Chapter 93

After installing the surveillance, Wang Yan quietly drank tea, read books, and practiced calligraphy at home.

Sister Andi found it strange that Wang Yan had been staying home so much lately, but he managed to brush off her questions.

Never mind how fiery and dramatic Fan Shengmei's life was; on the third day Wang Yan was drinking tea, Fan's father collapsed as expected.

Noticing the scene on the screen, Wang Yan casually put on his coat, opened the door, and went downstairs. He walked to Fan's unconscious father, checked his condition, shook his head, and picked him up on his back to leave. Inside apartment 2202, Fan's mother, just as in the drama, was still bathing and singing to her eldest grandson.

It wasn't that Wang Yan didn't want to save Fan's father—if it had been a minor issue, he would have fixed it easily. But Fan's father wasn't simply having a stroke; the fatal complication arose from head trauma caused by falling during the sudden stroke.

…………

Wang Yan handed the receipt to Fan Shengmei, who had rushed over in distress: "His life is saved, but his condition is poor. The money was paid by Sister Andi on my behalf—here's the receipt. Ask the doctor about the rest."

"Thank you so much, Wang Yan. I… I'll pay you back."

Wang Yan ignored her, waved his hand, and walked away. Because Fan's father had lost bladder control during the stroke, he needed to clean the car.

After Wang Yan left, Fan's mother, dragging her child, looked at the receipt and widened her eyes: "Eight thousand? Xiao Mei, eight thousand yuan!"

Fan Shengmei sat silent, eyes red.

The family's mess hadn't even been sorted out yet, and now it had gotten worse—her father had collapsed too. She worried about his life, yet fretted over the money, and for a moment, she was completely lost.

But now only she could make decisions. She calmed herself: "Mom, let's go see exactly what's wrong with Dad."

"Oh, right, right, let's hurry!" Fan's mother grabbed her child and started walking. After two steps, she turned back to Fan Shengmei: "Come on, Xiao Mei—I… I can't find it myself…"

Fan Shengmei wiped her tears and led her mother to the emergency room, finding the attending doctor: "Hello, Doctor, I'm Fan Jianguo's family member. How is my father?"

The doctor nodded: "Your father suffered a stroke and fell, with bleeding in the brainstem. It's damaging surrounding tissue… He's in immediate danger of death and needs surgery immediately."

Fan's mother, of course, had no ideas of her own—she just hugged her child and cried.

Fan Shengmei forced herself to calm down: "Doctor, will my father recover after surgery?"

The doctor spoke coolly: "I can't guarantee anything—I've already explained the situation. Surgery can stop further bleeding, but there's a high chance he'll never walk again, only lie in bed."

"I understand, Doctor. How much will the surgery cost?"

"At least… around one hundred thousand."

Fan's mother gasped: "One hundred thousand? Where would we get that much money? Xiao Mei, think of something! Quick! Your father can't die!"

The doctor, experienced and observant, instantly understood: "Take some time to consider, but hurry—your father's condition is critical. No one knows how his condition might change if delayed."

After the doctor left, Fan's mother grew even more frantic: "Xiao Mei, you must save your father—he's like this!"

Fan Shengmei's head throbbed; she screamed through tears: "Mom, can you just let me be quiet for a moment? I can't watch my father die! The surgery has to happen—just let me think of a way, okay?"

"You need to borrow money—we don't have that kind of cash…" Seeing Fan Shengmei's expression, Fan's mother added: "Fine, I won't say more. But hurry—your father can't wait." Then she pulled her clueless child to a seat and sat down.

Fan Shengmei slumped to a side chair, scrolled through her contacts from top to bottom, and called every "Director," every "Brother," hoping to borrow money. Aside from a few former suitors offering small amounts, almost no one answered her. Though she expected this result, she still felt heartbroken. They all acted so close, so sweet-tongued—but when real trouble came, not one was any use.

In truth, her expectation made no sense—they weren't poor, they'd bought her things fairly, exchanged real money. Calling it romance or emotional connection was just self-deception.

Perhaps it was the last shred of superiority she felt over Wang Baichuan—or perhaps she knew he wasn't much better—she chose not to ask him for help.

A woman who fundamentally relied on men could never be strong. Fan Shengmei was lost, forgetting she had two apartments she could mortgage—she just sat there numb, tears silently falling, pitying herself.

At that moment, Zhao Qiping hurried over: "Xiao Guan sent word to check on you—she's on her way. Tell me, how is your father?"

Too overwhelmed to thank him, Fan Shengmei stood up and cried: "Doctor Zhao, it's like this… can you help me find another option?" She clung to the hope of some other possibility—one she could afford.

Zhao Qiping nodded: "Alright, wait a moment. Wang Yan and Sister Andi are almost here—I'll go check the situation first."

Fan Shengmei nodded silently.

After a while, Wang Yan, Sister Andi, Qiu Yingying, and Guan Juer arrived together.

"Aunt Fan, how is your father?"

Seeing so many people come, whether out of performing sorrow or feeling a sense of support, Fan Shengmei's nearly dried tears flowed again: "Doctor Zhao just came—he's inside talking to the attending doctor."

