The next day…
As the sun rose over the capital of H City, light glinted off GL Holdings' skyscraper.
Inside, Wang Zi Rui stepped into the stark office, his gaze sweeping across the quiet room as sunlight streamed through the glass windows, carving sharp shadows along the floor.
His eyes then settled on the man at the center of the room—his father, clad in an all-black suit, head bowed as he studied the papers in his hands. A few strands of white broke through his neatly combed hair, yet his well-defined nose and sharp jawline still bore the mark of a once strikingly handsome man.
It was Wang Jing Feng's first day back at work after his hospitalization, yet his eyebrows were furrowed in a frown.
"President Wang," Zi Rui said, his voice steady as he called for his attention. Jing Feng looked up, setting the papers aside as his gaze met Zi Rui's.
"Vice President Wang, a storm hit Province A yesterday," he began, his hands clasped on the desk. "In accordance with regulations, the workers were required to inspect the buildings for any structural damage." He paused, his expression tightening slightly. "However… an accident occurred."
Zi Rui's expression remained impassive as he stood rigidly, hands resting at his sides, as motionless as a robot awaiting its next command.
"At present, no reports have been made public, and the investors remain unaware," Jing Feng stated, his voice steady and authoritative. "However, that will not last long. You will leave for Province A immediately and handle the matter before it escalates."
"Okay," Zi Rui replied flatly. His face held no emotion as he left the office.
Meanwhile, Jing Feng's gaze remained fixed on the glass door long after Zi Rui had left, though his mind was elsewhere.
A month earlier, in the hospital…
The lights flickered overhead as Jing Feng lay on the bed, listening to his father, Wang Cheng Shou. The old man was dressed in a forest-green cashmere cardigan layered over a crisp white polo shirt, its collar folded neatly against his neck.
Even inside the hospital room, he carried himself with unmistakable authority, his presence filling every corner as though it were simply another boardroom under his control.
"What do you mean, Father?" Jing Feng asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"This time it may be just a fractured arm, but in the future, we can't predict what will happen," Cheng Shou said, his tone serious. "It's time for Zi Rui to come home and take over the family business."
Jing Feng shook his head. "I don't agree," he retorted. "You have three grandsons—why does it have to be him?" He looked back at Cheng Shou. "Besides, he's lived abroad for ten years. How can we be sure he's really suitable?"
"That's exactly why he needs to be trained first," Cheng Shou replied, stepping closer. "And I want… you to train him." His voice carried the weight of command.
Then, at the Gala Night…
Jing Feng stood behind Zi Rui, his gaze locked on him, fingers slowly tightening into a fist. Why must you return? he thought, disdain gleaming in his eyes.
Those memories came to Jing Feng, only to vanish as he blinked, his eyes drifting away from the doorway Zi Rui had passed through to the cityscape beyond the glass window. Shortly after, he turned his attention back to the papers on his desk.
Meanwhile, Zi Rui returned to his office and sank into his leather chair. Moments later, Si Qi knocked on the half-open door before stepping inside.
"Boss, you called?" Si Qi asked.
"Book me the earliest flight to Province A. We have an emergency," Zi Rui commanded. Si Qi bowed slightly in acknowledgment before leaving to handle it immediately.
…
At the same time, inside the Han Residence, Song Meiqi began beating the eggs, adding vanilla extract and mixing them carefully.
"Young Miss, what are you making? You seem busy," Auntie Mei asked, having just returned from watering the plants.
"I'm making chocolate chip cookies," Meiqi replied.
"When I visited the Little Light Foundation yesterday, I found out one of the kids is in the hospital, recovering from a heart condition. I decided to pay her a visit."
"But is it really okay for you to go?" Auntie Mei asked worriedly. "The hospital is in the city… what if someone recognizes you?"
"It's okay. I've already prepared," Meiqi said, smiling faintly to reassure her. Yet a flicker of unease lingered, the thought of the familiar hospital creeping at the edges of her mind. She shook her head, forcing the worry away.
Two hours later, Meiqi, her face hidden beneath a white mask and a black cap that nearly swallowed her head, stood at the child's bedside. The little girl, dressed in a hospital gown, smiled brightly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of a celebrity.
Fortunately, it was a private room, so Meiqi could be herself. She listened as the child shared her stories and worries, and her heart ached. How strong this little girl was—to face such an illness and still choose to be happy.
Moments later, Meiqi sang the child to sleep. The little girl rested soundly as Meiqi quietly planned to buy her some food outside before leaving.
Just as she exited the elevator, she caught sight of a familiar figure. Her brows knitted into a frown. Why is Uncle here? she wondered, hurrying her steps—only to have broad shoulders suddenly block her view.