Chapter 259

Xue Qin said, "Can money and power really be more precious than true love?"

Su Xinghui said, "I estimate that the main factor is not that. Think about it: in Shangjun County, Fan Zhenzhen was bullied by Tao Yan. Even if she went to report him, could she actually take him down?"

Everyone thought about it and shook their heads.

Su Xinghui said, "I think Fan Zhenzhen must understand this point too. If she cannot take Tao Yan down, what would it invite? It would certainly be Tao Yan's insane retaliation, perhaps even harming her family. What could Fan Zhenzhen do?"

Everyone nodded. No one in Shangjun County was unaware of Tao Yan's character. In the past, people had gone to the district or even the provincial level to report him, but none had succeeded. Instead, these whistleblowers were met with Tao Yan's insane retaliation; some were even driven to ruin and death. Therefore, Su Xinghui's speculation was not without reason.

Xue Qin said sympathetically, "If that is the case, then Fan Zhenzhen is too pitiful."

Xu Xiaoguang said, "Teacher Fan's family is even more pitiful. They only have this one daughter; they must be heartbroken right now."

Wu Ping said, "I think Zhong Lixing is also quite pitiful. He was a classmate of mine and Fan Zhenzhen's. He had liked Fan Zhenzhen since school, and even after he got into university, he continued to pursue Fan Zhenzhen, who hadn't. They eventually got married, but now he has to face such a fate."

As Wu Ping spoke, he shook his head and sighed. Zhong Lixing had originally been admitted to Hudong University and could have stayed in Jiangcheng after graduation, but for Fan Zhenzhen's sake, he returned to Shangjun County. Now that he has ended up in such a state, it truly makes one wring their hands and sigh.

Only then did Su Xinghui learn that Zhong Lixing and Fan Zhenzhen had such a history. He also sighed secretly in his heart; Zhong Lixing was truly a sentimental soul, and that Tao Yan was really not a human being, destroying such an originally happy family.

Wu Xuelin shook his head and said, "Forget it, let's not talk about this. It's depressing just thinking about it. Everyone, drink, drink!"

Everyone then began to drink, and while drinking, they started talking about some happy things.

After finishing this spring banquet, Wu Jun had to go on duty, so everyone said their goodbyes. Xu Xiaoguang hadn't been drinking, so he drove Wu Jun to the Public Security Bureau first, then dropped everyone else off at their homes one by one.

Su Xinghui did not go straight home; he made another trip to the inpatient department to check on Fan Jianzhang's family.

Fan Jianzhang and his wife were still guarding the ward, and Zhong Lixing was still outside the room. After more than two days, they already looked much more haggard.

Seeing Su Xinghui arrive, Zhong Lixing smiled reluctantly and said, "Little Su, you're here. Thank you!"

Su Xinghui asked in a low voice, "How is the patient?"

Zhong Lixing said, "She has woken up, but she refuses to speak."

Su Xinghui sighed in his heart. He sat down with Zhong Lixing and said, "Are Teacher Fan and the others alright? How have you been managing meals these past two days?"

Zhong Lixing said, "Sigh, my family has been bringing food over these past two days, but they haven't really eaten much. I told them to go home and rest, but they refused. They've just been making do in the ward for the night. Fortunately, the county arranged for a special care ward, so there are no other patients."

Su Xinghui asked, "So you haven't been home these past two days either?"

Zhong Lixing sighed and said, "How could I go home?"

Su Xinghui said, "What about the child?"

Mentioning the child, Zhong Lixing's expression softened: "The child is at his grandparents' house. He came to see his mother once yesterday."

Su Xinghui advised, "You also need to find time to rest; otherwise, you won't be able to take it if things go on like this!"

Zhong Lixing painfully buried his head in his palms. After a long while, he raised his head and said, "Little Su, I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, but if it weren't for the child, I would have no attachment to this world anymore!"

When the incident happened that day, Qu Xiue attacked Fan Jianzhang's family, and it was Su Xinghui who helped them. Over these past few days, Su Xinghui had visited them several times, and his words were very comforting. This made Zhong Lixing overlook Su Xinghui's age and the fact that they were only just acquainted; he saw Su Xinghui as a friend he could trust.

Su Xinghui said, "Brother Zhong, don't easily lose faith in this world. There are indeed many things in this world that are disappointing, but there are even more things that give people hope. Furthermore, we are men; there are many responsibilities on a man's shoulders!"

Zhong Lixing shook his head and said, "What hope can I still see?"

Su Xinghui said, "There is still plenty. Career, children—no matter how painful things are, they will be worn away by time. Only these things are eternal!"

Zhong Lixing stared blankly ahead, but before his eyes, there was only that white wall, empty and bare. After a long while, he squeezed out a hint of a smile and said, "Little Su, thank you. After talking with you for a while, I feel much better."

Su Xinghui patted his shoulder gently and walked into the ward. He saw Fan Zhenzhen lying on the bed, eyes closed, her face pale. Her long, jet-black hair was spread out on the snow-white sheets, and with her delicate features, she had a unique sense of beauty.

Su Xinghui couldn't help but think to himself, she really is a beautiful person. No wonder Zhong Lixing loved her so much, and no wonder Tao Yan would want to possess her.

Fan Jianzhang and his wife sat by her bedside. Although Fan Jianzhang had said things like "bringing shame to one's ancestors" that day, they only had this one daughter after all; how could they not feel heartache?

In just two short days, the white hair on Fan Jianzhang and his wife's heads seemed to have increased significantly, and their faces were filled with sorrow, heartache, resentment, and various other emotions.

Su Xinghui said to Fan Jianzhang, "Teacher Fan, is Sister Zhenzhen alright?"

Fan Jianzhang looked up and said, "Xinghui is here. Her injuries are okay."

Su Xinghui didn't know what else to say. He said to Fan Jianzhang, "Teacher Fan, you and your wife must also take care of your health. No matter what, you must eat and go home to rest, taking turns to look after Sister Zhenzhen. If you don't have enough hands, you can tell me; I can come to help."

Fan Jianzhang shook his head with a blank expression and said, "Xinghui, you have already done enough. It's getting late now, so don't worry about us. You should go back first."

Su Xinghui said, "Then I will head back. Please take care of your health."

Fan Jianzhang nodded. Su Xinghui sighed in his heart, left the ward, greeted Zhong Lixing, and went home.

Su Xinghui told his parents about visiting Fan Jianzhang, and they were also filled with sighs.