Chapter 529: Raise Your Hands! (Part 2)

Zhang Yan’s appearance startled the three people present.

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

Zhou Hui’s clouded eyes flashed with a panic she couldn't hide. "A-Yan, you—why are you here? Get up, stop crying, stop crying, it’s nothing major..."

She said this while pulling her daughter up with effort.

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

In her understanding, cancer was synonymous with death.

Chen Yao looked at Zhang Yan, her eyes flickering, before quickly returning to her usual indifference. "Zhang Yan, I was going to have Mom call you, but since you’re here, that’s perfect."

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

She wiped her face messily with her sleeve, her red-rimmed eyes turning toward her mother. "Mom, what exactly is going on?"

Zhou Hui looked at the concern in her daughter’s eyes, opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.

She owed this daughter too much and really didn't want her involved in this mess, which was why she had kept it hidden.

It was only when the follow-up results came back last Tuesday and she realized she might not have much time left that she couldn't help but go to Zhang Yan’s rental to see her.

Chen Yao, however, had no such scruples and handed a thick stack of medical reports to her. "Zhang Yan, she is your mother, after all. You have the right to know. It was diagnosed as lymphoma several months ago, and she’s been undergoing first-line treatment. Tens of thousands have already been spent; I only just found out about this myself."

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

She flipped through them in a panic; she recognized every character, but together, they seemed to make no sense.

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

"A-Yan." Zhou Hui reached out with her rough, withered hands and gripped her daughter’s arm, trying to take the papers back. "It’s not certain that I need to continue chemotherapy; maybe—maybe it can be cured."

"Chemotherapy for what?" Chen Yao suddenly interrupted. "The BR regimen is already drug-resistant! In this situation, she has to move to second-line treatment!"

Zhang Yan’s gaze locked onto her, asking nervously, "What does that mean?"

Chen Yao seemed too lazy to explain further. "Forget it, I can't explain it to you, lest you think I'm trying to scare you. You can ask the doctor yourself when you go in later! The results from last week are all out; seeing the doctor today will definitely give you the most accurate answer."

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

But one thing was clear: Zhou Hui’s condition had worsened, with a risk of transformation, and if they wanted to treat it, it would be a bottomless pit.

Hearing this, Zhang Yan bit her lower lip hard and said nothing more.

She pulled out her phone and began searching for the unfamiliar terms on the medical reports, one by one.

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

She was just doing it instinctively, as if clutching a piece of driftwood, trying to keep from being swallowed by despair.

Chen Shuangshuang, not knowing when she had moved closer, hugged Zhou Hui and sobbed quietly.

People came and went all around them, and the exam room door opened and closed repeatedly.

Zhang Yan just kept her head down, immersed in her own world.

They waited for a full half-hour.

The exam room’s voice broadcast system clearly called out the name "Zhou Hui."

Zhang Yan looked up abruptly and immediately pulled 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 exam room.

Zhang Yan handed the reports to the doctor.

Her voice was full of panic she couldn't hide. "Doctor, I want to ask again—my mom, what exactly is her situation right now?"

Seeing her lost and distraught state, the doctor pointed to the PET-CT images on the computer screen.

He patiently explained, "The patient’s condition is follicular lymphoma (FL), and the response to first-line treatment is poor—"

Through the professional explanation, Zhang Yan and Chen Shuangshuang gradually understood.

If the initial first-line BR immunochemotherapy regimen could control it, it could indeed lead to long-term remission and "clinical cure."

Many patients could even live like normal people.

But Zhou Hui was unfortunate; she had developed drug resistance during chemotherapy, with a risk of transforming into aggressive lymphoma.

She had to switch to second-line treatment immediately.

One option was the R regimen, which was targeted therapy.

Given Zhou Hui’s condition, if no transformation occurred, the progression-free survival period could exceed three years, and there was a chance it could exceed five.

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

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

It involved modifying the patient’s own immune cells to kill the tumor, with a complete remission rate of about 50%, and some patients might achieve functional cure.

However, the total treatment cost was around 1.5 million.

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

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

But the figure of 1.5 million was like an insurmountable mountain, making it hard for her to breathe.

