Chapter 9: Something has happened to Yun Cheng

The moon shone down, casting a pale and ghostly light over the abandoned streets. Zhou Xuanzhi's footsteps echoed through the silent and empty alleys as he made his way forward. The cool night air nipped at his skin, the breeze causing his hair to flutter in the wind. The stillness of the night was only broken by the sound of his shoes tapping against the pavement.

As Zhou Xuanzhi walked, he couldn't help but take in the eerie yet peaceful atmosphere. The moon's faint glow illuminated the surrounding buildings, casting long shadows and eerie silhouettes. The silence was almost deafening, and the stillness of the night only added to the sense of unease that he felt.

As he reflected on the events of the evening, he felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, he was proud of himself for standing up for what he believed in. On the other hand, he couldn't shake the anxiety he felt about the possibility of losing his job. The night air seemed to echo his inner turmoil, amplifying the feelings of uncertainty that he felt.

As he walked, his thoughts drifted to his mother, Yang Lianhua, who was currently recuperating in the hospital. She had always been his rock and source of inspiration. He was grateful for her unwavering support and knew that he could always count on her.

When Zhou Xuanzhi came into this world, his father left him and his mother behind without a second glance. Yang Lianhua was left to raise her son alone, with no financial or emotional support. She struggled to make ends meet and provide for her child, but she refused to give up.

Yang Lianhua worked long hours in a small clothing factory, barely earning enough to pay for their basic needs. Despite the challenges, Yang Lianhua was determined to give her son a better life. She scrimped and saved every penny, making sacrifices wherever she could. She often went without new clothes or shoes so that she could buy Zhou Xuanzhi books and educational toys.

Zhou Xuanzhi was only six years old at the time, but he knew that his mother was struggling. He would often see her come home from work exhausted, with barely enough energy to make dinner. Determined to make his mother proud, he studied hard and did well in school.

Yang Lianhua's hard work and dedication paid off. Zhou Xuanzhi earned a scholarship with his merits to a prestigious university.

Zhou Xuanzhi continued to walk through the quiet streets, his mind still lingering on the memories of his childhood and his mother's unwavering love and dedication. He soon arrived at the hospital where his mother, Yang Lianhua, was admitted.

Zhou Xuanzhi approached the door of the hospital room and turned the knob, pushing it open. Stepping inside, he took a quick glance around the small, sterile room. The only noise that could be heard was the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor, a constant reminder of the fragile state of his mother's health.

As his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, he saw his mother lying on the bed. She looked so frail and sickly, her once vibrant features now faded and worn. Despite her condition, Zhou Xuanzhi could still see the serene beauty that radiated from within her, a light that seemed to flicker in the darkness of the room.

He slowly walked over to her bedside and took a seat beside her, placing his hand gently on hers. He could feel the warmth of her skin, but it was evident that her body was weak and fragile. He gazed upon her face, taking in every detail, memorizing the lines etched into her skin, the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth, and the way her hair fell delicately around her face.

As he sat there, he couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. There was nothing he could do to make her better, nothing he could say to ease her pain. All he could do was sit there, holding her hand, hoping that somehow, some way, she would find the strength to pull through.

"Zhi Zhi, you are here?"

"Mom, how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Yang Lianhua smiled weakly at her son. "I'm okay. Don't worry about me."

Zhou Xuanzhi looked at his mother with concern. "Mom, you don't look okay. Have you eaten anything today?"

Yang Lianhua shook her head. "I'm not really hungry. But what about you, Zhi Zhi? You look like you've lost weight. Have you been eating properly?"

Zhou Xuanzhi shrugged. "I've been busy with work and school. But don't worry, Mom. I'm taking care of myself."

Yang Lianhua looked at her son with a mix of pride and concern. "You're working too hard, Zhi Zhi. You should take some breaks from your tutoring class. You should focus on your studies and not worry about me. I'll be okay."

Zhou Xuanzhi sat beside his mother's bed; his heart heavy with guilt. He had been keeping a secret from his mother, and it weighed heavily on his conscience. He had lied to her about his job, telling her that he was earning money by tutoring high school students. In reality, he was working two menial jobs just to make ends meet.

