Ouyang Qing interrupted Zhou Linbo, “I know Director Zhou is a renowned doctor of integrity who wouldn’t do things simply for the sake of money. My boyfriend is grateful that you have come from afar to treat Auntie. So, this is his token of appreciation.
Your consultation fees are a separate matter. If you do not accept the money, my boyfriend will be worried that his plan will be ruined. To assure him, please accept the money so that I can answer him. We will remember your kindness and return your favor in the future. But if you keep rejecting me, I’m afraid he may misunderstand that you are snubbing him. It is important to retain friendly ties with each other. Aren’t I right?”
Her meaning is obvious. I have only two options now. One is to accept the money, and we will be friends. Another is to reject it and offend Nan Chen. No one, other than idiots, will choose the latter!
Of course, Director Zhou was not an idiot, so he chose the former option.
“Fine, then I shall oblige. Help me convey my thanks to Sir Chen. Please ask him to rest assured. Our diagnosis tomorrow will be the same as the earlier diagnosis.”
Ouyang Qing heaved a sigh of relief, “Then I too thank you on behalf of my boyfriend. I hope you will have an enjoyable time in the Flower City. Please let me know if you need anything. But please keep this matter a secret, and never mention it to anyone. Take it as if I have never seen you before.”
“Okay, I get it.”
Director Zhou took the check and put it into his pocket.
Ouyang Qing heaved a sigh of relief. “As for the others, I will pass their checks to you too. Please help me pass it to them.”
Ouyang Qing took out a few more checks, and the amount on them was naturally not as much as the amount given to Director Zhou.
“This…”
“Thank you, Director Zhou. I’m sure you will be able to convince the others easily.”
Zhou Linbo pondered for a second before agreeing, “Okay.”
“Thank you. Then I shall leave first. Goodbye.”
After accomplishing her task, Ouyang Qing left the hotel, walking light-footed like a model.
On the other hand, Nan Chen had arrived at the Red Star Nursing Home after thinking it through.
No matter what she has done to me, she is still my mother. It is a fact I can never change. Plus, today is her first day back at the country. I should still visit her even if she has a helper taking care of her.
Bai Hua was overjoyed at the sight of Nan Chen.
Nan Zhiyuan was not here yet, leaving her with only a few nurses in the nursing home and security guards in the yard.
Bai Hua had not felt so lonely before; her sense of loneliness getting stronger by the minute.
This is the city I come from, but yet I feel like a foreigner in my homeland.
Thus, Nan Chen’s appearance enveloped her with warmth.
“Chen, you are here. Quickly, do take a seat.”
Nan Chen circled the yard, “Are you used to staying here?”
“It is quite good here. You take good care of me. I don’t lack anything here,” said Bai Hua, satisfied.
“That is great. Then you rest up…”
Seeing Nan Chen about to leave, Bai Hua panicked and stood up in a hurry to grab his hands.
“Chen, I’m alone here. Don’t you want to accompany me?”
Bai Hua’s eyes welled up with tears. Coupled with her beautiful, helpless face, she looked a pitiful sight indeed.
Looking at her, Nan Chen’s heart softened.
Thus he sat down, and the helper brought them a pot of tea.
Nan Chen was used to drinking coffee instead of tea. Drinking coffee could perk him up, which increased his work efficiency. On the other hand, tea could only be fully appreciated if one drank it leisurely at one’s own pace with a calm mind.
The pair of mother and son had nothing to say to each other as usual.
“Chen, you still look the same as you did a few years ago. My son is indeed handsome. Oh yes, when will Xing return?”
“He will return after he’s done having some fun outside.”
“Why does he stay in Europe for so long? He has even cut off contact with everyone. Has he fallen out of love?”
Nan Chen was stunned and paused for a second before replying, “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“But isn’t Xing jovial and cheerful? Why would he be so troubled over love matters? That doesn’t sound like him. Is there another reason?”
Bai Hua was their mother, after all. She still understood her sons quite well.
“I also don’t know.” Nan Chen avoided the topic, as it would be difficult for him to explain.
“Has anything happened between you and your brother? You have always been more outstanding than Xing. since you were younger You cannot bully him.”
“I didn’t,” said Nan Chen affirmatively.
“Then give him a call and ask him to return quickly. Tell him I am back and want to see him.”
“Okay, I will call him tomorrow,” replied Nan Chen placatingly.
They fell into an awkward silence again.
“Oh yes, I asked you earlier in the day if you have a girlfriend? I heard you have broken up with the actress by the surname of ‘Luo’. Do you have a new girlfriend now?”
“Why do you keep asking that?” Nan Chen went on alert.
“Because I’m your mother. Isn’t it normal for a mother to be concerned about her son’s marriage?”
“Let’s talk about that later.”
The images of Ning Ran and the two adorable kids popped up in his mind. Suddenly, he felt an urge to confess his current relationship status to Bai Hua. But that impulse only lasted for a second before he scrapped the idea altogether.
She has never turned up for any of the memorable events in my life, such as my prize ceremony in primary school, my enrollment into a renowned secondary school as the school’s top student or even when I won a prominent national prize. She was always so busy flitting around between the rich and famous, and would not spend the slightest time participating in the years when I’m growing up.
I’m now a grown-up and responsible for the entire Nanshi Corporation. No longer am I the kid who craves for his mother’s care and attention. Isn’t it ironic that she chooses to care about me now?
Bai Hua’s indifference towards him and his brother had always been a puzzle to Nan Chen. He had once thought it to be normal for a mother to treat her children so coldly until he witnessed his classmates’ doting mothers who could sacrifice everything for their children. For a while following this realization, Nan Chen was perturbed and thought he was not good enough to deserve his mother’s attention.
But regardless of his outstanding achievements, his mother had remained cold and indifferent towards him.
That was the main reason for his disbelief when Ning Ran had rejected his monetary compensation in exchange for her children. He doubted that a mother who was struggling to make a living could really give up the enormous riches for the sake of her children.
But Ning Ran had been serious about her decision and had passed the tests he had set out for her. This caused him to be even more puzzled.
“Chen?” Bai Hua called out after she realized Nan Chen was lost in his own thoughts.
“Oh, I will settle my relationship matters myself. Thank you for your concern. The specialists are here and will see you tomorrow.”
