousness within 24 hours, there would be no issue.

"Fu Hengyi, give Aunt Fu a call," Shen Qinglan suggested after a while to Fu Hengyi, who stood outside the ICU, gazing at his grandfather on life support. It took him a long time to softly reply with a "Okay."

He then called the military unit to inform Gu Yang and Gu Kai to come back and also informed Gu Bowen. Fu Jingtong was the last to arrive.

Fu Jingtong had never imagined she would see her father again under such circumstances. She had always thought there would be plenty of time with her father, but now someone was telling her that this might be the last time she ever saw him.

"How exactly did you take care of grandpa, to let him fall down the stairs?" Fu Jingtong coldly questioned Fu Hengyi and Shen Qinglan. To be precise, she was questioning Shen Qinglan; after all, it was Shen Qinglan who was often home, wasn’t it?

"Jingting, calm down. This isn’t Qinglan’s fault," said Gu Bowen, as he tried to soothe Fu Jingtong.

Fu Jingtong cast a cold glance at Gu Bowen. "Of course you’re not worried, the person inside isn’t your father!" Turning her head to Shen Qinglan, she continued, "Qinglan, my dad always treated you like his beloved granddaughter, even favored you more than Hengyi. Knowing that grandpa is old and shouldn’t drink, why didn’t you stop him?"

Shen Qinglan lowered her head, "I’m sorry." She indeed bore some responsibility for this incident.

Fu Hengyi stepped in front of Shen Qinglan, his voice grave, "Aunt, the fault lies with me last night. I didn’t stop grandpa. It has nothing to do with Qinglan; you shouldn’t take your anger out on her."

"Hengyi, you’re still defending her. The person lying in there is your own grandfather. If she had been a little more attentive, grandpa wouldn’t be lying there hovering between life and death," accused Fu Jingtong harshly.

Fu Jingtong’s words were harsh. Chu Yunrong looked at her daughter being blamed and her expression turned ugly; she pushed past Fu Hengyi and Shen Qinglan.

"Fu Jingtong, what nonsense are you spouting? Qinglan isn’t the one who pushed Old Sir Fu down. What’s the point of blaming her now? You think Qinglan hasn’t taken good care of Old Sir Fu, but what have you done yourself? You are his only daughter, yet you left home over trifle matters for more than twenty years. Have you fulfilled the duties of a child?"

Upon being reminded of her biggest regret, Fu Jingtong’s complexion instantly turned pale. She took a small step backward, and if it weren’t for Gu Bowen catching her in time, she likely would have fallen to the ground.

Gu Yang looked at his mother, who seemed deeply affected, and felt sympathy for her. However, he did not agree with her earlier accusations against Shen Qinglan. Everyone knew that Shen Qinglan had nothing to do with this matter, yet his mother vented her anger on her. This was very unfair to Shen Qinglan.

Fu Jingtong stepped back, and Chu Yunrong stepped forward, "Fu Jingtong, it’s one thing for you to feel guilty inside, but don’t take it out on my daughter. My daughter married into your family, but she didn’t go there to be mistreated. Even if you want to play the role of the mother-in-law, take it out on your actual daughter-in-law."

Chu Yunrong’s words were unpleasant, but Shen Junyu didn’t step forward to stop her. He had wanted to speak up when Fu Jingtong made her remarks, but Chu Yunrong had beaten him to it.

"Sister-in-law, it was Jingting’s fault just now. Please be more forgiving. She only lost her head because she saw the old master was critically ill," said Gu Bowen as he shielded Fu Jingtong with his body and apologized to Chu Yunrong.

Fu Jingtong lowered her head and did not speak.

"Enough, have you all argued enough? Old Man Fu is still inside, his life hanging in the balance, and you’re arguing here as if life and death depend on it. Is this reasonable?" Old Sir Shen said sternly, and the corridor instantly quieted down.

Gu Bowen pulled Fu Jingtong to one side and apologized to Old Sir Shen, "Uncle Shen, Jingting was wrong just now. Please don’t take it to heart."

