Illegitimate son? Heart?
These two words triggered a sudden and ominous premonition in Xiao Qiang. He didn't know if the nurse was deliberate or unintentional in disclosing this information. But from the literal meaning, it was clear that he was now enmeshed in a conspiracy. He knew all too well that an illegitimate son had never truly mattered to a family and now, it seemed, this illegitimate son was about to die. Meanwhile, the legitimate son needed a heart to survive. For a moment, Xiao Qiang understood why Director Jin had appeared so disturbed after he learned of his awakening.
Just then, the door to the ward opened, and a man in his fifties walked in.
"Mr. Xiao." The nurse who was checking Xiao Qiang quickly greeted him respectfully. As a renowned finance mogul in Mingzhu City, Xiao Zhengxun deserved such respect.
Xiao Zhengxun nodded, "How is he doing? How's his recovery?"
The nurse blinked, looked at Xiao Qiang lying on the bed with open eyes but showing no reaction. "Mr. Xiao, he has regained heartbeat and brain wave activity but has not regained consciousness yet."
After a pause, she continued, "It might be due to the heavy blow to the brain. The doctor just came over, and he said that there's a high chance he will lose his memory."
For a moment, Xiao Qiang truly desired to leap up, embrace the nurse, and give her a kiss. This woman, she was too adorable! She was helping him from beginning to end, even though he didn't know why. Xiao Qiang was deeply grateful to her.
Then the nurse calmly continued, "Um, Mr. Xiao, could I ask you to step outside? This is an ICU ward; it's not open to visitors."
Xiao Zhengxun paused, then with a smile, turned around, and stepped out of the ward. He stood by the window and continued watching the nurse examine Xiao Qiang.
Just then, he heard footsteps behind him. It was the man who had been standing behind him in the resting room.
Without turning around, Xiao Zhengxun asked indifferently, "How is the madam?"
The man respectfully replied, "The madam is okay. Doctor has given her a sedative."
"And how about young master Wen?"
"The situation with young master Wen is also manageable, according to the doctor. There isn't any immediate danger. But we must find a new heart within a month."
Xiao Zhengxun's expression suddenly turned gloomy: "What have you been doing?"
The man lowered his head upon hearing him, "I'm sorry, but the chances of something like this happening are very low. The doctor said it was nearly a miracle that this guy woke up."
"Miracle?" Xiao Zhengxun turned his head to look at the man, his eyebrows slightly raised. "Han Qiang, you're telling me about miracles? I told you to find a heart for Xiao Wen, and this is how you handle things? You bring me an unknown illegitimate son. And this guy can even resurrect after death?"
The man named Han Qiang's face went the color of ash: "I apologize, sir."
With a sigh, Xiao Zhengxun's gaze returned to Xiao Qiang in the ward: "Is it possible for this fellow to re-enter brain death?"
Han Qiang exhaled heavily and responded, "I can't confirm, but no one can be sure."
Xiao Zhengxun nodded, "Since it has come to this point, we have no other choice. We'll broaden our search, even look overseas and find a suitable heart."
"Additionally, keep a close eye on this fellow. If something were to happen..." Xiao Zhengxun didn't finish his sentence but glanced at Xiao Qiang and exhaled.
Han Qiang quickly bowed in acknowledgement, "I understand, sir."
Xiao Zhengxun: "Also, make sure the press never learns of this incident. It must appear as if nothing happened. Understand? The Xiao Family doesn't need any scandals."
A ruthless look flashed in Han Qiang's eyes: "I understand."
After their conversation, both of them left, leaving Xiao Qiang in a state of unrest.
Nobody knew that before becoming a cultivator, Xiao Qiang was a martial artist, and one of his particular skills was lip-reading. The information he had just gleaned from observing the conversation between Han Qiang and Xiao Zhengxun sent chills down his spine.
Xiao Qiang never imagined the truth would be this cruel. He was merely a tool to save someone's life and his identity as an illegitimate child was faked!
Memories flashed through his mind accompanied by a wave of acute pain. He saw scenes of himself as a child sitting outside the orphanage, scrapping with people in the mud. He suddenly recalled the matron at the orphanage once mentioned that his mother had left a note saying she was unable to raise a child by herself.
"Xiao Zhengxun!" Xiao Qiang felt seething hatred for this man. Not because he had killed the original owner of his body, as a cultivator, he no longer felt as strongly about such matters. His hatred sprang from the fact that Xiao Zhengxun, knowing that he has been resurrected, still wanted him dead. This was something Xiao Qiang couldn't tolerate.
Call it selfishness or callousness, Xiao Qiang's principle was simple. Any debts or grievances the previous owner of the body had were to be abandoned with the dissipation of the former's soul. Now, it's him who is the owner of the body, and he needed to enhance his power quickly to survive in this chaotic world.
Having sorted out his memories, Xiao Qiang had a feel for this world. It was dominated by aristocratic families who controlled the government. Although the language was similar to his former world, there were no cultivators to be found.
To Xiao Qiang, this was the best world because he could do as he pleased due to his status as a cultivator. But it was also the worst world because the spiritual energy was thin and he currently lacked any cultivation power.
"Starting from scratch is fine since I have all the time in the world." Xiao Qiang remained determined, closed his eyes, and quietly practiced his internal exercises. Cultivation was something that couldn't be put off. He was sure he could succeed again since he'd managed to progress from ordinary human to Great Perfection stage in his previous life.
A week passed quickly. The hospital finally confirmed that Xiao Qiang was out of danger, yet Xiao Zhengxun and his wife never showed up again, with only Han Qiang coming by occasionally.
"You're awake." The one who spoke was the kind-hearted nurse. Xiao Qiang now knew her name was Wang Yue. She was a new graduate from nursing school and a native of Mingzhu.
"Yes, we were gonna discuss my discharge, right?" Xiao Qiang smiled at Wang Yue saying, within a week's time he had recovered considerably, to the point that doctors even marvelled at his miraculous recovery. But Xiao Qiang knew there were those who were discomfited by his progress.
Wang Yue smiled. Though not extraordinarily beautiful, she possessed an allure that made one comfortable and unconsciously warmed to her. Especially the charming eyes that looked like crescent moons when she smiled. Over the past week, she and Xiao Qiang had become good friends.
"You still need to wait. Director Jin wants you to stay for observation for a few more days." Wang Yue looked around to ensure no one was nearby and whispered, "His condition is not good."
"He" naturally referred to Xiao Wen, Xiao Qiang's nominal brother and the true heir of the Xiao Family.
Xiao Qiang's eyebrows knitted together. If Xiao Wen's condition worsened, the Xiao Family would not let him off the hook easily. After all, to the Xiao Family, he's their last hope for Xiao Wen. Finding a suitable heart for transplantation isn't an easy task. It appeared as if he was still in a dangerous situation and must find a way out of here as soon as possible.
With this in mind, Xiao Qiang fell into deep thought. The Xiao family certainly wouldn't let him off easily, but how was he to escape?
Thanks to Yanyi, Dian Jingling, Qixi, Lang Xiangru, Fei Yu, Wang Yanyan, Wu Xin Muzi, and Guang An Zhixin for their support and their concern for my child. Also thanks to Gu Jin, Wuzui, Dong Liu, Mao Ni for their generous red envelopes. Seriously, thank you all! I will publish two chapters daily. Please support by bookmarking, liking, voting, or tipping! Chenguang thanks you all!