Zhang Yan’s appearance startled the three people on the scene.

Chen Yao furrowed her brow, while Chen Jinlong instinctively avoided her gaze.

A flicker of uncontrollable panic flashed in Zhou Hui’s cloudy eyes. “A Yan, you... why are you here? Get up quickly, don’t cry, don’t cry, it’s nothing serious...”

She spoke as she forcefully pulled her daughter to her feet.

Behind her, Chen Shuangshuang, who had run over, stood stunned, her hands and feet icy cold, murmuring to herself, “Cancer... cancer...”

In her understanding, cancer was synonymous with death.

Chen Yao looked at Zhang Yan, her gaze flickering briefly before quickly returning to its usual coldness. “Zhang Yan, I was going to have Mom call you, but since you’re here, it’s just right.”

After a long moment, Zhang Yan’s sobbing gradually calmed.

She wiped her face roughly with her sleeve, her eyes bloodshot as she looked at her mother. “Mom, what exactly is going on?”

Zhou Hui looked at her daughter’s full-of-concern gaze, opening her mouth but not knowing what to say.

She felt too guilty toward this daughter and really didn’t want her involved in such matters, so she had kept it hidden.

Only when the results of last Tuesday’s check-up came out did she realize she might not have much time left, which compelled her to come look for her at her rented apartment.

Chen Yao, however, had fewer reservations. She directly handed over a thick stack of medical reports. “Zhang Yan, she is still your mother after all. You have the right to know. The lymphoma was detected several months ago, and she has been undergoing first-line treatment all along. It has already cost several hundred thousand yuan. I just found out about this myself.”

Zhang Yan took the thick stack of reports, her hands trembling.

She flipped through them in a panic. Every word was familiar, but together they seemed incomprehensible.

She was unwilling to believe and didn’t want to accept it.

“A Yan.” Zhou Hui stretched out her rough, withered hands, grasping her daughter’s arm and trying to take the reports from her. “It’s not certain yet... keep doing chemotherapy. Maybe, maybe it can be cured.”

“Chemotherapy?” Chen Yao suddenly interrupted. “BR is already resistant! In this case, only second-line treatment can work!”

Zhang Yan’s light instantly froze, and she nervously asked, “What do you mean?”

Chen Yao seemed too tired to explain further and said, “Forget it. I can’t explain it clearly to you. Don’t think I’m trying to scare you. You should go see the doctor yourself! The results from last week are out too. You’ll definitely get the most accurate answer today.”

She had only recently found out and didn’t know the exact details inside but understood the gist.

One thing was clear: Zhou Hui’s condition had worsened, with even a risk of transformation. Once treatment started, it was a bottomless pit.

Hearing this, Zhang Yan bit her lip hard and said nothing more.

She took out her phone and began searching for those unfamiliar terms in the reports one by one.

Her mind was ringing with noise, unsure of what she was doing.

She just acted instinctively, as if grasping a floating log to avoid being drowned by despair.

Chen Shuangshuang had come over at some point, hugging Zhou Hui and quietly sobbing.

People came and went around them, the door to the consultation room opening and closing.

Mou Li kept her head high, immersed in her own world outside.

After waiting for nearly half an hour,

The clinic’s voice broadcast system clearly called out “Zhou Hui.”

Zhang Yan suddenly raised her head and immediately pulled her mother’s arm. “Let’s go, Mom, let’s ask the doctor!”

Zhou Hui looked at her daughter, took a deep breath, and finally followed her through the door.

Zhang Yan handed the reports to the doctor.

Her tone was filled with undeniable panic. “Doctor, I want to ask again, what exactly is my mother’s condition now?”

Seeing her so unsettled, the doctor pointed to the PET-CT images on the computer screen.

Patiently, he explained, “The patient’s condition is follicular lymphoma (FL), and the response to first-line treatment has been poor...”

As the professional explanation unfolded, Zhang Yan and Chen Shuangshuang gradually understood.

If the initial first-line BR immunochemotherapy regimen could control it, long-term remission with no recurrence could be achieved, amounting to a “clinical cure.”

Many patients could even live like normal people.

But unfortunately, Zhou Hui developed drug resistance during chemotherapy, with a risk of transformation into aggressive lymphoma.

Immediate second-line treatment was necessary.

One option was the R2 regimen, which is targeted therapy.

For Zhou Hui’s case, if no transformation occurs, the progression-free survival period could exceed three years, with some chances beyond five years.

