Shang Xuci was furious.
He clenched his fist, then unclenched it, his voice hoarse and filled with agony. “I don’t know.”
He hadn’t even known Sui Sui was injured.
The atmosphere suddenly grew quiet and heavy.
Jian Xun instinctively glanced at Shang Xuci. The man had lowered his eyes, his face dark, suppressing his anger.
The cat began to struggle. He didn’t want Shang Xuci to know about his injury, blaming it all on his own wandering.
Jian Xun thought it was a bit much for a human, but kittens were naturally curious, free-spirited, and lively creatures. Who could really blame a kitten?
“Who’s so cruel as to target a cat’s injuries?” Gu Ming frowned. The technique clearly suggested someone with medical training.
Shang Xuci almost immediately replied, “My former doctor, Fang Xiuyuan.”
“It was him?!” Gu Ming was stunned for a moment, then realized it was exactly the sort of thing that person could do. Only someone with a twisted heart would have the urge to destroy something so cute.
Shang Xuci’s accident had also been caused by that person.
“I’ll give Sui Sui a thorough check later to see if he has any other hidden injuries.” Gu Ming quickly sent a message on his phone. “You won’t be able to move around for a while, so I’ll find someone I can trust to take care of you.”
Shang Xuci said solemnly, “Sui Sui, I’ll trouble you.”
He closed his eyes, and the image of Fang Xiuyuan smiling on the deck, holding the cat in his arms, returned to his mind. The cat in his arms had been silent too.
So, he had been enduring it all that time.
Shang Xuci couldn’t imagine how Sui Sui, with his tattered body, had dragged himself alone to find water and catch fish, silently enduring the pain just to accompany him every day on the isolated island.
The cat was so patient. He had petted its ears, its head, its back, its belly, its tail, its paw pads countless times…
The only thing he had never touched was its hind legs.
He took a deep breath.
Shang Xuci slowly opened his eyes.
He didn’t want to wait any longer.
Shang Xuci took out his phone and made a call.
“So you’re studying medicine?” Shang Xuci, his eyes covered with a cloth, addressed the newcomer, listening to the voice and pinpointing the person’s location.
The acquaintance Gu Ming had mentioned was Meng Jingxue, whom Shang Xuci had met at the sea concert.
“Are you surprised?” Meng Jingxue smiled, wearing a white coat. “I thought you knew.”
“I thought you worked at your father’s company.”
“Maybe it’ll be like that in the future. For now, I’ll stay a doctor for as long as I can. After all, that’s what I majored in.” Meng Jingxue continued, sitting in a chair beside the bed. “After you disappeared, Uncle Shen and the others disembarked at the stopover.”
“What exactly happened that day?” Meng Jingxue asked curiously. “Did you really jump into the sea for a cat?”
She didn’t believe what Senior Brother Gu had told her. In Meng Jingxue’s eyes, Shang Xuci had always been indifferent to animals since childhood. There had been other people on the boat with cats, yet Shang Xuci hadn’t even spared them a glance when they passed by—despite owning a cat himself.
When Shang Xuci recalled jumping into the sea, his memory flashed back to the cat’s panicked, helpless fall. He never wanted to relive that despairing scene.
Meng Jingxue, noticing his expression, tactfully avoided further questioning and changed the subject. “I ran into Uncle Shang on the way here.”
“Yeah.” Shang Wei had brought Jiang Yuanqing to see him, but Shang Xuci declined, citing illness as a reason not to visit.
He didn’t need any false concern.
He was genuinely surprised that someone like Xu Rong, who thrived on appearances, hadn’t shown up. Shang Yi’s situation was already overwhelming enough for her.
Furthermore, he had taken such a drastic measure.
Shang Xuci’s lips twitched into a sarcastic smile.
Meng Jingxue knew that Shang Xuci and Shang Jia had a strained relationship, so she didn’t press the matter. Instead, she went to check on the cat—through the glass window.
That night, a small bed was added to Shang Xuci’s single room, placed right next to his own. The cat, having undergone treatment, lay on its side, facing the bed, perfectly positioned to see him. The anesthesia hadn’t worn off yet, leaving it barely able to move. Its round eyes stared at him blankly, and it struggled to open its mouth, as if trying to greet him.
The soft, limp sound was barely audible. Shang Xuci called out to the cat, but there was no response. Anger flared, and he reached for the bell.
Gu Ming entered and explained Sui Sui’s condition. He had already given the cat medicine, and after some rest, it would be lively again—its life unaffected.
