Chapter 44 - Father-in-law.

"Congratulations, Mr. Wen. You have fully recovered and will soon be discharged if all goes well in the next tests. " The doctor hung his stethoscope around his neck, his eyes a mixture of doubt and shock as he scribbled something on his book. This patient must be blessed with extraordinary healing genes!

Honglin leaned back on his bed, closing his eyes. "What about Miss Shen?"

"There are still no improvements in her condition but there is no signs of deterioration either. No worry, sir."

Honglin gripped the sheets as guilt entered his heart. If it wasn't for Mengqi extending her body and shielding him, she wouldn't have sustained this amount of injuries.

That foolish girl....

He sighed. "Thank you, Doctor."

"It is my duty. I will be going now, please press the buŧŧon if you need anything." The doctor said.

"Hmm."

The doctor walked out of the room absent minded as he bumped into someone. He raised his head to apologize but instead gasped.

A man with a scarred face and bulky shape twisted his face with annoyance. "Move."

The doctor stuttered. "S-Sorry." But unfortunately he still couldn't find the strength to move, staring at the man with a hideous face.

The man sneered before he pushed the doctor away who couldn't stabilize himself falling down on his buŧŧ.

He ġrȯȧnėd before looking back to see the man enter a room, his vision blurry as his eyeglasses tilted in an awkward angle on his face. Sighing, he rearranged it before he picked his clipboard from the floor and stood up, walking in a fast pace.

Rich people are so scary!

"How are the preparations going?" Honglin's face was grim with impatience.

"Almost done, Sir. We are just waiting for the final phase." The man who just walked in stood at the door, afraid to come closer.

Although everyone thought that his boss behaved in a gentle and approachable manner, the truth was that his boss detested anyone near his personal space. He was a ruthless and relentless man.

"Give me a few days to recover. Then we can begin the next phase. Anything else?"

The man paused before saying. "The Shen family had a brutal stock war with VK over the loss of 1.7 billion yuan invested in the Tang hotels."

"Invest in their latest jewellery collection. Also block all VK connections in this city. But remember, do all of this secretly." He warned.

"Yes, sir." The man exited the room not wasting any time.

Unable to sleep, he walked out of the room and entered another room. His eyes swept over the room, landing on the only male sitting on the couch. "Uncle."

"Honglin." Huizhong sat on the couch in a regal manner, his hands holding a stack of papers. "Why are you still awake at this hour?"

"I couldn't sleep." He eyed the two women on the hospital bed, wrapped under the blankets. "How is she doing?"

Huizhong looked at his wife and his daughter entangled in an embrace, his heart clenching. "Walk with me." He got up.

Honglin accompanied the man, walking in the hospital garden. They finally stopped, looking at the bright auspicious moon each in their own thoughts.

Huizhong spoke first. "Honglin, do you know how many years of friendship our families have?"

"Twenty-five years." Honglin replied. It was impossible not to know, since his father had drummed into him at an early age the importance of maintaining the friendship with Chunlan.

Huizhong's eyes sparkled with surprise and satisfaction. "Twenty-five years has gone so quickly in the blink of an eye. As the oldest and wealthiest of them all, it was my duty to protect and look after them at all cost. I have never regretted it nor will I."

Huizhong walked further with his hands clasped behind his back , leaving Honglin rooted in the spot. He continued to talk. "But I was able to secure my throne because of my ruthlessness and possessiveness. Which unfortunately my Lan'er does not have. She inherited the sweeter and softer side of her mother."

He turned around. "But you do. I have watched you grow up and I know you can sit on top of the business world if you wish. My Lan'er is meant to be living in ease, protected from the harsh side of power. You two will make a good pair."

Honglin lowered his eyes. "But she likes someone else."

"I know. Though I have never hated Jihai, I don't think he is the best choice for my daughter. He is not ambitious nor strong enough to protect her." He shook his head in disappointment.

Honglin tried to keep a neutral expression though he was very happy at the moment. He had already gained her father's approval, so the rest should be easy.

Huizhong patted his shoulder. "I know you liked Lan'er. When she recovers, I will look for an opportunity to suggest the engagement between the both of you."

Honglin bowed, concealing his smile.. "Thank you, Father-in-law."