After urban and rural medical insurance reimbursements, the annual out-of-pocket cost is around 150,000 yuan.

The other option is CAR-T cell therapy, currently the most advanced and effective treatment.

It works by modifying the patient’s own immune cells to kill tumors, with a complete remission rate of about 50%. Some patients may achieve functional cure.

However... the total cost is about 1.5 million yuan.

Zhang Yan stood behind her mother, biting her lower lip tightly, her hands clutching the hem of her clothes hard.

The good news was that this cancer had a complete treatment plan and hope for survival.

But... 1.5 million...

That number was like an insurmountable mountain, suffocating her.

Even 150,000 yuan annually for targeted therapy was a huge sum for her.

...

R&

F Yingkai Plaza, Xingyun International Group (Yangcheng) branch.

Lulu wore a small suit, sitting upright on the sofa in the reception area.

Her palms were slightly sweaty, her heart full of unease.

She knew she would most likely just be a passenger today.

The previous interviewees included candidates for ByteDance’s strategy role and outstanding overseas graduates.

Each one was excellent and confident.

After all, Xingyun International Group was an undisputed giant in China’s advertising media industry, backed by Tang Entertainment, a powerful tree.

It was said they were preparing to go public, making them very attractive to top talent.

For someone like her from a small company, she was one of the lucky few.

She opened her phone and sent another message of concern to Zhang Yan’s WeChat.

Still no reply.

Since 9 a.m., after Zhang Yan had gone to the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangcheng Pharmaceutical University, she hadn’t responded.

Lulu vaguely sensed something was wrong but couldn’t bring herself to call.

At that moment,

The HR girl’s voice rang out: “Zhang Lulu, this way please.”

Lulu took a deep breath, put away her phone, stood up, and followed her into the glass-partitioned interview room.

After a brief self-introduction, the interview officially began.

The questions were professional and sharp.

The entire interview wasn’t long, and her performance was only mediocre.

When the interviewer finally said the standard line, “We’ll contact you later,”

Lulu’s suspended heart finally died.

She knew it was no good.

If the second interview were satisfactory, they would clearly communicate the follow-up arrangements and even a specific timeline.

She politely thanked them and followed the beautiful HR girl out, her face showing an undeniable trace of disappointment.

Just as she stepped out of the meeting room and was about to turn left,

At the end of the left corridor, several people in suits just happened to walk toward them.

Men and women, all with impressive aura, walking with a commanding presence.

Lulu recognized one of them: the HRD who had appeared in the reception room before, standing respectfully on the side.

Next to the HRD were a man and a woman.

The woman was tall and sexy, her figure absolutely stunning.

And the man—

Tang Song?!

“Ah!” Lulu cried out and her feet froze.

She blinked hard, thinking she was hallucinating.

Today, Tang Song wore a tailored dark suit, his figure tall and slender.

He exuded a powerful, unignorable pressure.

This was completely different from the gentle and kind “middle school classmate” she had seen two days ago in Zhang Yan’s shabby neighborhood!

“Shh—” The HR girl next to her was startled and quickly held up her hand in front of Lulu, lowering her voice nervously, “The top leader from headquarters has arrived. Let’s wait here a bit and let them pass first.”

Lulu’s eyes grew wider and wider, her heart pounding wildly.

Tang Song? The leader from Xingyun International Group headquarters?

My god? No way!

She felt her brain was overloaded.

That night, they sat like ordinary friends, eating barbecue together, chatting about work and life!

My heavens! I never imagined he was a hidden big shot?!

Footsteps drew closer, and the strong aura approached with them.

Just as Lulu was nervously frozen, unsure whether to greet or pretend not to know him,

A deep gaze landed on her, flashing a trace of surprise.

Tang Song slowed his steps, and the others immediately followed suit.

The HR girl was frightened by this sudden turn of events, bending down and respectfully calling out, “Director Wen, President Tang...”

Tang Song stopped in front of the two, a warm smile on his face.

“Good morning, Lulu. What are you doing here?”

As he spoke gently, all eyes instantly focused on Zhang Lulu.

Lulu felt a rush of heat to her head, her cheeks flushing bright red.

Her voice stammered, “I... I’m here for an interview today.”

Hearing this, Tang Song raised his eyebrows, surprised by the coincidence.

But it was a good opportunity.

Zhang Yan was too introverted;

having someone familiar in a new environment would surely help her adapt better.

