Chapter 138: Resilience

I sighed and said, "Ms. Fan, there is something I have to deal with. I’ve been injured and am hospitalized. I’m afraid I won’t be able to get out. Is there something troubling you? Why don't you tell me over the phone? Is it about company business?"

"What? You’re in the hospital? How is that possible? Weren’t you perfectly fine a couple of days ago?"

"I didn't want this either! But misfortune strikes when one least expects it, and there’s nothing I can do. What I’m worried about is that with me hospitalized, the company's work might be delayed."

"Are you in serious condition? Which hospital are you at? I’m coming over right now!"

I thought about the many work-related matters I needed to discuss with Ms. Fan. Although I didn't want her to see me in such a pathetic state, she was my boss, and it was unavoidable. "I’m in the inpatient department of Bo’ai Hospital," I said. "If you want to come, that’s fine. I was just hoping to discuss the company’s operations after the New Year with you."

"Forget about work at a time like this! Just wait, I’m on my way!"

I signaled for Xu Xin to put the phone away and began eating the meal my younger sister was feeding me. Xu Xin, playing the part, sweetly helped me adjust my back and wiped my mouth. Tang Ying fed me while looking at Xu Xin and me with suspicion. After holding it in for a long time, she finally blurted out, "Brother, be honest! When I walked in just now, I saw you two hugging. What was that about?"

I hesitated, not knowing how to explain. Since Tang Ying had caught them, Xu Xin decided not to hide it anymore. Being close in age to Tang Ying, she assumed she would understand. She walked over, hugged my sister, and tried to butter her up: "Big Sister Xiaoying, am I good to you? I even bought an MP3 player for you!"

Tang Ying frowned, sensing something unpleasant. "If I say yes, so what?"

Xu Xin whispered affectionately into her ear, "If I tell you, you have to promise to keep it a secret for me and your brother!"

Knowing things were about to go south, I quickly shouted, "Xu Xin, don't say anything reckless!"

Xu Xin said aggrievedly, "But... your sister is going to find out eventually anyway!"

Tang Ying looked at me and then at Xu Xin, suddenly exclaiming in agitation, "Could it be... that the 'other person' Big Sister Xu spoke of is actually Little Sister Xin? That can’t be, right? Brother, you..."

I was sweating profusely. Unable to laugh or cry, I said, "How is that even possible!" Xu Xin, however, opened her wide, innocent eyes and asked curiously, "What 'other person'? What is my sister talking about?"

Tang Ying said desperately, "What do you mean 'how is it possible'? Look at how intimate you two are! Brother! You aren't really planning on finding a sister-in-law younger than me, are you?"

Xu Xin said innocently, "Big Sister Xiaoying, aren't you happy that I’m becoming your sister-in-law?"

"Are you joking!" Tang Ying jumped up, spilling the rice from the spoon in her hand. She yelled, "How can this be? This is crazy! Brother, are you a pervert? Your girlfriend is a high school student?"

I smiled bitterly, watching my furious sister. Beside me, Xu Xin looked at me with teary, helpless eyes. I sighed and said, "Xiao Xin, go play outside for a bit. There are some things I need to discuss with my sister alone."

Xu Xin obediently said "Oh," and turned to leave, but she stopped by my sister and called out, "Big Sister Xiaoying!"

Tang Ying just snorted and turned her head away, saying, "I’ll return that MP3 player to you tomorrow!"

Xu Xin finally burst into tears and ran out. I couldn't help but say, "Xiaoying! How can you bully people like that? What did Xiao Xin do wrong?"

Tang Ying retorted unyieldingly, "If she did nothing wrong, then you’re the one who’s wrong! I never realized you were such a dishonest person. To think you’d seduce an underage girl—I’m ashamed for you! Are you even a human being? How could you do something so beastly!"

"Tang Ying!" I roared, which triggered a violent coughing fit. The intense coughing immediately aggravated my injuries, and I trembled in pain, cold sweat pouring down my face.

Tang Ying was terrified. She immediately put down the thermos, hugged me, and rubbed my chest, panicked. "Brother, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I was just so flustered. Please, don’t be angry!"

I finally managed to stop coughing and gasped, "Is... is that how you talk to your own brother? Do you really want to be the death of me?"

Tang Ying wiped the cold sweat from my forehead with her sleeve and whispered, "Well... you were in the wrong! Even if I sounded harsh, I wasn't wrong!"

I caught my breath and felt much better. I decided it was time to have a serious talk with my sister. "You’re jumping to conclusions," I said. "The 'other person' Xu Shu mentioned wasn't Xiao Xin; it was someone else."

Tang Ying paused. "Who else could it be? Oh, is it that high school classmate you mentioned before, the one named Qiu something?"

I shook my head. "No, Qiu... I broke up with her long ago. The woman I’m actually dating is someone you’ve seen before—the woman who drives the Ferrari, my former boss!"

"Her!" My sister was shocked. "Didn't I ask you about her before, and you denied it? Why are you telling me it’s her now? And if it is her, why did you quit your job? Do you feel ashamed working under your girlfriend?"

