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As soon as they walked out of the western restaurant, Fu Hengyi released Shen Qinglan, "Sorry." Although it was to help her, it was still an offense.
Shen Qinglan shook her head, "I should be the one thanking Young Master Fu..." She swallowed the final word when she saw Yu Xiaoxuan following them out.
Fu Hengyi wasn't surprised that she recognized him. After all, the Fu Family and the Shen Family were old friends. His grandfather and the old sir of the Shen Family had a life-and-death friendship. Although Shen Junyu did not follow in his father's career path, they had grown up together and were naturally familiar.
"You are Jun Yu's sister. It's only natural to look after you when your brother isn't around," Fu Hengyi stated indifferently, but his gaze fell on Shen Qinglan's wrist, where it was bright red, clearly left by Wei Lin. Her fair skin made the redness stand out more glaringly, and Fu Hengyi's eyes grew deep, his emotions unreadable.
Shen Qinglan nodded and, seeing Yu Xiaoxuan approaching, said, "I have something to do, so I won't delay you. Goodbye."
Fu Hengyi did not speak, just stepped aside to let her pass.
Yu Xiaoxuan caught up, quickly glancing at Fu Hengyi and flashing a bright smile. This person helped Qinglan out of a tight spot, which was definitely a nice thing.
If Shen Qinglan heard Yu Xiaoxuan's thoughts, she would have been speechless. Helping out in a situation makes someone a good person? Where did that conclusion even come from?
"Qinglan, who exactly was that handsome guy just now? Do you know him?" Yu Xiaoxuan was gabbing beside Shen Qinglan.
"That handsome guy was really handsome, so much boyfriend material!" She had stars in her eyes.
"Qinglan, did you get that handsome guy's number? You could keep in touch, you're a perfect match standing together."
In her ears was Yu Xiaoxuan's incessant chatter. Shen Qinglan's expression remained unchanged, yet a trace of helplessness appeared in her eyes.
"Shouldn't you be thinking about how to explain today's events to your mom?" Shen Qinglan's clear voice rang out, instantly bringing Yu Xiaoxuan back to the reality she had forgotten.
Yu Xiaoxuan heavily smacked her head, "Oh no, oh no, I messed up the blind date, my mom won't let it go. No way, Qinglan, you have to help me. My mom likes you the most."
Yu Xiaoxuan clasped her hands and pleaded pitifully.
"As long as you tell the truth, Auntie won't make it difficult for you," Shen Qinglan said softly, ignoring Yu Xiaoxuan's pitiful look.
She was telling the truth. Wei Lin was clearly no good person. As long as Yu Xiaoxuan told the truth, her mom definitely wouldn't scold her. On the contrary, she'd likely demand an explanation from the other party.
Yu Xiaoxuan was Shen Qinglan's little admirer. Whatever Shen Qinglan said, she treated as gospel truth. Hearing Shen Qinglan's words, she immediately felt at ease.
"Oh right, Qinglan, are we going back to campus later? There's no class this afternoon. Let's go hang out. I heard a new bar opened over on West Street. Let's go check it out."
Shen Qinglan shook her head, "I have something to do this afternoon. I'm not going back to campus, and you shouldn't go to a bar alone. The finals are approaching, so go home and study."
Hearing this, Yu Xiaoxuan let out a disappointed "oh" and boarded the bus home under Shen Qinglan's gaze.
Shen Qinglan hailed a taxi and headed to City First Hospital.
At the door of the high-class ward in City First Hospital, just as Shen Qinglan was about to open the door, it opened from the inside. The attending doctor came out and greeted Shen Qinglan, "Second Miss Shen."
Shen Qinglan glanced inside the ward, "Doctor Zhu, how is my grandmother?"
"The old lady is in great condition today. She just took her medicine and has fallen asleep."
"Thank you, Doctor Zhu."
After saying goodbye to the attending doctor, Shen Qinglan quietly entered the ward. In the bed lay an elderly woman with a head full of white hair, eyes closed, breathing evenly, clearly asleep. Shen Qinglan quietly watched her peaceful sleeping face for a moment, then picked up the clothes placed aside that hadn't been washed and entered the bathroom.
In truth, this kind of thing didn't need Shen Qinglan to do. They had hired a specialist nurse to take care of Granny Shen. Shen Qinglan just wanted to do something to repay this elderly woman who treated her as her lifeblood.
Granny Shen didn't sleep for long. Just as Shen Qinglan finished washing the clothes, she woke up.
"Lanlan's here. Why didn't you wake Grandma?" Granny Shen's eyes were filled with love as she looked at Shen Qinglan.
"I saw you sleeping soundly and didn't want to disturb you." Though her tone remained steady, it was noticeably softer than usual, showing how close she was to the older woman.
She hung up the clothes in her hand and went forward carefully to help Granny Shen sit up.
Granny Shen had liver cancer, already in its late stage. Even though they had hired the best doctors and used the best medicines, they still couldn't save her life. Her days were numbered.
Granny Shen held her granddaughter's hand, which remained cool even in the summer, and asked with concern, "No classes this afternoon?"
"No classes, so I came to keep you company."
"I'm just an old woman, not worth looking at. You should spend more time hanging out with friends when you have the time."
This granddaughter was too composed and didn't have many friends, apart from those two girls named Yu Xiaoxuan and Fang Tong.
"It's only been a day, and you're already tired of me?" Shen Qinglan rarely made a joke.
Granny Shen laughed, "I love you too much to ever tire of you. But, you're young, in the blooming days of your youth, you ought to spend more time with friends. Your grandpa said yesterday you're more like an old man than he is."
Shen Qinglan's lips curved gently, not obviously, but it instantly brightened her whole face. "He just worries too much. Grandpa went back today?" Usually, when she came to the hospital, the old sir was always there with his wife.
"I told him to go home and rest, not much use staying here."
While they were talking, Shen Qinglan's phone rang. She glanced at it, paused for a moment, and answered.
"Mom."
"Okay, understood, I'll be home on time tonight." Shen Qinglan said, then hung up the phone.
Granny Shen looked at Shen Qinglan's calm face and asked, "Your mom's phone call?"
Shen Qinglan nodded lightly and explained, "Shen Xitong is back. The family is welcoming her back with dinner. Mom wants me to join."
Granny Shen's expression dulled. Though she said nothing, she held her granddaughter's hand more tightly.
Shen Qinglan gently patted Granny Shen's hand, "Grandma, don't worry, I'm fine."
Granny Shen watched Shen Qinglan's cold and distant figure as she walked away, sighed deeply. Her days were numbered. Now she could somewhat protect this child, but when she died, what would happen to her granddaughter?
By the time Shen Qinglan left the hospital, the sun had already set. Her phone rang again in her pocket. She glanced at the caller ID, her expression indifferent, and did not answer.
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