Chapter 401 - 232: Jiang Sifan: Mom, If I Forgive Dad, What About You?

Chapter 401: Chapter 232: Jiang Sifan: Mom, If I Forgive Dad, What About You?

Jiang Sifan looked up at the old man and said earnestly, "Grandfather, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Wen Wan. I won’t let her suffer."

The old man looked at him, his eyes filled with relief, but also a hint of reluctance to let her go.

He let go of his hand and pulled out a few crumpled bills from under his pillow. It was eight hundred yuan, rolled up and held together with a rubber band.

He handed it to Jiang Sifan, instructing him in a soft voice, "Grandfather doesn’t have much money. You take this. Buy Wan’Er something nice to eat. She’s always been frugal and hates spending money on herself."

Jiang Sifan quickly pushed it back, shaking his head. "Grandfather, I can’t take this. You keep it and buy yourself something nice to eat. I’ll take care of Wen Wan, don’t you worry."

"Good child. Then Grandfather will entrust Wan’Er to you." The old man watched him for a long moment before taking the money back and nodding.

Jiang Sifan nodded solemnly. "Don’t worry, Grandfather."

The old man smiled and gestured toward the door with his chin. "Go on, call Wan’Er in."

Jiang Sifan turned, walked to the doorway, and pulled the door open.

Wen Wan was standing in the hallway, leaning against the wall. When she saw him come out, she quickly straightened up, her eyes filled with nervousness.

"Grandfather wants you to go in," Jiang Sifan said softly.

Wen Wan nodded and hurried into the hospital room.

Jiang Sifan stood at the door without following her inside, gently closing it behind him.

Wen Wan walked to the bedside, knelt, and took her grandfather’s hand.

The old man looked at her, his eyes full of affection, and said slowly, "Wan’Er, that young man... Grandfather has had a look at him. He’s a good one. You two get along well at school, and don’t you worry about me. Grandfather is doing just fine."

Wen Wan’s tears started falling again. She collapsed by the bed, her voice choked with sobs. "Grandfather, please don’t say any more..."

The old man patted her head, his tone becoming lighter. "What are you crying for? It’s not like I’m on my deathbed. You focus on your studies and stop worrying about things at home. As for your mother, Grandfather will talk to her."

Wen Wan nodded, burying her face in her grandfather’s palm and crying for a long while.

Outside in the hallway, Lu Fan was at the far end taking a call.

After hanging up, he walked over and said to Jiang Sifan in a low voice, "Wen Wan’s mother is on her way to the city. She’s probably coming after her. We need to leave now, or it’ll be a huge hassle if she catches up to us."

Jiang Sifan’s expression changed, and he nodded.

He knocked lightly on the hospital room door and pushed it open.

Wen Wan was still leaning by the bed, her eyes red and swollen.

He walked over and explained in a whisper, "Wen Wan, we have to go. Your mom is on her way here."

Wen Wan froze for a second, then turned to look at her grandfather.

The old man patted her hand, his tone firm. "Go on. Don’t let her get ahold of you. Grandfather will be fine, don’t worry."

"Grandfather, please take care of yourself. I’ll come see you again soon." Fresh tears welled up in Wen Wan’s eyes. She threw her arms around her grandfather, her voice choked with sobs.

The old man smiled, stroking her hair with a gratified look. "Alright, Grandfather will be waiting. Now go. Don’t be late."

Wen Wan stood up, wiped her tears, and followed Jiang Sifan out.

At the doorway, she glanced back one last time.

Her grandfather was watching her, a smile on his lips as he waved.

She waved back, then turned and left.

The car drove out of the hospital and headed for the airport.

Wen Wan sat in the back, staring out the window the whole time.

Jiang Sifan sat beside her. Seeing her red-rimmed eyes, his heart ached for her.

He reached out and gently took her hand.

Her hand was cold and trembling slightly.

He tightened his grip. She didn’t pull away, nor did she speak, just kept gazing out the window.

Lu Fan, sitting in the front passenger seat, glanced at them in the rearview mirror but said nothing. He just told Chen He to drive a bit more smoothly.

When they arrived at the airport, Chen He went to get their boarding passes.

Wen Wan sat on a chair in the departure lounge, her head bowed, lost in thought.

Jiang Sifan went and bought three hot drinks, handing one to her.

She took it and held it with both hands. The cup was scalding hot, but she didn’t seem to notice.

When it was time to board, they again used the business class lane.

A flight attendant stood at the cabin door, greeting them with a smile.

Wen Wan went to her seat and sat down. She looked out the window at the tarmac, where a plane was taking off, growing smaller and smaller until it became a tiny dot.

She was suddenly reminded of her childhood, when her grandfather would take her to the town station to catch the bus for school.

Every time she got on the bus, her grandfather would stand by the roadside, watching it drive away until it was completely out of sight before he would head back.

She never looked back, but she always knew he was still there.

As the plane took off, she gripped the armrests tightly.

Jiang Sifan’s hand covered hers.

She turned to look at him, but he didn’t say anything, just gazed out the window.

Once the plane leveled off, a flight attendant came by with a meal cart, quietly asking what they would like.

Jiang Sifan ordered a fruit platter and a cup of hot milk for her.

She ate slowly, finishing everything.

It was already afternoon by the time the plane landed.

After leaving the airport, Chen He drove them back to the university.

Wen Wan sat in the back, gazing at the familiar street scenery outside the window and letting out a long sigh.

The car first stopped in front of the women’s dormitory.

Wen Wan pushed the door open and got out.

She stood by the car, looked back at Jiang Sifan, and said softly, "Class President, thank you."

Jiang Sifan shook his head, replying politely, "Go get some rest. I’ll handle things at the studio, so don’t you worry about it."

Wen Wan nodded, then turned to Lu Fan, her eyes turning red again. "Uncle Lu, thank you. If it weren’t for you this time, I really don’t know what I would have done."

"It’s nothing. Go on and get some rest. If you need anything, just call Jiali." Lu Fan smiled, his tone light and reassuring.