Chapter 585: Raise your hands! (Two-in-one)

Zhang Yan's appearance startled the three people present.

Chen Yao frowned, while Chen Chen Jinlong subconsciously avoided her gaze.

Zhou Hui's turbid eyes flashed with a hint of panic she couldn't hide: "A-Yan, you—why are you here? Get up, stop crying, stop crying, it's nothing serious..."

She said, trying to pull her daughter up.

Chen Chen Shuangshuang, who had run over behind her, stood in place, dazed, her hands and feet cold, muttering to herself: "Cancer... cancer..."

In her understanding, cancer meant death.

Chen Yao looked at Zhang Yan, her gaze flickering, and soon returned to her usual coldness: "Zhang Yan, I was going to have Mom call you, but since you're here now, that's perfect."

After a long while, Zhang Yan's sobbing finally subsided.

She wiped her face randomly with her sleeve, her red-rimmed eyes looking at her mother: "Mom, what is going on?"

Zhou Hui looked at her daughter's concerned gaze, opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.

She owed this daughter too much and really didn't want her to get involved in this kind of thing, which was why she had kept it from her.

It was just that when the re-examination results came out last Tuesday, she knew she might not live much longer, so she couldn't help but run to her rental apartment to see her.

Chen Yao didn't have so many scruples and handed the thick stack of examination sheets to her: "Zhang Yan, she is your mother after all, you have the right to know. It was diagnosed as lymphoma a few months ago, and she has been undergoing first-line treatment. She has already spent tens of thousands, and I just found out about this."

Zhang Yan took the thick stack of examination sheets, her hands trembling.

Flipping through them in a panic, she recognized every word, but together they seemed to mean nothing.

She really didn't want to believe it, nor did she want to accept it.

"A-Yan." Zhou Hui reached out her rough, withered hands, holding her daughter's arm, trying to take the sheets from her hand: "It's not certain that I need to continue chemotherapy, maybe—maybe it can be cured."

"Chemotherapy for what?" Chen Yao suddenly interrupted: "BR is already drug-resistant! In this situation, we can only switch to second-line treatment!"

Zhang Yan's gaze fixed instantly, asking nervously: "What do you mean?"

Chen Yao seemed too lazy to explain much, saying: "Forget it, I can't explain it to you, lest you think I'm scaring you. You can go in and ask the doctor yourself later! It just so happens that the results from last week's check-up are out, and seeing the doctor today will definitely give us the most accurate answer."

She had only recently found out and didn't know the specific details, just the general idea.

But one thing was clear: Zhou Hui's condition had worsened, and there was even a risk of transformation. Once treatment was needed, it would be a bottomless pit.

Hearing this, Zhang Yan bit her lip hard and didn't say anything more.

She took out her phone and began to search for the unfamiliar terms on the examination sheets one by one.

Her brain was buzzing, and she didn't know what she was doing.

She just did it subconsciously, as if grabbing a piece of driftwood, trying not to be drowned by despair.

Chen Chen Shuangshuang didn't know when she had leaned over, hugging Zhou Hui and sobbing in a low voice.

People came and went, and the clinic door opened and closed.

Zhang Yan just lowered her head, immersed in her own world.

Waiting for a full half-hour.

The clinic's voice broadcast system clearly called out the name "Zhou Hui."

Zhang Yan lifted her head abruptly, immediately pulling her mother's arm: "Let's go, Mom, let's go in and ask the doctor!"

Zhou Hui looked at her daughter, took a deep breath, and finally followed her into the clinic.

Zhang Yan handed the sheets to the doctor.

Her voice was full of irrepressible panic: "Doctor, I want to ask again, what exactly is my mother's situation?"

Seeing her look of being completely lost, the doctor pointed to the PET-CT images on the computer screen.

Patiently explaining: "The patient's condition is follicular lymphoma (FL), and the response to first-line treatment is poor—"

Through the other party's professional narration, Zhang Yan and Chen Chen Shuangshuang gradually understood.

If the first-line BR immuno-chemotherapy regimen could control it, it could indeed achieve long-term non-recurrence and achieve "clinical cure."

Many patients could even live like normal people.

But mother Zhou Hui was very unfortunate, developing drug resistance during chemotherapy, with a risk of transforming into aggressive lymphoma.

She must immediately switch to second-line treatment.

One was the R regimen, which was targeted therapy.

Given Zhou Hui's situation, if no transformation occurred, the progression-free survival period could exceed 3 years, and there was also a chance of exceeding 5 years.

After reimbursement from urban and rural resident medical insurance, the out-of-pocket cost per year was about 150,000.

The other was CAR-T cell therapy, which was currently the most advanced and effective treatment method.

By modifying the patient's own immune cells to kill tumors, the complete remission rate was about 50%, and some patients might achieve functional cure.