Just then, Zhao Qiping opened the door and stepped out. Seeing everyone gathered, he nodded to Guan Juer: "I've spoken with the attending doctor. You have only two choices."

He glanced at the tense Fan Shengmei and trembling Fan's mother, then continued: "If you don't operate, your father won't live past three months. If you do, surgery must happen immediately. But afterward, there's a high chance he'll be paralyzed and require full-time care. A rehabilitation center is expensive and offers little chance of recovery. If you care for him at home, the post-op cost is low. That's the situation—decide whether to operate or not."

Fan's mother wailed: "Of course we must save him—I can't watch your father die like this… Xiao Mei…"

Fan Shengmei burst into loud sobs, hugged her head, and sat in a corner.

They couldn't say anything—just stood by and watched.

Seeing her like this, Fan's mother couldn't stay still. She shoved her child into Qiu Yingying's arms and rushed after Fan Shengmei: "Xiao Mei, you can't let your father die! He's retired—he gets a pension! I don't! If he lives, we still have that income—we won't always depend on you!"

Fan Shengmei choked out: "Do you think I don't want to save him? You…"

At that moment, Fan Shengmei's phone rang. She glanced at it, thought for a moment, then answered: "Hello, Baichuan?"

Wang Baichuan, standing at the entrance of Le Song, heard the sob in her voice: "Xiao Mei, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Dad… Dad had an accident—he's in the hospital… waaaah…"

"What? Serious? Which hospital? I just got back to Shanghai—I'm coming right now."

"The address is…" Fan Shengmei gave the address, then choked: "Baichuan… can you lend me some money?"

Wang Baichuan, already stepping into his car, paused, frowned: "How much?"

There was hope! Fan Shengmei sat up straight: "Ten… ten thousand. But don't worry, Baichuan—I'll pay you back. Can you just cover it for now?"

Wang Baichuan knew Fan Shengmei's family situation well, but he still hoped for that… thing. The words were already out—he couldn't refuse. He thought a moment: "Xiao Mei, my business needs a lot of money. I can only spare twenty thousand…"

"Mm… I understand, Baichuan. Thank you. I'll think of other ways."

Fan Shengmei hung up, said nothing, just cried.

Wang Yan had sat quietly since arriving, playing on his phone. Sister Andi wanted to help but didn't know how to speak up. Guan Juer and Zhao Qiping stood together, watching Fan Shengmei with concern. She wanted to help but was powerless—and being rational, she knew that even though they lived under the same roof, lending money was something that must be cautious. Qiu Yingying wanted to help too, but seeing even the richest among them—Sister Andi—say nothing, she assumed there might be hidden reasons and stayed silent, hugging Fan Shengmei's nephew.

After waiting a while and seeing Fan Shengmei only crying, with no action, Fan's mother grew anxious and whispered: "Xiao Mei, why not ask your neighbors? That man who picked us up the other day looked rich—he drove such a nice car, he must have money. Xiao Mei~"

Fan Shengmei wanted to die: "Mom~~ They're just neighbors—why should they lend us money? A friend's coming soon—I'll see what he says. Just let me be quiet for a while, okay?"

Seeing her like this, Fan's mother said no more. She didn't care about etiquette—she stood up and marched straight toward Wang Yan.

Walking up, she dropped to her knees with a "crack" and wept: "Please, please lend us money! You're a good person—you'll help us! I can't watch my husband die~~~"

Wang Yan said nothing, calmly watching the kneeling woman. The woman grew uneasy under his gaze. Before she could say more, Fan Shengmei and the others rushed over and pulled her away.

After saying this, Wang Yan ignored them and continued to look down at his phone.

Fan Shengmei understood clearly—borrowing without collateral was impossible. After thinking for a moment, she said: "We own two apartments. I'll give you my brother's…"

Fan's mother, who had been wailing, stopped crying and rushed over: "No! Fan Xiao Mei, you can't give him the house! You can't sell your brother's house—you'll make him divorce! Didn't you say you could borrow the money? Think of another way, please…"

Seeing Fan Shengmei silent, Fan's mother hurried to Wang Yan: "Do you have any other ideas? We're neighbors—please help us."

Wang Yan shook his head without speaking.

"Aren't you forcing us to sell our house? How can you…"

Fan Shengmei exploded: "Mom~ Stop! Two choices—pick one. One: sell the house to save Dad. Two: don't sell it, and watch Dad die."

Fan's mother burst into loud sobs, saying nothing.

Fan Shengmei, furious: "Mom, make your decision quickly—do you want to see Dad die right in front of you?"

Fan's mother mumbled: "I… I can't make this decision. I'm just a woman—how can I decide this? Your father will kill me…"

"Kill you? Only if he wakes up." Without further hesitation, she wept: "Wang Yan, can I write you an IOU first? I'll bring you the property deed later. Time is critical—Dad can't wait."

Wang Yan nodded silently, turned, and went downstairs to get the money from his car—he had already prepared it.

Sister Andi pulled out paper and pen from her bag and handed them to Fan Shengmei: "Fan Xiao Mei, we're not in a hurry. Bring it to us tomorrow."