“Fang Xiuyuan caused you and Sui Sui so much suffering. How are you going to deal with him?”
“He disappeared on the cruise ship,” Shang Xuci said coldly. “I’ve sent people to look for him.”
Whether they found him alive or dead didn’t matter.
Shang Xuci would not let Fang Xiuyuan go, no matter where he hid.
He would make Fang Xiuyuan repay Sui Sui a hundredfold—no, a thousandfold.
“Oh, Shang Jia has been busy lately. Just in case you’re bored, I’ll tell you something interesting.”
Shen Xiu only discovered Shang Xuci was missing the next day. He knew his nephew, Xi Jing, hadn’t bothered him much, but it wasn’t until Shen Huan visited, found no one there, and called without getting an answer that he began searching.
The cat had also disappeared. Fortunately, Shen Huan knew the gemstone necklace on the cat had a tracking function, which allowed them to locate him.
After Shang Jia learned of Shang Xuci’s disappearance, no one except Shang Jue showed any real concern. Everyone else was preoccupied with Shang Yi’s affairs. If Shang Yi hadn’t been in trouble, Xu Rong would have been the happiest person alive.
She had received the exact information from Fang Xiuyuan and couldn’t help but hope Shang Xuci would completely disappear from the world. Then she could focus solely on cleaning up Shang Yi’s mess.
Shang Yi’s plagiarism scandal had erupted online, exposing Xu Rong’s shameless use of money and power to help her son get into a prestigious university, pour resources into the music industry, and ultimately enter the entertainment world to suppress his peers.
What the public despised most was the children of capitalists climbing the ladder by stepping on the backs of ordinary people, then reaping the wealth, fame, and admiration from them.
Shang Yi’s fans felt utterly betrayed. They had worked hard to boost his numbers and buy his albums, only to find out—none of it was his original work?!
The music industry was no stranger to buying songs or hiring ghostwriters for lyrics; that was perfectly normal. But plagiarism—that was something else entirely.
In any field, stealing someone’s hard work is intolerable.
Tang Mu’s family came from humble origins, which struck a public nerve. The internet flooded with sympathy for him and harsh criticism of Shang Yi. People demanded he quit the music industry and apologize to Tang Mu.
Soon after, netizens began exposing Shang Yi’s bullying of classmates, complete with videos and pictures that clearly captured his arrogant expression.
The worst part was that despite the seriousness of the scandal, Shang Yi refused to issue a statement and even strolled through a mall without a care. When paparazzi caught him and asked about the incident, he impatiently demanded to know why he should apologize.
No remorse whatsoever—a textbook spoiled brat.
The video went viral, and public outrage only intensified.
Even Xu Rong and Shang Jia, who stood behind her, were dragged into the criticism.
Old Shang had just boasted to his friends about his “promising” grandson, Shang Yi, only to be humiliated shortly after. Upon learning about Tang Mu’s situation, he was furious, refusing to leave the house and demanding that Xu Rong resolve the matter immediately.
But the scandal dragged on, and the trending topics refused to die down. Worse still, Xu Rong’s entertainment industry background made her the target of endless conspiracy rumors—among them, leaked photos of her entering and leaving a hotel with Fang Xiuyuan.
When she saw the photos, the woman nearly collapsed.
All endorsements and commercial activities for Shang Yi were halted, and the merchants’ stock was also affected. When Xu Rong went to find Shang Wei, he was lying on top of a woman at the club, casually watching the trending news.
Seeing that Xu Rong no longer looked guilty, the man—usually gentle with his wife—erupted into accusations. He then went home to find his father.
Shang Jue, aware of his daughter-in-law’s recent misconduct, was visibly distraught. Since his semi-retirement, he had turned a blind eye to his son and daughter-in-law, but he hadn’t expected them to be so brazen. He threw a thick stack of documents from his desk into the shredder.
After a long silence, Shang Jue picked up the phone and called Shang Xuci. That was when he learned Shang Xuci was blind and hospitalized—and that the culprit was his daughter-in-law’s lover.
Shang Jue could no longer sit still. The elderly man, over seventy, attended a press conference, accompanying Xu Rong and Shang Yi to offer an on-site apology. He also announced Shang Yi’s permanent retirement from the music industry.
An apology and compensation were essential.
In front of the media, Shang Jue had already given Xu Rong and her son the utmost respect.
After the incident, he summoned Shang Wei and Xu Rong and said coldly, “Shang Yi is still young. He shouldn’t be like this—bullying classmates, lying, and being arrogant.”
