Chapter 26: I'll Always Wait for You

"Lianxi?" Following the murmured words, Hua Zhenzhen's unfocused gaze remained unchanged, still trapped in her own void world.

"Yes, Lianxi, your beloved daughter! Mom, wake up, I beg you, please wake up!" Tears streamed down Hua Lianxi's face as she almost pleaded, unable to contain the heartache, her whole body leaning over Hua Zhenzhen.

Silent all along, Cheng Shaobai nodded to the doctor, gesturing for the attending physician to follow him outside the ward.

Twenty minutes later, Cheng Shaobai returned to the ward. Hua Zhenzhen had fallen asleep again, while Hua Lianxi continued sobbing, her eyes filled with tears.

Taking a tissue, Cheng Shaobai handed it to Hua Lianxi, gently comforting her, "Don't cry, Lianxi. You can't cry. You have to face life bravely, just like you always have. Only then will Auntie slowly get better."

"Every time I am full of hope, thinking she's getting better, thinking she can let go of the past. But every time she disappoints me. Do you know, I feel she doesn't love me, she only loves that man, and that's why she went crazy for him!" Covering her face with her hands, Hua Lianxi trembled uncontrollably, unable to suppress the pain in her heart, accusing Hua Zhenzhen's private affairs.

"Let's not talk about it anymore. She'll be better in a few days when she wakes up!" Gently patting her trembling shoulder, Cheng Shaobai resisted the urge to hug her tightly, to give her a sense of security and warmth, and could only continue to softly comfort her.

After sobbing for a while, Hua Lianxi suddenly wiped away her tears with her hands, sniffing hard, trying to adjust herself, unwilling to continue blaming her mother who had also suffered for her.

"I just spoke with the attending physician. Actually, your mother's condition has improved. As long as she isn't subjected to sensitive stimuli, she can resume basic living activities!" After a deep conversation with the doctor, Cheng Shaobai had an idea, and he believed it was a good one.

"Yes, I know. I contact the doctor every day and know my mother's condition is improving. It's just that I didn't expect things to happen so suddenly!" The heartbreaking cries had made Hua Lianxi's voice hoarse, making it increasingly difficult and tiring to speak.

"Let's take your mother back. I know a quiet nursing home where she won't be disturbed by the outside world. There, your mother will receive better care, and you can visit her every day if time permits. I believe this will greatly help her gradually wake up!" Rather than staying here where they know no one, Cheng Shaobai felt it would be better to take her back to their place. At least Hua Lianxi wouldn't have to worry through the doctor's reports every day, and daily companionship would be a great happiness.

"Take her back? Can the medical care there compare to here?" Leaving Hua Zhenzhen here alone was because of the belief in the advanced medical care that could quickly help her recover. Hua Lianxi was skeptical about Cheng Shaobai's nursing home suggestion.

"From what I understand, it's very good. The director is a world-renowned psychiatrist, and I'll arrange for him to be your mother's attending physician, responsible for helping her recover!" Cheng Shaobai was confident that the globally acclaimed director could help Hua Zhenzhen and would provide her with the best medical conditions.

"But the cost..." Besides worrying about the attending physician, Hua Lianxi was also concerned about the medical expenses. After all, she had spent all her savings over the past few years, and if the costs were too high, she worried she wouldn't be able to afford them.

"Lianxi, the medical costs here are definitely more expensive than back home. If you can afford it here, why worry about the costs there? Trust me, I won't deceive you!" Even if it meant paying a high price, Cheng Shaobai didn't see it as a problem. He would silently solve it for her.

Hua Lianxi hesitated, turning to gaze at Hua Zhenzhen, seriously considering his suggestion, always hoping to see her every day, to be by her side at all times.

"Don't hesitate, leave everything to me, trust me!" With clear eyes radiating a firm light, Cheng Shaobai repeatedly assured her, urging Hua Lianxi to trust him.

Two days later, Hua Zhenzhen finally woke up from her sleep, in a calm state, able to accept treatment peacefully, and began to accept Hua Lianxi's constant recognition, accepting the fact that Hua Lianxi was her daughter.

Cheng Shaobai quickly completed his work at the American branch and arranged everything with the nursing home. On the third day, he accompanied Hua Lianxi, taking Hua Zhenzhen on a flight back home.

After a long flight, the plane finally landed smoothly in the sunny afternoon, and the nursing home had specially sent a professional medical team to wait at the airport early.

