Chapter 499: Chapter 499

During this time, Mrs. Shi’s recovery had been going well, and no matter how busy Shi Che was, he would make time every day to visit her in the hospital and sit with her. The conversations between mother and son were still sparse, but their bond was slowly growing closer.

Tonight, Shi Che had a dinner engagement. Although he didn’t drink much, the alcohol had a strong after-effect. As soon as he sat in the car, a slight flush appeared on his cheeks and the smell of alcohol began to rise; he was not drunk, but he habitually started to get a headache again.

Xiao Zhao turned around and saw Shi Che with a tight frown and a slight sweat on his forehead. With worry in his eyes, he couldn’t help but speak, "President Shi, why not skip the hospital today and just go home?"

Shi Che heavily rubbed his brow, his thin lips parted slightly, and his voice, low and raspy from the alcohol, carried a seductive huskiness, "No need, go to the hospital."

Once Shi Che made a decision, it was beyond question. Xiao Zhao knew he couldn’t persuade him and simply closed his mouth.

Lately, President Shi seemed normal, working, socializing, and resting as usual every day. But Xiao Zhao knew he was anything but normal.

He no longer had the usual emotions of happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy. Before, he was expressionless; now... he was like a moving ice block, exuding a cold aura that made people instinctively keep their distance.

Every day he seemed to be operating mechanically, just like a machine.

Xiao Zhao sighed softly again, and couldn’t help feeling a bit resentful towards Ling Chuxia. Ling Chuxia was truly heartless, abandoning President Shi was one thing, but to not even come and visit the old Madam when she was critically ill, despite all the efforts he had made.

The car arrived at the hospital and Shi Che stepped out, heading toward the hospital.

Mrs. Shi’s condition had stabilized and she had been moved back to a regular ward. Shi Che, familiar with the route, walked towards the ward. As he was about to enter, he heard voices coming from inside.

It was Mrs. Shi and Sister Hua talking.

Mrs. Shi: "How come I haven’t seen Yun Shu lately? I haven’t seen her since I woke up."

Sister Hua was also very puzzled and shook her head, "I’m not really sure either. Miss Yun Shu was always by your side before, but she seems to have not returned since she left that day."

After pausing, she continued, "Madam, do you want to see Miss Yun Shu? Shall I give her a call?"

Mrs. Shi slowly shook her head, "No need. If she cares, she will come naturally; if she doesn’t, there’s no need to force her."

Even though Mrs. Shi said this, a trace of sadness still flashed through her eyes. Perhaps it was really because she had been through a near-death experience that many of her thoughts had changed and she had become more emotional. Over the years, she had indeed been very strict with Yun Shu and Chuxia, but after having raised them for so long, how could she not have any feelings? Now that she was in this condition and they didn’t even come to see her, how could she not feel sad?

Sister Hua had been with Mrs. Shi for so long; she could see what was on her mind and knew she was saddened by the two young ladies. She spoke softly, "Madam, I’m sure Miss Yun Shu must have something important that’s keeping her away. She cares so much about you, she must still be concerned about you. And Miss Chuxia, before you woke up, she came to see you too. She even held your hand and called you ’mom.’"

Two voices rang out simultaneously!