Thinking this, he smiled and lightly patted Lulu’s shoulder.

Encouragingly, he said, “Xingyun International Group is a very good platform. Keep it up!”

Lulu was instantly thrilled and dizzy, feeling as if she was floating.

“Thank you for your encouragement! I will definitely work hard!”

“I’ll be going now. Let’s chat again when we have time.”

“Okay, bye.”

After a simple farewell, Tang Song and his group continued forward.

The HR girl next to Lulu exhaled softly, her expression turning warm and eager.

“Zhang Lulu, wait a moment. I’ll talk to the leaders and see if I can get you a quick response. Honestly, for talent like you, we really fear other companies stealing you away.”

Lulu held back her excitement and nodded. “Okay.”

The HR quickly returned to the interview room, the door clicking shut.

Lulu vaguely heard hurried, hushed conversations inside.

After a moment, the HR girl smiled at the door and respectfully gestured “Please come in.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. You can come in now. Let’s discuss your salary and future career plans.”

“Thank you!”

...

In the consultation room,

The doctor closed the medical record, his expression serious. “One more thing must be clear: once lymphoma recurs, it becomes more aggressive. You must immediately arrange for hospitalization to undergo a comprehensive second-line treatment evaluation.”

“Okay, okay, we understand.”

Zhang Yan and Chen Shuangshuang walked out of the consultation room dazed.

In the corridor, the smell of disinfectant mingled with oppressive silence.

The group walked out of the oncology department and into the second-floor lobby’s waiting area.

Zhou Hui looked at her two daughters’ lost expressions, feeling heartbroken. She forced herself to speak, “A Yan, you should go to work, and Shuangshuang should go back to school...”

“Mom! What do you mean by that?” Chen Yao sharply interrupted. “So my work isn’t really work? I’m still in my probation period. Since we’re all here today, let’s just clear this up to avoid future trouble!”

Zhang Yan’s lips trembled as she cast her gaze toward the middle-aged man who had been silent.

“Uncle Chen, what do you think?”

“Dad...” Chen Shuangshuang called out with a sob, full of pleading.

Chen Jinlong finally lifted his head, his face full of hesitation and unavoidable avoidance.

He and Zhou Hui had come to Yangcheng to rent and work;

their real roots were still in their hometown, a county-level city in northern Guangdong.

Selling their old home to prepare a wedding house for their son, then borrowing money to pay for the 1.5 million yuan CAR-T treatment... that was simply impossible.

That house had contributions from his ex-wife and son, who was about to marry. If this got out, the wedding would definitely be canceled.

But after so many years of marriage and having Shuangshuang, to say there were no feelings was a lie.

Looking at the pale Zhou Hui beside him, then at his youngest daughter, Chen Jinlong tightly clenched his blackened hands together.

He muttered vaguely, “This... this matter can’t be solved right away, maybe...”

Before he finished, Zhou Hui interrupted bluntly, “Old Chen, let’s prepare. Let’s get the divorce done in the next couple of days.”

“I...” Chen Jinlong lowered his head in shame. “You know Bingwen is about to get married. Maybe... maybe we should keep this a secret until after the wedding...”

“Dad! How could you keep it a secret?!” Chen Yao said urgently, afraid her father would soften. “This isn’t a cold or fever! Even if you drag it without treatment, complications will come one after another. Won’t they all need care and time?”

Chen Jinlong opened his mouth but couldn’t argue a single word.

Zhou Hui slowly shifted her gaze from her husband, who had always chosen avoidance, eyes filled with sorrow.

Her life and love had never been smooth.

When she was young, she met Zhang Yan’s father while working away from home. For love, she married into the countryside of Yan Province thousands of miles away, only to be cheated on and abandoned.

After remarrying Chen Jinlong for life, their family was always unhappy with constant quarrels.

But when Shuangshuang was born, she always thought she could endure and persevere like this, spending her life this way without divorce.

She had long prepared herself. Even if Chen Jinlong said he would do anything to pay for her treatment, she would not agree.

But his attitude had truly broken her heart.

Her only wish now was for her two daughters to have a better future.

Especially... Zhang Yan.

This poor daughter was introverted and had endured many hardships;

she owed her so much.

At that moment,

Chen Yao looked at Zhang Yan, her tone suddenly softening. “Zhang Yan, look, this is your real mother. All these years, she has scrimped and saved to send you so much living money. Now with this situation, what do you think?”