I smiled bitterly. "To be honest, I didn't think we’d end up together at the time. It was only after many things happened that I realized how wonderful she is. By the way, her name is Hua Jingjing, and she was a high school classmate of your idol, Xu Shu."

"No wonder! I was wondering how you could possibly know Big Sister Xu. But what about Little Sister Xin? She just said to my face that she wanted to be my sister-in-law!"

I sighed again. "I admit that Xiao Xin likes me. She’s set on marrying me, and Xu Shu knows this. But neither your Big Sister Xu nor I know what to do. She’s too young, and we’re afraid of hurting her or distracting her from her studies, so we’ve had to take a lenient approach. We’re just hoping that as she grows up, she’ll realize the truth herself. I advise you not to be too hard on her; Xu Xin is a girl who looks strong on the outside but is fragile on the inside. This is likely her first love. First love is beautiful, but often unrealistic. Right now, she’s in the dark and feels happy. I’m afraid that if the truth is revealed one day, it will be a cruel blow to her. I really don't want to do that, but I have no choice. If you don't believe me, you can ask Big Sister Xu; she knows everything."

"But... do you intend to keep her in the dark forever? How could you possibly hide this from her for a lifetime!"

"I don't know. Perhaps problems that seem thorny to us now will cease to exist in a few years. Xu Xin will eventually grow up and meet all sorts of people. Maybe her 'Prince Charming' will appear in her life soon? Then she’ll realize how ugly an old man like me is and how ridiculous this fleeting infatuation was. The problem will be solved easily, and everyone will be happy. Wouldn't that be best?"

"But... but..." My sister still felt something was wrong, but she couldn't articulate what. She hugged me and said, "Brother, I’m sorry. I blamed you wrongfully."

I smiled and said, "As long as you know. Don't talk about this to others, and don't make a scene if you see me with Xu Xin. Let things take their natural course!"

Tang Ying hummed in agreement, then suddenly chuckled. "Brother, when did you become so popular? Beautiful women, both big and small, are crying and begging to marry you. How come I never noticed you had any good qualities before!"

I said with annoyed laughter, "Get lost! Stop being so disrespectful!"

Tang Ying shook my shoulders. "Brother, whether it’s Qiu or Hua, I don't think they compare to even a single strand of Big Sister Xu’s hair. Big Sister Xu is also very good to you! If it were me, I’d definitely pursue her until I won her over. Sigh! It’s a pity I’m not a man. But if Big Sister Xu could become my sister-in-law, that would be wonderful! I could be with her every day and listen to her sing. That would be a truly beautiful and happy life!"

I chuckled, "Come on now, little sister, are you a lesbian? You’re so obsessed with Xu Shu that it’s bordering on abnormal!"

Tang Ying pushed me in annoyance. "Go away! You’re the lesbian! I’m doing this for your own good, aren't I? A super-star, world-class beauty like Big Sister Xu—you don't like her?"

I said, "I have to be realistic! Your brother has no money, no power, and a face that isn't exactly a gift to the world. Why would Xu Shu ever fall for me? Stop daydreaming. Feed me, I’m starving!"

Tang Ying smiled and began feeding me again. After a few bites, she suddenly said with a smile, "Brother, I don't know why, maybe it’s a woman’s intuition, but I have a feeling that Big Sister Xu’s feelings for you are far from ordinary. There’s a lot more to the story! I don't know where you get this luck with women. Since your 'peach blossom' luck is here, why don't you give it a try? You might get an unexpected surprise!"

I gave a bitter laugh in my heart and didn't respond. *How would you know I haven't tried? I once loved Xu Shu with all my heart, and I once boldly kissed her to express my love. But what did that get me? Playing dumb! Evasion! A disguised rejection.*

I remained silent, eating my meal one mouthful at a time.

The door opened, and Xu Xin poked her head in, whispering, "Brother Tang Qian, are you done talking? There’s a woman outside who claims to be your colleague. Should I let her in?"

I knew it was Fan Yunting. "Ms. Fan? Please, come in!"

Xu Xin stepped aside, and Fan Yunting, tall but looking somewhat haggard, walked in. She looked at me in shock. "Tang Qian, how did you end up like this?"

I saw she was holding a bouquet of flowers and smiled. "You didn't have to buy flowers, you know? I’m not a woman!"

Fan Yunting said, "I just bought them randomly; I didn't know what else to get." Xu Xin ran over and said, "It’s perfect, this hospital room really needed some flowers to brighten it up." She took the flowers and began looking for a vase. My sister brought over a chair and said, "Please, have a seat!"

Fan Yunting said, "Thank you!"

I said to the two girls, "Ms. Fan and I need to discuss some business. Why don't you two go outside and play?"

My sister started to say something, but Xu Xin pulled her hand. "Big Sister Xiaoying, let’s go outside. There are some things I want to talk to you about!"

After they left, Fan Yunting sat down. Seeing the look of shock in her eyes, I smiled bitterly. "You see, this is the sorry state I’m in now!"

Fan Yunting asked, "How... did it happen? Why are your injuries so severe?"

I sighed. "Sigh! It’s a long story, not worth mentioning. Anyway, you said you had something troubling you? What is it? Tell me about it!"