Even the 150,000 annual cost for targeted therapy was a massive sum for her.

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

Lulu, wearing a small suit, sat upright on the sofa in the reception area.

Her palms were slightly sweaty, and her heart was in turmoil.

She knew she was likely just there to make up the numbers today.

The candidates who had gone in before her included former strategy staff from ByteDance and top graduates from overseas.

Everyone was extremely excellent and confident.

After all, Nebula International Group was an undisputed giant in the domestic media industry, backed by the Tang Zong Entertainment tree.

It was rumored they were preparing for an IPO, and their appeal to top talent was immense.

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

She opened her phone and sent another concerned message to Zhang Yan’s WeChat.

There was still no reply.

Since 9:00 AM, after Zhang Yan went to the First Affiliated Hospital of the Pharmaceutical University, she hadn't replied to a single message.

Lulu vaguely sensed something was wrong, but it wasn't convenient to call.

Just then.

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

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

After a brief self-introduction, the interview officially began.

The questions were professional and sharp.

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

When the interviewer finally said that standard "We will contact you later,"

Lulu’s suspended heart finally died.

She knew it was a no-go.

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

She thanked them politely and followed the pretty HR lady out, a trace of undisguisable disappointment on her face.

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

At the end of the left corridor, several people in suits happened to be walking toward them.

There were men and women, full of temperament, walking with a breeze.

Lulu recognized one of them, the HRD who had appeared in the reception room earlier, now standing respectfully to the side.

Beside the HRD were a man and a woman.

The woman was tall and sexy, with a figure that was simply explosive.

And that man—Tang Song?!

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

She blinked hard, thinking she was hallucinating.

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

He radiated a powerful, inescapable sense of oppression.

This was a far cry from the gentle and approachable "middle school classmate" she had seen in Zhang Yan’s dilapidated neighborhood two days ago!

"Shh—" The HR lady beside her was startled and quickly reached out to block her, lowering her voice nervously: "It’s the big leaders from the head office. Let’s stand here and wait a moment, let them pass first."

Lulu’s eyes grew wider and wider, her heart beginning to pound like a drum.

Tang Song? A leader from Nebula 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 like ordinary friends, eating barbecue, chatting about work and life!

My god! Who would have thought he was a hidden big shot?!

The footsteps got closer, and that powerful aura approached with them.

Just as Lulu was nervous and at a loss, not knowing whether to say hello or pretend not to know him,

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

Immediately, Tang Song slowed his pace, and the others followed suit.

The HR lady was frightened by this sudden turn of events and quickly bent down, respectfully calling out: "Chairman Wen, President Tang—"

Tang Song stopped in front of the two of them, a dashing smile on his face.

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

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

Lulu felt a rush of blood to her head, her cheeks instantly turning bright red.

Her voice was a bit stuttering. "I—I’m here for an interview today."

Hearing her words, Tang Song raised an eyebrow; he hadn't expected such a coincidence.

But this was a good opportunity.

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

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

He encouraged her: "Nebula International Group is a very good platform, keep it up!"

Lulu was instantly dizzy with excitement, feeling as if she were 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 in the bag.

"I’ll be going then, let’s chat when we have time."

"Mm, 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 and 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 up by other companies."

Lulu held back her excitement and nodded. "Okay."

The HR hurried back into the interview room, and the door clicked shut.

Lulu could vaguely hear hurried, hushed conversations coming from inside.

A moment later, the door opened again.

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

"Sorry for the wait, you can come in now. Let’s re-communicate about your salary and future career planning. Thank you!"

In the exam room.

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

"O-okay, we understand."

Zhang Yan and Chen Shuangshuang walked out of the exam room, dazed.

In the corridor, 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 and distraught, and forced herself to speak: "A-Yan, you should go to work, and Shuangshuang should go back to school—"

"Mom! What do you mean by that?" Chen Yao interrupted sharply. "Does that mean my work isn't work? I’m still on probation. Since we’re all here today, let’s just get this straight so we don't have trouble later!"

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 Shuangshuang called out with a sob, full of pleading.

Chen Jinlong finally looked up, his face full of hesitation and undisguisable avoidance.

