As Zhang Chenyan was just about to begin, Xie Han immediately said, "During your coma, I learned the basic situation. That child had a hard life. If it's related to him, I won't stop you from doing what you need to do, but you must rest first. Don't let your emotions get the better of you and cause any more accidents. Don't scare Mom again."
Seeing the red in Xie Han's eyes, Zhang Chenyan felt even more guilty.
Most of the time, Xie Han was like any ordinary mother, nagging at Zhang Chenyan and sometimes having small disagreements with him. They depended on and supported each other. But when it came to important matters, Xie Han became a stabilizing force, capable of making decisions and discerning priorities.
Zhang Chenyan couldn't refute Xie Han because she had already given him enough tolerance and understanding. He had to admit that the earlier episode had indeed been too draining. Looking at Xie Han, he felt increasingly drowsy and soon fell asleep again.
This time, he didn't sleep for long. When he woke up, Xie Han was still sitting by his bedside.
"Feeling any better? The doctor said you're gradually recovering, but you'll feel more fatigued than usual for a while."
Xie Han continued to take care of Zhang Chenyan methodically as he woke up.
When Zhang Chenyan was younger, he had frequent illnesses. Thanks to Xie Han's meticulous care, his physical condition improved, and he rarely had to go to the hospital in his memory.
This hospital visit had frightened Xie Han greatly. Now that Zhang Chenyan was recovering, it was time to account for his actions. "So, why did you make such a big decision without telling me?"
"Because I knew you wouldn't agree," Zhang Chenyan replied straightforwardly.
Being mother and son, he knew exactly how Xie Han would react.
It was because of this understanding that he was afraid.
"If I wouldn't agree, then you shouldn't do it! Besides, you know why I wouldn't agree." Xie Han looked at Zhang Chenyan, her initially stern tone softening as she saw his frail state. "Since it's already happened, there's no point in scolding you now, but I hope this is the last time. You're strong-willed, and once you decide on something, I can't change your mind. But you should also know that I'm a person of my word. No matter the reason, if you gamble with your life again, I won't forgive you."
Xie Han's words were heavy, but Zhang Chenyan understood that she was acting out of helplessness—they both feared losing each other too much.
In the face of calamity, people have lost too much already, making them more desperate to hold onto what they have.
"Oh, a young lady came to see you while you were unconscious," Xie Han suddenly remembered, her tone turning cheerful, "Actually, there were two of them. They seemed quite nice."
"Two young ladies?" Zhang Chenyan was puzzled.
Xie Han nodded. "Yes, one had her face covered but had a great aura. The other was very pretty but was a hologram, so you could see but not touch her."
Listening to Xie Han's description, Zhang Chenyan immediately understood who she was talking about—probably Liu Xixi and 0810.
It wasn't surprising that 0810 knew about his condition. They were colleagues, and she would know if he suddenly took leave from work.
But how did Liu Xixi find out? They didn't usually communicate much.
"Both of them seem very good, definitely good enough for you," Xie Han remarked.
Zhang Chenyan never expected Xie Han to say such things. "Aren't mothers supposed to see their sons as the best? Why do I feel so worthless in your eyes?"
"What do you mean 'mothers see their sons as the best'? The saying is 'a mother-in-law sees her son-in-law as the best.' Don't mix things up!" Xie Han retorted, rolling her eyes.
"Did they mention why they came to see me?" Zhang Chenyan quickly changed the topic. "The hologram should be my colleague. I'm worried it might be a work issue."
Speaking of this, Xie Han turned serious. "She asked me to tell you to rest well. She'll handle your work."
Zhang Chenyan nodded. With 0810's assurance, he was at ease, as he hadn't expected so many things to happen.
"The young lady also said to contact her when you feel better," Xie Han added, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Zhang Chenyan pretended not to notice, changing the topic again. "What about the girl who had her face covered? Why did she come to see me?"
"She seemed to have some business at the hospital. When she saw you, she was very worried and asked me lots of questions. She had a very nice voice but kept her face covered, so I didn't see her clearly. A bit of a pity," Xie Han replied.
Zhang Chenyan nodded. That must be Liu Xixi, but he wondered what she was doing at the hospital.
"She's covering her face because she has injuries," Zhang Chenyan explained.
Xie Han responded immediately, "Oh, I see… Some girls are very conscious of their appearance. She must be very upset. But I think the most important thing is character. If she has a good personality, nothing else matters."
She looked at Zhang Chenyan, clearly implying something.
Zhang Chenyan sighed internally—this topic was unavoidable.
He felt that whatever he said, Xie Han would steer the conversation back.
In the end, he followed 0810's suggestion and contacted her, informing her that he had woken up.
Xie Han, thinking he was discussing work, considerately left the room.
0810 appeared in front of Zhang Chenyan shortly after he contacted her. Even in hologram mode, her beauty was unmistakable.
Although he had prepared a lot to say, seeing 0810 in front of him, Zhang Chenyan suddenly didn't know where to start. After a long silence, he finally managed, "How's work lately?"