Instead, he smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mom. I've been taking good care of myself. I eat well and exercise regularly. And my studies are going well too."

Yang Lianhua looked at him with a mix of sadness and pride in her eyes. "You don't have to lie to me, Zhi Zhi. I know things are tough for you right now. But you must go back to your studies. Don't let my illness hold you back."

"Mom, don't worry about me," he said. "Just focus on getting better."

Yang Lianhua looked at him with a mixture of pride and concern. "I know you're a strong and capable young man, but you don't have to bear everything on your own. Your mother is here for you, always."

Zhou Xuanzhi took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I know, Mom. And I appreciate everything you've done for me. But right now, I want to focus on taking care of you. You're my top priority."

Yang Lianhua reached out to stroke her son's cheek. "You've always been a good son, Zhi Zhi. But don't sacrifice your dreams for me. Once I'm better, you don't have to take an extra job anymore. You can focus on your studies and pursue your goals. I'll always be here to support you."

Zhou Xuanzhi smiled through his tears. "Thank you, Mom. I love you."

"I love you too, Zhi Zhi," his mother replied, her voice soft and soothing. "Now go back to your studies and make me proud."

Zhou Xuanzhi's heart ached with the weight of his mother's words. He knew that he couldn't keep lying to her, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her the truth. Instead, he promised her that he would work hard and make her proud.

As he left the hospital, Zhou Xuanzhi felt a heavy sense of responsibility weighing down on him. He knew that he needed to find a way to earn more money and support his mother, but he didn't know how. All he could do was keep working hard and hope for a stroke of luck to come his way.

***

Feng Yuansheng was sitting in his spacious office, surrounded by walls of dark wood panelling and leather-bound chairs. The large desk in front of him was covered with documents, files, and a laptop, each item meticulously organized. Feng Yuansheng was a man of few words, but his powerful and commanding presence spoke volumes. His sharp jawline and piercing black eyes exude a sense of intimidation that can make anyone feel intimidated and short, while his neatly combed jet-black hair adds to his overall polished appearance.

Despite his deep concentration on his work, it was impossible to ignore the sense of power emanating from the man in front of the desk. He was the fearsome Heir of the Fengxin Group, known for his ability to crush a company under his heel like an elephant stomping on an ant.

Just as he was going through the files, his secretary, Li Ming, entered the room.

"Sir, your flight to Country A is scheduled in three hours," Li Ming informed him. "I have also arranged for Young Master Yun to be taken directly to the airport."

Feng Yuansheng simply nodded in acknowledgement. He wasn't one for pleasantries or small talk.

Li Ming hesitated before speaking again, sensing his boss's cold and powerful personality. "Sir, there's one problem."

Feng Yuansheng looked from his file.

Li Ming's voice trembled as he delivered the news. "Young Master Yun is throwing a tantrum and has refused to eat. He also stated that he will not be going anywhere with you," he said, his anxiety palpable.

Li Ming couldn't help but feel a bead of sweat trickle down his back as he waited for the response.

Feng Yuansheng's face remained stoic, but a flicker of annoyance crossed his features. "Why?"

"Apparently, he wants to see Young Miss Jiang. He's been asking to see her since he woke up," Li Ming explained.

Feng Yuansheng's eyes flickered briefly with irritation. He didn't have time for this. He had an important deal to close in Country A, and he couldn't be held back by a tantrum-throwing child. But he also knew that Yun Cheng was a sensitive and delicate child, and he had to handle the situation carefully.

Feng Yuansheng's voice cut through the tense silence in the room like a knife. "Get him to the airport even if you have to use force," he ordered, his tone cold and unwavering.

Li Ming's heart sank as he processed the command. He knew that this was not going to be an easy task, but he also knew better than to question his boss's authority. With a nod, he turned on his heels and headed for the door.

Just as he was about to step out of the room, his phone began to ring, and Li Ming hesitated for a moment. He knew that every second counted, but he also knew that he couldn't ignore a call during such a critical moment.

Answering the phone, Li Ming's face turned ashen as he listened to the voice on the other end.

"Sir, something has happened to Young Master Yun," he stammered, barely able to get the words out.

Feng Yuansheng's expression hardened as he took in the news. Without a second thought, he stormed out of his office.

***