He and Zhou Hui were working in Yangcheng as renters, but their true foundation was back in their hometown in a county-level city in northern Guangdong.

To talk about selling the wedding house prepared for his son back home and borrowing money everywhere for that 1.5 million CAR-T—that was simply impossible.

That house had been paid for by his ex-wife and son, and his son was about to get married; if word of this got out, the marriage would definitely be ruined.

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

Looking at his wife, who was pale beside him, and then at his younger daughter, Chen Jinlong clenched his dark hands together.

He said vaguely: "This—this 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 get the divorce done in these two days."

"I—" Chen Jinlong lowered his head in shame. "You know Bingwen is getting married soon. Can't—can't we hide this for now and wait until after he’s married—" "Dad! How could we possibly hide this?!" Chen Yao said urgently, fearing her father would soften. "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 won't require someone to take care of her? Which one won't require time?"

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

Zhou Hui’s gaze slowly moved away from her husband, who had always chosen to avoid things, a look of misery flashing in her eyes.

Her life and relationships had never gone smoothly.

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

After remarrying Chen Jinlong for the sake of survival, the family had never been harmonious, and they had fought often.

But at least they had their daughter Shuangshuang, and she had always thought that if she just endured and dragged it out, she would get through life without having to reach the point of divorce.

She had actually been prepared for a long time; even if Chen Jinlong said he would do whatever it took to treat her, she wouldn't have agreed.

But the attitude he had shown really chilled her heart.

Her only wish now was for her two daughters to have better lives in the future.

Especially—Zhang Yan.

This poor daughter had an introverted personality and a rough life; she owed her too much, far 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. All these years, she’s been frugal and sent you so much living money. Now that this is the 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 sudden, 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 that?!"

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

She wasn't willing to drag Chen Jinlong’s family down, and naturally, she couldn't drag her own daughter down either.

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

"That has nothing to do with her! I’m telling you, none of you better try to target her!"

Looking at that thin, weak back shielding her, Zhang Yan’s tears flowed "pitter-patter," and she couldn't stop them.

This was the first time she had seen her mother so forcefully protect her.

The figure before her overlapped with that warm, omnipotent back from her childhood.

From the time she could remember, her father had been working away, and she had grown up with her mother.

Her entire childhood had been spent on her mother’s warm back and in her soft embrace.

Until that sudden divorce in the fourth grade.

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

Listening to Zhou Hui’s words, Chen Yao was somewhat annoyed and ashamed.

Her words became sharp and mean. "How much living money have you secretly sent her all these years? Frugal every month! What? Now you can't even have your own biological daughter contribute a little? My brother and I aren't your biological children, why should we be the ones to clean up this bottomless pit for you?!"

Zhou Hui was trembling with anger, pointing at her. "You don't need to be sarcastic here! Haven't I earned money for your family?"

"That was tuition and living expenses you earned for Chen Shuangshuang!" Chen Yao didn't back down. "Which of my brother’s and my expenses weren't paid for by my dad and my biological mother? And your early chemotherapy already cost the family sixty or seventy thousand! Do you really want to drag our whole family down?!"

"Yao-Yao, say less!" Chen Jinlong finally stood up, pulled his daughter’s arm, and then turned to look at his wife, just about to speak to soothe her.

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

"Mom!" Zhang Yan couldn't listen anymore and reached out to grab her mother’s hand.

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

Zhou Hui seemed to have been pricked. "I’m not treating it! Can't you understand?! I don't have many years left! Why waste this money!"

Zhang Yan wiped her tears, stubborn as never before. "We have to try; otherwise, I’ll regret it and blame myself for the rest of my life."

Looking at her daughter’s eyes, Zhou Hui stood frozen in place, tears streaming down her face, not knowing what to say for a moment.

An indescribable guilt and sorrow surged in her heart.

Chen Shuangshuang looked at this "sister" and bit her lip, crying along with her.

Chen Jinlong’s face was full of shame, though in the end, he only let out a heavy sigh.

Chen Yao, however, seemed to have found a way out.

She said: "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; if it really came to a divorce lawsuit, property division would be a massive headache.

