Chapter 107: Handling the Aftermath

Opening the door, Zhao Fan set Zhao Yun’er’s schoolbag aside.

“Yun’er, tonight Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, and Uncle all have things to do. You might have to stay home alone. Are you scared?”

Zhao Yun’er’s eyes, clear and bright, looked up at him. “Why should I be scared?”

Distracted by Zhao Fan’s words, she didn’t think about why everyone in the family was busy.

“Because Yun’er is timid.”

“My courage isn’t timid at all.”

“If that’s the case, then do you dare stay home alone?”

Zhao Yun’er said nothing, just fixed her clear, unwavering gaze on Zhao Fan.

Zhao Fan: “...”

He felt as if he’d seen a ghost—he was actually made to feel guilty by this little girl’s stare.

“If Uncle wants to do something bad—hmph—too bad, tonight Yun’er will stay home alone.”

Ruffling her hair, Zhao Fan said, “I’ll take you out to eat.”

“You said you weren’t going to eat anything.”

“Did I say that?” Zhao Fan denied outright, “I never said that.”

Disgust flashed across Yun’er’s face. “Adults just don’t keep their word.”

“Not keeping my word? Fine, then I won’t take you to eat. Let’s just—”

“Go, go, go! Yun’er wants to eat, come on, come on. Yun’er’s already ready.”

“Weren’t you just saying adults don’t keep their word?”

Zhao Fan teased her on purpose. The little girl rolled her eyes at him in exasperation, clearly annoyed, and he finally stopped.

Though he planned to leave her alone at home, Zhao Fan waited until Zhao Yun’er fell asleep before departing.

At the hospital, Zhao Fan had already deposited a considerable amount for medical expenses for Zhao Haitan. Just as he was about to go upstairs to check on him, he ran into Jiang Ying coming out.

“Oh, hobbling around with a cane, you’re quite determined.”

Determined?

Zhao Fan twitched at the corner of his mouth. “You should say strong-willed despite disability.”

Determined? He was only temporarily using a cane; hardly something heroic.

Jiang Ying pulled out a cigarette and offered one to Zhao Fan. “Hey, what’s up with your brother?”

“Got into trouble, hit in the head.”

“Trouble that led to a head injury? Whoever did that must really hate him. One careless move could have killed him. Is he awake?”

Zhao Fan gave Jiang Ying a baffled look. “Do we know each other?”

The tone was way too familiar.

Jiang Ying laughed heartily. “Talking makes us familiar. Making friends is normal.”

Zhao Fan walked past him. If Jiang Ying were an ordinary person, he might have welcomed a friendship.

But judging by Jiang Ying’s aura, better to abandon that thought—who knew when he’d get dragged into trouble by him.

“Hey, leaving so soon?”

Zhao Fan ignored him.

Jiang Ying shook his head. “Man, you’re sharp, but too timid.”

Someone nearby chimed in, “Boss, with you like this, who wouldn’t be on guard?”

“Say that again.”

“Hehe, just kidding, boss. Don’t take it seriously.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Okay.”

The two left without noticing Zhao Fan, who had come back and was watching their backs.

Soon, he took the elevator up.

Zhao Father and Zhao Mother were surprised to see him.

Mother asked, “You came to the hospital—who took care of Yun’er?”

“I came when she was already asleep. Don’t worry, the doors and windows are locked. I’ll be back before dawn. So, any sign of waking up?”

“No, but the doctor checked and said there’s no immediate problem. We have to wait for tomorrow’s test results to decide on treatment.”

Zhao Fan nodded and told his parents to rest. “I’ll stay here and watch.”

Father said, “Call me if it’s late.”

“Okay.”

Zhao Fan agreed but when late night came, he didn’t call his father. Instead, he was lost in thought.

Had he forgotten something?

At the entrance of the First Hospital, Chen Jianyu and a few others crouched on the steps. The cold wind blew; he rubbed his nose and tightened his coat.

“Yu, can we call over? It’s been half a day; maybe they forgot about us?”

Chen Jianyu hesitated. “You really want to call?”

“Call, call! If we freeze like this, I’m done for.”

Buzz… Buzz…

At Nanyuan Hospital, Zhao Fan was jolted awake by his phone vibrating. Seeing the caller was Chen Jianyu, he suddenly realized.

This afternoon, he had sent Chen Jianyu and others to the First Hospital but forgot to tell him about the transfer.

“Hello?”

“Brother Fan, where are you?”

Zhao Fan rubbed his nose. “Nanyuan.”

“Not at the First Hospital?” Chen Jianyu’s voice rose noticeably.

“Uh, we transferred suddenly this afternoon. Forgot to tell you.”

“Alright, I’m coming over now.”

“Okay.”

Minutes later, Zhao Fan received a call. Chen Jianyu said he was outside the inpatient entrance.

Leaning on his cane, Zhao Fan limped over.

“Thanks for your trouble.”

Chen Jianyu’s expression grew serious. “No trouble, Brother Fan. Anything you need me to do?”

“Not for now.”

Chen Jianyu: “...”

“Really nothing?”

His tone was skeptical.

“For now.”

Zhao Fan emphasized.

“Alright, I’ll take the guys back.”

“Go ahead. I’ll treat you to a meal tomorrow. Thanks for your hard work.”

After seeing them off, Zhao Fan sighed. The man wasn’t old, but his memory was bad.

At dawn, Zhao Fan woke Zhao Father and took Zhao Yun’er to school.

Just as he watched the little girl enter the school gate, his phone rang. It was He Yongshan.

“The three-day holiday has turned into four. You were supposed to be back at school. Where are you?”

Zhao Fan: “At the hospital.”

“Still at the hospital?”

“To be honest, you might not believe it, but my family’s in the hospital too.”

There was a stunned silence on the other end for several minutes.

“What hospital?”

“Nanyuan.”

“Beep beep beep…” The call ended.

Zhao Fan clicked his tongue. Damn school.

Thankfully, mid-way he got a call from Zhao Father.

“Awake! He’s finally awake!”

Zhao Father’s voice was full of joy. Zhao Fan relaxed.

“I’m coming back right away.”

At Nanyuan.

Zhao Fan pushed open the door. “Brother, how are you feeling?”

Zhao Haitan leaned against the pillow and smiled. “Not bad.”

“Who hit you?”

Zhao Haitan was silent. After a few minutes, he said, “The Yang family.”

“Just the Yang family or the Yang Qingqing family?”

Those two were completely different.

Pain flashed across Zhao Haitan’s face. “It’s… it’s…”

Zhao Fan didn’t rush but watched him quietly.

After a few more minutes, Zhao Haitan clenched his fist on the blanket. “Xiaofan, I don’t intend to pursue this matter.”

“You almost died.”

“I know, but I still don’t want to pursue it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sure.”

Mother grew anxious. “Why not? Haitan, don’t you know…”

“Mom, stop.”

Fatigue showed on Zhao Haitan’s face as he closed his eyes. He didn’t want to talk about it.