After the acquisition, the proposal to refurbish it into a commercial street was in full swing. Since it was a start from zero, it would still take time before the actual commencement date.
After going through another heart issue, Huo Qingning had wanted Liang Yan to remain in the hospital for observation. But she didn't want to owe him anything, so she insisted on going home.
At the hospital, Huo Qingning double confirmed with the doctors her condition. They told him that although she had a relapse, going home wouldn't become a risk. With that said, they had arranged for doctors to be on standby mode at all times. He had no choice but to agree on her discharge. While he went to sign the papers, no one was around to help Liang Yan up. She struggled to stand, wanting to use the washroom.
She was no longer staying in the VIP ward with a bathroom attached. Unwilling to ask for Huo Qingning's help, she shuffled towards the public restroom. Just as she shut the door to the stall, she overheard the nurses murmuring.
"You know, that family's feud is going out of hand."
"Yeah. I heard the old master's got mad again. He was talking about buying the welfare home and turning it into something commercial."
"Huh? What about the children there? Won't they be homeless?"
"Beats me. It's the girl's fault for messing with the wrong guy."
Liang Yan couldn't believe her ears, but she couldn't deny what she'd just heard either. She had wanted to bolt through the door and question them, yet, her stamina wouldn't allow such exertion. Since asking information from outsiders wasn't that reliable, Liang Yan might as well ask Huo Qingning himself. She went back to her ward, and after she sat down, Huo Qingning was back.
"You're just getting better. Why did you run around?" Huo Qingning put on a cold expression, shoving a pile of bills into her hand.
Liang Yan took them in without resisting, and she looked up. "Aren't we going home?"
Huo Qingning smiled. But he could tell she had something else to say, so he sat next to her.
"Huo Qingning. Can we talk about the welfare home?" Liang Yan's heart raced on. She had to beat around the bush because she knew if she were too direct, he wouldn't have given her an answer.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I'll help you out with the welfare home situation as long as a divorce is out of the question."
"Can I trust you?" Liang Yan probed. Old Master Huo was still one of the decision-makers in the family. And here he was, making a promise so effortlessly. She didn't feel reassured.
Something clicked. Liang Yan must have overheard some rumors. On the day Grandpa Huo was discharged, he called Huo Qingning to his ward and questioned him in a stern tone, asking if he would get a divorce. Then, he mentioned the welfare home acquisition and its demolition into a commercial street.
Huo Qingning would never give in to matters relating to the welfare home, even if the person was his grandfather. He lowered his head, staring into her eyes. "You've got no choice, Liang Yan. I'm the only person who can help you."
Liang Yan had been in the hospital for days, so she couldn't know what was going on out there. She didn't even have the chance to look for the dean at the welfare home. She clenched her jaw, her lashes fluttering like butterflies' wings, her voice nasally, "You promised me. If something ever happens to the welfare home, I'll never forgive you."
Her blackmailing didn't work on him, and it looked more like she was whining like a little kid. Since the opportunity fell into his lap, he wouldn't let it slip through his fingers. "Sure. Since you're being so reasonable about all of this, shouldn't you show me your compensation?"