Chapter 10 Shen Modi, are you too scared to come?

After Qiu Zhan performed acupuncture on Shen Weiguo, he managed to save his life temporarily. Qiu Zhan then told Shen Mofei to handle the transfer procedures to the traditional Chinese medicine hospital where he worked, promising to personally administer acupuncture every day. Hearing this, Shen Mofei was so excited that she immediately went to complete the settlement procedures.

Qiu Zhan called Huo Mingze to the doorway and quietly informed him of the harsh reality: Shen Weiguo didn't have much time left. His illness was too severe to be cured. If things went well, he might have half a month left; if not, perhaps only a week or so. Huo Mingze sighed and asked Qiu Zhan to arrange for Xiao Guang's cochlear implant as soon as possible.

He looked at Xiao Guang, a 15-year-old boy who was standing by the bedside with red eyes, completely unaware of their conversation. Qiu Zhan glanced at Xiao Guang before turning back to Huo Mingze, saying, "If his body assessment is passed, he can have the cochlear implant surgery tomorrow. After the implant, there will be continuous adjustments and maintenance, and it will take about a month before it can be turned on and he can hear. After that, he will need language training."

"It's best if my father-in-law can see Xiao Guang hear sounds," Huo Mingze said. Hearing sounds would allow Xiao Guang to undergo basic language training. Even if he could only call out "Dad," Shen Weiguo would pass away in peace. Qiu Zhan nodded, "Alright. I will arrange it as soon as they are transferred to the Pingkang Private Hospital."

"Okay," Huo Mingze nodded. Just then, Shen Mofei finished the settlement procedures and approached them with some papers. Seeing Huo Mingze standing at the door, she said, "It's noon. How about you both go get something to eat?"

"Let's go together," Huo Mingze said.

Shen Mofei shook her head, "I won't go. I'm not hungry." Given her father's condition, she truly had no appetite. Moreover, she was uneasy about leaving him alone in the ward, fearing that he might pass away in her absence.

"You need to eat to have the strength to take care of your father and Xiao Guang. By the way, Xiao Guang's cochlear implant surgery is scheduled for tomorrow," Huo Mingze said.

"No, I can't spend any more of your money," Shen Mofei protested.

Huo Mingze looked at her and gently wiped the dark circles under her eyes caused by sleepless nights and worry. "We are married now. What's mine is yours. We can use the money now and work hard together to earn more later."

"But…"

"No buts. The earlier the cochlear implant is done, the better. It's good for Xiao Guang and for your father," Huo Mingze said softly, glancing at the bed, his eyes conveying to Mofei that her father would want to see Xiao Guang get the implant.

"Alright. We'll work hard together later," Shen Mofei agreed with a determined nod. She decided that once her father's condition stabilized, she would work harder on her design drawings and take on two more tutoring jobs, even if it meant sleeping less at night. She was young and could handle it.

"Let's go eat," Huo Mingze said. Noticing Mofei looking at her father, he immediately understood and instructed Qiu Zhan, "Order the food here."

Qiu Zhan took out his phone to order food, but just then, his phone rang. It was the people from Pingkang Hospital, saying they had arrived to pick up the patient. He told them to come up. After hanging up, he said, "Let's just have the work meal at Pingkang."

Pingkang Hospital is the most famous private hospital in Haicheng and also Qiu Zhan's personal property. Although he was often away, Pingkang had a great reputation because he had recruited many skilled doctors, especially those who were underutilized or oppressed by older, less competent doctors at public hospitals.

"Okay," Huo Mingze agreed.

Soon, several doctors arrived with a stretcher. They transferred Shen Weiguo onto the stretcher, and the group headed downstairs for the transfer.

...

Upon arriving at Pingkang Hospital, Qiu Zhan personally arranged everything. He got Shen Weiguo settled in a ward and arranged for a doctor to administer an IV drip. He also organized a team of ENT specialists to conduct preoperative examinations for Xiao Guang. The hospital cafeteria sent meals to Shen Weiguo's ward. While eating, Qiu Zhan explained Xiao Guang's situation to Shen Mofei. After the examinations today, the surgery would take place tomorrow morning. One month after the surgery, the cochlear implant would be activated, allowing Xiao Guang to hear sounds. Continuous adjustments and cooperation between the hospital, family, and patient would help Xiao Guang adapt as soon as possible.

Thinking about how Xiao Guang would soon be able to hear sounds and speak normally like other people, Shen Mofei was so emotional that she cried, "Thank you, Qiu Zhan. Thank you."

"Ah, don't mention it. We're friends; we help each other. I'll personally handle Xiao Guang's surgery," Qiu Zhan said, the more he looked at Shen Mofei, the more he liked her. He thought that aside from her background, she had no flaws: she was beautiful, kind, loyal, and grateful—qualities that far outshone Yao Yutong.

"Thank you!" Shen Mofei could only say thank you, not knowing what else to say.

Huo Mingze served her some food, "Eat more. You need the energy."

"Okay." Shen Mofei looked at her father peacefully receiving the IV and tried to eat more. She needed to take care of her own health to look after her father and brother.

By around four in the afternoon, Xiao Guang had finished all his examinations. Qiu Zhan suggested that Mofei take Xiao Guang to the lawn downstairs to relax and reassure him that the surgery was simple and nothing to be afraid of. Knowing that Mofei was worried about her father, Huo Mingze promised to stay and watch over him. Qiu Zhan also assured her that her father's condition was stable and would improve.

Feeling somewhat relieved, Mofei took Xiao Guang downstairs to enjoy the sun. The environment at Pingkang Hospital was excellent, with many people out enjoying the sun. The green lawn was neatly trimmed, and children were running and playing. There were also children like Xiao Guang, who had cochlear implants and were eagerly learning to speak.

Around five o'clock, just as Shen Mofei was about to take Xiao Guang back, her phone rang. She answered it, only to hear Song Keying's angry voice, "Shen Mofei, are you chickening out? Afraid to show up? Coward, trash."

Mofei's mood, which had finally calmed down, flared up with anger upon hearing Song Keying's voice. Thinking about her father's ordeal over the past two days, she wanted nothing more than to wring Song Keying's neck. Her expression darkened, and she coldly said, "I have something to do today. Let's meet tomorrow at 5 PM at Island Coffee on Nanhuan Road."

"Why should you decide the place? Tomorrow at 3 PM, at Qinya Coffee House," Song Keying said and then hung up.

Mofei's chest was still heaving with anger. She was determined to meet Song Keying, no matter what.

"Sister, what's wrong?" Xiao Guang, noticing his sister's distress, asked with concern in sign language.

Mofei exhaled, quickly adjusted her emotions, and reassured Xiao Guang in sign language, "It's nothing, just some work stuff. Not important. Let's go back to the ward; it's getting late and a bit chilly."