The driver who had served the Yan Family for twenty years was highly skilled. Ten minutes later, he had delivered all three of them safely to the hospital.
After getting out of the car, Madam Yan had taken only two steps when she suddenly stopped. “Oh dear, I came empty-handed. That doesn’t seem very appropriate. How about this, Xiao Lu, daughter-in-law, you two go on ahead. I’ll buy some fresh flowers and fruit.”
Well, aren’t you particular?
Gu Qianran put on a smile and nodded. “All right, Auntie. We’ll go ahead, then. Take your time. There’s no rush.”
“All right.” Madam Yan then asked, “Oh, right. Which room is your father-in-law in?”
Gu Qianran froze at the question. I brought your son along precisely because I didn’t know. Just as he was wondering how to answer, Yan Lu helpfully replied, “Room 630.”
“Mm, 630, right? Got it. You two go on ahead.” Madam Yan waved them off.
“All right. See you in a bit, Auntie.”
After saying goodbye to Madam Yan for the time being, the two of them continued toward the inpatient building.
With a definite destination in mind, Gu Qianran found the room easily enough. When they reached the door, he heard crying from inside before he even opened it. He recognized the voice as that of the “mother” who had called him. Listening more closely, he could also hear a man’s voice.
Gu Qianran opened the door and found a man and woman inside, clinging to each other and sobbing.
“Dad, Mom, what happened?” Gu Qianran asked with a frown.
“Xiao Qian…” The older couple looked over at him with tear-filled eyes.
“Uncle, Auntie,” Yan Lu greeted them.
“Xiao Lu…”
Listening to them cry made Gu Qianran’s head feel as though it were about to split open. His tone inevitably turned stern. “Stop crying. Can one of you please tell me what happened?”
Mother Gu took a moment to compose herself before saying, “The doctor just came by. He said your father’s condition is already very serious and that we should prepare for surgery as soon as possible. But, but, sob…”
Prepare for surgery as soon as possible… Did that mean they were supposed to prepare the money? Gu Qianran pressed his lips together. “Dad, Mom, don’t worry about the money. I’ll definitely…”
“Uncle, then let’s go ahead with the surgery.” Yan Lu’s voice was firm. He glanced at Gu Qianran. “It’ll be fine!”
Father Gu shook his head vigorously. “No, I can’t. I don’t want surgery. No matter what kind of surgery it is, there’s always a chance something could go wrong… What if I die on the operating table?”
“But Uncle, how will you get better if you don’t have the surgery?” Yan Lu coaxed patiently. “It’s true that every operation carries some risk, but with current medical technology, it’s only a kidney stone procedure. Nothing will go wrong!”
“What, kidney stones?” Gu Qianran cried out in disbelief.
The other three had no idea why he was so shocked. They looked at him strangely, then nodded in unison.
“That’s right. Uncle was hospitalized because of kidney stones.” Yan Lu watched his beloved Senior Brother’s pale face and couldn’t help worrying. “Senior Brother, are you all right? You look awful. Should I call a doctor to take a look at you?”
Gu Qianran shook his head. “No need.”
Even if the doctor came, it wouldn’t help. How could he explain why uremia had turned into kidney stones?
Uremia and kidney stones… Those two weren’t even in the same league!
…Fine.
Kidney stones it was. At least he was still hospitalized.
After steeling himself, Gu Qianran said to his father, “Dad, the doctor recommended surgery. Just listen to him and have the operation.”
Mother Gu joined in to persuade him. “That’s right, dear. Just listen to us and be good. Sob…”
“Since you’re saying so, honey, then I…” Father Gu nodded gravely. “I’ll have the surgery!”
Then he gave his wife an affectionate look before turning to Gu Qianran, his tone resolute. “Son, I’m going to have surgery. If anything happens to me on the operating table, remember to take good care of your mother!”
Mother Gu was so moved that she covered her mouth and cried, “Honey…”
“Wife…”
Their hands clasped tightly together.
Gu Qianran stared blankly at the scene before him. After taking a moment to calm himself, he said, “Dad, don’t say things like that. Everything will be fine.”
The two of them completely ignored him and continued gazing deeply into each other’s eyes.
Gu Qianran felt his expression beginning to crack. Was all this drama really necessary?
“Oh my, what happened here?”
Madam Yan’s surprised voice came from the doorway. Gu Qianran turned around and saw her standing there, flowers in one hand and a fruit basket in the other, a look of bewilderment on her face.
“Mom, you’re here.” Yan Lu went to meet her and took the things from her hands.
Gu Qianran’s parents also turned their attention to this lavishly dressed guest. Mother Gu immediately stood up and straightened her clothes, then asked Yan Lu, “Xiao Lu, who is this?”
Madam Yan hurried over and shook her hand. “Hello, hello. I’m Xiao Lu’s mother. You must be my in-law, right?”
Mother Gu looked utterly bewildered. “Your in-law?”
Madam Yan was surprised. “Huh? You didn’t know? Xiao Lu and Qianran are dating!” Her tone was rather proud.
The husband and wife simultaneously turned to look at their son.