Fan Shengmei sobbed uncontrollably, only repeating her thanks.

Once this was settled, Fan's father was wheeled onto the operating table—time waited for no one; the sooner, the better. Just then, Wang Baichuan arrived in a hurry.

"Fan Xiao Mei, how's it going? If you need help, I'll think of another way."

Fan Shengmei, tears streaming: "The surgery's already done. The money was lent by Sister Andi and the others. Baichuan, thank you for everything you've done."

"No problem—it's what I should do. Besides, I didn't help much either. I wanted to, but I was powerless. I should be the one apologizing."

Fan Shengmei shook her head: "Don't say that, Baichuan. You've done more than enough. Really." She stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

The woman he had longed for was in his arms. Wang Baichuan felt joy inside, yet his expression solemn as he patted her back to comfort her.

After a long while, Fan Shengmei finished crying, let go of Wang Baichuan, and said: "I'm sorry—I… I couldn't control myself."

"It's truly fine, Fan Xiao Mei. Your problems are my problems. I'd do anything for you willingly." Without waiting for her tear-filled reply, Wang Baichuan continued: "Fan Xiao Mei, stay here alone for a while. I'll go thank Sister Andi and the others."

Seeing her nod, Wang Baichuan patted her arm and walked over to Wang Yan and Sister Andi: "Sister Andi, Wang Yan, I'd like to say something to you."

Seeing Sister Andi nod, Wang Baichuan glanced at Guan Juer, Zhao Qiping, Qiu Yingying, and Fan Shengmei's nephew, then whispered: "Let's find a quiet place—this isn't convenient."

Sister Andi nodded, puzzled, and pulled Wang Yan along as they followed Wang Baichuan downstairs.

Wang Baichuan immediately asked: "I want to know how you arranged the loan—did you take any collateral?"

Sister Andi frowned: "Fan Xiao Mei mortgaged her brother's apartment. She'll sell it later to repay the loan."

Wang Baichuan exhaled deeply. Seeing Sister Andi's confusion, he said: "You don't know—their family…" Then he explained everything in detail: "You did the right thing. Otherwise, everything would fall on Fan Xiao Mei—she's suffering too much."

Sister Andi nodded: "I understand. Let's go. Everything's settled. Let's go upstairs and take them home."

They went back to pick up Qiu Yingying, left Wang Baichuan to stay and be attentive, exchanged farewells with Guan Juer and Zhao Qiping, and then Wang Yan and Sister Andi listened to Qiu Yingying's rambling thoughts as they ate dinner at the gated community entrance before returning to Happy Song. As for Fan Shengmei's nephew—he had wanted to bring him along, but the boy refused to leave, so they left him.

On the 23rd floor, Sister Andi held back half the way: "Wang Yan, help Fan Xiao Mei."

Seeing Wang Yan look at her silently, Sister Andi continued: "I know it's not easy—there are many people who need help. But Fan Xiao Mei's situation is right before us, and she helped me before. Even though she's… flawed in some ways—I just can't bear to see her keep suffering like this."

She had recently paused her acquisition of Hongxing and was studying Bao's company with Tan Zongming, which made her suspicious. Tan Zongming didn't hide it—he told her directly that Wang Yan was leading the charge because Bao Yifan had ill intentions toward her.

While secretly delighted, Sister Andi gained new insight into Wang Yan's strength. But she never voiced it—there was no need.

Whether or not Wang Yan helped Fan Shengmei didn't matter to him—but since Sister Andi had asked, he couldn't refuse. Harmony in life mattered more than anything. He nodded: "You really helped her—so she can go after men without burden?"

Wang Yan spoke so bluntly that Sister Andi smiled without replying. She simply wanted to lend a hand, to achieve peace of mind. The rest were Fan Shengmei's own choices—none of her concern.

"If that's the case, does Sister Andi have any gesture to offer?"

With a sultry smile, Sister Andi turned and walked away. Wang Yan chuckled and followed after her…

By the time Fan Shengmei returned after the surgery, it was deep into the night. Only after learning the surgery succeeded did she finally breathe out. She ate the cold meal Wang Baichuan had packed, then left Fan's mother to care for Fan's father.

Inside the car, silence reigned. Wang Baichuan drove quietly. Fan Shengmei lay back in the passenger seat, staring blankly at the neon lights outside. Her nephew, long exhausted, slept soundly in the back.

After a long while, Fan Shengmei's voice hoarse: "Baichuan, when you go back to Tongzhou, please help me handle the house sale."

"What help? I'm glad to help you. By the way, Fan Xiao Mei—what kind of house are you looking for?"

"No requirements. As fast as possible."

"Alright, I understand."

Silence stretched again. Fan Shengmei hesitated: "Baichuan… I'm sorry…"

Wang Baichuan froze. He knew what she meant. He smiled lightly: "Why apologize to me? I'm the one who should say sorry. The house, the car—they're not the most important. I shouldn't have hidden it from you from the start." Having absorbed the lesson, Wang Baichuan no longer explained—if she believed he rented it to deceive her, then let her believe it.

Fan Shengmei glanced at Wang Baichuan, said nothing, lost in thought.

The car fell silent again…