That afternoon, Song Guoan was successfully transferred to a VIP intensive care room at Tongji Hospital.
The surroundings were peaceful and the facilities well equipped. More importantly, it was utterly quiet, ideal for recuperation.
While helping arrange the equipment, Chen Lin gave his fingertips a slight flick when Song Qiuya and Ye Qingqing weren't looking.
An almost invisible drop of spirit spring water slipped soundlessly into Song Guoan's mouth.
Only then did he straighten up. Looking at his future father-in-law, who still lay weak in bed but was breathing noticeably more steadily and strongly, he finally felt completely at ease.
"Qiu Ya, Auntie, you should both go back to the hotel and get some rest," Chen Lin said. "I'll stay here."
"No!"
This time, however, it was Ye Qingqing who refused.
She shook her head, her expression leaving no room for argument.
"Xiao Lin, you and Qiu Ya are the ones who need rest most."
"Especially you. You've been running around these past two days, holding everything together."
Her eyes were full of sincere gratitude as she looked at Chen Lin.
"I'll stay with Guoan. I'm not leaving his side."
As Song Qiuya looked at Ye Qingqing's exhausted yet utterly resolute face, something seemed to gently touch the softest part of her heart.
She had always hated this stepmother of hers.
But over the past two days, she had witnessed all of Ye Qingqing's heartfelt worry and concern for her father.
None of it was an act.
"Then... all right."
Song Qiuya hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.
For the first time, her attitude toward Ye Qingqing softened.
"Then... thank you for taking care of him, Auntie Ye."
The words "Auntie Ye" sent a violent tremor through Ye Qingqing.
She looked at Song Qiuya in disbelief, her eyes instantly