As soon as he said it, Zhang Chenyan wanted to hit his head. What a lame line! They hadn't been apart for that long, had they?
Fortunately, 0810 picked up the conversation. "I've already requested leave for you at the company. If anything comes up, I'll notify you. You just need to rest. According to the doctors, you should be under observation for three days post-surgery. But I've asked some friends, and they suggest avoiding strenuous mental activities for a while, so it's best to rest longer."
0810 spoke calmly, each word conveying concern, though it sounded flat, as if all emotions had been filtered out.
Zhang Chenyan was used to 0810's manner of speaking. He could still feel her warmth through her words.
Who wouldn't want to be cared for if possible?
Seeing the atmosphere quieting down again, 0810 suddenly asked, "What are your thoughts on dealing with Chen Yijing's parents?"
"Do they even count as parents?" Zhang Chenyan sneered.
"Regarding that man and woman," 0810 corrected herself smoothly.
"At the very least, I want them to experience everything Chen Yijing went through," Zhang Chenyan declared firmly, as if making a vow.
A vow to Chen Yijing and himself.
He vividly remembered that it was thanks to that man and woman that Chen Yijing suffered so much.
Chen Yijing had done nothing wrong, yet it seemed everything was his fault.
Even in his death, those two were absolutely responsible.
Now they still wanted to profit from his death, squeezing out his last bit of value? Zhang Chenyan couldn't let it slide.
0810 had already gathered a lot of information on Chen Yijing over the past few days. Hearing Zhang Chenyan's words, she nodded. "Rest assured. I'll handle everything in the digital world. They'll have an unforgettable experience."
Even her threats sounded calm and composed.
"Also, an intern said he promised to give you the video of that man and woman's actions in the hospital. Send me a copy; it might come in handy," 0810 added, looking at Zhang Chenyan. "You need to rest now. You've done enough. Let me handle the rest. Trust me."
Zhang Chenyan naturally trusted 0810 but felt uneasy about troubling her, as it was his connection to Chen Yijing, not hers.
Perhaps noticing his thoughts, 0810 continued, "I won't help you for nothing. When you're better, treat me to a meal."
For AI like 0810, eating was more symbolic than necessary, as they didn't need food for energy. Zhang Chenyan understood that 0810 just didn't want him to feel indebted.
0810 wasn't one to dally. After reminding Zhang Chenyan to follow medical advice, she left.
Even after 0810 disappeared, Zhang Chenyan was still processing everything.
He trusted 0810 completely, but since when had their relationship become so close?
Previously, he never considered such questions, being too occupied with work and daily matters. Now, lying in the hospital bed with time to think, he started reevaluating.
While pondering, Xie Han poked her head into the room, looking around cautiously before asking, "Is she gone?"
Zhang Chenyan understood she meant 0810.
Normally, Zhang Chenyan trusted Xie Han implicitly, believing his mother wouldn't eavesdrop. But seeing her now, he wasn't so sure.
"Did you overhear our conversation?" Zhang Chenyan probed.
Xie Han nodded, "Of course, this room isn't soundproof."
Her straightforwardness left Zhang Chenyan speechless, making him feel like he was being petty.
"Why were you eavesdropping?"
"I told you, this room isn't soundproof."
Xie Han's "if I don't admit fault, I'm always right" attitude left Zhang Chenyan utterly exasperated.
"I think she's genuinely good, considerate, polite... though she seems a bit cold, but she's definitely a good girl."
Zhang Chenyan was now convinced—Xie Han would think any girl was a good girl as long as she was female.
"But she's an AI," Zhang Chenyan confessed. "She can't have a physical form. She only exists in the digital world."
Hearing this, Xie Han was silent for a while.
Just as Zhang Chenyan thought she'd drop the subject, Xie Han said, "I used to be bothered by this. Seeing people get emotionally involved with AI made me uncomfortable. I thought you should have children... But thinking it over, I want you to find someone you love, someone to keep you company so you're not alone. If that's an AI and it makes you happy, that's fine. As long as what you do doesn't hurt yourself or violate morals and ethics, I'll support you."
Xie Han's words were sincere.
Zhang Chenyan never expected to hear this from Xie Han, given her somewhat traditional views.
Hearing her now, Zhang Chenyan felt the weight of her motherly love.
Xie Han had always urged him to find a partner to avoid loneliness. Her intentions were simple.
They had always been.
Reflecting, Zhang Chenyan realized Xie Han had never pressured him excessively. She always let him grow in his own way.
Although his father had been absent, Zhang Chenyan understood the inevitability of it and felt all his mother's love.
Just as Zhang Chenyan was about to continue, there was a knock at the door.
Xie Han went to open it, finding Liu Xixi standing outside. "Hello, Auntie."
Zhang Chenyan was surprised Liu Xixi cared enough to visit him again.
Xie Han invited her in, knowing she wasn't a work colleague. After serving her a glass of water, she sat nearby, listening to Zhang Chenyan and Liu Xixi's conversation while observing them.