Fan Yunting shook her head. "Forget it. Compared to your situation, my little troubles are nothing. Let’s not talk about them. Is your injury serious?"

I bowed my head. "That’s exactly what I’m worried about. The Grain Rain solar term is coming shortly after the New Year. That’s the peak time for harvesting 'Leaf Tip Fragrant' tea. But in this condition, I can’t even get out of bed. I’m so anxious! Ms. Fan, I’m afraid I got injured at the worst possible time and will delay your great entrepreneurial endeavor!"

Fan Yunting said, "What is an endeavor compared to a human life? Just focus on recovering. You are a key person in our company’s future development; we can’t afford any mishaps. I’ll handle the tea acquisition. At worst, I’ll just have to work a little harder, it’s nothing."

I said, "That’s the only way, I suppose. To launch the new product by summer, I can't slack off. As long as the 'Leaf Tip Fragrant' tea is ready, I will crawl to the laboratory if I have to. Don't worry, Ms. Fan. As long as Tang Qian has a breath left, I will successfully develop the 'Leaf Tip Fragrant' tea drink. I will never let down your hopes for me!"

Fan Yunting blurted out, "How can you say that? I won't let you come to work until you’ve recovered. If you’re worried about the company, just get well soon. If you’re not there, I’ll personally take charge, anyway..."

She stopped mid-sentence. I looked at her closely and noticed that Fan Yunting, who usually paid great attention to her appearance, hadn't even brushed her hair today. Her long hair looked a bit messy, and there were dark circles under her eyes; she clearly hadn't slept well. She wasn't wearing her usual light makeup, which explained why she looked so haggard. I suspected something had happened to her, otherwise, she wouldn't have called me to talk at a time like this.

I asked her concernedly, "Ms. Fan, has something happened? You don't look like you’re in good spirits."

Fan Yunting forced a smile. "It’s nothing, I just haven't rested well these past two days."

"Is that so?" I didn't quite believe her, but seeing she wouldn't say more, I didn't press. "After the New Year, I want to gather the R&D staff at the hospital for a meeting. You should come too. I’ll have a detailed plan ready by then, so you’ll have everything prepared for the tea acquisition and won't be caught off guard."

Fan Yunting nodded. "I’ll arrange it. For now, your main task is to rest and recover. Don't worry about anything else. Well, I won't disturb your rest any longer, I’ll be going."

I nodded. "Take care, Ms. Fan."

Fan Yunting stood up, patted the back of my hand, and said, "I’ll come visit you again. Goodbye!" She turned and walked out. When she reached the door, I couldn't help but call out, "Ms. Fan! You are the pillar of this company; please take care of yourself!"

Fan Yunting stopped and stood still for a long time. Suddenly, she turned back. I saw tears welling up in her eyes, but she forced a smile. "Tang Qian! I, Fan Yunting, am someone who can take things as they come! Nothing can break me, so don't you worry!"

I knew she must have encountered something heartbreaking, but I also knew she was a very strong woman. I believed she would pull through.

I nodded firmly, trying to give her encouragement and support with my eyes. Fan Yunting’s tears suddenly fell, but a gratified smile appeared on her face. "Thank you, Tang Qian! I really didn't misjudge you!" With that, she wiped her tears and opened the door to leave.

As soon as she left, my sister and Xu Xin came back in. My sister looked at me with a playful expression. "Brother, why was she crying when she left? Don't tell me you have nothing to do with that!"

I scolded her jokingly, "You gossip! Why do you have to ask about everything? Alright, you go out first, I have something to tell Little Sister Xin."

Tang Ying protested, "Hmph! What could you possibly have to say that you can't say in front of me? What are you two being so sneaky about?" Xu Xin happily pushed her. "Big Sister Xiaoying, just let me and Brother Tang Qian be alone for a little while, please! Just for a moment!"

Tang Ying was pushed out of the room by Xu Xin while laughing and complaining, "Why? I’m his real sister! Are you treating me like an outsider?"

Xu Xin closed the door, let out a soft giggle, turned around, and wrapped her arms around me. She whispered, "Brother Tang Qian, I’m so happy! Big Sister Xiaoying doesn't object to us anymore!"

I was held so tight I couldn't breathe, so I lowered my voice and said, "Wait a second, don't get too happy just yet. I have a nicotine craving. Hurry and get a cigarette and light it for me."

Xu Xin rolled her eyes at me. "I’m in the middle of being happy, why are you interrupting?"

I said anxiously, "Who’s interrupting? Just get it out, I’m really struggling here!"

Xu Xin giggled, fished a cigarette out of her pocket, and put one in my mouth. "If Big Sister Xiaoying blames us later, don't say it was my fault!"

I nodded. "Light it, light it."

Once the cigarette was lit, I took a deep drag. It felt wonderful; there was no way to express it in words.

But, as luck would have it, just at that moment, the door was pushed open. A woman wearing sunglasses and a scarf covering half her face in the middle of the night walked in quietly. Seeing me puffing away, she angrily tore off her sunglasses and growled, "Tang Qian!"