Chapter 22

Chi Wanzhao hung up the phone and called out, "Come in."

Chi Xuan slipped in, fully dressed, and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Sis, do you want to go see Dad together later?" Her big, cautious eyes seemed to plead for approval, afraid that the person before her might refuse.

Chi Wanzhao got up from the bed and nodded. "Sure, let's go together."

Chi Xuan let out a soft smile. As Chi Wanzhao took clothes from the wardrobe and headed into the bathroom, Chi Xuan noticed two small suitcases by the sofa.

"Sis, are you leaving?" Chi Xuan's voice drifted in from outside.

Chi Wanzhao's fingers, busy buttoning her shirt, paused for a moment. She lowered her gaze and replied nonchalantly, "Mm, I'm leaving this afternoon."

"So soon... Mom said you should stay a few more days."

Chi Wanzhao finished dressing and washing up before stepping out. Her long hair was loosely pinned up, revealing her slender, pale neck, narrow shoulders, and slim waist—a fine figure.

Seeing Chi Xuan still perched on the bed with her lips pouted in displeasure, she walked over, sat down beside her, and tilted her head. "How about I come back for Chinese New Year?"

Chi Xuan's eyes lit up instantly. "Great!"

"Or how about this—I get my holiday break at the end of the month. You stay at home until then, and I'll accompany you to City B, alright?" She grabbed Chi Wanzhao's arm and swung it side to side, like a clingy little animal.

Chi Wanzhao looked at her and thought of Yanyan. She shook her head. "No."

"Big brother is busy with work, and Mom needs you by her side."

Chi Xuan pouted unhappily. "But Mom needs you by her side too! You have no idea how many times she's secretly cried these past six months."

Chi Wanzhao felt a pang of pain in her heart. She wrapped an arm around Chi Xuan's shoulders. "Sis has something to take care of."

Chi Xuan: "What could it be? Isn't Zhou Sheng handling the company?"

Chi Wanzhao said calmly, "A personal matter."

Chi Xuan fell silent at that. She didn't dare pry into her personal affairs.

The two sat in the room for a while, then Xie Dan came over to tell them it was time to go to the hospital.

Throughout the ride, Xie Dan remained silent. Chi Wanzhao leaned against her, holding her hand.

Chi Xuan sat obediently in the passenger seat. Every time she wanted to speak, a glance in the rearview mirror at the two of them nestled together made her quietly shut her mouth.

They reached the hospital quickly.

Unlike yesterday, Chi Chao seemed much better today—no breathing tube. He was half-leaning against the bed. When Chi Yifan's assistant saw them arrive, she tactfully left the room.

Chi Chao exchanged a glance with Xie Dan, then looked away, feeling ashamed.

Since he had confessed to them, he'd moved alone to the third floor. During Xie Dan's half-year illness, he couldn't see her, and Chi Wanzhao and Chi Xuan ignored him completely when they met. It was only in the past year, as his illness progressed, that his relationship with Xie Dan had slightly thawed.

At the sight of him, Xie Dan broke into tears. She wiped her eyes and said, "These are from home—I know you can't stand hospital food."

Chi Chao's eyes burned. His voice came out hoarse. "Thank you."

These were the people closest to him—they'd shared a bed for over twenty years—and now they were so distant.

Xie Dan set the insulated container aside, took out a small bowl, and ladled some porridge out to let it cool. Chi Xuan grabbed Chi Wanzhao's hand and whispered, "Sis, don't you have anything to say to Dad?"

Chi Wanzhao stared at the man in the hospital bed. His hair was sparse, he wore a baggy hospital gown, his face was thin with sunken cheeks, and his eyes no longer held their former clarity. They were clouded.

This man before her had aged so much without her noticing.

She stepped forward twice, stopping in front of the bed, looking down at him with waves of emotion in her eyes. Chi Chao turned his head to meet her gaze. Chi Wanzhao called out, "Dad."

Chi Chao tried to smile but couldn't quite manage it, his face still holding a comical expression.

A lump formed in Chi Wanzhao's throat—an uncomfortable tightness. She clenched her fists at her sides and closed her eyes. "I found that child."

Not just Chi Chao, but even Xie Dan froze mid-motion. Chi Xuan grabbed Chi Wanzhao's wrist and shouted, "Sis!"

Chi Chao's breathing grew heavier. "What did you say?"

Chi Wanzhao, annoyed at how easily he got worked up, let her voice grow colder and her gaze turn icy. "I said, I found that child."

Chi Chao's voice trembled. "Then she..."

"Bring her back."

Chi Chao's voice and Xie Dan's voice sounded at the same time. Xie Dan, her eyes puffy from crying and nose red, still wore a gentle smile as she said softly, "Xiao Wan, bring her back. She is also a member of the Chi family."

Chi Wanzhao sneered. "The Chi family? Who acknowledged her?"

At those words, the hope in Chi Chao's eyes dimmed instantly. He wanted to speak but couldn't, his lips moving wordlessly.

Xie Dan set the bowl on the bedside table and instructed Chi Xuan, "Xiao Xuan, feed your dad his meal."