Gu Qianran put on an awkward yet polite smile.
After standing there stunned for a moment, Mother Gu’s eyes reddened. “Sob… I’m such a failure as a mother. I didn’t even know my son was dating…”
“Honey, don’t be sad!” Father Gu hurried to comfort her. When that failed, he turned to Gu Qianran. “Qianran, what’s going on?”
Called out, Gu Qianran thought, I’d like to know what’s going on too. Still, after thinking for a moment, he said, “It’s pretty much what it looks like.”
As soon as he finished speaking, someone took his left hand. Yan Lu held it and smiled at him tenderly before turning to the three parents present. “Uncle, Auntie, Senior Brother and I are dating. Please rest assured, I’ll make him happy.”
“Wow, Xiao Lu is so handsome!” Madam Yan applauded enthusiastically in support of her son.
Gu Qianran was speechless. They were only dating, not getting married. Was there any need to make such a grand declaration?
His hand was held in Yan Lu’s, the other man’s palm warm, almost burning hot. Gu Qianran shifted uncomfortably and tried to pull away twice. Yan Lu noticed and loosened his grip slightly, but he still didn’t let go.
Gu Qianran suppressed the urge to hit him.
Meanwhile, Gu Qianran’s parents finally recovered from their shock. Mother Gu began crying even harder. “Sob… That’s wonderful!”
Gu Qianran had assumed she would cry and object. Instead, hearing her say “That’s wonderful” left him stunned. What kind of play was this?
“I knew Xiao Lu was a good boy. I feel relieved handing Xiao Qian over to you…” Mother Gu said between sobs.
Father Gu patted her back and nodded. “That’s right. I could tell there was something going on between them from the start. See? I was right!” Then he looked at Gu Qianran with a stern expression. “But Qianran, how could you not tell your mother and me about something this important? If your in-law hadn’t told us, we wouldn’t have known!”
That “in-law” rolled off your tongue awfully smoothly. Gu Qianran couldn’t help twitching at the corner of his mouth.
Before he could say anything, Yan Lu answered for him. “Uncle, please don’t blame Senior Brother. He didn’t tell you because you were sick, and he was afraid you’d worry.”
“Is that so?” Father Gu asked suspiciously.
Gu Qianran smiled. “That’s right, Dad.”
“Oh, right.” Madam Yan spoke up at just the right moment. “Father-in-law, I came specifically to see how you were doing. How are you feeling?”
At that, the expressions on Gu Qianran’s parents’ faces turned solemn.
Madam Yan immediately grew nervous. “What’s wrong?”
Father Gu sighed heavily and shook his head. “I need surgery.”
Gu Qianran could only complain inwardly. It was just kidney stone surgery. Could they stop making it sound like a terminal illness?
“What?” Madam Yan exclaimed in surprise. “Is it that serious?”
Gu Qianran couldn’t help rubbing his forehead. This one was quite the team player too.
“Senior Brother?” Yan Lu called out worriedly.
“I’m fine.” Gu Qianran shook his head at him. At present, Yan Lu was the only normal person here.
Father Gu said sorrowfully, “Who knows whether I’ll make it back from the gates of hell this time.”
“Honey, don’t say that!” Mother Gu’s tears began flowing again.
Madam Yan decisively said, “Father-in-law, let’s transfer you to another hospital!”
As soon as she said this, everyone’s attention focused on her.
Madam Yan continued, “We’ll move you to the best hospital and have the best doctors treat you. Don’t worry, our family will cover all the expenses. We’ll make sure you get better!”
“But that would be too much trouble for you…” Father Gu nodded repeatedly.
“Not at all!” Madam Yan said firmly. “Xiao Lu and Qianran are together now, so we’re one family. Family doesn’t stand on ceremony. It’s settled, then. I’ll make a call and arrange everything. Please wait a moment.”
With that, Madam Yan went off to make the call, briskly and decisively.
“That’s great, Senior Brother.” Yan Lu smiled. “Now you don’t have to worry. Uncle will get better soon.”
Gu Qianran managed a weak smile. What else could he say?
It wasn’t long before Madam Yan returned, beaming. “It’s all arranged. We can transfer him right now.”
“That fast?” Mother Gu asked in surprise.
“This sort of thing can’t be put off. Naturally, the sooner the better,” Madam Yan said. Then, remembering something, she looked at the two young men. “Xiao Lu, I’ll stay here and help with the arrangements. It’s getting late, and you two have school tomorrow. Take my daughter-in-law home first.”
“But then Senior Brother will be alone,” Yan Lu pointed out. A strange glint flashed through his eyes as he said, “How about having Senior Brother stay at our house tonight?”
Madam Yan nodded. “That sounds good!”
“What do you think, Senior Brother?” Yan Lu asked with a smile.
Gu Qianran’s skin nearly crawled. He shook his head repeatedly. “No, no, no, it’s fine! I can take care of myself. There’s no need to trouble you!”
“Is that so…” Yan Lu’s disappointment was clear in his voice.
At that moment, Gu Qianran really wanted to take back everything he had said earlier. Not one of these people was normal!