"No, Linlin… there's something you need to know," her grandfather said, his tone heavy with importance.
Chen Lin immediately sensed the weight behind his words. Whatever it was, it must be serious. But the worry etched into his face made her hesitate. She didn't want him to strain himself, especially in his condition.
"You can tell me later, Grandpa. It's okay—I can wait," she said gently, trying to reassure him.
But the old man shook his head firmly. "No, Linlin… you deserve to know. And I don't want you hearing this from anyone else. It has to come from me."
His insistence only made her more anxious. If he was pushing himself to speak now, it must be truly significant.
Even so, Chen Lin placed her hand over his. "Grandpa, your health is more important than anything else. Whatever it is, I'd rather not know if it means putting you through this. What matters most to me… is you—just you."