But the total treatment cost was about 1.5 million.

Zhang Yan stood behind her mother, biting her lower lip tightly, her hands pinching the hem of her clothes hard.

The good news was that this kind of cancer had a complete treatment plan and hope for survival.

But... the number 1.5 million was like an insurmountable mountain, pressing her until she couldn't breathe.

Even the 150,000 annual targeted therapy cost was a huge number for her.

Fuli Yingkai Plaza, Xingyun International Group (Yangcheng) Branch.

Lu was wearing a small suit, sitting upright on the sofa in the reception area.

Her palms were slightly sweaty, and her heart was filled with anxiety.

She knew that she would likely be accompanying the run today.

The previous interviewees included strategy positions from ByteDance and top graduates from overseas.

Everyone was very excellent and confident.

Also, Xingyun International Group, as the undisputed giant in the domestic GG media industry, and backed by the big tree of Tang Zong Entertainment.

It was said that they were preparing for listing, and their attraction to top talent was very great.

A grassroots person from a small company like her was one of the very few lucky ones.

Opening her phone, she sent another message of concern to Zhang Yan's WeChat.

Still no reply.

From 9 o'clock in the morning, until Zhang Yan went to the First Affiliated Hospital of the Pharmaceutical University, she hadn't replied to her message.

Lu vaguely sensed that something was wrong, but it wasn't convenient to call and ask.

Just then.

The HR lady's voice sounded: "Zhang Lu, please come this way."

Lu took a deep breath, put away her phone, stood up, and followed her into the glass-partitioned interview room.

After a self-introduction, the interview officially began.

The questions were professional and sharp.

The whole interview process wasn't long, and her performance could only be considered average.

When the interviewer finally said that standard "we'll contact you later."

Lu's heart, which had been hanging, finally died.

She knew, there was no hope.

If they were really satisfied with the second round, they would definitely inform her of the follow-up arrangements, or even specific time points.

She thanked them politely and followed the beautiful HR lady out, a hint of irrepressible disappointment on her face.

Just as she walked out of the meeting room and was about to turn left,

Several people in suits and leather shoes happened to walk over from the end of the left hallway.

There were men and women, full of temperament, walking with the wind.

Lu recognized one of them, the HRD who had shown his face in the reception room earlier, who was now standing respectfully to the side.

Beside the HRD were a man and a woman.

The woman was tall and sexy, her figure simply explosive.

And that man—Tang Song?!

"Ah!" Lu exclaimed, her footsteps instantly nailed to the spot.

She blinked hard, thinking she was hallucinating.

Today's Tang Song was wearing a well-tailored custom suit, his figure tall and straight.

His whole body exuded a powerful sense of oppression that couldn't be ignored.

This was simply a different person from the gentle and kind "middle school classmate" she had seen in Zhang Yan's dilapidated residential complex two days ago!

"Shh—" The HR lady beside her was startled, hurriedly reaching out to block her, and said nervously in a low voice: "It's the big leaders from the head office, let's stand here and wait a moment, let them pass first."

Lu's eyes widened, her heart began to pound "thump-thump."

Tang Song? A big leader from Xingyun International Group's head office?

My god? No way?

She felt her brain wasn't enough to process this.

That night, they had sat together eating barbecue, chatting about work and life like ordinary friends!

My god! I didn't expect him to be a hidden big shot?!

The footsteps got closer and closer, and that powerful aura also approached.

Just when Lu was so nervous she didn't know what to do, not knowing whether she should greet him or pretend not to know him.

A deep gaze fell on her, flashing with a hint of surprise.

Immediately after, Tang Song's pace slowed down, and the others immediately followed suit.

The HR lady was frightened by this sudden change, hurriedly bending over and respectfully shouting: "Chairman Wen, President Tang—"

Tang Song stopped in front of the two, revealing a handsome smile.

"Good morning, Lu, what are you doing here?"

As he spoke gently, the surrounding gazes instantly focused on Zhang Lu.

Lu only felt a rush of hot blood go straight to her head, and her cheeks instantly turned bright red.

Her voice was a bit stuttering: "I—I came for an interview today."

Hearing her words, Tang Song raised his eyebrows, not expecting it to be such a coincidence.

But this was a good opportunity.

Zhang Yan's personality was too introverted; if she had a familiar person to accompany her in a new environment, she would definitely be able to adapt better.

Thinking of this, he smiled and reached out, patting Lu on the shoulder lightly.

Encouraging her: "Xingyun International Group is a very good platform, keep it up!"

Lu was instantly so excited she felt a bit dizzy, feeling like she was floating.

"Thank you for your encouragement, I will definitely keep it up!"

She knew that with Tang Song's words, her interview this time was absolutely stable.

"Then I'll go first, let's chat when we have time."