The ideal state now was to complete the responsibility cut-off and let 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 calm. "Dad, I’ll call my brother and tell him the situation here. We’ll discuss how much money is appropriate to contribute later."

Chen Jinlong lowered his head, sighing repeatedly, then stood up and walked toward a corner.

Chen Shuangshuang bit her lip and trotted after him, pulling her father’s hand, seemingly pleading for something.

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

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

Her mother would need to be hospitalized and undergo comprehensive examinations; she would definitely have to accompany her full-time, and she couldn't continue working.

However, she probably wouldn't have been able to work much longer anyway; she would likely be one of the first employees the company "optimized."

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 her last business trip, down to the last cent.

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

Nebula International Group, in the restroom.

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

A clear pain came, confirming repeatedly that this wasn't a beautiful dream born of unwillingness after "failing" the interview.

A massive, uncontrollable joy instantly engulfed her!

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

Not only had she successfully entered the big factory she had dreamed of, but she had also found a massive backer! This was simply a "miracle" that only happened in TV dramas!

Screw you, Fatty Bai! This lady isn't serving you anymore!

Hahaha!

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

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

[Zhang Yan: "Lulu, sorry, I’ve been busy and just saw your message. Could you please help me take care of Orange after work? I might not be able to go back tonight. Also, the drafts from before, I might have to trouble you to help..."]

Seeing this long message, Lulu’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 go 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 it.

With Zhang Yan’s personality, being able to say "please" and "trouble" meant she was truly at the end of her rope.

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

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

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

She had originally wanted to share this massive joy with her good friend first and tell her all about Tang Song, who would have thought such a thing would happen.

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

"Lulu, interview over?"

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

She quickly greeted him: "President Tang, yes, the interview just finished."

Noticing the undisguisable anxiety on her face, Tang Song asked with concern: "What’s wrong? Did you run into trouble?"

Lulu hesitated, looking at the man who was powerful yet inexplicably reassuring, thinking of his relationship with Zhang Yan.

She said urgently: "It’s—something happened to Zhang Yan."

The relaxed smile on Tang Song’s face instantly vanished, his gaze becoming tense. "What happened?"

A chaotic sound of footsteps approached from near and far.

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

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

Chen Yao walked straight up to Zhang Yan, looking down at her. "I just contacted my brother; he’s currently in a tight spot with money—wedding gifts, banquets, renovations—he really can't come up with any money."

She paused, seemingly feeling her words were too cold and fearing she might provoke 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 try to scrape together some money for you.

You’ve been working for almost three years, you must have saved quite a bit; you should take it out and pay for it first.

You have to know, for your mom’s early chemotherapy, the family savings were all spent, and we even owe quite a bit of debt."

Zhang Yan’s lips were tightly shut, and she didn't answer Chen Yao’s words.

She just silently endured it.

Her work had never gone smoothly; from the capital to Yangcheng, she had always been unemployed due to various problems.

Up to now, her total savings were only 17,000.

And her mother’s early hospitalization expenses would probably be around 30,000 to 40,000.

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

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

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

Because her phone’s vibration was very weak, and she had been in a daze, she hadn't noticed at all.

Looking at the name "Tang Song."

Zhang Yan’s heart felt like it had been struck.

An indescribable emotion instantly surged into her heart.

In her mind, scenes flashed uncontrollably.

She had been pushed by the waves of life, forced to move forward passively.

At this moment, she was most grateful that she had summoned 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 in this lifetime.

Just then.

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

[Director - Bai Rui]

Zhang Yan quickly stood up and walked to a corner.

She took a deep breath and pressed the answer button.

"Zhang Yan, what do you mean by this?!" As soon as the call connected, Bai Rui’s voice, suppressing anger, came through. "Today is Monday! You didn't even communicate with me actively when you asked for leave, and you just didn't come to work. This is absenteeism, do you know that?!"

"I—" Zhang Yan’s voice was very low, carrying a hint of hoarseness. "Brother Bai, I’m sorry. I’m at the hospital now; my mom is sick."

Bai Rui’s voice paused. "I don't care if what you’re saying is true or false. I’m calling to notify you: since your heart isn't in your work anymore, you should resign voluntarily as soon as possible. Get the handover done in these two days, don't add to the chaos here."

