My father bid farewell to Huang Ying's family and went to the hospital with Lu Shiyan.
In the hospital corridor, I saw busy medical staff, critically ill patients brought in by ambulances, and family members crying heartbrokenly in the halls.
This was the intensive care zone, where the probability of death was high.
My father, dusty and tired from the journey, arrived. "Mom, I'm back."
Grandma lay in the hospital bed, an oxygen tube in her nose. Her already haggard face now looked even paler and weaker.
"She was fine a few days ago. How did she suddenly become like this?"
Su Ning'an rushed over, crying. "Dad, it's all my fault. When you went to the airport, I was worried no one was looking after Grandma, so I went to check on her. Grandma's mental state wasn't good. As soon as she saw me, she started yelling at me, saying I drove Sister away. She even threw things at me. I dodged, and Grandma fell to the ground."
"I shouldn't have dodged. If I hadn't, Grandma wouldn't be like this. Dad, hit me, punish me."
I wondered if she had taken acting classes at the Beijing Film Academy beforehand. How could the tears come so easily?
Predictably, the family, who had come to care for Grandma, started comforting her instead.
This was Su Ning'an's usual tactic, and it worked every time.
Grandma was still lying in bed, eyes closed, while everyone comforted the instigator right in front of her.
If Grandma were conscious, she would be furious with Su Ning'an.
Perhaps that was Su Ning'an's plan—no need for force, just make Grandma angry to achieve her goal easily.
"Alright, alright. Grandma's health was never good. How can it be your fault? Stop crying. Take good care of Grandma. She'll get better."
"Mm."
Su Ning'an went to grab Lu Shiyan's hand. "Brother, did you find Sister?"
Tears still streaked her face, paired with an innocent smile. Who would suspect she was the one who killed me?
Lu Shiyan's face was as dark as soot. He subtly withdrew his hand from hers.
"No."
My mother finished tucking Grandma's blanket and looked at the two. "That wretched girl wasn't over there?"
"No."
"Then where could she be? Oh no, could something really have happened to her? Honey, maybe we should report it to the police. I have such a bad feeling."
"No, we can't. I'll have friends investigate privately. If we involve the police and this gets out, do you think the losses for our two families aren't big enough? Besides, this matter ultimately involves Ning'an. There are plenty of online trolls."
The incident of Lu Shiyan jilting me at the wedding had caused quite a stir. The stock price fell for several days in a row, and the Old Master was furious.
If this got out too, it wouldn't benefit anyone.
But we are both his daughters. Why does he only think of Su Ning'an?
I couldn't help but wonder, if he found out about my death, would he still protect Su Ning'an?
Compared to him, my mother was sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. Her face clearly showed worry. "Honey, what if Su Wan really has..."
"Impossible. She must still be in the city. Let's search properly. We'll find her. Everyone, keep your mouths shut. Not a word."
"Alright."
I looked disappointedly at the man I had called father for over twenty years. So, this is my standing in his heart.
My brother suddenly exclaimed, "Grandma's awake!"
Instantly, everyone looked towards Grandma, including me. I rushed to Grandma's side.
And Grandma's cloudy eyes were looking in my direction.
Was it my imagination? She saw me!