"Mm, bye-bye."

After a simple farewell, Tang Song and his group continued walking forward.

The HR lady beside her let out a light breath, her expression becoming enthusiastic and earnest.

"Zhang Lu, wait a moment, I'll go communicate with the leaders again to see if we can give you an answer as soon as possible. To be honest, for talent like you, we are really afraid of being snatched away by other companies."

Lu tried to suppress her excitement and nodded: "Okay."

The HR walked quickly back into the interview room, and the door "clicked" shut.

Lu could vaguely hear low, urgent conversation coming from inside.

A moment later, the door was opened again.

That HR lady stood at the door with a smile, respectfully making a "please" gesture.

"Sorry for the wait, you can come in now, next let's re-communicate about your salary and future career planning—Thank you!"

In the clinic.

The doctor closed the medical record, his expression serious: "One more thing must be clear, once lymphoma recurs, it is more aggressive. You must immediately go through the hospitalization procedures and conduct a comprehensive second-line treatment evaluation."

"Okay, okay, we understand."

Zhang Yan and Chen Chen Shuangshuang walked out of the clinic in a daze.

In the hallway, the smell of disinfectant mixed with oppressive silence.

The group walked out of the Oncology Department and arrived at the rest area in the lobby on the second floor.

Zhou Hui looked at the two daughters who were lost in spirit, feeling as if her heart was being cut by a knife, and forced herself to speak: "A-Yan, you should go to work, and Chen Shuangshuang should go back to school—"

"Mom! What do you mean by this?" Chen Yao interrupted with a sharp voice: "Does that mean my work isn't work? I'm still in my probation period. Since we're all here today, let's just make this clear, so it won't be troublesome in the future!"

Zhang Yan's lips trembled, and she cast her gaze toward the middle-aged man who had been silent all along.

"Uncle Chen, what—what do you think?"

"Dad—" Chen Chen Shuangshuang called out with a cry, full of begging.

Chen Chen Jinlong finally lifted his head, his face full of hesitation and unavoidable avoidance.

He and Zhou Hui were renting a place and working in Yangcheng, but their true foundation was still in their hometown in a county-level city in northern Guangdong.

To say they would sell the house prepared for their son in their hometown and borrow money everywhere to do that 1.5 million CAR-T—this was simply impossible.

That house was also paid for by his ex-wife and son, and his son was about to get married; if this matter spread, the marriage would definitely be ruined.

But he had been married to Zhou Hui for so many years and had a daughter, Chen Shuangshuang, so to say there was no affection would be a lie.

Looking at Zhou Hui, who was pale beside him, and then at his younger daughter, Chen Chen Jinlong's dark hands were clenched together.

He said vaguely: "This matter—this matter can't be solved in a moment, how about—"

Before he could finish, Zhou Hui said straight out: "Old Chen, let's prepare, let's handle the divorce in these two days."

"I—" Chen Chen Jinlong lowered his head in shame, "You know, Chen Bingwen is about to get married. Can't we—can't we hide this for now, and wait until he gets married to talk about it—" "Dad! How is it possible to hide this?!" Chen Yao said urgently, fearing her father would soften his heart, "This isn't a cold or fever! Even if we drag it out and don't treat it, complications will come one after another; which one doesn't need someone to take care of it? Which one doesn't need money and time?!"

Chen Chen Jinlong opened his mouth, his Adam's apple rolling, but he couldn't refute a single word.

Zhou Hui's gaze slowly moved away from her husband, who had always chosen to escape, a look of sorrow flashing in her eyes.

Her life and relationships had never been smooth.

When she was young, she met Zhang Yan's father while working away from home, and for love, she married thousands of miles away to a village in Yancheng, only to be cheated on and abandoned.

After remarrying Chen Chen Jinlong for the sake of survival, the family was never harmonious, and the two often quarreled.

But at least they had their daughter Chen Shuangshuang, so she always thought that if she just endured and persevered, she would get through life, and it wouldn't come to a divorce.

She had actually long since prepared herself; even if Chen Chen Jinlong said he would spare no cost to treat her, she wouldn't agree.

But the attitude he showed really chilled her heart.

Her only wish now was for her two daughters to live a little better in the future.

Especially... Zhang Yan.

This poor daughter had an introverted personality and a bumpy life, and she really owed her too much.

Just then.

Chen Yao looked at Zhang Yan, her tone suddenly becoming a bit gentler: "Zhang Yan, look, this is your biological mother. Over the years, she has been frugal and sent you so much living expenses. Now in this situation, what do you think?"

She knew Zhang Yan's personality and hoped the other party would take the initiative to take on this mess.

However, hearing this, Zhou Hui stood up abruptly.

Because the movement was too urgent, her body swayed violently.

