Chapter 94: Chapter 94

When Shen Jianian woke up, everything around her was pure white. The faint scent of disinfectant lingered in her nose, and her neck ached as if it had been reconnected after being broken.

"Jianian, you’re finally awake."

An excited voice rang in her ears. Shen Jianian blinked lightly and saw Bai Changxia’s delighted smile, as if he had escaped from death.

"How are you feeling?" Bai Changxia leaned down and asked.

Shen Jianian instinctively raised her hand to touch her neck, but Bai Changxia stopped her midway, preventing the motion: "The doctor bandaged you up. Don’t touch it randomly; the injury is severe."

Shen Jianian’s throat moved slightly. She wanted to speak but found it difficult, her throat burning painfully.

"Don’t worry, I’ll get the doctor."

Bai Changxia tucked her hand back under the blanket and rushed out, almost bumping into the man standing guard outside the door.

"Watch her, I’ll call the doctor over."

Qu Mo, hearing the commotion in the ward, spoke coldly and stepped away to the other end of the corridor, entering the elevator.

Bai Changxia patted her chest, calmed herself, and returned to the ward.

Soon, Qu Mo brought a doctor over, a man in his forties. After examining Shen Jianian, he spoke with a mask that concealed his expression.

"Doctor, why can’t she speak?" Bai Changxia asked nervously.

"She was nearly strangled and suffocated; she needs time to recover. Don’t worry, she will get better slowly." The doctor reassured her, "I’ll prescribe some medication for her later. Taking it on time will help her recover faster."

"Okay, okay." Bai Changxia nodded quickly.

Qu Mo escorted the doctor out of the ward, took out his phone at the door, and called Fu Jichen, who was far away in Beicheng, to report Shen Jianian’s condition.

"She’s conscious now, but she still can’t speak." Qu Mo lowered his voice and said, "I reported to the police, but they have no leads yet."

"Stay with her every step of the way. Once she recovers, escort her to Beicheng." Fu Jichen pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice deep and serious. Despite careful planning, they overlooked Shen Jianian’s side and had no idea who had acted against her. In any case, having her under his own watchful eye was more reassuring. "Report any incidents to me."

With just a few brief words, the conversation ended. Qu Mo returned to the ward and tried asking Shen Jianian: "Do you know who hurt you? Just nod or shake your head."

Shen Jianian closed her eyes to recall. She hadn’t seen the man’s face, only knew he was tall and strong, appearing silently behind her. A rough rope locked around her neck, crossing tightly at the back, using tremendous force. It wasn’t a kidnapping attempt; he wanted... to strangle her on the spot.

Shen Jianian’s chest rose and fell as she took a deep breath and slowly shook her head.

Qu Mo knew he couldn’t get any information, so he didn’t ask further. Even the police hadn’t found the assailant, obviously someone who intended to hide and wouldn’t reveal himself easily.

Fortunately, a young man walking his dog passed by, accompanied by a German Shepherd. This type of dog is highly vigilant and robust, capable of explosive strength when encountering danger, and it saved Shen Jianian.

Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

Qu Mo walked out of the ward, closing the door behind him, his hands clasped behind as he stood guard outside.

In Beicheng, also at a hospital, Fu Jichen turned and walked into the ward after finishing the call.

Mr. Fu woke up the day he was brought to the hospital, but the attending physician advised staying a few more days for safety, monitoring various health indicators in real-time. After all, he was elderly, and a sudden collapse was a serious matter.

There were many in the Fu Family, and after discussion, they took turns to watch over him.

This time it was Fu Jichen’s turn. He pulled up a chair and sat beside the hospital bed, his phone in hand, his gaze deep and unreadable.

He pondered who wanted to harm Shen Jianian, and for what purpose. Was the target Shen Jianian herself, or the person behind her, him?

The first suspects were some family members. Unable to deal with him, they targeted someone close to him to send a warning. It wasn’t impossible.

His aunt, Fu Jianfang, had said in the hospital that day that he would surely face retribution.

There’s no such thing as retribution in this world, only human intentions.

