Chapter 222: Whispers of Support

Lin Zheng Ran noticed her setting down the phone. “Something up at home tonight?”

Jiang Jingshi was straightforward with him: “Qian Qian said my parents and grandfather are all at home. They’re probably discussing her joining the Jiang Group.”

After saying that, she looked at Lin Zheng Ran. She’d caught bits of his phone conversation earlier.

It was probably Lily calling with that little sister named Heqing.

Lin Zheng Ran said, “Perfect, I should head back too. Just like I mentioned, at most a month and I’ll find a way to treat Jixin Disease. In a week, I’ll call you with an update, whether I have it or not.”

Jiang Jingshi picked up on what he meant: “So you’re not coming to the company this week?”

“Haven’t we handled most of the company’s issues today? The rest are minor and can wait. Your health comes first. For Zheng Shi Company, let Pan Lin—Pan Jie—keep me updated on anything urgent. Focus on resting and staying calm, don’t let fear take over.”

Lin Zheng Ran thought for a moment: “As for Jiang Group matters, I’d suggest you turn them all down. Like I said, nothing’s more important than your health.”

Jiang Jingshi’s gentle, almond-shaped eyes fixed on Lin Zheng Ran without blinking. Believing in power like this was truly terrifying.

Once she started trusting this man, even though doctors had said the illness was incurable, she suddenly felt less panicked.

“Alright, I’ll go with what you say, sis. But…” She hesitated: “Should I have the driver take you home?”

“No need. I’ll just grab a cab. Otherwise, you’d have to go out of your way and waste your rest time.”

Lin Zheng Ran thought to himself about researching that so-called immortal pill. Would just reading medical books be enough to break through to the next level?

Still, this illness might spark other ideas while he read. His Level Two All-Encompassing Mastery had already built up skills rivaling many expert geniuses. Coming up with a new treatment was possible.

Lin Zheng Ran opened the car door: “Pan Jie!”

Pan Lin, standing with the driver in the distance, heard and hurried over.

Seeing Jiang Jingshi’s red, tear-streaked eyes, Pan Lin felt it deeply and wiped her own reddening eyes: “Mr. Lin, what do you need?”

Lin Zheng Ran knew Pan Lin was one of the most loyal to Jiang Jingshi in the company. It showed in countless details over the past three years, which was why Jiang Jingshi often kept her close:

“For now, put off any non-urgent company matters. For anything critical, call me directly so Jiang Jingshi can rest easy.”

“Got it, no problem, Mr. Lin.”

Lin Zheng Ran added, “Also, I’ll send you a list of books tonight. Get them for me tomorrow—I need to review them.”

Pan Lin wasn’t sure what Lin Zheng Ran was up to, especially now, but she nodded anyway.

“Once you send the list, I’ll have someone get them right away.”

Lin Zheng Ran glanced back at Jiang Jingshi before leaving: “If anything comes up, call me anytime.”

Jiang Jingshi nodded, watching him prepare to go: “Okay, take it easy on the road.”

Her slender hand clenched slightly on the seat, reluctant to see him leave.

Lin Zheng Ran smiled.

“I know. I’m off.”

He turned and walked away, pondering which books would be best.

Jiang Jingshi and Pan Lin watched Lin Zheng Ran’s figure fade into the distance.

In the back seat, Jiang Jingshi’s almond eyes held a soft gaze, her lips still tingling from that brief earlier touch.

She couldn’t quite pin down her feelings, but she knew clearly that if she ended up bedridden or worse because of this, in these precious healthy months, the person she’d most want by her side was Lin Zheng Ran.

Jiang Jingshi’s lips curved into a faint smile.

She marveled at how deeply she’d fallen for him without realizing it. She always thought that at life’s end, she’d want to see Qian Qian most, but now it was him she craved.

“Well, I guess I got my wish just now?”

“Does that count as being his woman now?”

“Jiang Jingshi…”

Jiang Jingshi’s thoughts were interrupted by Pan Lin. She turned to see Pan Lin with tears streaming down, sniffling and wiping her eyes.

Her voice choked: “What are we going to do about this…?”

This startled Jiang Jingshi. She weakly chuckled: “Why are you crying? It’s nothing serious.”

“How is this not serious? You’re so young and dealing with this illness. Then there’s Qian Qian and the old chairman…” Pan Lin’s words came out in sobs; she truly felt for Jiang Jingshi.

Jiang Jingshi sighed and comforted her: “Don’t worry about all that.”

Gazing at the distant figure now gone: “I believe in him.”

Just like when she got lost in the residential area as a kid and first saw him—though unfamiliar, she just knew he’d lead her out of trouble.

That must be love at first sight.

Jiang Jingshi finished, hearing Pan Lin still crying softly. She laughed and cut in:

“Enough! Stop crying! I was just starting to calm down, and now you’re making me scared again. Tell the driver to head home.”

Pan Lin thought Jiang Jingshi was incredibly strong, staying so composed despite the diagnosis.

She wiped away her tears and nodded firmly: “Alright, I’ll get the driver now.”

Lin Zheng Ran left the hospital and headed to the hotel where the Three Little Ones were staying.

By then, the three had finished dinner.

Tonight, they’d all sleep here together.

He knocked on the door, and the three, sitting on the bed watching the same phone, straightened up in unison.

Heqing whispered: “Is that Lin Zheng Ran?”

Lily quickly asked: “Is it Zheng Ran?”

Han Wenwen: “Lin Zheng Ran?”

Lin Zheng Ran called from outside: “It’s me. Open up.”

The three lit up with excitement.

Once inside, with them all on the bed, Lin Zheng Ran briefly explained his plans.

“I’ll be pretty busy these next few days, going through a lot of materials. I won’t be able to hang out with you three for a bit. As for the trip, if things go well, we’ll go next week as planned. If not, it might get pushed back. Either way, I’ll call you all about it.”

Though the Three Little Ones didn’t know what was happening, they sensed Lin Zheng Ran’s seriousness, like something big was going on.

They exchanged glances but didn’t ask why the trip might be off. Instead, they all nodded.

In unison: “That’s fine. You call the shots—we’re good with it.”

Heqing added: “The trip’s just for fun. Handle your important stuff first.”

Lily said: “Just follow your plan. We’re your girlfriends, so we’ll go along with you.”

Lin Zheng Ran thought these three were being extra well-behaved right now.

He reached out and patted Lily and Heqing’s heads, giving Han Wenwen just a glance instead.

Han Wenwen smiled at the corners of her mouth.

Lin Zheng Ran said: “Alright then. You three keep enjoying yourselves here. I’m heading home.”

Heqing called out: “Lin Zheng Ran, wait! Have you eaten yet?”

Lin Zheng Ran turned back: “Not yet.”

Lily grabbed a packed box of pickled fish from nearby and said playfully:

“We got this for you while we ate. From your call, you sounded busy, so we figured if you’d eaten, we’d keep it. Since you haven’t, it’ll tide you over. There’s veggies and a big box of rice in there.”

Lin Zheng Ran took the dinner with a smile: “Thanks. I’m off then.”

The three waved: “Take it easy on the road!”

Once more, they watched Lin Zheng Ran leave from the door.

The Three Little Ones looked at each other.

Heqing said: “Looks like the company’s really busy.”

Lily blinked, watching him head downstairs: “Hope Zheng Ran wraps this up soon.”