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

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

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

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

she still felt an uncontrollable panic.

She looked back at her mother, who was sitting dazed in the corner, needing her to rely on.

All the timidity and retreat were replaced by immense pressure.

She put aside her reserve and self-esteem, pleading desperately: "Brother Bai—can—can you let the company lay me off? I—I only need the company to compensate me for one month’s salary."

"Heh." Bai Rui interrupted directly: "So you had already found a new place, huh? You got an offer today? No wonder you were so tough last Friday! Forget about the compensation; that’s impossible."

"I didn't—" Zhang Yan wanted to explain, but in the end, she gritted her teeth and gave up on useless excuses, her voice becoming firm. "Brother Bai, then the three months of performance bonuses the company owes me, and the previous business trip expenses, must be given to me in full when I resign."

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

"No, this money must be given to me." Zhang Yan’s tone was serious as never before.

She had worked overtime desperately for the last three months, writing two viral articles, plus other scattered performance metrics; the bonus filled out on her assessment form should be over 10,000.

Plus the business trip expenses that had been held back and never reimbursed, it added up to nearly 20,000.

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

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

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

Bai Rui seemed to have been provoked by her tough attitude and shouted: "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 to delay it for a while!"

"Then I’ll apply for labor arbitration!"

"Fine!" Bai Rui was directly laughed at by anger. "Then go ahead! I’ll be waiting!"

The call 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 a blank, yet she thought of so much.

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

Immense confusion and fear instantly swallowed her.

She stood dazed in the corner of the crowded lobby on the first floor, her whole body icy.

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

"Sis—Sister."

A slightly unfamiliar, timid call sounded from beside her ear.

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

Chen Shuangshuang’s eyes were red, and she pointed to the phone in Zhang Yan’s hand, whispering a reminder: "Your phone has been ringing."

Zhang Yan looked down slowly at her phone screen.

The name [Tang Song] was flashing.

Like a ball of scorching flame, it burned so hot she could barely hold the phone.

She quickly came to her senses, her nerves taut.

She didn't dare answer, didn't dare let him hear her voice right now, and didn't even dare have any interaction with him.

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

The name [Tang Song] jumped out again.

"Boom, boom, boom—"

Zhang Yan’s heart beat faster and faster, as if it were about to burst through her chest. Finally, her finger slid across 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 right now?"

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

Quickly 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!"

The sound of rapid breathing and wind came from the receiver.

Zhang Yan maintained the posture of holding the phone, her whole person in a panic.

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

A strong urge to escape instantly seized her entire mind.

Just then.

Chen Yao came to her, somewhat impatiently: "Zhang Yan, it’s almost noon, don't just keep standing here in a daze. If you want to handle the hospitalization procedures, do it quickly. I have urgent business to handle at the company this afternoon; I don't have that much time to waste here!"

Chen Jinlong also stood up and walked over, saying vaguely: "I’ll go back for a bit later and pack up your mom’s daily necessities to bring over."

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

Their voices were like a giant 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 hand!"

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

"I see you."

"Zhang Yan! Over here!"

The last four words came from outside the receiver.

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

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

He was wearing a well-tailored dark suit, his figure tall, his hair slightly messy, yet it only highlighted his jade-like temperament.

His expression carried an anxiety that hadn't yet faded, and his right hand was raised similarly. He wove through the queuing crowd, through the anxious patients’ families, 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 nearly out of control.

Finally, he stopped in front of her.

"Are you okay? Zhang Yan!"

A long, warm, large hand gripped her hand that was held high.

The scorching temperature transmitted continuously through their tightly gripped palms, instantly dispelling the coldness in her entire body.

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

Chen Yao, directly opposite, gaped, looking at this suddenly appearing boy who was impossibly outstanding, unable to react for a moment.

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

Chen Shuangshuang’s swollen, tear-filled eyes suddenly brightened.

"I heard from Lulu that your mom is sick and hospitalized? Don't worry, tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"

As Tang Song spoke, his gaze fell on a pale-faced middle-aged woman nearby.

From her features, one could vaguely see a shadow of Zhang Yan.

