The new day brought mixed news.
Weiwei's coins were sufficient to guarantee the load required for Qi to purchase additional shares. On the other hand, Grandfather Feng's condition hadn't improved. In fact, in late morning it took a turn for the worse, and Ms. Zhang called the doctor despite Grandfather Feng forbidding her to do so.
"He needs to be sent to the hospital," the doctor told Weiwei and Ms. Zhang after checking the patient. "I'm worried about internal inflammation, but there is very little that I can do without hospital tests and procedures."
"Did you tell him that?" asked Ms. Zhang, her face all pale. "He'll never go if you don't force him, doctor."
"How can I force him," sighed the doctor. "I've known the man for most of my life, and he's only interested in my diagnosis. He rarely follows my advice."
What is there to discuss? If he has to go to the hospital, then we should take him.
"Let me try talking to him," offered Weiwei.
Both the doctor and Ms. Zhang glanced at her with pity mixed with annoyance. "The newbie doesn't understand," they seemed to be saying.
We should at least try.
Weiwei gently knocked before entering the room. This time Grandfather Feng was in bed, and Weiwei noticed the difference it made for his appearance. His face, usually filled with quiet strength, appeared frail and lifeless, and his eyes, which had always held a spark of determination, now seemed dimmer, clouded by the weight of illness. The usual power and warmth he radiated was now overtaken by the discomfort and exhaustion that came with his condition.
It was painful for Weiwei to observe such a stark change in him; however, she knew that she couldn't show the impression his state made on her.
It'd be doubly more painful for him if I not only see him bedridden, but also show pity.
Bracing herself and putting on a smile, Weiwei marched to Grandfather Feng's bed.
"How are you feeling, grandpa?" she asked.
The old man looked over at her without turning his head. His cheeks twitched in an attempted smile.
"I guess I can't control everything, can I?" he said softly. "I can't even give orders to my body anymore."
Weiwei attempted to channel the conversation in a desired direction. "You are in control of some things: you can help the doctors take good care of you," she said.
"Doctors!" Grandfather Feng let out a feeble snort through his nostrils, his chest heaving slightly from the effort. "What can they do?"
Weiwei tried to remain upbeat. "Grandpa, please let them help you. It would be much easier and more comfortable for you at the hospital."
Grandfather Feng sighed and his stare returned to the ceiling above him. "I spent my entire life avoiding doctors. Were they able to save my daughter-in-law? Or my son? Or my wife? No, they were useless. All they are good for is talking." He stopped to gather some strength. "Stay away from doctors, Weiwei. Don't let them ever put you in a hospital."
Weiwei felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I can't let you get worse, grandpa," she said. "Even if you're going to hate me for it, I'll help them get you to the hospital if that's what it takes for you to get better."
The old man's gaze shifted back to her face. "Why would I hate you, child. You always mean well. My grandson is a lucky boy, don't even know why he's so blessed."
He heaved another heavy sigh. "Okay, I'll go to the hospital for one day after I meet with Lawyer Li."
Weiwei started to celebrate inside until she heard the second part of the sentence. It dumbfounded her.
"Lawyer Li? How are you going to meet him?"
"He's on his way here," said Grandfather Feng and closed his eyes. "You can tell the damn doctor I'll go to the hospital after that."
Why would he need to meet with the lawyer? I hope he's not preparing to die!
"Grandfather, you're going to be alright," said Weiwei eagerly, touching the old man's hand. "Everything is going to be fine. Qi needs you."
The old man opened his eyes and a trace of a smirk touched his lips. "I'm not thinking of dying yet, Weiwei. But I want to set things right regardless. Qi has you now, and that's more important than my health. I won't be here for long. And the two of you have all your life ahead of you."
Weiwei came closer to the bed again. "Don't say it like that, grandfather. You have many years ahead, I'm sure."
Grandfather Feng locked his gaze with hers. "I hope so. Maybe I'll be fortunate enough to see my great-grandchildren."
Weiwei felt her cheeks growing red.
"I've heard what you did for Qi," said Grandfather Feng in a low voice. "For him and me. Weiwei, you have a very special soul. And I want you to be happy. You've suffered enough in your life. I want you to be happy from now on, because I know you'll use your happiness to make others happy. That's the way you are. So through you I'm sure I'll do some good to others."
Weiwei tried to understand the hidden meaning of the old man's words.
"What do you mean, Grandfather?" she finally asked.
The old man closed his eyes again. "The lawyer will tell you later. Now go, tell the doctor to wait until Mr. Li leaves."
Weiwei shuffled slowly to the door. As she reached for it, the door opened, and she saw Lawyer Li on the threshold.