She knew Zhang Yan’s personality and hoped she would take on this mess voluntarily.

However, hearing this, Zhou Hui suddenly stood up.

Her body shook violently from the sudden movement.

She grabbed Zhang Yan’s hand, pulling her behind, her eyes red as she glared at Chen Yao. “Chen Yao, what do you mean by that?!”

Although usually courteous and warm to this stepdaughter for family harmony, Zhang Yan was her biological daughter and her irreplaceable treasure.

She wouldn’t burden the Chen family, much less her own daughter.

“I just want to discuss a solution.” Chen Yao averted her gaze.

“That has nothing to do with her! I’m telling you, none of you are to lay a finger on her!”

Watching the frail figure standing before her, Zhang Yan’s tears fell uncontrollably.

This was the first time she saw her mother so fiercely protect her.

The figure before her overlapped with the warm, all-capable figure from her childhood.

Since she could remember, her father had worked away from home for years, and she was raised by her mother.

Her entire childhood was spent on her mother’s warm back and soft embrace.

Until the sudden divorce in fourth grade.

In her heart, she always had the deepest reliance and adoration for her mother.

Hearing Zhou Hui’s words, Chen Yao grew annoyed and angry.

Her words became sharp and bitter. “How much living money have you secretly sent her all these years? Saving every penny each month! What, now you won’t even let your biological daughter help? My brother and I aren’t your real children, why should we cover for your bottomless pit?”

Zhou Hui trembled with anger, pointing at her. “Don’t be sarcastic! Haven’t I earned money for your family?”

“That was for Chen Shuangshuang’s tuition and living expenses!” Chen Yao refused to back down. “My brother and I’s expenses were paid by my dad and my real mom! Plus, your early chemotherapy has already cost the family sixty to seventy thousand yuan. Do you really want to drag our family down?”

“Yao Yao, say less!” Chen Jinlong finally stood and tugged his daughter’s arm, then turned to his wife, about to soothe her.

Zhou Hui stared at Chen Yao with a resolute voice. “I won’t continue treatment! Living is suffering anyway! Don’t worry, I won’t be a burden to any of you!”

“Mom!” Zhang Yan couldn’t bear it anymore and stepped forward, grabbing her mother’s hand.

Her voice choked but clear. “I’ll take care of you. I’ll find a way to pay for the targeted drugs too.”

Zhou Hui felt as if stabbed. “I won’t be treated! Don’t you understand? I don’t have many years left! Why waste the money?”

Zhang Yan wiped her tears, stubborn like never before. “You have to try, or I’ll regret and blame myself forever.”

Looking into her daughter’s eyes, Zhou Hui stood stunned, tears streaming down, not knowing what to say.

An indescribable guilt and sorrow surged within her.

Chen Shuangshuang looked at her “big sister,” bit her lip, and cried along.

Chen Jinlong’s face was full of shame, but he only sighed heavily.

Chen Yao seemed to have found a way out.

She said, “Don’t worry, even if treatment is necessary, Zhang Yan won’t pay alone. We will definitely contribute.”

She didn’t want to push too hard. If it came to divorce court, property division would be a huge mess.

The ideal state now was to make clear divisions of responsibility so Zhang Yan, the biological daughter, would naturally take on this heavy “mess.”

Zhang Yan silently nodded, not wanting to argue over empty promises.

Chen Yao’s tone returned to calm. “Dad, I’ll call my brother and tell him the situation here. We’ll also discuss how much money is appropriate.”

Chen Jinlong lowered his head, sighed, then stood and walked to a corner.

Chen Shuangshuang bit her teeth and ran after him quickly, pulling his hand, seemingly pleading.

Zhou Hui weakly leaned on the bench, her cloudy eyes tightly closed.

Zhang Yan lowered her head, her mind full of her mother’s condition and how to raise money.

Her mother would be hospitalized and thoroughly examined next;

she would have to accompany her fully, meaning she couldn’t continue working.

Anyway, she wouldn’t last long at work today. She would likely be among the first employees to be “optimized” out.

Of course, before that, she had to reclaim the three months of overdue performance bonuses and travel expenses the company owed her, down to the last cent.

Fortunately, the 150,000 yuan annual cost wasn’t a one-time payment. As long as she could get through the initial stage, there was hope.

Xingyun International Group, bathroom.