“I don’t even know who he learned this from.” Shang Jue’s gaze swept over Xu Rong, his voice turning stern. “You’ve spoiled him. He doesn’t need to stay with you anymore. Send him abroad to study and learn independence. He can return when he’s finished.”
Xu Rong’s face paled instantly. She parted her lips and spoke with difficulty. “Dad, he’s still young. He—”
“How is he young? He’s already an adult!” Shang Jue cut her off.
Xu Rong understood immediately that “studying abroad” was just a polite term for exile. She looked at Shang Wei, sitting silently on the sofa, her face filled with disappointment.
She sat down beside her husband, seeking his support. Always doting on Shang Yi, Shang Wei spoke softly, “Dad, Xiao Yi just needs to change if he’s done something wrong. You’ve watched him grow up. Do you really want to send him away?”
“I’ve made up my mind. There’s no need to explain.” Shang Jue glanced at them both and said firmly, “Mind your own business.”
The two lowered their heads in silence.
The matter was settled.
Xu Rong gritted her teeth, a flicker of resentment in her eyes.
After delivering his decision, the old man stood with the aid of his cane. “I’m going to the hospital to see Xiao Ci. We’ll settle his affairs later.”
He directed the words at Xu Rong, who bit her lip and clenched her hands in her lap.
Shang Jue snorted and left, and the couple on the sofa finally exhaled in relief.
Ever since Shang Wei caught Xu Rong cheating, the two had been at loggerheads, maintaining only polite appearances in front of the old man.
Xu Rong, preoccupied with her own thoughts, didn’t want to sit with Shang Wei. She stood and started toward the stairs, but Shang Wei stopped her.
“Wait. I have something to ask you.”
Leaving her husband’s place, Xu Rong wandered the streets in a daze before eventually stepping into a coffee shop she frequented.
Finding a quiet corner, she ordered a cup of coffee and sat there, lost in thought.
She hadn’t yet told Shang Yi about this. If he found out, she had no idea what might happen.
The very thought gave her a headache.
“Miss, please enjoy.”
A plate of exquisite pastries was placed before Xu Rong—her favorite dessert at the shop.
“I didn’t order that,” Xu Rong said, puzzled.
“That gentleman ordered it for you.”
Xu Rong looked up and saw an elderly man sitting across the room. She had seen him before in Business Daily. His name was Du Guan, and Shang Ye had once mentioned a potential collaboration with him. The old man nodded at her, and Xu Rong returned the gesture with a polite smile.
After a while, Du Guan stood and walked over.
“Do you mind if I sit here?”
“Please, go ahead.”
Du Guan handed her a business card and began introducing himself. Xu Rong listened absentmindedly—until he said something that made her freeze.
“You and your mother look so much alike.”
“You… know my mother?”
Du Guan smiled and nodded. “More than that.”
He pulled a document from his briefcase and handed it to her.
Xu Rong opened it—and froze in shock.
Her voice trembled. “You’re… my father?!”
Xu Rong was incredulous. She had lived with her mother since childhood, and her mother had always told her that her father died in an accident long ago. Later, out of curiosity, she had secretly investigated and discovered that her mother had given birth out of wedlock. Fearing gossip from her family, her mother had taken her from their small county town to the big city to work.
She had never expected her father to seek her out in person.
And it turned out to be Du Guan.
Xu Rong examined his face carefully. Their features were indeed similar—her eyes took after her mother’s, while her nose and mouth resembled Du Guan’s.
“Have you always known this?” Xu Rong asked. “Why recognize me only now?”
As a child, Xu Rong had often been mocked as a fatherless wild child. She had longed for her father’s love, and because both she and her mother endured so much bullying and injustice, she learned to read people’s expressions early on. From then, she became determined to climb the social ladder—no matter the cost.
Du Guan sighed. “I looked for you, but the town said you’d moved away. I went to the address they gave me, but it turned out to be fake—something your mother had given them. Still, I never gave up searching for you.”
“From the first time we met at that business dinner, I felt a strange connection to you. You look so much like her. I suspected you might be my daughter, so I arranged for a test. Only with this proof will you believe me.”
Du Guan had researched Xu Rong’s past and knew her personality. Now, he had come simply to make amends.
Seeing Xu Rong remain silent, he added, “I also know about Shang Yi’s situation. If you’re willing, I can help.”
“I’ve been working overseas for years and have built up quite a few connections…”
Xu Rong interrupted eagerly, “Can you help Xiao Yi?”
“Well, after all, I am his grandfather.” Du Guan nodded, knowing children were Xu Rong’s weak spot.
