Chapter 171: Family Love and Romantic Love
"Is everything at the hospital taken care of?" Ling Chen initiated a conversation.
"Almost. If things go well, I’ll return to Beijing next week."
"That soon?"
"The hospital in Beijing has asked for my help." At this point, Zhu Xiaozhu looked at Ling Chen and said, "When will you come to Beijing? You could come to see me."
"I can’t say for certain. I’ve got work obligations, and it looks like I won’t be able to leave anytime soon."
Before Nanrong Wanqing’s crisis is fully lifted, he won’t leave casually. Besides, he doesn’t have much interest in Beijing. The headquarters of the Ghost Organization is based in Beijing; he’s far more familiar with it than Zhu Xiaozhu, a local, could be.
As the nation’s political center, it’s too chaotic there; East Sea City is much better.
Zhu Xiaozhu seemed hesitant and appeared to hold back something she wanted to say.
Seeing this, Ling Chen couldn’t help but ask, "What is it you want to say?"
"Actually, I think for someone as capable as you, it’s not necessary to stay with the Nanrong family as security. It’s somewhat of a waste of talent. If you’re willing, with your abilities, I believe there are better opportunities out there for you." After speaking, she hurriedly clarified, "Don’t overthink it. I didn’t mean anything else; it’s just a suggestion."
Ling Chen gave a faint smile: "I know. But since I chose this job, I should at least see it through. The Nanrong family is facing a crisis right now. It wouldn’t be right for me to walk away at a time like this."
"A crisis? A business crisis?"
"Not a business one. The crisis I’m talking about relates to the personal safety of the Nanrong family."
Zhu Xiaozhu nodded, showing an understanding yet puzzled expression. "Given the Nanrong family’s vast business and the wide range of areas involved, it’s normal to have a few adversaries."
Living in Beijing’s big melting pot, she had seen too many such cases to be fazed by them.
"Ling Chen."
"What’s up?"
"You and my older brother… did you two have a falling out?" Zhu Xiaozhu bit her lips lightly as she spoke.
Ling Chen’s heart stirred, "You mean Zhu Hong?"
"He came to see me today and brought up the matter. I don’t know what misunderstandings you two might have, but you’re my friend, he’s my brother, and I sincerely hope you can put aside past grievances and make peace. If you don’t mind, I can try to mediate between you two and set up a time for both of you to clear up any misunderstandings."
"Clear up?" Ling Chen’s smile carried a hint of bitterness. "Xiaozhu, I know you mean well, and I understand your feelings, but some things can’t be cleared up. What’s between him and me… it’s not exactly a misunderstanding. Anyway, you should stay out of it. I don’t want our relationship to be affected because of him."
"Isn’t there any possibility of reconciliation?" Zhu Xiaozhu asked dubiously. "What exactly happened between the two of you?"
Ling Chen shook his head and didn’t take up her line of questioning. He could hardly tell Zhu Xiaozhu that Zhu Hong had once plotted against his own life. Such a revelation might have a great impact on her.
"Xiaozhu, since we’ve made the rare effort to dine out together, let’s talk about something else." He smiled, attempting to steer the conversation away.
"I’m sorry."
Zhu Xiaozhu spoke softly. Unable to see a resolution between Ling Chen and Zhu Hong, she truly had no other care in mind. One was the man she admired, the other her biological brother—each held a significant place in her heart.
Hearing her apology, Ling Chen gave a helpless, bitter smile. Without a clear answer from him, Xiaozhu probably wouldn’t let go easily.
Gazing at the slightly swirling red wine in the tall glass, he pondered for a moment and then spoke, "Xiaozhu, I know you hold deep affection for your brother, but it’s difficult for me and him to reconcile. It’s not just about me, but also about him. I can’t back down in this matter, be it a matter of principle or anything else, I have no choice. If you want us to make peace, then there’s only one possibility: he must give in. There’s no other way."
He paused, then continued, "Xiaozhu, you are my friend – someone I don’t want to hurt. But I can’t guarantee anything because nobody knows what the future holds. If I ever do something that wrongs you, I hope you can forgive me."
After listening to his words, Zhu Xiaozhu stared at him blankly, a hint of deep solemnity welling up in her eyes.
Though Ling Chen hadn’t spoken plainly, she understood the implicit meaning; the discord between him and Zhu Hong had become irreconcilable. She couldn’t comprehend what had happened to make Ling Chen so resolute.
Seeing Zhu Xiaozhu remaining silent, Ling Chen felt a sour ache in his heart. He had planned to enjoy an indulgent candlelit dinner with Zhu Xiaozhu, but now, he simply wasn’t in the mood.
The presence of Zhu Hong was more than just a thorn lodged in Zhu Xiaozhu’s throat; it was also a needle piercing deep into his own heart.
He never denied that he liked Zhu Xiaozhu very much. In his heart, she was a gentle woman, with a serene temperament and the potential of a virtuous wife and mother—this type of woman is perfect for a life partner.
There had been times when he’d fancifully pondered in his dreams—if he could make Zhu Xiaozhu his wife, how perfect that would be.
Yet, reality was often so cruel that it made every step difficult.
Zhu Hong was Zhu Xiaozhu’s older brother—that was an insurmountable gap. If he wanted to be with her, he had to confront this issue head-on.
All this time, he had been trying to ignore it, afraid of adding to his troubles.
But tonight, Zhu Xiaozhu brought it up, and he knew that he could no longer skirt around the matter.
"We only have each other, my brother and I. Since we were children, he has always worked hard to look after me. No matter what I did wrong, he stood up for me, pleaded with our family on my behalf, and took responsibility for my mistakes. In my heart, he has always been a good brother. I once told him that if there were a next life, I would still wish to be his little sister."
Listening to her soliloquy-like narrative, the bitterness in Ling Chen’s eyes deepened.
He knew full well that Zhu Xiaozhu was conveying to him the profound familial love between her and Zhu Hong—irreplaceable in her heart.
At that moment, outside the Xiyuan Restaurant, a Rolls Royce escorted by two Range Rovers slowly pulled up to the entrance.
Su Lin was the first to step out of the car, followed by Nanrong Hao pushing a wheelchair, with Nanrong Wanqing close behind.
As Nanrong Wanqing entered, she accidentally glanced at the muscle car in the parking lot and was instantly captivated.
There was only one person in the whole of East Sea City who would drive that kind of car.
Ling Chen, was he here too?