When Song Qinian arrived at the hospital, the old lady had already been moved from the emergency room to a VIP ward.
Seeing her frail form and white hair, Song Qinian felt an ache in her heart. Every passing day brought her closer to death. At ninety years old, she had to endure such a blow.
Upon seeing Song Qinian, the old lady reached out her hand, "Niannian..."
Song Qinian hurried over and clasped the old lady's hand, "Grandma..."
If there was anyone Song Qinian felt she had wronged the most in this matter, it was the old lady. The old lady had been so good to her, knowing her fondness for Shen Chi Yan, she had fulfilled her wish and married her to him. Later, in many of the events that transpired, the old lady had consistently protected her, believed in her unwavering, and stood by her side. Yet, she had left with Li Jun Shen. Upon her return, she had wanted to visit many times but felt too ashamed to do so. She never expected their reunion, two years later, to be in a hospital.
"Zan Zan, have you found him?"
Song Qinian shook her head, tears welling up.
"Alas..."
The old lady sighed heavily, blaming herself, "It's all my fault. If I hadn't insisted on bringing him back to the old residence, perhaps none of this would have happened. If something were to happen to him, I wouldn't forgive myself even in death!"
"No... Grandma, please don't say that. It has nothing to do with you. The person who took Zan Zan was clearly premeditated. No matter where Zan Zan is, that person would have found a way to take him. It's just... we haven't received a call from that person yet, and we don't know their motive. Moreover..." Song Qinian gritted her teeth and spoke with difficulty, "You know very well that Zan Zan is my son with Li Jun Shen, yet you were so good to him. I..."
Before Song Qinian could finish, the old lady interrupted her. She was weak, her voice feeble and heartbreaking. "Silly child, at this point, why are you still hiding it from me?"
"What?"
"Zan Zan is your child with A Yan, not Li Jun Shen's son."
"You..." Song Qinian's face was filled with disbelief. Even Shen Chi Yan didn't know about this; how could the old lady know?
"Zan Zan and A Yan looked like they were carved from the same mold when they were young. Even if Li Jun Shen is Shen Zheng Hao's son and bears some resemblance to A Yan, the difference between them is significant. I had A Yan's and Zan Zan's DNA tested. Zan Zan is A Yan's son."
Song Qinian understood. Of course. What kind of person was the old lady? If she hadn't discovered something, she wouldn't have brought Zan Zan back to the old residence. As much as she adored her great-grandson, she wouldn't have acknowledged Li Jun Shen, let alone his son.
"Does Shen Chi Yan... know about this?"
"He should. My grandson isn't that foolish!"
Song Qinian pursed her lips, her emotions complex. She had thought she had deceived everyone, only to realize she was the clown.
The old lady patted Song Qinian's hand and said with deep meaning, "Niannian, I don't know what you've been through these past two years, but I hope you remember that no matter what you do, never wrong yourself. When you need to rely on others, learn to do so."
Song Qinian could no longer hold back, and tears silently streamed down her face. After Song Guan Liang was imprisoned, she hadn't had a single good day. Just when she thought life was finally looking up, Li Jun Shen's appearance dragged her back into hell. She wanted to rely on others, but she feared bringing them trouble and danger.
"A Yan is your husband, your son's father. I can see that he still loves you. So, discuss anything that comes up with him. You must believe he can shield you from the storm."
Song Qinian nodded, her tears flowing more profusely.
"As for Zan Zan... he is the treasure of our Shen family. Even if we have to turn the whole of Jinghua City upside down, we will find him."
"I know."
"A Yan... is there any news?"
The thought of Shen Chi Yan made Song Qinian even more anxious. Zan Zan and Shen Chi Yan disappeared the same night, leading her to suspect the mastermind was the same person.
Just then, Shen Qi Wen arrived. Shen Qi Wen had been with Shen Chi Yan during his business dealings that evening. Now that Shen Chi Yan was missing, the old lady would surely summon Shen Qi Wen for questioning.
Shen Qi Wen was thoroughly drunk, staggering and slurring his words. "Grandma... why are you lying here? It smells so pungent here. Shall we go home?"
"Stand up straight!" Shen Zheng Ming was furious at his son's embarrassing behavior in front of the old lady. He had sent him to accompany Shen Chi Yan for business, to network with important people and gain connections, but he had returned completely inebriated.
"Oh, isn't this my dad? Haha... Dad, I love you so much! Thank you for bringing me into this world..."
The old lady frowned deeply as she looked at Shen Qi Wen. "Qi Wen, weren't you with A Yan tonight? Where is A Yan?"
"A Yan... ah, Fifth Brother... didn't he go home?" Suddenly, Shen Qi Wen said with utmost seriousness, "Grandma, don't worry. I know Fifth Brother has a sensitive stomach, so I didn't let him touch a drop of alcohol. I drank it all, hehe..." After saying this, Shen Qi Wen started giggling foolishly. Unlike his usual gloomy demeanor, he was quite boisterous when drunk.
"Ah... I feel so sick! Grandma, can we go home? I don't like it here! Wife... Wife..." He yelled "Wife" across the ward, and Lin Lan Xing quickly rushed to support him, a look of disgust mixed with helplessness on her face.
"Alright, stop shouting. Aren't you ashamed!"
"I want my wife, my wife, I love you so much!" Lin Lan Xing's face instantly turned red. Had this man gone mad today, confessing his love for her in front of so many people? Her marriage of two years had been as bland as water. There had been no passion or warmth between them. Shen Qi Wen was extremely busy, and they saw each other infrequently. Even when they did meet, it was a quick encounter before he left again. Lin Lan Xing felt that Shen Qi Wen didn't love her at all. Before the marriage, he at least put in effort, sending her flowers or visiting her. But after marriage, he had left her at home and ignored her. Lin Lan Xing had never seen Shen Qi Wen drunk before, and she never expected him to be so endearing when intoxicated.
Seeing Shen Qi Wen in this state, the old lady couldn't get any information and sighed, "Lan Xing, take Qi Wen home to rest first."
"Okay, Grandma. You rest well. As for Zan Zan... don't worry too much. If the other party wants money, we'll give them money. I'm just afraid they aren't after money." As Lin Lan Xing spoke, she glanced pointedly at Song Qinian, whose brows were furrowed. Song Qinian had a feeling she knew something. However, in the old lady's room, Song Qinian said nothing. After Lin Lan Xing and Shen Qi Wen left, Song Qinian followed them out.
"Lin Lan Xing..." Song Qinian caught up to Lin Lan Xing at the elevator entrance. "Lin Lan Xing, do you know something about Zan Zan's disappearance?"
Lin Lan Xing raised an eyebrow. "What are you asking? It's as if I kidnapped your son."
"You..."
"I just think there are many people who can't stand someone like you. So if your son has an accident, it's your karma!"