“If you need help, I can help you.” A strange glint flashed in his eyes.
Hua pai shu
Gu Ming and Meng Jingxue were both in Shang Xuci’s ward. They were chatting while Mao Mao lay in the bed next to them, listening intently. He had been unbearably bored over the past two days—his boss didn’t like to talk, and he could only meow. Shang Xuci kept him under strict watch, making it impossible for him to get out of bed and play.
Usually, he would stick to Shang Xuci’s bed and watch him play on his phone. Sometimes, he would beg for Tom and Jerry.
After hearing Meng Jingxue tell the boss that she and Gu Ming had attended the same school, Jian Xun suddenly realized they were actually senior and junior schoolmates. No wonder Meng Jingxue had been assigned to care for Shang Xuci.
The lion cat turned, tilted his head, and slid closer to the bed. He hadn’t forgotten that women were allergic to cat hair.
“What I mean is, you can rest at home and let Jingxue take care of you. She’s very professional.” Gu Ming had some family matters to attend to abroad and wouldn’t be back for another two weeks.
Shang Xuci understood this as well. He nodded and said, “I’ll hire the best lawyer to help my uncle and aunt.”
Gu Ming had helped him a great deal. If it weren’t for his eye problems, he would have gone there himself.
“Is Doctor Meng okay? I have a cat that’s very clingy.”
Jian Xun’s ears perked up, and he looked at the two of them with wide eyes.
Was Meng Jingxue coming to his house?
Hearing Shang Xuci’s words, the tips of his ears twitched, and he let out a meow.
I’m not clingy.
If Meng Jingxue wanted to come to the boss’s house, he would only approach Shang Xuci when she wasn’t there.
As long as Shang Xuci’s eyes could be healed, he would put up with anything!
Meng Jingxue smiled. “It’s fine. I’ll wear a mask and minimize contact with Sui Sui.”
“Besides, Sui Sui is very well-behaved.” She glanced at the cat. “Isn’t that right, Sui Sui?”
The cat shoved his hands into his pockets and whispered, “Meow.”
He’d just hide when Meng Jingxue came.
No problem.
The cat wiggled his butt and scooted back a little.
He’d keep his distance.
Glancing at the two people who seemed so well-matched, a flicker of dejection passed through the cat’s eyes.
Is everything really destined?
Shang Xuci couldn’t see the cat’s pitiful expression, but he was thinking about Jian Xun’s injuries and made a quick decision.
“No need. I’ll find someone else to take care of Sui Sui.”
He remembered the frightened look the cat had when it first arrived at his home and was sent away, and the aggrieved expression it wore whenever he was gone on business. He wouldn’t send the cat away again.
He would heal his own wounds first. Once he recovered, he would take care of the cat himself.
He recalled how Sui Sui had wandered over to his bedside without permission the day before, catching him off guard. He had accidentally stepped on the cat’s paw, nearly frightening it to death.
Besides, the cat was injured as well—and loved to run around. He needed someone to watch over him and help Sui Sui recover as quickly as possible.
Knowing how smart cats were, Shang Xuci looked in its direction, his expression serious, as if making a promise.
“I’ll bring him back when my eyes heal.”
Jian Xun opened his mouth, wanting to refuse, but…
He glanced at Meng Jingxue, then at Shang Xuci.
He immediately lowered his head, resting it on his front limbs.
He didn’t want to cause the boss any trouble.
But…
But he didn’t have much time left.
Shang Xuci leaned forward slightly, waiting for the cat to protest—but it didn’t.
“That’s good. You’re both injured again, so resting will help you recover faster,” Gu Ming said. “Then we won’t disturb your rest.”
Gu Ming and Meng Jingxue had just left when Shang Jue entered the ward.
“Grandpa,” Shang Xuci greeted, pursing his lips.
It wasn’t the first time Shang Jue had seen him lying in bed, and he sighed inwardly.
He stepped forward and said, “I know everything. Grandpa knows you’ve been wronged. From now on, you can ask for anything you want.”
“Anything.” He paused, his tone weighted with meaning. Shang Jue had been a powerful figure all his life, with only one child and numerous grandchildren—but with the exception of Shang Xuci, none of them had ever brought him peace of mind.
What he meant was that power could be placed in Shang Xuci’s hands—but Shang Xuci didn’t care.
Knowing his condition, Shang Jue stayed with him for a while. When he noticed a snow-white ball poking out from under the quilt beside him, he exclaimed in surprise, “Sui Sui?!”
The kitten had a splint strapped to its leg.
“Is he injured too?” Shang Jue asked.