Lulu looked at the flushed, bright-eyed version of herself in the mirror, squeezing her thigh hard.

The clear pain confirmed this wasn’t a fantasy born from resentment after failing the interview.

A huge, uncontrollable wave of joy suddenly overwhelmed her!

Her mood was like winning a five-million-yuan lottery, no, even more thrilling!

Not only did she get into the dream big company, but she also found a powerful backing! This was the kind of “miracle” only seen in dramas!

To hell with the fat guy! Grandma’s not serving you anymore!

Hahaha!

She took several deep breaths to calm her wildly beating heart, then suddenly remembered something and quickly took out her phone.

As soon as she unlocked it, a long unread message popped up.

[Zhang Yan: “Lulu, sorry, I’ve been busy and just saw your message. Could you please take care of Juzi after work for me? I might not be able to come back tonight. Also, could you help with the previous drafts?”]

Seeing this long message, Lulu’s heart jumped.

She immediately realized something serious must have happened on Zhang Yan’s side!

She knew a little about Zhang Yan’s complicated family situation. Now her mother was sick.

And Zhang Yan needed to stay by her bedside, and judging by the tone, it might not be just a day or two, maybe even... losing her job.

Given Zhang Yan’s personality, if she said “please” and “trouble,” it basically meant she was desperate.

Without hesitation, Lulu hurried outside while dialing Zhang Yan’s number.

The call rang for a long time until the system automatically hung up without an answer.

Lulu’s forehead broke out in a cold sweat, her heart tightening.

She had wanted to share this huge joy with her good friend immediately and tell her about Tang Song, but now this happened.

At that moment, the familiar, gentle voice came again.

“Lulu, finished the interview?”

Lulu suddenly looked up and saw Tang Song standing in the corridor.

She hurriedly greeted, “Tang... President Tang, yes, just finished the interview.”

Noticing the undeniable anxious expression on her face, Tang Song asked gently, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Lulu hesitated, looking at this man with a strong aura who inexplicably made her feel at ease, thinking of his relationship with Zhang Yan.

Her tone was urgent, “It’s... something happened with Zhang Yan.”

Tang Song’s relaxed smile immediately disappeared, his expression tense. “What happened?”

A flurry of hurried footsteps approached from afar.

Chen Jinlong and the others returned, each with complex, unreadable expressions.

Chen Shuangshuang lowered her head and silently sat back beside her mother, shoulders shaking as she wiped tears.

Chen Yao walked straight up to Zhang Yan, looking down at her condescendingly. “I just contacted my brother. He’s tight on money right now—dowry, wedding, renovation, all need money. He really can’t spare any.”

She paused, seeming to worry her words were too cold and might provoke her.

She added, “Of course, we’re not ignoring it. After my brother’s wedding and this period passes, we’ll try to gather some money for you. You’ve worked almost three years and must have saved some. Use that to cover it first. You should know, the family has spent all savings on Mom’s early chemotherapy and even owes debts.”

Zhang Yan pressed her lips tightly, not responding.

She silently endured it all.

Her work had never gone smoothly, from Imperial Capital to Yangcheng, always losing jobs due to various reasons.

Now, her total savings were only 17,000 yuan.

Her mother’s early hospitalization costs needed around 30 to 40 thousand.

After a moment of silence, she took out her phone.

She then noticed two missed calls on the screen.

One was from Lulu;

the other... was from Tang Song.

Because her phone’s vibration was weak and she had been distracted, she hadn’t noticed.

Looking at “Tang Song” flashing on the screen,

Her heart felt stabbed.

An indescribable emotion surged within her.

Uncontrollably, scenes flashed through her mind.

She was being swept along by the waves of life, moving passively forward.

At this moment, she was most grateful that on Friday night she had mustered the greatest courage of her life to write that letter to Tang Song.

Otherwise, she might never have had this chance.

At that moment,

“Buzz buzz buzz—” the phone vibrated again.

[Director Bai Rui]

Zhang Yan quickly stood and walked to a corner.

Taking a deep breath, she pressed the answer button.

“Zhang Yan, what do you mean?!” The angry voice of Bai Rui came immediately. “It’s Monday! You didn’t even call me to discuss your leave, just didn’t show up at work. This is absenteeism, do you know that?!”

“I...” Zhang Yan’s voice was low and hoarse. “Brother Bai, I’m sorry. I’m at the hospital. My mom is sick.”

