Meet him

That night, as Lixue laid quietly, the weight of the day's events pressed down on her like a physical force. Her mother's condition, the sudden appearance of a grandfather she had never known, and the looming threat of losing control over her care—it all swirled in her mind, refusing to let her rest.

She turned her head to the side, watching the moonlight filter through the curtains. Mo Ran was right, she was exhausted. But no matter how much she wanted to sleep, her thoughts wouldn't let her.

The uncertainty of tomorrow felt unbearable.

Just as her mind started to drift, her phone buzzed on the bedside table. She reached for it, heart pounding. Was it the hospital? Or was it her grandfather's butler again?

The screen displayed an unfamiliar number. Lixue hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Hello?" she said, her voice cautious.

"Lixue" came a deep, calm voice. "This is Nangong Jiantao. Your grandfather."