Ji Yanzhi had wanted to lose his temper. Before the video call connected, he had even prepared to give Ji Ting a thorough scolding. But when he actually saw that sickly face, all the reproaches he had worked up turned into worry, and he could not bring himself to say a single harsh word.
Although he could not steel himself to do it, he still had to say what needed saying. "Ji Ear, the laboratory is right there. It doesn't have legs, and it isn't going anywhere. I refuse to believe the country insists that you produce some great achievement within a limited time. Who exactly is forcing you to trade your health for it?"
Ji Ting pressed his lips together and said quietly, "No one."
"Then why are you racing against every second?"
Ji Ting fell silent for a few seconds. "I didn't want to make the country-or you-wait too long."
Those words sank into Ji Yanzhi's heart, and all his resentment vanished at once.
Not wanting to look too easily appeased, he struggled to keep a stern expression. "Don't think a few nice words will stop me from being angry. If you dare work yourself sick again, I'll drag you back even if it lands me in prison. Try me if you don't believe it."
"And while you're being treated, you have to tell me how it's going every day, including what the doctors say and your medication doses. Got that?"
This time, however, Ji Ting did not agree. Instead, he silently lowered his eyes.
Ji Yanzhi sensed something was wrong. "Ji Ear, what is it?"
"...I'm sorry. I lost the necklace."
Ji Yanzhi's heart suddenly clenched, and a profound sense of disappointment engulfed him. That had been their only means of staying in touch. Losing it meant