Bai Rui paused. “I don’t care if it’s true or not. I’m calling to tell you that since your mind isn’t on work, just resign early. Hand over your work in the next couple of days. Don’t cause trouble.”

Zhang Yan clenched her phone tighter, her breathing quickening.

Shucheng Technology was the company she had stayed at the longest since graduation, more than a year.

It was also the foundation for her to stand hard in this unfamiliar city, Yangcheng.

Though she had prepared herself mentally, when the word “resign” was spoken so lightly, she felt an uncontrollable panic.

She glanced back at her mother sitting in the corner, who needed her support.

All her timidity and retreat were replaced by overwhelming pressure.

She put aside pride and dignity and earnestly pleaded, “Brother Bai... could you have the company lay me off? I... I only need one month’s severance pay.”

“Heh.” Bai Rong immediately interrupted, “So you already have another job lined up, huh? Got the offer today? No wonder you were so confident last Friday! Don’t even think about severance pay. Impossible.”

“I don’t...” Zhang Yan wanted to explain, but bit her lip and gave up the useless argument, her voice firm. “Brother Bai, the three months’ performance bonuses and previous travel expenses the company owes me must be paid in full when I leave.” ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ N()velFire.net

Bai Rui was silent for a moment, then his tone became perfunctory. “That... we’ll discuss later. The company’s finances are under review, so no bonuses have been paid for now. It’s not just you;

everyone’s bonuses are unpaid. You can start the resignation process.”

“No, I must have that money.” Zhang Yan’s tone was serious like never before.

She had worked overtime desperately in the last three months, wrote two viral articles, plus other scattered achievements. The bonus on the evaluation form should be over 10,000 yuan.

Add the unpaid travel expenses, close to 20,000 yuan.

Although the company had issues recently and the money hadn’t arrived, it was hers.

If she could get that money, her mother’s hospitalization deposit and preliminary examination fees would be covered.

For her now stuck in quicksand, lost and helpless, this was not just money.

It was her only hope.

Bai Rui seemed angered by her firm attitude, shouting, “Zhang Yan, what’s with this attitude?! I’m not saying no, just that it will be delayed!”

“Then I’ll apply for labor arbitration!”

“Fine!” Bai Rong laughed angrily. “Go ahead! I’m waiting!”

The call was slammed down.

Listening to the busy signal, Zhang Yan’s hand holding the phone dropped weakly.

Her mind went blank but also flooded with thoughts.

Hospital deposit, targeted drugs, rent, Juzi...

The suppressed emotions suddenly burst.

Overwhelmed by massive confusion and fear, she stood dazed in a corner of the bustling first-floor lobby, shivering all over.

All sounds surged at her like a tide, yet seemed far away.

“Sis... sis.”

A somewhat unfamiliar, timid voice called from her ear.

She slowly turned and saw Chen Shuangshuang, who had somehow come to stand beside her.

Chen Shuangshuang’s eyes were red, and she pointed at the phone in Zhang Yan’s hand, softly reminding, “Your phone’s been ringing the whole time.”

Zhang Yan slowly looked down at her phone screen.

The name [Tang Song] flashed.

Like a blazing flame, it burned so hot she nearly dropped the phone.

She quickly regained composure, nerves taut.

She didn’t dare answer, didn’t want him to hear her voice, nor have any connection at all.

The call stopped, but just two or three seconds later, it rang stubbornly again.

[Tang Song]’s name flashed again.

“Bang bang bang—”

Zhang Yan’s heart pounded faster and faster, as if it would burst through her chest.

Finally, her finger uncontrollably slid open the green answer button.

The receiver transmitted Tang Song’s anxious voice: “Zhang Yan? Why haven’t you answered? Are you okay?”

“I... I’m fine...” Zhang Yan bit her lip tightly, summoning all her strength to squeeze out the words.

Tang Song immediately noticed something was wrong in her voice and asked directly, “Where in the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangcheng Pharmaceutical University are you?”

“I... I...”

“Tell me!”

“Outpatient building, second floor... lobby.”

“Wait there for me, don’t move, and don’t hang up!”

The receiver carried hurried breaths and wind sounds.

Zhang Yan kept the phone to her ear, utterly panicked.

He’s coming? How does he know I’m here?!

A fierce urge to flee instantly captured all her attention.

At that moment,

Chen Yao came up to her, somewhat impatient. “Zhang Yan, it’s almost noon. Don’t just stand here daydreaming. If you’re going to arrange hospitalization, hurry up. I have urgent matters at the company this afternoon. I don’t have time to waste here!”