Accompanying Hua Zhenzhen onto the nursing home's vehicle, finally arriving at the suburban nursing home, Hua Lianxi's anxious heart finally settled, revealing a long-lost smile, grateful for Cheng Shaobai's thoughtful arrangements.

Accompanying Hua Zhenzhen to familiarize herself with the medical staff, repeatedly comforting her to listen to them, Hua Lianxi and Cheng Shaobai then left the nursing home.

The car slowly headed towards Xiao Yue Residence, and as they got closer, Hua Lianxi's heart grew more restless. She took out her phone to check, still no call from Kong Chengyi.

Driving, Cheng Shaobai occasionally glanced at Hua Lianxi, noticing her face, which had just relaxed, now showing a hint of worry.

"Still worried about Auntie? You can video call her later to check on her condition."

Looking up to meet his concerned gaze, Hua Lianxi forced a smile, softly responding, "Um," before sinking back into her thoughts.

Entering the turn towards Xiao Yue Residence, Hua Lianxi made the same request, "Brother Cheng, let me off here. I want to take a walk."

After a moment's thought, Cheng Shaobai slowly stopped the car, allowing Hua Lianxi to get off.

"Thank you, thank you for always being there when I need help the most!" Leaning in for a hug, Hua Lianxi expressed her gratitude for his presence and for being a solid support in her most helpless moments.

With a broad smile, Cheng Shaobai gently wrapped his hands around her shoulders, feeling a sense of happiness, unexpectedly grateful for the issues at the American branch that allowed him to be her indispensable support once again.

"As long as you need me, just a call, a gesture, and I'll be there for you, through fire and water!" Even if it meant physical harm, he was willing to sacrifice for her, sparing no expense to protect her, as long as she was well and happy every day.

Blinking away the redness in her eyes, Hua Lianxi released the hug, "Thank you, Brother Cheng!" Unable to offer more in return, she quickly got out of the car, walking briskly towards Xiao Yue Residence.

Leaning back in the seat, watching her gradually receding figure, Cheng Shaobai suddenly jumped out of the car, running to catch up with her.

"Xixi!"

Turning around, Hua Lianxi looked at the person running towards her, puzzled.

"Xixi, what I said to you that day, I hope you seriously consider it. I really like you and want to be your support, believe me!" Even if he didn't get the answer he wanted now, he wouldn't give up. He needed her to understand that he was waiting for her, and as long as she was willing, his embrace would always be hers.

Stunned, Hua Lianxi looked at him, panting, and suddenly lowered her head slightly, "I'm sorry, I..." She understood that she was merely grateful for his presence, grateful for the support he offered, and it had nothing to do with love.

"I'll wait for you, I'll always wait for you!" With a relieved smile, Cheng Shaobai firmly expressed his feelings, turning to leave with a light step.

Standing silently in the evening breeze, Hua Lianxi watched his broad back, lips parting slightly, "I'm sorry!"

In the icy air, there was no trace of human presence. Xiao Yue Residence, absent for a few days, was so quiet that even the air seemed to freeze, as if time had stopped.

Feeling no trace of Kong Chengyi, Hua Lianxi slowly pushed open his room door, neat as she remembered, as if he had never returned. Her anxious heart sank rapidly, and Hua Lianxi turned to open her own room, suddenly seeing someone standing by the window.

Standing stiffly at the door, Hua Lianxi was surprised, her mouth agape.

Pulling the curtains heavily, Kong Chengyi turned to face Hua Lianxi, casually tossing the cigarette butt in his hand onto the floor, crushing it with his brand-new black leather shoe.

"I..."

"Half an hour later, attend the banquet!" His deep voice interrupted Hua Lianxi, as Kong Chengyi walked past her, leaving her room.

Like a gust of wind, Hua Lianxi stood dazed for a moment before stepping back into her room.

The small room was filled with a strong scent of smoke, just like his aura. Hua Lianxi looked up, noticing several crushed cigarette butts scattered on the floor. She slowly opened the curtains, pushing the window open for a distant view, surprisingly able to see the spot where she had gotten out of the car.

Startled, she turned her head, looking at the open door, feeling a strange emotion rising within her.

Familiar Chengzai Hotel, familiar banquet hall, still unfamiliar bustling guests, not even knowing the theme and protagonist of tonight's banquet. Hua Lianxi gracefully held Kong Chengyi's strong arm, following his steps while smiling, striving to display the elegance and poise of his wife.

All along, Kong Chengyi's lips were tightly pressed, his usually cold features appearing even more indifferent, his icy demeanor making Hua Lianxi hesitate several times before speaking.