She grabbed Zhang Yan's hand, pulled her behind her, and glared at Chen Yao with red eyes: "Chen Yao, what do you mean by this?!"

Although she was usually especially polite and enthusiastic toward this stepdaughter for the sake of family harmony, Zhang Yan was her biological daughter after all, and also her reverse scale.

She wasn't willing to drag Chen Chen Jinlong's family down, and naturally, it was even more impossible to drag this daughter of hers down.

"I just hope we can discuss a solution." Chen Yao's gaze dodged.

"That has nothing to do with her! I'm telling you, don't even think about hitting her up!"

Looking at that thin back blocking in front of her, Zhang Yan's tears flowed down "drip-drop," unable to stop no matter what.

This was the first time she had seen her mother so strongly defending her.

The figure in front of her overlapped with that warm, omnipotent back from her childhood.

Since she could remember, her father had been working away from home all year round, and she had grown up with her mother.

Her entire childhood was spent on her mother's warm back and in her soft arms.

Until the sudden divorce in the fourth grade of elementary school.

In her heart, she had always had the deepest reliance and adoration for her mother.

Hearing Zhou Hui's words, Chen Yao was so angry she trembled.

Her words became mean and sharp: "How much living expenses have you secretly sent her over the years? Frugal every month! What? Now that you're asking your biological daughter to contribute a little, it's not okay? My brother and I aren't your biological children, why should we pay for this bottomless pit?"

Zhou Hui was trembling with anger, pointing at her: "You don't need to be sarcastic there! Didn't I earn money for your family?"

"That was the tuition and living expenses you earned for Chen Chen Shuangshuang!" Chen Yao didn't back down, "Which of my brother's and my expenses weren't paid by my dad and my biological mother? And your early chemotherapy already spent 60,000 or 70,000 of the family's money. Do you really want to drag our family down?!"

"Yaoyao, say less!" Chen Chen Jinlong finally stood up, pulled his daughter's arm, and then turned to look at his wife, just about to speak to appease her.

Zhou Hui stared fixedly at Chen Yao, her voice exceptionally resolute: "I won't treat this illness anymore! Anyway, living is just suffering! Don't worry, I won't drag any of you down!"

"Mom!" Zhang Yan couldn't listen anymore, stepped forward, and grabbed her mother's hand.

Her voice was choked but exceptionally clear: "I'll take care of you, I'll find a way for the targeted therapy money."

Zhou Hui seemed to have been pricked: "Mom won't treat it! Can't you understand! I don't have many years to live! Why waste this money!"

Zhang Yan wiped her tears, unprecedentedly stubborn: "We have to try, otherwise I will regret it and blame myself for the rest of my life."

Looking at her daughter's eyes, Zhou Hui stood dazed in place, weeping, and for a time didn't know what to say.

An unspeakable guilt and sorrow surged in her heart.

Chen Chen Shuangshuang looked at this "sister" of hers, bit her lip, and cried along with her.

Chen Chen Jinlong's face was full of shame, but in the end, he just sighed heavily.

Chen Yao, however, seemed to have found a step down.

Opening her mouth: "Don't worry, even if we really have to treat the illness, we won't let Zhang Yan pay for it alone, we will definitely show our support."

She didn't want to push too hard either; if it really came to a divorce lawsuit, property division would be a huge trouble.

The most ideal state now was to complete the responsibility cut, letting Zhang Yan, the biological daughter, naturally take over this heaviest "mess."

Zhang Yan nodded silently, not wanting to argue with them about these verbal promises anymore.

Chen Yao's tone returned to its usual calmness: "Dad, I'll call my brother and tell him the situation here. Let's discuss how much money is appropriate to contribute later."

Chen Chen Jinlong lowered his head, sighing, and then turned and walked toward the corner.

Chen Chen Shuangshuang gritted her teeth and followed quickly, holding her father's hand, seemingly begging for something.

Zhou Hui leaned weakly against the bench, her turbid eyes closed.

Zhang Yan lowered her head, her mind full of her mother's condition and how to raise money.

Her mother would be hospitalized and have comprehensive examinations next, so she would definitely have to accompany her, and she wouldn't be able to continue working.

However, since she probably wouldn't be able to work for long anyway, she would likely be one of the first employees "optimized" by the company.

Of course, before that, she had to get back the three months of performance bonuses the company owed her, as well as the expenses from the last business trip, down to the last cent.

Fortunately, the 150,000 annual fee wasn't something that had to be paid all at once; as long as she could survive the initial stage, there was still hope.

Xingyun International Group, in the restroom.

Lu looked at herself in the mirror, her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining, and pinched her thigh hard.

A clear sense of pain arrived, confirming again and again that this wasn't a beautiful dream she had imagined out of unwillingness after "failing" the interview.

A huge, irrepressible joy instantly drowned her!

