The private room at Shanghai's premier hospital was filled with the faint, rhythmic beeps of the monitors tracking Master Gu's vitals. Gu Huo kept a silent vigil beside his father's bedside, waiting for any signs of further improvement.
Three weeks had passed since the powerful business tycoon had suffered a devastating stroke. Though the initial prognosis was grim, Master Gu had regained consciousness a few days ago, his steely will to survive evident even in his weakened state.
As his eyes blinked open, Master Gu's gaze slowly tracked around the dimly lit room before focusing on his son with furrowed brows. His speech was still labored from the effects of the stroke.
"Where...is your m-mother?" he rasped out, tongue struggling around the words. "Why has...she not...come?"