Casually taking a cocktail from a waiter's tray and handing it to Hua Lianxi, Kong Chengyi then chose a glass of vodka for himself, sipping nearly half of it.

Taking a small sip of the mildly sweet cocktail, Hua Lianxi looked up at Kong Chengyi, only to see him with a clenched jaw, still showing a faint anger.

Carefully guessing his thoughts, Hua Lianxi slowly opened her mouth, "I..."

"You came? Is this the legendary sister-in-law? You've kept her well hidden!" Suddenly, a cheerful voice interrupted, followed by a dashing man in a black tuxedo standing before them. Hua Lianxi held her tongue, waiting for Kong Chengyi's cue.

"Lianxi, this is your sister-in-law!" Finishing his vodka, Kong Chengyi casually introduced Hua Lianxi to Ran Fang, not saying much more.

Raising an eyebrow, seemingly dissatisfied with the simple introduction, Ran Fang leaned closer to Hua Lianxi, "Hello, sister-in-law. I'm Ran Fang, his cousin. His mom is my aunt, and I grew up with him!"

Charming and gentlemanly, Hua Lianxi didn't mind his close approach, responding softly, "Hello!"

"I was abroad during grandma's birthday banquet and Chengzai's anniversary celebration, otherwise, I would have met you earlier!" Bombarded by media reports, he naturally knew about Hua Lianxi. Unfortunately, Kong Chengyi never mentioned her privately, and as a friend and cousin, he naturally wouldn't inquire. He decided there would be a day to meet, leaving all questions for that encounter.

"You dad?" Unaffected by Ran Fang's closeness, Kong Chengyi casually switched to vodka, quickly searching for the banquet's protagonist.

"I just saw him, probably went to the restroom!" Ran Fang also casually scanned the banquet hall, similarly not finding Ran Zhongcheng, guessing he was in the restroom.

"I've already sent the birthday gift over, you can pass it to him later!" Casually sipping his vodka, Kong Chengyi planned to make a brief appearance, offer his birthday wishes to Ran Zhongcheng, and leave.

"What's the rush? My dad hasn't even met sister-in-law yet, at least let him meet her!" Ran Fang smiled at Hua Lianxi, not planning to let Kong Chengyi leave early. Although he was the host tonight, without Kong Chengyi's company, he believed the evening would be quite tedious.

Silent, Kong Chengyi seemed to ignore him, continuing to search for Ran Zhongcheng.

With a polite smile, attentively listening to their conversation, Hua Lianxi finally knew the banquet's protagonist and the reason for Kong Chengyi's attendance, also believing his relationship with Ran Fang was quite good, not just familial.

"Sister-in-law, a few days ago my brother got drunk, no other woman could get close, proving he's a good citizen now. I'll definitely keep an eye on him, not letting him even smell a woman's scent!" Remembering the frustration of that night, Ran Fang deliberately leaned close to Hua Lianxi's ear, purposely mentioning the women surrounding him, showing a mischievous smile.

"Really?" Stroking the glass, Hua Lianxi smiled lightly, pretending not to know what he was talking about, also pretending not to understand his intention.

Unexpectedly finding her feigning ignorance, Ran Fang felt he hit a wall, self-deprecatingly, glancing at Kong Chengyi.

Drinking his vodka, Kong Chengyi didn't respond.

"Chengyi, you're here!" From afar, Ran Zhongcheng saw Kong Chengyi through the crowd, greeting him cheerfully.

Fixing her gaze on the approaching elderly man, Hua Lianxi's finger, which had been stroking the glass, suddenly froze.

"Uncle, I wish you happiness as vast as the sea and longevity as high as the mountains!" Politely shaking hands with Ran Zhongcheng, Kong Chengyi first offered his blessings, "Knowing you love collecting antiques, I've already sent a vase over, take a look when you have time!"

"Such extravagance for a small birthday!" Stroking his chin beard, Ran Zhongcheng was very pleased, his gaze suddenly falling on Hua Lianxi, "She is?"

"Lianxi, this is Uncle!" Grabbing Hua Lianxi with his big hand, Kong Chengyi's deep voice sounded, "This is my wife, Hua Lianxi!"

"Hua...?" Hesitantly speaking, Ran Zhongcheng squinted, carefully examining the young woman before him, a long-lost silhouette surfacing in his mind.

Trembling slightly, Hua Lianxi finished her cocktail in one gulp, delaying her response.