Free Web NovelChapter 1104: Chapter 977: Ping’an Makes an Entrance
In the cafeteria, Zhou Jiao had just finished serving her meal, and Zhang Guoqing hurried in from outside the city.
"Weren’t you supposed to wait for me so we could eat together?" he said, handing over what he was holding to Zhou Jiao and nodding in greeting to those at the neighboring tables.
"What’s this? I thought you had already eaten before coming over."
Zhou Jiao took it and opened the lunchbox to find a braised chicken leg and plum vegetable pork dish.
This guy...
Zhou Jiao looked at him with amusement and ran off to buy a few more buns.
Zhang Guoqing came over after washing his hands and glanced at the food. If there weren’t other people nearby, he might have jokingly said a few words. If he hadn’t brought the dish, his wife would have ended up as "Commander Tang."
The couple chatted about trivial matters while eating.
Once the colleagues around them finished their meals and left after bidding farewell, Zhou Jiao nudged him.
"Don’t rush. Ping’an said the old man has a strong desire to live. As for his health, he’s really here, but his mind is clear. When he sees Mom, he holds her hand tightly and won’t let go..."
Actually, it wasn’t as calm as Zhang Guoqing made it sound; he was just trying to keep it brief.
Even though they decided to visit before work this morning, the details of the patient’s condition were unknown, and they couldn’t really visit the patient at the hospital before going to work.
After all, Mr. Lin was a general with a certain rank, and his treatment had always remained the same. Unlike regular hospital rooms, the high-ranking ward was different.
Thus, when Miao Lishan and her grandson arrived, they happened to meet Lin Aidang hurrying out for work.
It had been years since Ping’an had seen him; the always smiling middle-aged man from his memory seemed like a different person now. The military uniform was old...
If the person hadn’t just opened the hospital room door, upon hearing Miao Lishan call him "big sister," Ping’an might have thought it was some old man with audacity breaking in.
Time spares no one; he had truly aged, with a head full of white hair. Ping’an remembered that this man was barely over fifty, similar in age to his maternal grandfather.
At this moment, he somewhat understood why Mr. Lin always tried to pull his maternal grandfather in. After all, a tiger without teeth could no longer protect its cubs.
"Big sister, why did you come so early? Aren’t you working today?" Lin Aidang quickly pushed open the door and took a few steps back to let her in.
Suddenly, his eyes caught sight of the young man accompanying her, and he immediately understood that this wasn’t a Zhou family bodyguard. Judging by his age and familiar face, he exclaimed joyously, "Isn’t this little Ping’an?"
Ping’an gave him a slight smile and nodded.
Truth be told, he really didn’t like the man. Childhood memories ran too deep, especially when the man had swallowed up not only his mother’s belongings but had even accepted the role reversal without hesitation.
Miao Lishan didn’t intend to speak much with him, nodding, "Are you heading to work? Go on, I’m going inside to sit; I have some things to attend to."
Lin Aidang, thinking of his afternoon responsibilities, hesitated for a moment before saying, "Then spend more time with Dad. He’s mentioned you several times. Ping’an, feel free to come by when you can; what a fine young man you’ve become."
The atmosphere felt awkward, as Miao Lishan worried about Mr. Lin in the room, and Ping’an was not interested in making small talk. As far as he remembered, his grandmother visited the rest home several times a month.
Words like this were just to fool his grandmother. But she was also getting impatient; why should he lend a hand?
No matter how spacious the high-ranking ward was, the commotion outside didn’t disturb the light-sleeping Mr. Lin, who immediately called out, "Shanshan is here? Old second, go on with your business; having Shanshan here is enough. Hurry inside."
"Big sister, look how happy Dad is. Hurry in with the child; I only have a half-day off this morning and still need to rush back to the factory. Get in quick."
Once inside, Miao Lishan quickly approached the bed and observed the old man’s expression, "Dad, what’s bothering you this time? Didn’t I tell you not to meddle and take care of your health?"
Following her, Ping’an’s eyes flickered as he watched Mr. Lin extend a hand to hold Miao Lishan’s right hand, squinting his eyes slightly.
"Hahaha, you’re here to scold your old man. Ping’an, come over and let grandpa have a look. Ah, you really take after your father. The last time I saw you, you were this tall..." Mr. Lin gestured with his other hand, "Your dad came to see me recently and said you’ve grown into a fine young man; he wasn’t lying."
"Hello, grandpa."
"Good boy! Come sit over here," the old man patted the edge of the bed, "It’s not even the weekend; why did you decide to come see me? Oh, listen to me talking like this..."
Miao Lishan reproached him, "Didn’t we hear you were hospitalized again?"
Well then, seeing that his grandmother had more to say, Ping’an moved a chair next to Miao Lishan for her to sit, and he also drew a chair close to the old man’s side.
"Ah, once a person gets old, the body is like an old machine that doesn’t work well. Have you heard about your little sister? That child has been spoiled. She used to always complain that I favored you; look at her now... Your dad cannot control her because he’s old, and your elder brother is too far to protect her. How can I be at ease?"
Miao Lishan frowned, "She’s about to become a grandmother herself. You’re at an old age now; how much longer can you worry about her? What’s the use of being concerned? Doesn’t she know the foolish things she’s done? The doctors have already said that your heart can’t take any more stress. Is she hoping you pass away sooner?"
Ping’an saw the old man freeze and almost burst out laughing. No wonder his grandfather said his grandmother’s straightforwardness had its advantages. Could we be sure that this wouldn’t be the death of him?
Recovering quickly from his momentary shock, Mr. Lin said, "What can I do? I’ve spent my life on the front line. In my younger years, I couldn’t take care of you siblings. Now I want to make up for it a bit. I’m not worried about you and your elder brother, but your second brother and sister have it rough. My heart is always concerned."
"How do they have it rough? Are they lacking food or clothes? You’re just worrying too much. Wouldn’t playing chess and chatting with your old friends be better?"
"Oh, you..."
Taking advantage of the moment when Mr. Lin tapped his hand, Ping’an swiftly placed his hand into the bedcover, subtly checking his pulse, a hint of sarcasm passing through his eyes.
Sitting there quietly listening to their conversation felt quite interesting. The elderly man had deeply ingrained routines. A phrase about your big brother, second brother, little sister—was this a form of subconscious influence?
And the expression was reminiscent of the affectionate gaze his grandfather gave his mother. The intimate tone felt familiar, but it seemed quite odd in context.
He couldn’t imagine how such a man had once fiercely fought for the nation on the front lines. Was it possible he had become senile? Or was it an unwilling struggle after having enjoyed power?
He didn’t believe Lin Liyin mingled closely with those people. Even someone as ignorant as a teenager could see through it. Wouldn’t an elder, once in a high position, understand the implications?
So was this hospitalization for treatment all a performance for someone else?
The higher-ups? Or aimed at his maternal grandfather?
Ping’an glanced helplessly at Miao Lishan, whose brow remained furrowed. Even true daughters receive only so much genuine care; how much sincerity can you expect from an outsider?