Chen Jinlong also stood and walked over, mumbling, “I’ll go home later and pack your mom’s things and bring them over.”

Zhou Hui coughed twice, looking at her daughter’s pale face, gently advising, “A Yan, maybe... maybe we should go back first...”

Their voices formed a huge net, fixing Zhang Yan in place.

The wind noise in the receiver continued.

Then Tang Song’s clear, strong voice rang again. “There are too many people. I can’t see you. Zhang Yan, raise your hand!”

Zhang Yan’s brain hadn’t reacted yet, but her body instinctively made the most natural motion.

“I see you.”

“Zhang Yan! Over here!”

The last four words came from outside the receiver.

Zhang Yan sharply turned and looked toward the voice.

At the stairwell, amidst the surging crowd.

He wore a finely tailored dark suit, tall and upright, hair slightly messy but enhancing his elegant bearing.

His expression still carried lingering anxiety, his right hand also raised.

He passed through the line of people, through anxious patients’ families, through waves of astonished gazes.

Walking toward her.

All the surrounding noise instantly blurred and faded into the background the moment he appeared.

His figure grew clearer and closer.

Zhang Yan could clearly hear her wild, nearly out-of-control heartbeat.

Finally, he stopped before her.

“Are you okay? Zhang Yan!”

A long, warm hand tightly grasped her raised hand.

The burning heat transferred ceaselessly through their palms, instantly dispelling the cold all over her body.

“Tang Song.” Zhang Yan instinctively called his name, her gaze full of emotion.

Opposite her, Chen Yao’s mouth dropped open in shock, staring at the extraordinarily handsome young man who suddenly appeared, unable to react.

Zhou Hui’s heart skipped a beat, looking at the stranger holding her daughter’s hand.

Chen Shuangshuang’s swollen, red eyes suddenly brightened.

“I heard from Lulu that your mom is sick and hospitalized? Don’t panic. Slowly tell me, what exactly happened?”

Tang Song spoke, his gaze sweeping the surrounding group before settling on a pale middle-aged woman.

From her features, some resemblance to Zhang Yan could be faintly seen.

Zhang Yan looked at Tang Song, her lips trembling, tears filling her eyes.

Beside her, Chen Shuangshuang mustered courage and stepped forward, her voice thick with nasal tone and sobbing. “Mom... she’s sick... it’s cancer...”

Then she detailed what she had just heard.

She was smart and mature for her age. Seeing Tang Song’s dress and aura, she knew he was extraordinary.

Plus, considering his relationship with her sister, maybe he was their only lifeline.

Tang Song’s eyes flickered, his heart shaken.

He knew Zhang Yan’s background, so hearing about her mother’s hospitalization and her unreturned calls, he was very worried.

Cancer!

Fortunately, lymphoma was a malignant blood tumor that could be treated with CAR-T cell therapy.

This revolutionary technology, hailed as “humanity’s hope against cancer,” was a “special weapon” targeting blood tumors.

He knew this well because Smile Holdings’ star company, Guyu Biotech, produced “Kaintai” injection—the most effective and clinically outstanding CAR-T drug among the five approved in China.

Just a few days ago, when Rongliu Capital invested strategically in Guyu Biotech, he had heard Shen Yuyan report in detail on Kaintai’s latest Phase III clinical data.

Feeling Zhang Yan’s slight trembling through their joined hands,

Tang Song took a deep breath, then turned to look at Zhou Hui and introduced himself. “Hello, Auntie, I’m Zhang Yan’s friend, Tang Song.”

Zhou Hui was stunned, shyly nodding. “Hello, hello.”

“Auntie, don’t worry.” Tang Song spoke warmly. “This disease is treatable. Medicine is very advanced now. The most important thing is to stay calm and cooperate with the doctors.”

He then lowered his head and squeezed Zhang Yan’s hand, comforting her. “Don’t be afraid. I’ve looked into it. For this lymphoma, there’s a CAR-T cell therapy with a high cure rate.”

Coming back to her senses, Chen Yao couldn’t help but speak. “CAR-T therapy costs 1.5 million yuan. We should first arrange hospitalization for targeted therapy, which is more practical.”

Because of Tang Song’s presence, her tone softened a lot.

But her main goal was to get things moving quickly and have Zhang Yan take responsibility.

