Hospital Ride

Back in Jingwei's car, the ride to the hospital was mostly silent. Jingwei had said everything he wanted to say and more back at the hotel, and Xue Ning was too exhausted regarding the earlier upheaval to make intelligent conversation. 

But some things still needed to be said.

"I'm sorry for causing your father's heart to fail." Xue Ning said remorsefully. "While I meant to defend myself and insult him, I didn't want him to collapse from anger."

Jingwei let out a half-amused snort, giving her a fond look before turning back at the road. 

"I know, if you meant to kill him, you would have just left him on the floor to die. And part of the blame lies with me too. Father always said I'd drive him to an early grave… guess he was right. Without you, he would really be dead."

He gave a self-decrepitating laugh at the end.

"Without me, he wouldn't be mad enough for his heart to fail." Xue Ning corrected.