But Tao Xinrou knew that 90% of the outcome was already decided.
*
Meanwhile, in the VIP ward of the hospital, the room was bright and clean. White gauze curtains fluttered in the breeze, carrying the occasional scent of flowers.
Old Mrs. Shen lay flat on the bed, her face still pale. Her breathing was steady, but her brows were furrowed, as if she were having a bad dream.
Old Mr. Shen sat by the bed, holding her hand, his eyes moist.
On the nightstand was an exquisite flower basket with a card that read, "All staff of Yunlu Hotel wish you a speedy recovery."
Old Mr. Shen picked up the card and looked at it over and over, a pitiful smile forming on his lips.
"Will this ensure Xiaofeng is safe?"
Old Mr. Shen didn't turn around. Behind him stood a man in a black suit—Ying Huaishan's secretary, Yan Ming.
"Old Mr. Shen, rest assured. President Ying always works quickly and never drags things out."
He placed the fruit and flowers he had brought aside, bowed, and said goodbye, "I hope your wife recovers soon. I'll take my leave now."
After the man left, Old Mr. Shen's thoughts churned.
Sixteen years...
The debt of sixteen years could finally be repaid.
He lowered his head, pressing his forehead against his wife's hand, closing his eyes. The stone that had hung in his heart for sixteen years could finally settle.
His son could come back. His criminal record should no longer be unearthed.
But his foolish old wife had risked her own life for their son.
He gently stroked his wife's hand, a mix of anger and pity: "You're really pitifully foolish."
Just then, the phone screen lit up with the name "Ying Huaishan."
It seemed some people were indeed very efficient.
"Uncle Shen, did you receive the fruit and flower basket?"
"I did, I did. Thank you for your trouble." Old Mr. Shen nodded as he held the phone.
"Don't mention it. It's the least I can do. How is Auntie? What did the doctor say?"
"No major problems. She only took one bite and didn't even dare swallow it. The doctor said she can be discharged after two more days of observation."
"That's great. This has been hard on you and Auntie. And don't worry about Auntie's medical expenses—I'll cover everything. Let her rest easy. I've also hired the best doctors. The entire floor is reserved for just the two of you. There's nothing to worry about."
Old Mr. Shen's hand trembled violently as he held the phone.
The words sounded like concern, but he knew their true meaning.
"Okay... okay..."
But the "okay" came out like a farce.
"Alright, then get some rest early. I'll come visit another day."
The call ended.
Old Mr. Shen stared at the phone screen, at the just-ended call log, motionless.
A moment later, he snapped out of it and deleted the record.
If it weren't for his son's mistake sixteen years ago, they wouldn't have to hide like this. But at least this matter had come to an end.
They could enjoy their twilight years in peace.
*
After waiting all afternoon, Tao Xinrou still hadn't seen Ying Jingsheng return.
The day shift ended; the night shift took over.
The hotel lobby gradually filled with guests, while on the other side of the sofa sat Tao Xinrou, her expression already stiff, and Zhao Sili, pacing restlessly.
The revolving doors opened and closed. The evening breeze was colder than before.
Watching Zhao Sili pace back and forth, muttering to herself, Tao Xinrou felt even more tormented. She clutched her phone tightly, her heart hanging in the air.
"Why isn't he back yet? What time is it?! What is my cousin up to? Can a headquarters meeting really take this long?" Zhao Sili glanced impatiently at her phone, wishing Ying Jingsheng would pop out of it.
"Sili, why don't you go back first..."
"No! I'm not leaving until I hear the result!" Her attitude was firm, like a bristling kitten ready to pounce and bite.
Unable to change her mind, Tao Xinrou could only wait in silence.
After another ten-plus minutes, the glass doors of the hotel lobby finally pushed open.
Ying Jingsheng got out of the car. His expression was even colder than before he left. He strode quickly into the lobby, and people around him bowed in greeting.
Tao Xinrou also stood up. The news had arrived.
Zhao Sili darted forward. "Cousin, what happened?"
As soon as she spoke, everyone in the lobby looked in their direction.
Ying Jingsheng ignored her and fixed his gaze on Tao Xinrou. "It's time to get off work. Go home."