Her mood was like winning a five-million lottery—no, it was even more exciting than that!

Not only did she successfully enter the big factory she had dreamed of, but she also found a huge backer! This was simply an "encounter" that only existed in TV dramas!

Screw that fatty! Grandma won't serve you anymore!

Hahaha!

She tried hard to take a few deep breaths, finally calming her pounding heart, and then suddenly remembered something, immediately taking out her phone.

As soon as she unlocked it, an unread message popped up.

【Zhang Yan: "Lu, sorry, I've been busy, just saw your message. Can I trouble you to take care of Orange after work? I might not be able to go back tonight. Also, the previous drafts, maybe I'll have to trouble you to help..."】

Seeing this long message, Lu's heart skipped a beat.

She instantly realized that something big must have happened to Zhang Yan!

She knew a little about Zhang Yan's complicated family situation, and now her mother was sick.

Now Zhang Yan needed to accompany her in the hospital, and looking at this tone, it might not be for just a day or two, and she might even lose her job because of this.

With Zhang Yan's personality, to be able to say "trouble" and "bother," it really meant she was at the end of her rope.

She didn't hesitate at all, walking quickly while dialing Zhang Yan's phone number directly.

The phone rang for a long, long time until it was automatically hung up by the system, without being answered.

Lu was so anxious that fine sweat broke out on her forehead, and her heart tightened.

She had originally wanted to share this huge joy with her good friend at the first opportunity, and by the way, tell her about Tang Song, who would have thought such a thing would happen.

Just then, the familiar and gentle voice sounded in her ear again.

"Lu, interview finished?"

Lu looked up abruptly and saw Tang Song, who had appeared in the hallway at some point.

She hurriedly greeted him: "Tang—President Tang, yes, just finished."

Noticing the irrepressible anxiety on her face, Tang Song asked with concern: "What's wrong? Encountered some trouble?"

Lu hesitated, looking at the man in front of her who had a powerful aura but was inexplicably reassuring, thinking of his relationship with Zhang Yan.

Her voice was urgent: "It's—something happened to Zhang Yan."

Tang Song's relaxed smile instantly faded, his gaze becoming nervous: "What happened?"

A chaotic sound of footsteps approached.

Chen Chen Jinlong and the others walked back, each with a complex and unclear expression on their faces.

Chen Chen Shuangshuang lowered her head, sitting back beside her mother without saying a word, her shoulders heaving as she wiped her tears.

Chen Yao walked straight to Zhang Yan, looking down at her: "I just contacted my brother, he's currently in a time where he needs money—dowry, banquet, renovation, everything needs money, and he really can't take out any money."

She paused, seemingly feeling her words were too cold, fearing she would anger the other party.

She added: "Of course, it's not that we don't care. After my brother successfully gets married and this period passes, we will find a way to scrape together some money for you."

"You know, for your mother's early chemotherapy, the family has already spent all its savings, and even owes a lot of debt."

Zhang Yan's lips were pressed tight, not answering Chen Yao's words.

Just silently enduring it.

Her work had always been bumpy; from the capital to Yangcheng, she had always lost her job because of all kinds of problems.

Up to now, all her savings were only 17,000 yuan.

And her mother's early hospitalization expenses would probably need 30,000 to 40,000.

She was silent for a moment and took out her phone from her pocket.

Only then did she notice there were already two missed calls on the screen.

One was from Lu, the other—from Tang Song.

Because her phone's vibration effect was very poor, and she had been mentally dazed before, she hadn't noticed it at all.

Looking at the name "Tang Song."

Zhang Yan's heart felt as if it had been struck.

An unspeakable emotion instantly surged into her heart.

In her mind, scenes flashed uncontrollably.

She had been pushed by the waves of life, moving forward passively.

At this moment, what she was most grateful for was that she had mustered the greatest courage of her life on Friday night to write that letter to Tang Song.

Otherwise, she probably wouldn't have had a chance for the rest of her life.

Just then.

"Buzz—buzz—" The phone vibrated again abruptly.

【Director - Bai Rui】

Zhang Yan hurriedly stood up and walked to the corner.

Taking a deep breath, she pressed the answer button.

"Zhang Yan, what do you mean?!" As soon as the call was connected, Bai Rui's voice, suppressing anger, came over: "Today is Monday! You didn't even communicate with me actively when asking for leave, and just didn't come to work directly—this is absenteeism, do you know that?!"

"I—" Zhang Yan's voice was very low, carrying a hint of hoarseness, "Bai Ge, I'm sorry. I'm at the hospital now, my mother is sick."

Bai Rui's voice paused: "I don't care if what you're saying is true or false. I called to notify you that since your mind is no longer on work, you should resign voluntarily as soon as possible. Get the work handover done in these two days, don't add to the chaos here."

