Chapter 84: A Sudden Calamity

"Brother, go over there and take a look."
Zhao Haitian was the first to run toward the site of the accident, and Zhao Fan, who had fallen behind, had no choice but to follow.
In no time, the two of them reached the scene and saw over a dozen cars piled up together, the one in front clearly leaking oil.
Snow was still falling from the sky, and Zhao Fan's face grew even paler. By this point, there was no time for hesitation. Together with Zhao Haitian, he rushed forward to help the injured.
They dragged the wounded to the side of the road. Zhao Fan even found a moment to dial 911, reporting the accident as well.
Snowflakes drifted down, covering everyone, but no one dared to complain; they simply helped each other move away from the crash site.
Boom!
Just as they got away, the car leaking oil at the front suddenly exploded.
Luckily, the blast didn't set off the other vehicles, and those who had fled were safe.
An hour later, ambulances and patrol cars finally arrived.
A thick layer of snow had settled on the ground once again. After confirming that the scene was under control, Zhao Fan and Zhao Haitian left together.
By the time they got home, another two hours had passed. Their father and mother were standing anxiously at the door, only relaxing when the two entered.
Their mother hurried to pour tea, while their father gave them a once-over.
"Where did all the blood on you come from?"
Zhao Fan glanced down, "There was an accident earlier. We helped out, probably got it on us while moving people. Don't worry, we're not hurt."
Their father scoffed, "What do I have to worry about? Go take a shower and get to bed."
"Yes, sir."
Their mother brought over two cups of hot water. After drinking, Zhao Fan and Zhao Haitian went to shower.
After dinner, the snow that had been falling all day finally ceased.
The whole neighborhood was blanketed in white, and the temperature was dropping.
The next day, Zhao Haitian stayed home to look after the children, while Zhao Fan drove slowly to the office.
Many people had already arrived, but everyone's clothes were soaking wet.
After asking around, Zhao Fan learned that most people had slipped on their way in.
"The ground is so slick—if you walk a bit too fast, down you go."
"Don't even mention it. On my way here, I saw someone sprawled out on the road, and I think someone even wound up in the hospital."
"This snow is really a nuisance."
Everyone was chattering, making the office lively.
After listening for a few minutes, Zhao Fan thought of yesterday's car accident and realized how dangerous it was to commute in this weather. He clapped his hands and gathered everyone together.
"I have a proposal. I wonder if you’d agree."
Han Chen, bundled up like a ball, spoke weakly, "Just say it. If we stand here any longer, we’ll freeze to death."
It wasn't that they couldn't handle the cold, but the sudden drop in temperature had caught everyone off guard.
"We’ll take these two days off and make them up on Sundays later. How does that sound?"
At this time, the concept of shifting work days wasn’t common, so everyone was momentarily stunned, but quickly nodded enthusiastically.
"Agreed, agreed, we agree!"
"Yes, yes, we agree."
Voices of agreement rose up, and Zhao Fan went along with it.
Since it was Thursday, he decided on the spot to give everyone four days off to stay home.
"Work resumes as usual next Monday."
"Great!"
The staff gradually left the company. Zhao Fan was about to leave as well when Han Chen appeared at a slow pace.
"Why haven't you left yet?"
Han Chen pointed at the office behind him. "There’s something I need to discuss with you."
"Alright, let’s talk inside."
They entered the office. Han Chen rubbed his hands. "I think the company needs a few things."
"Such as?"
"Heating. Air conditioners."
Zhao Fan: "..."
Han Chen: "..."
They exchanged looks. Zhao Fan cleared his throat, "I'll arrange for more units."
This reminded Zhao Fan how everyone had to come back to the office just to be notified of things. He wanted Han Chen to develop a company-exclusive communication app.
"It needs to work on both phones and computers, and everyone should be able to join."
As the boss, Zhao Fan made it clear he didn't care how difficult it was; he hoped Han Chen would find a way.
But Han Chen was already deep in thought about how to handle it, not hearing Zhao Fan’s concerns about overcoming difficulties at all.
After a few minutes, Han Chen sprang up and dashed off, leaving Zhao Fan alone.
Zhao Fan: "..."
Well, passion for work was a good thing. No need to say more.
Setting the matter aside, Zhao Fan drove away.
At a crossroads, just as Zhao Fan was about to turn, a truck from the opposite direction suddenly barreled toward him.
At the critical moment, Zhao Fan frantically turned the wheel, barely avoiding a head-on collision.
Bang!
With a tremendous crash, Zhao Fan slammed into the inflated airbag. When he opened his eyes, all he could see was a blur.
So this was how disaster struck from the blue.
...
Hospital.
Zhao Fan opened his eyes and stared at the snow-white ceiling in silence.
"You're awake? How do you feel?"
The voice beside him pulled him from his thoughts. He replied, "I feel alright."
"Any discomfort? Do you feel dizzy? Any nausea?"
Zhao Fan closed his eyes. "Silence."
He hadn't felt nauseous at first, but their relentless chatter was making him queasy.
The noise stopped abruptly. After a few minutes, he heard footsteps leaving.
Huh? They left?
Reality soon proved him too optimistic.
One noisy person left, only to be replaced by a whole group.
A doctor brought several interns to his bed, peppering him with questions until Zhao Fan grew irritable.
"Enough. If I wasn't killed in the crash, you lot will talk me to death."
A stunned silence fell. The doctor and interns all gazed at Zhao Fan, dumbfounded.
Zhao Fan: "..."
Taking a deep breath, he asked, "Where’s my phone?"
"It’s right by your bed."
Looking in the direction the doctor pointed, Zhao Fan picked up his phone just as the hospital room door swung open. His father and mother rushed in, anxious.
"Xiao Fan, Xiao Fan, are you alright?"
His mother hurried to the bedside, voice choked with worry as she looked at him.
"How—how did you get into an accident?"
"Just a minor mishap, don’t worry. I’m fine."
Summoning his strength, Zhao Fan tried to comfort his mother.
His father left to talk with the doctors, inquiring about his condition.
"Mom, I’m a bit hungry."
She wiped her eyes. "I’ll go get you something to eat."
After she left, his father frowned. "Where’s the person who hit you?"
Zhao Fan answered weakly, "I don’t know, I just woke up."
"Did you see who it was?"
"No, I couldn’t see."
After a few more questions, Zhao Fan fell silent. In the end, he was like a useless man—he knew nothing at all.
His father sighed. "I’ll report it to the police."
"Alright."
Zhao Fan closed his eyes. "I’m going to rest for a bit."
"Okay."
When he woke again, the room was lit. His father and mother sat beside him, and next to them was someone Zhao Fan hadn’t expected.
"Fang Tiancheng, what are you doing here?"