134: Secretary Zhong

People's Hospital.

Li Aiguo lay on the hospital bed, being pushed toward the operating room by several nurses.

Bai Yan supported him nearby, her face full of worry. "Grandpa, please relax and don't be nervous."

Li Aiguo smiled slightly. "It's fine. If Grandpa isn't afraid of death, why would he be afraid of surgery?"

Wu Fan gave a thumbs up. "Grandpa is the best."

His voice sounded a little playful, completely different from his usual speaking style, which actually amused everyone.

The atmosphere instantly became less serious and solemn.

Bai Yan's eyes shifted, and she looked at Wu Fan gratefully.

The moment the operating room door closed, Wu Fan grabbed Bai Yan's hand, squeezing it firmly to offer strength.

Bai Yan let out a soft breath, looked up, closed her eyes, and prayed silently in her heart.

Wu Fan pulled her. "Sit down for a while. Standing the whole time will tire you out. This surgery will take at least six hours."

Bai Yan nodded, but shortly after her backside touched the chair, she couldn't help but stand up and pace again.

She was simply too nervous.

Seven hours later, the operating room door finally opened.

The chief surgeon emerged, pale-faced and expressionless.

Wu Fan and Bai Yan exchanged a glance, their hearts leaping into their throats.

The chief surgeon said in a very hoarse voice, "The surgery was successful," and then walked away without looking back.

This surgery, lasting over seven hours, had indeed exhausted his physical and mental strength.

The moment he put down the surgical knife, he felt like he had absolutely no strength left.

Fortunately, his assistant gave him a few sips of water, which helped him recover slightly.

Bai Yan wanted to go in, but a nurse stopped her. "We still need to observe him for 24 hours. You two should go back and rest. You cannot approach the patient yet."

Wu Fan put his arm around her shoulder to comfort her. "Don't worry. The doctor said the surgery was successful; nothing will happen."

Bai Yan rested her head on Wu Fan's shoulder. "Thank heavens."

"Wu Fan, I also have to thank you."

She said this very softly.

Only at this moment did she feel completely drained and utterly exhausted.

Wu Fan hugged her slender waist. "I can't take credit for that; it's entirely the result of your efforts. You saved your grandpa's life. You are amazing."

Bai Yan looked up, tears glistening in her eyes.

Her heart felt warm, but then also a pang of sorrow.

She had sacrificed too much.

She also didn't know how much longer Wu Fan would be able to stay by her side.

Suddenly, she didn't want to end this employment agreement so soon.

During the most helpless and difficult times, having a broad chest to lean on truly provided a great sense of security.

She let out a soft sigh.

Bai Yan had evening self-study, so after Wu Fan dropped her off at school, he drove toward the One Foot Sea Bar.

When passing the Musen Clothing Store, he noticed the lights were brightly lit inside.

Zhou Ruyan was nestled in the sofa, leisurely sipping a cup of coffee.

Wu Fan parked outside and walked in.

Zhou Ruyan's eyes lit up, and she immediately stood up to greet him. "Wu Fan, long time no see."

She brewed a cup of coffee and handed it to Wu Fan.

Her confidence and elegant demeanor had returned when she walked.

The two sat down side-by-side on the sofa.

Wu Fan spoke lightly.

"Congratulations. You've sorted things out with your husband. Do you feel much more settled now?"

Zhou Ruyan gave a bitter smile. "Living together is just like this. There's absolutely no passion; it's only for the sake of the child. It's a marriage in name only, as you know."

Wu Fan took a sip of coffee. "Is your husband really leaving you alone now?"

Zhou Ruyan moved closer, their legs touching.

"We agreed that we'd both do our own thing, and neither of us would interfere with the other, as long as we don't bring anyone home."

Wu Fan froze for a moment, slightly surprised.

The level of understanding between this couple was getting higher and higher; they could actually manage their own separate pursuits.

Not disturbing each other under the same roof was truly impressive.

"Wu Fan, should we close up and go to the Xinyue Bay Resort Hotel? You haven't been here in a long time."

As she spoke, she lightly nudged Wu Fan's leg with her knee, highly provocative, her eyes practically overflowing with moisture.

Since reaching an agreement with her husband, they had separated rooms and beds, living like siblings.

Or perhaps like roommates, only speaking a few words when it concerned their daughter, Sweetie.

Usually, the house was lifeless and extremely depressing.

She often sighed that marriage was a cage; once you entered, trying to get out would inevitably leave you bruised and battered. It was better to just make do, which was good for everyone.

This profound statement rather shocked Wu Fan.

He spoke very calmly. "I have plans with a friend tonight, so I won't go. Maybe next time."

Zhou Ruyan leaned her entire body against him. "Wu Fan, do you have a new girlfriend and lost interest in me?"

Wu Fan gave a faint smile and stood up. "I started dating a new girlfriend. She's a germaphobe and very possessive. I have to consider her feelings, right?"

Zhou Ruyan paused, then scoffed. "Oh, so the cheating cat has to watch what he eats now? Will the sun rise in the west next?"

She swayed her hips, grabbing Wu Fan's hand. "Why don't you bring your girlfriend to see me sometime? Why hide her so deeply? I'm quite curious to see what makes her so different."

Before she finished speaking, she was already pulling Wu Fan's hand toward a certain part of her body.

Wu Fan slowly pushed her hand away and said cuttingly, "Can a woman and a girl be the same?"

"..."

Zhou Ruyan watched Wu Fan's tall figure get into the Audi and drive away, feeling completely hollowed out.

Men are ultimately heartless.

But she had long since succumbed to Wu Fan's tenderness and couldn't pull herself out. What should she do?

She felt she would never find another man as powerful as Wu Fan.

She licked her lips, determined to find a way to keep having him...

A strange phone call disrupted Wu Fan's plan to go to the bar.

"Brother Wu Fan, are you free tonight?"

"Who is this?"

"My father was fortunate to be saved by your intervention. The debt of saving a life is greater than the heavens, and he definitely wants to see you again."

"Where are you? I'll send a car to pick you up. Please honor us with your presence."

Wu Fan quickly replied. "You're too kind. I'll drive over myself. Where should we meet?"

"Haiyuan City."

Wu Fan was stunned. This was the best seaside apartment in Island City, with outrageously high prices.

"Alright, I'll be there in ten minutes."

After all, the invitation was too sincere to refuse.

Just as Wu Fan arrived at the apartment complex entrance, he saw the man in the black suit already waiting.

Wu Fan rolled down his car window.

He immediately came forward and guided Wu Fan to park the car in a spot that had already been reserved.

"Who exactly is your leader?"

The man in the black suit smiled faintly. "You'll know once you meet him."

Wu Fan stopped asking further questions, assuming the person was a public official.

The apartment was a duplex, spanning two floors, and ridiculously large. The decor was exceptionally luxurious, almost describable as magnificent.

The male host was wearing gray loungewear, sporting a Big Slicked-back Hair style, and carried an imposing demeanor without needing to show anger.

With just one glance, Wu Fan recognized him. He was actually Secretary Zhong, the top official of Island City.

A major figure usually only seen on television.

"Wu Fan, thank you so much. My elderly father has been thinking about you constantly."

He enthusiastically extended his hand and shook Wu Fan's hand firmly...