Chi Xuan walked over, puzzled, took the bowl from the table, and turned to see her mom pulling her sister out the door.

Chi Chao suddenly shouted, "Dan Dan."

Xie Dan, her back to him, paused for a moment, then turned around. "What is it?"

Chi Chao's voice choked. "I'm sorry... and thank you."

Xie Dan held her head high, her profile showing a slight resemblance to Chi Wanzhao. She replied coolly, "No need."

The door to the ward was pulled open, and Chi Wanzhao and Xie Dan sat on the bench in the corridor. Facing the constant stream of passersby, Xie Dan spoke up, "Xiao Wan, bring her back, won't you?"

Chi Wanzhao's gaze was dark and heavy. "Mom..."

Xie Dan took Chi Wanzhao's hand, her voice still gentle but carrying an unyielding tone. "Xiao Wan, I know you can't forgive your father. You're flesh of my flesh—you think I don't know your temper?"

"But you've seen it—he's almost gone, he can't hold on much longer. Mom begs you, let that child come back just once, okay?"

Chi Wanzhao's heart ached at this plea. When had her mother ever been so humble?

Xie Dan pulled her into a hug, resting her head on her shoulder, her voice full of exhaustion. "Xiao Wan, fulfill this wish of his."

People rushed past in the corridor, their pace unchanged. A breeze carried the smell of disinfectant.

Chi Wanzhao smiled bitterly. "I can convey his condition to her, but whether she comes back isn't something I can control."

"Besides, I won't let her into the Chi family."

Xie Dan knew this was Chi Wanzhao's final concession. From refusing to even discuss it to now finding the child, this was her last line.

Xiao Wan would never let that child enter the Chi family.

Xie Dan hugged her tighter. "That's enough. That's enough."

Just to let him see that child one last time before he goes—that would be enough.

Chi Wanzhao stayed silent in Xie Dan's embrace for a long time. She didn't return to the ward but went straight back to the Chi residence.

Sitting in the car, she watched the scenery flash by, her gaze deep. When she'd first seen that name on Kong Xiyan's phone, she'd had a premonition. Sure enough, when Zhou Sheng's investigation brought photos, she saw that child.

She wasn't that magnanimous; she felt nothing but resistance.

In truth, she'd never planned to look for that child, even if her father was gravely ill—she didn't want to find her.

But fate played tricks. She didn't want to find her, yet the girl showed up right in front of her.

Chi Wanzhao sighed. She got out of the car, went upstairs to grab her luggage, and just as she stepped out of her room, she saw Chi Yifan sitting on the sofa.

"Brother."

Chi Yifan looked up to see Chi Wanzhao on the second floor. He grunted, "I heard everything from Mom."

"You've worked hard."

Chi Wanzhao laughed at herself. "What's so hard about it?"

Chi Yifan knew she was hurting inside. His sister had been like this her whole life—stubbornly strong in front of everyone, never showing weakness once. She was tougher than even him, her older brother.

He noticed her luggage. "Leaving now?"

Chi Wanzhao nodded.

Chi Yifan: "I'll drive you."

"No need... Okay."

Chi Wanzhao changed her answer and got into Chi Yifan's car.

It was past five in the morning when they arrived in City B. Zhou Sheng was already waiting at the airport. Seeing Chi Wanzhao walk out, he hurried over. "CEO Chi."

Chi Wanzhao followed him into the car.

Zhou Sheng briefed her on a few company matters, then asked, "CEO Chi, straight to the office?"

Chi Wanzhao rested her head against the window, eyes closed. At Zhou Sheng's question, she slowly opened them, still bloodshot. Her voice hoarse, she said, "Back to the apartment."

Zhou Sheng signaled the driver, and they headed to the apartment.

When they arrived, Zhou Sheng got out to open the door for Chi Wanzhao. Lowering his head, he said, "CEO Chi, Madam was very worried about you during your trip to Country A."

Chi Wanzhao glanced at him, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly.

When she reached the apartment, it was quiet. After showering, Chi Wanzhao went upstairs and found Kong Xiyan hugging Yanyan, sleeping soundly. Yanyan looked up at her, suddenly stood, and was about to jump onto her when Chi Wanzhao caught her.

She set the cat outside the door.

The usual warning followed.

"Don't make noise, or no dinner."

Yanyan crouched at the door, watching the other close the door without hesitation, and called out softly, "Meow..."

Chi Wanzhao lifted the covers and got into bed. Kong Xiyan was sleeping right in the middle, hugging a pillow. Chi Wanzhao pulled the pillow away, and Kong Xiyan, uncomfortable, waved a hand and draped it over Chi Wanzhao's shoulder.

Then, like a cat, she burrowed into her arms.

Chi Wanzhao couldn't move, held tightly in her embrace. Looking at Kong Xiyan nuzzling against her chest, she couldn't resist tightening her arms and resting her chin on top of Kong Xiyan's head.

Before long, both were on their sides under the covers.

Holding each other close.

Kong Xiyan, fast asleep, pressed closer to Chi Wanzhao's chest and rubbed against her. Half-awake, she thought fuzzily, Today, Yanyan is a bit too soft, isn't she?