Zhang Yan gripped her phone tightly, her breathing becoming a bit rapid.

Shucheng Technology was the company she had stayed at the longest since graduation, for over a year.

This was also the foundation for her difficult foothold in this strange city of Yangcheng.

Although she had long been mentally prepared, when the two words "resign" were really spoken so lightly,

she still felt an irrepressible panic.

She turned back to look at her mother, who was sitting blankly in the corner and needed her to rely on.

All timidity and retreat were replaced by a huge pressure.

She put down her reserve and self-esteem, begging timidly: "Bai Ge—can—can you let the company lay me off? I—I only need the company to compensate me for one month's salary."

"Hehe." Bai Rui interrupted directly: "So you had already found a new place, right? Did you get an offer today? No wonder you were so tough last Friday! Don't even think about compensation, that's impossible."

"I didn't—" Zhang Yan wanted to explain, but finally gritted her teeth and gave up the useless defense, her voice becoming firm: "Bai Ge, then the three months of performance bonuses the company owes me, plus the previous business trip expenses, must be given to me without missing a cent when I resign."

Bai Rui was silent for a moment, his tone becoming extremely perfunctory: "Let's talk about this later. The company's finance department is currently auditing, and it can't be approved for the time being. Not just you, no one's performance bonus has been issued. You can go through the resignation process first."

"No, this money must be given to me." Zhang Yan's tone was unprecedentedly serious.

She had worked hard overtime for the last three months, written two viral articles, plus other scattered performance, and the bonus filled in the assessment sheet should be over 10,000.

Plus the business trip expenses that had been held back and not reimbursed, it added up to nearly 20,000.

Although the company did have problems recently and this money hadn't arrived, it was what she deserved.

For her, who was currently trapped in a quagmire and looking around in confusion, this wasn't just a sum of money.

It was also the only bit of hope she could grasp at the moment.

Bai Rui seemed to be angered by her tough attitude, shouting: "Zhang Yan, what kind of attitude is this?! It's not like I said I wouldn't give it to you, I'm just telling you it needs to be delayed for a while!"

"Then I'll apply for labor arbitration!"

"Fine!" Bai Rui was directly laughed at by her: "Then go ahead! I'll be waiting!"

The phone was hung up heavily.

Listening to the "beep-beep-beep" busy signal from the receiver, Zhang Yan's arm holding the phone dropped powerlessly.

Her mind was blank, yet she thought of many, many things.

Hospitalization deposit, targeted drugs, rent, Orange—all the suppressed emotions erupted at this moment.

Huge confusion and fear instantly swallowed her.

She stood blankly in the corner of the lobby on the first floor where people came and went, her whole body cold.

All the sounds rushed toward her like a tide, yet seemed very far away from her.

"Sister—sister."

A slightly unfamiliar, timid call sounded from her ear.

She turned slowly and saw Chen Chen Shuangshuang, who had stood beside her at some point.

Chen Chen Shuangshuang's eyes were red, pointing at the phone in Zhang Yan's hand, reminding her in a low voice: "Your phone has been ringing."

Zhang Yan lowered her head slowly, looking at her phone screen.

The name 【Tang Song】 was flashing.

Like a ball of scorching flame, it was so hot she almost couldn't hold the phone.

She quickly came back to her senses, her nerves tense.

She didn't dare answer, didn't dare let him hear her voice at this moment, and didn't even dare to have any connection with him.

The ringing stopped, but after only two or three seconds, it rang stubbornly again.

The name 【Tang Song】 jumped out again.

"Thump-thump-thump—"

Zhang Yan's heartbeat got faster and faster, as if it were about to break through her chest—finally, her finger slid the green answer button uncontrollably.

From the receiver came Tang Song's anxious voice: "Zhang Yan? Why didn't you answer the phone, are you okay now?"

"I'm fine—" Zhang Yan bit her lip tightly, using all her strength to squeeze out these few words.

Instantly detecting the abnormality in her voice, Tang Song asked directly: "Where are you in the First Affiliated Hospital of the Pharmaceutical University?"

"I—I—"

"Tell me!"

"Outpatient building, second floor—lobby."

"Wait there, don't move, and don't hang up!"

From the receiver came the sound of rapid breathing and wind.

Zhang Yan maintained the posture of answering the phone, her whole person panicked.

He's coming over? How could he know I'm here?!

A strong thought of wanting to escape instantly occupied her entire mind.

Just then.

Chen Yao came to her, a bit impatiently: "Zhang Yan, it's almost noon now, don't just keep standing here in a daze. If you want to handle the hospitalization procedures, do it as soon as possible. I have to go back to the company to deal with urgent matters in the afternoon, I don't have that much time to waste here!"

Chen Chen Jinlong also stood up and walked over, saying vaguely: "I'll go back for a while, pack up your mother's daily necessities and send them over."