Zhang Yan pursed her lips and whispered, “I... I’ll go arrange hospitalization now.”

Although still feeling panic and inferiority, in this most helpless moment, his appearance gave her a sense of reliance.

Due to family upheaval and living as a dependent from childhood, she never had a sense of security or dared truly rely on anyone.

“Wait a moment. I’ll make a call.” Tang Song gently tugged her hand.

He took out his phone and quickly dialed.

“Hello, Zhao Fei.”

“Help me check which hospital in Yangcheng is most authoritative for lymphoma treatment.”

The other end seemed to reply quickly.

“The Sun Yat-sen University Affiliated Cancer Hospital? Okay, that one.”

Tang Song turned his head, looking warmly at Zhou Hui. “Auntie, can you tell me your full name?”

“...Zhou Hui.”

Tang Song continued on the phone, “Please book a single deluxe ward at Sun Yat-sen University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, patient name Zhou Hui. Also, I need an urgent consultation by the hospital’s hematologic oncology expert team.”

“Yes, do it immediately! I’ll take people over right now.”

Hearing his words, the group was stunned, looking at him with a surreal and shocked gaze.

“Deluxe ward,” “expert team,” “urgent consultation”...

Any one of these was an unthinkable privilege reserved for “important people.”

The key was Tang Song didn’t show off or act pretentious but calmly and seriously arranged it.

This had a huge impact on their perception.

Zhang Yan’s breathing grew rapid. That dreamlike feeling surged again.

After this reunion, Tang Song always made her feel unreal.

Whether suddenly appearing downstairs in the dim light, filling her fantasies with a gentle weekend,

Or now, appearing like a divine soldier descending in her most desperate and helpless moment, arranging everything for her.

Chen Yao’s eye twitched violently, feeling like this scene was straight out of a TV drama.

“Is... is what you said... true?”

Chen Shuangshuang’s incredulous voice broke the silence, her eyes bursting with intense light.

“Of course.” Tang Song nodded, his gaze returning to Zhang Yan, becoming much gentler. “Zhang Yan, your aunt’s health is the priority. Let’s go to the hospital. Don’t worry, it will be fine.”

Zhang Yan bit her lip and nodded softly.

She wasn’t stupid. Now that her mother had cancer, getting the best treatment was more important than anything.

Then she stepped forward and held her mother’s hand.

Chen Jinlong and the others instinctively followed, their expressions varied.

The group formed a strange procession, passing through the noisy hospital corridors, descending the stairs, and exiting the hospital doors.

Tang Song spoke directly, “My car can’t fit so many people. I’ll take Zhang Yan and Auntie first. You can take a taxi and follow behind. We’ll meet at the hospital entrance.”

After speaking, he stepped to the roadside.

Soon, a Rolls-Royce slowly approached and stopped before them.

The driver, dressed in a black suit and white gloves, quickly got out, walked briskly to the rear, and respectfully opened the door.

In that instant, both stunned Zhang Yan and Zhou Hui, along with Chen Shuangshuang, were completely dumbfounded.

The weathered face of Chen Jinlong showed a flash of reverence and awe as he instinctively took a half step back.

Chen Yao’s eyelids twitched violently, her expression turning indescribably complex.

A Rolls-Royce Phantom... with a dedicated driver...

Her throat moved, and her stunned face paled.

It felt as if her brain had been violently struck.

Then endless regret surged.

At this point, she no longer doubted what Tang Song had just said on the phone.

Combined with the grandeur he now displayed,

This was a real “big shot.”

And such a person was Zhang Yan’s friend, clearly with an extraordinary relationship!

If they hadn’t completely fallen out with Zhang Yan and her mother before,

Maybe they could seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance, climb the social ladder, and change their family’s fate.

“—thud—”

The heavy car door closed gently, completely isolating the outside noise, chaos, and gazes.

Zhang Yan and Zhou Hui sank drowsily into the soft leather seats in the back.

The quiet, high-end interior enveloped them, the air filled with a clean, expensive blend of leather and wood fragrance.

Zhang Yan sat there, her vision slightly blurred.

Outside the window was the familiar, struggling city of Yangcheng.

Inside the window was a strange and distant world.

Her gaze fell on Tang Song.

He sat in the wide front passenger seat, turned slightly, speaking softly on the phone.

His side profile under the shifting light and shadows outside the window appeared deep and focused.

The boundary between reality and dreams blurred again.