Although Old Sir Shen’s face remained cold, he waved his hand since he had watched Fu Jingtong grow up, "Now is not the time to talk about this. Jingting isn’t calm. Take her out to cool down."

Fu Jingtong offered no opposition, but before leaving, she turned towards Shen Qinglan and said, "I’m sorry."

"I’m sorry," Fu Hengyi murmured, holding Shen Qinglan’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Shen Qinglan looked up at him, then shook her head, "Aunt was right. If I had persuaded Grandpa a bit more, perhaps this wouldn’t have happened."

Her eyes were slightly red, which made Fu Hengyi feel very distressed, "Qinglan, Aunt was confused just now. Don’t take her words to heart. If we really want to place blame, it’s actually my fault. I shouldn’t have accompanied Grandpa in drinking."

"Enough, you two, don’t stand here blaming yourselves," Old Sir Shen interrupted them, rubbing his forehead with a headache.

"Gu Yang, have your father take your mother home first, and Gu Kai, you go home as well. Yun Rong and Jun Yu, all of you leave. What’s the use of so many people crowding here? Let Hengyi and Lanlan stay."

Gu Yang was reluctant, "Grandpa Shen, my maternal grandpa..." He wanted to say that his maternal grandfather was still not out of danger, and if the worst happened, this could be the last time. He didn’t want to leave no matter what.

He and Gu Kai were still in their military uniforms; they had come straight from the army base, without even having time to change.

"If you don’t want to go home, then go wait over there. My head aches seeing all of you," Old Sir Shen said, his face darkening.

Gu Yang and Gu Kai obediently sat to one side. With Fu Jingtong no longer causing trouble, Chu Yunrong naturally did not speak out either and sat next to Shen Junyu beside Old Sir Shen.

The corridor instantly became quiet.

Old Sir Fu woke up the next morning, and Fu Hengyi was the first to notice. He had been standing by the window, watching over Old Sir Fu, and saw him open his eyes, to which Fu Hengyi happily called out, "Doctor."

"Congratulations, Old Sir Fu is out of danger now. However, considering his age, he had a fall and underwent surgery, so as family members, you need to take good care of him."

Fu Jingtong, upon hearing the doctor’s words and having not slept all night, was filled with joy. And when she saw Old Sir Fu being transferred to a regular ward, she couldn’t help but burst into tears while holding her father’s aged hand.

"Qinglan, I’m sorry," said Fu Jingtong, looking at Shen Qinglan, "I was wrong yesterday. I misdirected my anger at you. I hope you can forgive your aunt for Hengyi’s sake, and not hold a grudge against me."

Shen Qinglan, seeing Fu Jingtong’s sincere apology, smiled lightly, "Aunt, I know. I didn’t take it to heart."

Such a response from Shen Qinglan made Fu Jingtong feel even more ashamed; she didn’t know what had come over her the day before. In that instant, she felt as though she had lost her mind, especially when the doctor said her father might not make it.

"Qinglan, if it’s my fault, then it’s my fault. Just because you don’t hold a grudge doesn’t mean I wasn’t wrong. Your mother was right; I blamed my own mistake on you. I’m sorry." Fu Jingtong was straightforward, even in admitting her faults to a younger person, without hesitation.

Did Shen Qinglan truly understand how Fu Jingtong felt at the time? She really didn’t take the matter to heart. Watching Fu Jingtong apologize continuously, she felt quite helpless and quickly cast a pleading look at Shen Junyu, who was walking towards them.

"Aunt Fu, Grandpa Fu has woken up and is asking for you," Shen Junyu said, and with that, Fu Jingtong hurriedly walked away.

"Grandpa woke up?" Qinglan looked toward Shen Junyu, who nodded. Qinglan started to leave but was stopped by Shen Junyu, her puzzled gaze turning to him.

"People have their own father-daughter matters to discuss, what are you joining the bustle for?"

Qinglan’s steps faltered slightly, and then she saw Fu Hengyi walking over. Shen Junyu’s face chilled at the sight of the newcomer, "Fu Hengyi, my sister suffered because of you. I’ll let it go this time, but if it happens again, we can no longer be brothers."