Zhou Hui coughed twice, looking at her daughter's pale face, and persuaded in a low voice: "A-Yan, how about—how about we just go back first—"

Their voices were like a huge net, fixing Zhang Yan in place.

The sound of wind from the receiver continued.

Immediately after, Tang Song's clear and powerful voice sounded again: "There are a lot of people, I can't see where you are. Zhang Yan, raise your hands!"

Zhang Yan's brain hadn't reacted yet, but her body had already made the most instinctive movement first.

"I see you."

"Zhang Yan! Over here!"

The last four words came from outside the receiver.

Zhang Yan turned around abruptly, looking in the direction of the voice.

In the direction of the stairs, in the surging crowd.

He was wearing a well-tailored dark suit, his figure tall and straight, his hair slightly messy, yet it highlighted his handsome and jade-like temperament even more.

His expression carried anxiety that hadn't faded yet, and his right hand was also raised—he passed through the queuing crowd, passed through the anxious patients' families, passed through one surprised gaze after another.

Walking toward her.

Everyone around, all the noise, automatically became a blurred, faded background the moment he appeared.

His figure got closer and closer, and clearer and clearer.

Zhang Yan could clearly hear her own heartbeat, which was so violent it was almost out of control.

Finally, he stopped in front of her.

"Are you okay? Zhang Yan!"

A slender, warm hand gripped her hand that was held high tightly.

The scorching temperature was transmitted continuously through their tightly clasped palms, instantly dispelling the coldness of her whole body.

"Tang Song." Zhang Yan called his name subconsciously, her eyes brimming with tears.

Chen Yao, directly opposite, opened her mouth wide in surprise, looking at this young man who had appeared suddenly and was outstanding beyond belief, not reacting for a moment.

Zhou Hui's heart skipped a beat, looking at this stranger who was holding her daughter's hand.

Chen Chen Shuangshuang's red and swollen eyes suddenly lit up.

"I heard from Lu that your mother was sick and hospitalized? Don't worry, tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"

Tang Song said, his gaze looking at the few people around, soon falling on a middle-aged woman with a pale face.

From her features, one could faintly see some of Zhang Yan's shadow.

Zhang Yan looked at Tang Song, her lips trembling, tears welling up in her eyes.

Chen Chen Shuangshuang, who was beside her, mustered her courage, stepped forward, her voice carrying a heavy nasal sound and cry: "Mom is sick... it's—it's cancer—"

Then, she detailed the situation she had just heard.

She was a smart and early-maturing type; seeing Tang Song's dress and temperament, she knew he was extraordinary.

Plus his relationship with her sister, he might be the only life-saving straw.

Tang Song's eyes flickered, his heart shaken.

He knew about Zhang Yan's family background, so hearing that her mother was hospitalized and she hadn't answered the phone, he was so worried.

She was a smart and precocious person; seeing Tang Song's attire and temperament, she knew he was no ordinary person.

But fortunately, lymphoma was a malignant tumor of the blood system, and this type of tumor could be treated with CAR-T cell therapy.

This revolutionary technology, hailed as the "light of hope for humanity to defeat cancer," was a "special attack weapon" against this type of blood tumor.

The reason he was so clear about this was because Xingyun Holdings' star enterprise, Guyu Biology, was the producer of "Kaintai" injection, which had the best effect and most brilliant clinical data among the five CAR-T drugs approved for listing in China.

Just a few days ago, when Rongliu Capital strategically invested in Guyu Biology, he had heard Shen Shen Yu Yan report the detailed report on the latest phase III clinical data of "Kaintai."

Feeling Zhang Yan's slight trembling in his palm.

Tang Song took a deep breath, turned to look at Zhou Hui, and introduced himself: "Hello Auntie, I'm Zhang Yan's friend, Tang Song."

Zhou Hui was stunned, nodding awkwardly: "Hello, hello."

"Auntie, don't worry." Tang Song said warmly: "This illness can be treated, medicine is very developed now, the most important thing for you is to calm your mind and cooperate well with the doctor."

Saying this, he lowered his head to hold Zhang Yan's hand again, comforting her: "Don't be afraid, I've looked into it, for this kind of lymphoma, there is now a cell therapy called CAR-T, the cure rate is very high."

Chen Yao couldn't help but interrupt: "CAR-T therapy costs 1.5 million, we should still handle hospitalization and conduct targeted therapy more realistically."

Because of Tang Song's presence, her tone had softened a lot.

But the main purpose was still to let things land as soon as possible, letting Zhang Yan take on the responsibility.

Zhang Yan bit her lip, saying in a low voice: "I—I'll go handle the hospitalization procedures now."

Despite still having embarrassment and inferiority in her heart, at the most helpless moment, his appearance gave her a sense of reliance.

