Chapter 18: Zhou Qian’s Hidden Sorrows

Page 1 of 3

When Ye Feng saw Zhou Qian hurrying frantically toward the hospital ward, his curiosity got the better of him, and he followed to see what had happened. Reaching the doorway, he saw an elderly man lying on the bed, his life hanging by a thread. Zhou Qian knelt at his bedside, gripping his hand tightly.

"Qian Qian?" The old man called her name, his voice weak.

"Godfather, I’m right here," Zhou Qian replied, tears streaming down her face.

"Let’s go home, Qian Qian. We’re not treating this illness anymore," he said, then was overtaken by a fit of coughing.

"Godfather, don’t worry. I have money now. I’ll definitely get you cured," she tried to comfort him.

Zhou Qian knew all too well that only surgery could save her godfather. But the expensive operation was far beyond her means; with her meager monthly salary, half a million was an astronomical figure. The smile she wore was merely a brave facade.

A doctor on duty passed by the ward door, and Ye Feng stopped him. "Doctor, may I ask what illness the elderly man in this ward has?"

"Old Kong? Severe heart disease—he needs a bypass surgery. But his family hasn’t been able to pay the surgery fees, so they’ve had to keep delaying. If it’s put off much longer, even surgery won’t help," the doctor said, shaking his head before leaving.

Just then, a nurse approached. "Zhou Qian, Dr. Zhao is looking for you. He wants you to go to his office."

"Alright, I understand. Thank you." Zhou Qian stood, wiping away her tears. "Godfather, wait here for me. I’ll be right back." At the doorway, she glanced at Ye Feng before turning to leave.

At some point, Ye Feng had taken out a bank card and placed it by the old man’s pillow. "Sir, please keep this card safe. There’s half a million in it."

"Who are you? I can’t accept your money," Old Kong refused.

"I’m Zhou Qian’s friend. She deserves this—please take it." Ye Feng left the card behind and quickly walked away.

Holding the card, Old Kong’s face was full of gratitude. With this money, he was saved. Better to live, however hard, than to die.

When Zhou Qian returned, her mind was full of Dr. Zhao’s words:

"Zhou Qian, your godfather’s illness can’t be delayed any longer. If you miss the best window for treatment, even surgery will be useless. Try to gather the money as soon as possible."

She felt utterly helpless as she walked back to the ward. The crushing weight of the surgical fees, her job, and caring for her godfather had left her exhausted.

Upon seeing her godfather lying on the bed, her heart ached.

"Qian Qian, you really have met a good person. You must thank him properly in the future, understand?" The old man spoke as he placed the card in Zhou Qian’s hand.

"Godfather, what are you talking about? Where did this card come from?" Zhou Qian was puzzled.

"It was a young man in sportswear—he said he was your friend."

"Could it be… Ye Feng?" Zhou Qian’s face was filled with surprise.

She couldn’t think of anyone else who would leave her a bank card. She’d already borrowed from every friend and relative when her godfather was hospitalized, enduring the coldness of the world.

Now, Zhou Qian was overwhelmed with guilt. After what she’d done to Ye Feng, he still helped her so much. She silently resolved that, given the chance, she would come clean to him about everything that happened that day.

…

Page 2 of 3

After leaving, Ye Feng headed to Room 312 to visit his brother’s girlfriend.

Shen Meng.

At the ward door, he saw the woman on the bed ordering Si Xu around as if he were a servant.

"Si Xu, get me a glass of hot water."

"Si Xu, peel me a banana."

"Si Xu, massage my legs."

Si Xu did everything Shen Meng asked without complaint, a smile still on his face.

Ye Feng entered, and Si Xu looked up at the sound.

"Ye Feng, you’re here. Let me introduce you—this is my girlfriend, Shen Meng," Si Xu said, pointing to the woman sitting on the bed.

Ye Feng looked at her—delicate makeup, revealing clothes—and nodded.

"Meng Meng, this is my best friend, Ye Feng."

"Hello," Shen Meng said, her eyes quickly scanning Ye Feng up and down, but not lingering.

"Si Xu, I heard your company is working with the Hengda Group. Can you lend me a hundred thousand? My mother’s in the hospital," Shen Meng said, her tone pitiful.

The smile faded from Si Xu’s face. "Didn’t I just give you money a few days ago? I don’t have that much right now."

"If you really loved me, you wouldn’t hesitate to give me a hundred thousand. If you can’t, then let’s break up," Shen Meng said, a look of disdain flashing in her eyes.

Since he started dating her, she’d constantly asked for money under various pretexts. Si Xu had given her all his savings and had nothing left to give.

"Meng Meng, how can you say that? I really do love you," Si Xu pleaded, holding her hand.

Ye Feng, ever observant, caught the change in Shen Meng’s expression. He realized she didn’t truly care for Si Xu—he was just a free servant and an ATM to her. Finding an excuse, Ye Feng left. "Bro, I’m going to the restroom," he said, then walked out.

Outside, he took out his phone and called A. A sweet voice answered a few seconds later.

"Sir, what are your instructions?"

"Help me look into someone named Shen Meng."

Ye Feng felt it was necessary. Si Xu was his best friend, and he couldn’t stand by while someone played him for a fool.

"Alright, I’ll call you back soon."

"Okay," Ye Feng replied and hung up.

Not long after, his phone rang. He quickly answered.

"Sir, I found something."

Page 3 of 3

"Tell me, what did you find?" Ye Feng asked impatiently.

"Shen Meng’s family has been farmers for three generations. After being admitted to university, she neglected her studies. She’s materialistic and often asks her family for money under the pretext of buying study materials, but spends it on designer clothes and bags instead. She’s been chasing wealthy men for this lifestyle. A year ago, she met Si Xu."

Ye Feng’s brow furrowed. Shen Meng truly didn’t love his friend.

"And one more thing, sir—something important. This past year, Shen Meng has repeatedly asked Si Xu for money, claiming her mother was sick. All the money went to another man."

Hearing this, Ye Feng was furious. His fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh, but he didn’t feel the pain. His face darkened.

"Keep her under surveillance for twenty-four hours. If you find any spending or hotel records, call me immediately!" He hung up.

Ye Feng knew Si Xu genuinely cared for Shen Meng. If he told him outright, the woman would simply deny it. Catching a thief requires evidence; catching a cheater requires catching them together.

Ye Feng regarded Si Xu as his best brother; he would never allow anyone to hurt him. With that, he punched the wall hard, then turned and left.

…

In the Su family villa.

Early morning.

Today was Su Manman’s class reunion. She had dressed beautifully—a one-shoulder short dress showing off her graceful figure.

Standing together, the two looked like a perfect pair—truly a match made in heaven.

"Manman, how do I look in this suit?" Ye Feng wore a fitted black suit, his six-foot frame rivaling a male model’s, his features refined—a veritable prince charming.

Su Manman was momentarily dazed by his handsomeness.

"Clothes do make the man, after all," she said approvingly.

Seeing her nod, Ye Feng was delighted. It was the first time Su Manman had praised his taste, so he decided he’d only wear clothes designed by Grace from now on.

"Enough dawdling, let’s go, or we’ll be late." Because of things that had happened before, her tone toward Ye Feng was still a bit cold.

"Alright," Ye Feng replied, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

They went to the garage. Ye Feng opened the back door, preparing to get in, when Su Manman suddenly stopped him.

"You drive today!"

"Oh, okay." Ye Feng closed the door, thoughtfully opened the passenger side for Su Manman, and then got in the driver’s seat himself.

He started the BMW and sped away.