The old man on the hospital bed coughed, and Fu Jichen immediately withdrew from his myriad thoughts, looking over: "Grandpa, you’re awake?"

When he arrived, Mr. Fu was asleep, and he didn’t wake him, just kept silent watch at the bedside.

"Hmm." Mr. Fu opened his mouth with some difficulty, breathing heavily, "What were you thinking about?"

He had actually been awake for a while; his grandson just hadn’t noticed. He saw the usually calm and reserved grandson with slight frowns furrowing his brow, as if deep in thought.

To be honest, his grandson had changed a lot since his return. Initially, when he came back to the company, his gaze was sharp, his actions ruthless, speaking and acting without leaving room for others, earning him a reputation for being unapproachable. Now, he had acquired a more peaceful aura, embodying genuine leadership qualities, which was a good sign.

"I was zoning out, not thinking about anything."

Fu Jichen smiled, stood, poured a glass of warm water, supported Mr. Fu, and personally attended to him while drinking.

Mr. Fu leaned back against the pillow, sighing: "I always felt my body was robust, stronger than most old men. But when a man ages, he can’t help but accept it. Once you fall, you have to concede."

"Grandpa, what are you talking about? This was just a minor accident. After you’re discharged and take good care of yourself, you’ll be just like before." Fu Jichen comforted him in a gentle tone, though he was concerned about Yicheng and couldn’t relax entirely.

The old man looked at him, his lips curling into a smile: "It’s rare to hear our Fu Da say something pleasant."

"Look at what you’re saying." Fu Jichen’s lips formed a faint smile, "So, do I usually speak unpleasantly?"

"You just realized?" The old man shook his head, "Most women can’t tolerate it."

Fu Jichen suddenly lowered his eyelashes, thinking of someone who indeed, he had upset to the point of tears a few times.

But she was also stubborn and unyielding, often giving in with harsh words but surely cursing him in her heart, sometimes retaliating in anger with barbed words, a spirit that sometimes incited considerable irritation.

Mr. Fu watched his face closely, immediately capturing the shallow smile that spread across his features, feeling puzzled but asking nothing.

"Wrap up the matter over in Yicheng and come back." Mr. Fu said with a sense of emotion, "Your grandpa is old, the company needs you, and the family needs you."

Fu Jichen’s eyes flickered but he didn’t hasten to agree.

"What, still mad at grandpa for sending you to Yicheng back then?" Mr. Fu’s wrinkled face hardened, with a slight scold in his tone.

"No." Fu Jichen replied dutifully, "I always listen to grandpa."

"The Xu Family’s daughter is still studying abroad. Once she graduates and returns home, things between the two of you should be settled." Mr. Fu raised the hand lying on the blanket, intending to pat his grandson’s arm, but couldn’t reach, so gave up, "You’re not getting any younger. You should be concerned about your marriage plans, maybe visit the US and meet the young lady, nurture the relationship in advance."

Fu Jichen didn’t respond.

"Understood?" Mr. Fu adopted a more serious tone, wanting a clear assurance from him.

A knock on the door gave Fu Jichen a moment to breathe. He didn’t have to get up to open it, but he did, using it to escape Mr. Fu’s probing gaze.

Fu Zhengjun held a thermos at the door, exchanging a brief glance with his son.

Fu Jichen stepped aside to let him enter, turning his back to the bed, "Grandpa, Dad brought you some food. I’ll head out first."

With that, he left without looking back.

Inside the ward, Mr. Fu sighed heavily.

The final part of the conversation between the grandfather and grandson was overheard by Fu Zhengjun at the door. He spoke to console the old man: "Some things can’t be rushed; forcing him won’t help."

"Not rushed? At his age, you were married with children already..."

The conversation stalled there, and both father and son froze, recalling an old matter from thirty years ago.

"The one who bought the original equity from Yun Han’s hands was Xiao Hesheng. What exactly does he intend to do?" Mr. Fu pounded the bed in frustration, looking furious, "Does he want to avenge his sister?! Does he even know..."

"Dad!" Fu Zhengjun interrupted, his expression also grim, "Let’s not talk about it. Have some soup."