Chapter 92: Race Against Life and Death

A glimmer flickered in Nangong Ao’s eyes.

Having lived with his younger sister for some time, he had almost forgotten that she was not the docile kitten she appeared to be—she could claw at people!

Nangong Xin was straightforward, failing to catch Xianyu Qing’s sarcasm, and even defended Xiao Zhiying: “How is Sister Zhiying not caring for her family? She brought soup, didn’t she!”

Seeing Nangong Xin stand up for her, Xiao Zhiying feigned a sigh: “Xin, you don’t need to feel indignant on my behalf. I don’t care what others think of me; I simply do what needs to be done.”

As she spoke, Xiao Zhiying placed the insulated soup container on the bedside table and opened the lid. Instantly, a rich aroma of chicken soup wafted through the air.

“Sister,” Xiao Zhiying said to Xiao Zhiyun with a bittersweet smile, “Mother spent four hours making this ginseng chicken soup for you. Once her back pain eases, she’ll come to keep you company.”

Such heartfelt words were promptly doused by Nangong Ao: “The attending physician said Yun’er just underwent emergency heart surgery; this kind of nourishing soup is not suitable for her!”

Xiao Zhiying’s expression froze once more. “This… was an oversight on our part.”

“Yun’er’s condition doesn’t allow for any oversight at any time. Please, Miss Xiao, convey to Madam Xiao that the hospital has specialized nurses caring for her, all highly experienced. She need not trouble herself further.”

Nangong Ao’s bluntness embarrassed Xiao Zhiying greatly.

Just as Nangong Xin was about to speak, Xianyu Qing interjected: “Since Elder Brother has made all the arrangements, we’ll be going now.”

With that, she nodded to Xiao Zhiyun and pulled Nangong Xin out of the room.

With Nangong Xin no longer speaking for her, Xiao Zhiying could not continue her act. She forced a stiff smile, left a couple of reminders for Xiao Zhiyun, and hurriedly departed.

“I’m sorry, that’s how my sister always is,” Xiao Zhiyun sighed wearily.

She knew well that Xiao Zhiying enjoyed stirring up trouble between Nangong Xin and others. And what Nangong Ao despised most was such scheming!

“Foolish girl.” Nangong Ao gently brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “She is herself; you are you. There’s no need for you to apologize for her actions.”

Xiao Zhiyun lowered her gaze.

She felt that being with Nangong Ao was always a burden—he not only had to worry about her frail health, but also deal with those two calculating women on her behalf!

Understanding her thoughts, Nangong Ao comforted her: “If you need anything, you can ask Qing Qing for help. She’s not as impulsive as Xin; she’s more steady and reliable.”

He was often busy, and since Xianyu Qing attended the same school as Xiao Zhiyun, she would be easier to reach.

Xiao Zhiyun rarely heard Nangong Ao praise anyone, especially another woman. Recalling what Xiao Zhiying had said about Xianyu Qing moving into the Nangong residence, she supposed Nangong Ao got along well with her.

Yet, she felt no jealousy.

After all, Nangong Ao had always been accustomed to solitude; it was good that someone kept him company. Besides, it was clear he had become warmer than before. For him, this was a blessing.

Xiao Zhiyun nodded in assent, “Alright.”

———

Xianyu Qing led Nangong Xin out of the VIP ward and headed toward the children’s intensive care unit.

When they arrived, Xiaoyu had just finished her preoperative check-up, preparing for the bone marrow transplant scheduled for the next day.

Perhaps because she was in good spirits, Xiaoyu seemed livelier than ever. She chatted with Xianyu Qing on the phone for quite a while before her mother urged her to rest.

Xiaoyu’s mother kept thanking her: “Miss Xianyu, it’s thanks to your help that Xiaoyu has a chance at a new life.”

“It’s Young Master Xi and Sister Xiuyan who deserve the credit; I merely did what I could,” Xianyu Qing replied, gesturing to Nangong Xin beside her, “This is the third young lady of the Nangong family. She is also very concerned about Xiaoyu’s condition.”

Upon hearing this, Xiaoyu’s mother nodded gratefully to Nangong Xin: “Thank you for your concern, Miss Nangong. Xiaoyu’s perseverance is owed much to the advanced medical technology at Angel Hospital.”

Given that the Nangong family owned Angel Hospital, her words were not misplaced, though Nangong Xin felt undeserving.

In truth, she was there to win Xi Junle’s favor, but receiving thanks from Xiaoyu’s mother made her blush.

“Oh, it’s nothing; the hospital is simply doing its duty!” Nangong Xin managed to say the right words. “If you need anything in the future, just reach out to Deputy Director Chen. I’ll let him know to look after you.”

Xiaoyu’s mother was delighted: “Thank you so much, Miss Nangong. You are as beautiful in heart as you are in appearance!”

Flattered, Nangong Xin beamed like a flower: “Hehe, it’s nothing. Compared to Brother Junle, I still fall short.”

Xiaoyu’s mother caught the implication—this young lady clearly had a close connection to Young Master Xi.

After chatting for a while, Nangong Xin took her leave. She still had to attend a concert with Xi Junle that evening and needed to prepare.

Xianyu Qing then went to check on Liu Xiuyan, who was in good spirits as well.

The caregiver arranged by Xi Junle proved attentive and reliable, which reassured Xianyu Qing. Soon after, she too set off for the Nangong residence.

On the way, Jiang Mohe remained silent, driving faster than usual.

———

From the back seat, Xianyu Qing watched his tense profile and asked, “Is something wrong?”

“There’s a tail behind us. Sit tight!” Jiang Mohe replied.

At his words, Xianyu Qing immediately fastened her seatbelt and gripped the car door handle.

A black SUV had been trailing them since they left the hospital.

Jiang Mohe pressed harder on the accelerator, weaving swiftly through the bustling traffic. Several times, he narrowly avoided collisions, always managing to evade at the last moment.

Xianyu Qing was alarmed, but clenched her lips and refrained from crying out.

Soon, they merged onto the overpass, speeding well past the legal limit. The SUV behind remained relentless, steadily closing the gap.

Clearly, their pursuer would not give up until their goal was achieved.

Unable to shake them off, the chase on the overpass risked triggering a chain of accidents. With a grim expression, Jiang Mohe exited the highway, steering into narrower, less crowded streets.

Their car was a lightweight sedan, while the pursuer drove a heavy SUV. In the cramped lanes, the SUV was hampered, gradually falling behind.

Seeing their tail about to be lost, Jiang Mohe accelerated, bursting out of the narrow street.

Suddenly, a large truck crashed into them from the side!

Instinctively, Xianyu Qing raised her arms to shield herself.

A heavy “bang” sounded as the sedan was struck, sent flying, rolling over two or three times before coming to a halt.

Nearby pedestrians watched the harrowing scene in shock, mouths agape.

The wrecked car lay upside down, its windows intact, but fuel was already leaking from the tank.

Those who recovered quickly dialed emergency services, but before the call connected, a spark ignited—an explosive burst of flames erupted.

In moments, the entire car was engulfed by a raging inferno…