Although Fu Jingtong had already apologized, Shen Junyu still felt extremely uncomfortable. His own sister had been wrongfully accused, and it was odd if he wasn’t irate.

Fu Hengyi’s expression was grave, but he didn’t get angry, merely nodding as he promised, "There won’t be a next time."

Shen Junyu responded noncommittally to his words, "Lanlan, brother has other matters to attend to, so I’ll head back first."

Qinglan nodded. Once Shen Junyu left, Fu Hengyi spoke in a low voice, "I’m sorry."

Qinglan felt helpless. Why did everyone have to apologize to her? It was just a small matter that she herself hadn’t taken to heart. These gestures made it seem like she had endured some great injustice in the eyes of those unaware of the full story.

"Fu Hengyi, I didn’t take it to heart, and your aunt has already apologized to me."

"It’s not just about this matter, I had promised to take you out during the holiday, but now with grandpa’s accident, I..."

Qinglan couldn’t help but smile, having thought it was something serious. Cocking her head, she looked at Fu Hengyi, "Do you really see me as such an unreasonable person, to sulk with you just because I can’t go out to play?"

Fu Hengyi shook his head slightly, "Of course not, it’s just that I feel very sorry, I already spend so little time with you, and now..."

"Fu Hengyi, stop saying that. You’ve said it many times, don’t you think you’re being nagging? We’re still young, and there will be so much time to spend together in the future. Why the urgency?"

Fu Hengyi looked down, his gaze tender as he looked at the serene face before him. He held Qinglan’s hand, enveloping it entirely within his palm, "Qinglan, I’m so glad to have met you."

When Fu Hengyi and Qinglan returned to the ward, they only found Old Sir Shen and Old Sir Fu there, no one else was present.

"Old Fu, what were you thinking? You know you can’t drink, yet you insisted on doing so. Drinking is one thing, but then to fall down the stairs, are your eyes just for decoration?" Old Sir Shen scolded Old Sir Fu.

Old Sir Fu knew his mistake had scared them terribly, feeling quite guilty, he took the scolding without a word, muttering softly, "How would I know I’d slip? I just wanted to get up to go downstairs for some water, and then I missed a step."

"You think you have an excuse? Haven’t you thought about how old you are, still trying to show off drinking? Now look what’s happened, you’ve hurt your hand. In my opinion, it shouldn’t have been your hand that got hurt, but your foot, to prevent you from hopping around mindlessly in the future."

Old Sir Fu had endured at the beginning, but as Old Sir Shen’s words became more insulting, his expression changed, "Hey, hey, hey, Old Shen, enough is enough. I am a patient now."

Old Sir Shen rolled his eyes, "You know you’re a patient, I thought you considered yourself invincible."

"Alright, I won’t drink anymore, happy?"

"Hengyi, Lanlan, you heard it yourselves, this old man said it. If he ever dares to drink again in the future, you can throw this in his face and seize all his saved-up booze," Old Sir Shen said.

Old Sir Fu glared but didn’t say a word against it.

Old Sir Shen stayed awhile longer before being sent home by Fu Hengyi. After a sleepless night and at his age, his body couldn’t bear the exhaustion, and with Old Sir Fu having just undergone surgery, he too needed rest.

Due to Old Sir Fu’s hospitalization, Fu Hengyi and Qinglan spent the last few days accompanying him at the hospital non-stop. Fu Jingtong was even more so, spending nearly twenty-two of the twenty-four hours of the day in Old Sir Fu’s ward.

"Alright, alright, all of you go. What are you doing hovering around this old man all day?" After Fu Jingtong peeled fruit for him once again, Old Sir Fu finally grew impatient.

"Dad, you’re weak right now, and the doctor said someone must be with you," Fu Jingtong refused to leave, truly frightened by the incident.

Old Sir Fu was now annoyed seeing people hovering around him all day, anyone would be in a bad mood being watched constantly, "Go about your business, work if you need to work, be with your wife if you need to be with your wife. Stop bustling in front of this old man, it makes my eyes hurt."