Zhan Qipei's Disappointment

Qiao Jing's words were impeccably logical, holding up well under scrutiny and presented in a detached manner, which added credibility to her statements.

As Zhan Qipei listened, the joy on his face faded, replaced by growing gloom. His grip on Qiao Jing's wrist gradually loosened, allowing her to pull her hand back. A red mark remained on her wrist, and it felt slightly numb.

"By the way," Qiao Jing interjected, "You mentioned that four days ago... at that time, your mother had just picked me up. Your mother and sister arrived at noon. If you don't believe me, you can ask them."

Zhan Qipei turned completely dejected. He sat in silence, his entire demeanor clouded with melancholy.

Observing his expression, Qiao Jing felt a sense of relief. He seemed to have abandoned the suspicion that she was the one who operated on him that day.

The rest of the journey was quiet. Twenty minutes later, the car came to a halt at the hospital's entrance.

Before Qiao Jing could step out of the car, she noticed Zhan Qipei already exiting, striding towards the hospital without waiting for her.

Looking at his demeanor, Qiao Jing felt a sense of amusement. 'This man's mood changes quite drastically.'

She glanced at her reddened wrist. It seemed her decision not to disclose that she had operated on him was wise. The force he exerted almost crushed her wrist.

Entering the ward, Zhan Qipei found Zhan Yuanshan eagerly looking up, only to be disappointed when he saw that Jing wasn't with him.

"Where's Qiao Jing? Didn't she come with you? Why are you here alone?" Zhan Yuanshan's face turned from dark to bright when he saw Qiao Jing emerge from behind Zhan Qipei.

Zhan Qipei couldn't help but be speechless. Did his grandfather value an outsider more than his own grandson?

Finally, Qiao Jing approached the bedside and sat down.

"Your body shouldn't be agitated. If you're overly agitated, you'll worsen your condition," Qiao Jing advised.

Zhan Yuanshan complied happily, "Alright, alright. I'll listen to you."

This scene surprised Zhan Qipei. His grandfather had a temper, and usually, anyone speaking to him like that would have made him explode. Yet now, Zhan Yuanshan wasn't angered but delighted.

Did his grandfather like Qiao Jing that much? Perhaps it was because Qiao Jing's grandfather had saved Zhan Yuanshan's life on the battlefield, and he somehow fostered a deep affection for Qiao Jing and her family.

"Let me take your pulse," Qiao Jing said, extending her hand and placing it on Zhan Yuanshan's pulse.

Seeing this, Zhan Qipei narrowed his eyes and approached Qiao Jing, making the latter wonder if he was starting to suspect her again.

Indeed, Zhan Qipei had been observing Qiao Jing closely, hoping to discern something from her eyes. However, her long and dense eyelashes, like butterfly wings, made it challenging to read her emotions. Her half-sunken and drooping eyes concealed much.

After a moment, Qiao Jing released Zhan Yuanshan's hand and spoke with a lukewarm expression, "It's still the same. Neither good nor bad. Continue to maintain a good mood and avoid agitation."

Zhan Yuanshan chuckled, "It's easy for me to be in a good mood. If you give birth to a great-grandson for me, my illness will be cured immediately!" He couldn't help casting a sly glance at Qiao Jing's lower abdomen, secretly hoping for a new addition to the family.

Zhan Qipei frowned, sensing his grandfather's disapproving gaze toward him. It was as if he was being labeled as useless.

Qiao Jing, unbothered, replied, "If you want a great-grandson, find someone else. He and I don't get along." She reached for an orange from the fruit basket, peeled it, and began eating it casually.

Zhan Yuanshan persisted, "That won't do. I don't like any other granddaughter-in-law; you're the most suitable. I don't want someone else to give birth to my great-grandchild!"

Qiao Jing glanced at Zhan Yuanshan and decided not to argue further, showing some consideration for his age.

"Oh, by the way, Qiao Jing, how's your research on corn going? Did you succeed?" Zhan Yuanshan inquired.