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

Chen Shuangshuang, who was beside her, summoned her courage and stepped forward, her voice carrying a heavy nasal tone and a sob: "Mom is sick—it’s—it’s cancer—"

Then, she detailed the situation she had just heard.

She was a smart and precocious girl; seeing Tang Song’s attire and temperament, she knew he wasn't ordinary.

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

Tang Song’s gaze flickered, his heart shaken.

He knew about Zhang Yan’s family background, so hearing her mother was hospitalized and wouldn't answer the phone, he had been so worried.

He hadn't expected it to be cancer!

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 conquer cancer," was a "special attack weapon" against this type of blood tumor.

He knew this so clearly because the star enterprise under Smile Holdings, Guyu Biology, was the manufacturer of "Kaintai" injection, which had the best effects 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 Yuyan report on the detailed report of "Kaintai’s" latest phase III clinical data.

Feeling the slight trembling of Zhang Yan in his palm.

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

Zhou Hui was stunned and nodded instinctively and awkwardly: "Hello, hello."

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

As he spoke, he lowered his head to grip 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, and the cure rate is very high."

Chen Yao, who had come back to her senses, couldn't help but interject: "CAR-T therapy costs 1.5 million; it’s more realistic for us to handle the hospitalization and proceed with targeted therapy first."

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

But her main goal was still to get things settled as quickly as possible and let Zhang Yan take on the responsibility.

Zhang Yan bit her lip and said in a low voice: "I—I’ll go handle the hospitalization procedures now."

Although she still felt embarrassed and inferior inside, in her 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 never had a sense of security since she was young, and she had always lived in drift, never daring to truly rely on anyone.

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

He pulled out his phone and quickly dialed a number.

"Hello, Zhao Fei."

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

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

"Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center? Good, then that’s it."

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

"—Zhou Hui."

Tang Song continued to the phone: "Help me book a single special-needs ward at the 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 the person there now."

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

"Special-needs ward," "expert team," "emergency consultation"—

Any one of these was a privilege belonging to "big shots" that they wouldn't even dare to dream of.

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

It dealt a major blow to their perception.

Zhang Yan’s breathing became rapid, and that dreamlike feeling surged up once 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, in her most desperate and helpless moment, descending like a divine soldier to arrange everything for her.

Chen Yao’s eye corners twitched violently, feeling as if this scene was like something out of a TV drama.

"Are—are you telling the truth?"

Chen Shuangshuang’s unbelievable voice broke the silence, a strong light erupting in her eyes.

"Of course." Tang Song nodded, his gaze falling back on Zhang Yan, becoming much gentler. "Zhang Yan, everything is for Auntie’s health; let’s go, let’s go to the hospital first. Don't worry, it’ll be fine."

Zhang Yan bit her lip and nodded lightly.

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

Immediately, Zhang Yan stepped forward to support her mother.

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

The group formed a strange procession, walking through the noisy hospital corridor, 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 first, you guys take a taxi and follow behind,

we’ll see you at the hospital entrance."

After speaking, 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 and walked quickly to the back row, respectfully opening the car door.

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

A look of timidity and awe flashed across Chen Jinlong’s weathered face, and he instinctively took half a step back.

Chen Yao’s eyelids twitched violently, her expression becoming incredibly colorful.

A Rolls-Royce Phantom’s exclusive driver—her throat bobbed, and her dazed face turned pale.

She felt her brain had been hit hard.

Immediately after, endless regret surged into her heart.

By now, she naturally wouldn't doubt the words Tang Song had just said on the phone.

Combined with the display he was showing at this moment,

This was a true "big shot."

And such a person was actually Zhang Yan’s friend, and looking at it, their relationship was clearly extraordinary!

If they hadn't completely burned their bridges with Zhang Yan and her mother before,

perhaps they could have seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb the social ladder and change their family’s destiny.

"Thump—"

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 dizzily into the soft leather seats in the back row.

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

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, turned sideways, answering a phone call 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 once again.

He is sitting in the passenger seat, turned to the side, answering a phone call in a low voice.

The outline of his side profile under the flowing light and shadow outside the window appears deep and focused.

The boundary between reality and dream becomes blurred again.