Because of the family changes and living under someone else's roof, she had no sense of security since she was a child, and had always lived in drifting, never daring to truly rely on anyone.

"Wait a moment, I'll make a call." Tang Song pulled her hand.

Taking out his phone, he dialed a number quickly.

"Hello, Zhao Fei."

"Immediately help me check which hospital is the most authoritative in Yangcheng for lymphoma treatment."

The other end of the phone seemed to give an answer quickly.

"Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center? Okay, then that's it."

Tang Song turned his head, his gaze looking warmly at Zhou Hui, asking: "Auntie, can you tell me your full name?"

"—Zhou Hui."

Tang Song continued to the phone: "Help me book a single special care ward at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, the patient's name is Zhou Hui. Also, I need an emergency consultation composed of the hospital's hematology-oncology expert team."

"Yes, do it immediately! I'm taking people there now."

Listening to his conversation, the few people around were all startled, looking at him with absurd and shocked eyes.

"Special care ward," "expert team," "emergency consultation"—

Any one of these was a privilege belonging to "big shots" that they didn't even dare to think about.

The key was that Tang Song wasn't showing off, nor was he putting on airs, but was calmly and earnestly stating these arrangements.

Causing a major impact on their cognition.

Zhang Yan's breathing became rapid, and that dreamlike feeling surged up again.

Since this reunion, the feeling Tang Song brought her was always so unreal.

Whether it was him suddenly appearing under that dim building, filling all her fantasies with a gentle weekend.

Or at this moment, at her most desperate and helpless moment, descending like a god, arranging everything for her.

Chen Yao's eyelids twitched violently, feeling that this scene was so much like filming a TV drama.

"Are—are you telling the truth?"

Chen Chen Shuangshuang's voice of disbelief broke the silence, a strong light erupting in her eyes.

"Of course." Tang Song nodded, his gaze falling back onto Zhang Yan, becoming much gentler: "Zhang Yan, health is the most important thing for Auntie, let's go, let's go to the hospital first. Don't worry, it's okay."

Zhang Yan bit her lip and nodded gently.

She wasn't stupid; now that her mother had cancer, if she could get the best medical treatment, that was more important than anything else.

Immediately, Zhang Yan stepped forward to support her mother.

And Chen Chen Jinlong and the others followed behind them subconsciously, their expressions all different.

The group formed a strange team, passing through the noisy hospital hallway, going downstairs, and walking out of the hospital gate.

Tang Song said directly: "My car can't fit so many people, I'll take Zhang Yan and Auntie there first, you guys take a taxi and follow behind, we'll see you at the hospital gate."

After saying this, he walked to the side of the road.

Immediately after, a Rolls-Royce parked not far away drove over slowly and stopped in front of everyone.

The driver, wearing a black suit and white gloves, quickly got out of the driver's seat, walked quickly to the back row, and respectfully opened the door.

In an instant, whether it was the dazed Zhang Yan, or Zhou Hui and Chen Chen Shuangshuang, they were all completely stunned on the spot.

A look of hesitation and awe flashed across Chen Chen Jinlong's weathered face, and he subconsciously took half a step back.

Chen Yao's eyelids twitched violently, her expression becoming incomparably wonderful.

The exclusive driver of a Rolls-Royce Phantom... her throat rolled, and her dazed face turned pale.

Feeling her brain had been hit hard.

Immediately after, endless regret surged into her heart.

Having reached this point, she naturally wouldn't doubt the words Tang Song had just said on the phone.

Combined with the lineup he was showing at this time,

This was a true "big shot."

And such a person was actually Zhang Yan's friend, and it was clear their relationship was extraordinary!

If they hadn't completely torn their faces with Zhang Yan and her mother before,

Perhaps they could have seized this once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity to climb the high branch and change the family's fate.

"Bang—"

The heavy car door was closed gently, completely isolating all the noise, chaos, and gazes of the outside world.

Zhang Yan and Zhou Hui sank into the soft leather seats in the back row in a daze.

The quiet and high-end interior wrapped around them, and the air was filled with a clean, expensive mixture of leather and wood scent.

Zhang Yan sat there, her gaze somewhat unfocused.

Outside the car window was the Yangcheng she was familiar with, struggling to survive.

Inside the car window was a strange and unreachable world.

Her gaze looked at Tang Song.

He was sitting in the wide passenger seat, turning his body, answering the phone in a low voice.

His profile in the flowing light and shadow outside the window appeared deep and focused.

The boundary between reality and dream became blurred again.

Inside the car window was a strange and unreachable world.

Her gaze looked toward Tang Song.

He was sitting in the spacious passenger seat, turned sideways, answering a phone call in a low voice.

His side profile looked deep and focused under the flowing light and shadows outside the window.

The boundary between reality and dream became blurry again.