Chapter 299: Mindset
Upon arriving in the imperial capital, Jiang Bin wasted no time and headed straight to the pre-booked hotel to take a seat.
He glanced around at the half-full room of invitees and his expression soured: “There’s still five minutes until the deadline. I’m sure you can all guess why we’re gathered here. This idea wasn’t mine; it was Little Ning’s suggestion. You can all imagine the consequences of not showing up, so thanks for making it.”
Indeed, Jiang Kekai’s reputation was no less fearsome than her father’s. What made her terrifying wasn’t just her current influence, but the potential she held for the future—a sentiment that everyone in the room collectively miscalculated.
In order to better intimidate them, Jiang Bin was more than willing to use his daughter’s name—after all, this meeting was her request.
As expected, when they heard that it was Little Ning’s idea, the attendees’ expressions dimmed further. Some sat stiffly, unsure of what Jiang Bin would do next.
Time ticked by, and more representatives from various families trickled in.
Finally, the time arrived, and Jiang Bin ordered for the doors on that floor to be shut tight. No one outside was getting in—otherwise, they’d think he was a pushover. “Ahem~”
Just as Jiang Bin was about to speak, his phone buzzed.
He checked it and saw it was his brother Jiang Tao calling. Jiang Bin didn’t need to ponder what that guy wanted, so he let it ring: “Looks like this is all the attendees we have, right? I think you all know what being here means. No need for long-winded explanations; tell your families to stop putting pressure on the Lin family immediately.”
“But Chairman Jiang, that’s your father…”
Before the guy could finish, Jiang Bin impatiently cut him off: “I’m not here to chit-chat. If anyone has a problem with me, feel free to leave.”
“Uh….”
That fellow actually wanted to make a case; he didn’t really support Jiang Bin and was more like a mediator. However, Jiang Bin’s words left him and others with similar thoughts unsure of what to do next. “Um, I need to make a call.”
“Be my guest.”
With that, Jiang Bin turned his attention back to the crowd: “You have three minutes to make it clear. I’ve already been very straightforward. If you’re here to support me, stay; otherwise, you can leave immediately. I have no interest in further discussions.”
“Uh….”
This was the first time they’d seen Jiang Bin throw caution to the wind like this, so they could only pull out their phones to make calls—after all, they were just representatives. Suddenly, Jiang Bin’s phone buzzed again, and it was the same contact.
This time, Jiang Bin didn’t decline the call; instead, he answered while heading out: “What’s up?” “Why didn’t you pick up sooner? Dad’s having a heart attack—he’s collapsed in the hospital.”
Jiang Bin knew Jiang Tao well enough; he wouldn’t joke about their father’s health. Heart racing, he asked, “What’s Dad’s condition? I’m heading back right now.”
“He hasn’t woken up yet. As for the Lin family issue, you should stay out of it for now—Dad’s in this condition.” “I’ll handle it. I’m heading back right away.”
After hanging up, Jiang Bin felt even more anxious and rushed over to his wife.
Suddenly, an idea struck him. He looked at the representatives and then pulled his wife aside and whispered, “Dad’s got a heart attack. I’m going back; you take care of everything here.”
“I got it. Don’t worry.”
“Okay.”
Without hesitation, Jiang Bin headed straight for the airport, making a couple of urgent calls en route.
One was to charter a plane, and the other was to speak with his daughters…
Meanwhile, Jiang Kekai was blissfully unaware of the chaos, lounging in her newly purchased home with the girls, enjoying some heat and watching a movie. Just then, her phone rang.
Seeing it was her father, she instinctively thought something might be wrong. With a hint of worry, she answered, “Hello?”
“Little Ning, you and Hanhang need to go to Demon City First People’s Hospital immediately. Grandpa just had a heart attack and is in the hospital.” “Got it! Hanhang and I are on our way.”
She had no idea how her father got this news, but Jiang Kekai doubted anyone would joke about it.
So she chose to trust him.
After hanging up, Jiang Kekai’s expression darkened, and she turned to Hanhang, who was lounging in Xia Ling’s lap, snacking on potato chips: “Hanhang, stop playing—Grandpa’s in trouble.”
“What?!” Hanhang almost dropped the chips in shock. “What happened?”
Jiang Kekai shook her head. “I don’t know if it’s true, but Dad said he had a heart attack and is already in Demon City hospital. Let’s gather our things and head over now.”
Despite the urgency, Jiang Kekai didn’t forget to include Xia Yu: “Xia Yu, you and Xia Ling need to come too. I can’t leave you two behind; that makes me worry even more.”
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Xia Yu and Xia Ling didn’t argue. Although neither of them particularly liked the old man Jiang Heng, they could at least choose not to see him. If he turned out to be fine, they could still enjoy some fun in Demon City before heading back.
So, without grabbing anything, the girls quickly laced up their shoes and rushed downstairs while the cars were already on standby.
Zhao Wei seemed to have caught wind of the news too, as she and the other bodyguards had prepared the vehicles, ready to roll the moment the girls got in. On the way, glancing at the serious-looking Jiang Kekai, Xia Yu, who usually kept to herself, surprising everyone by trying to comfort her:
“L-Little Ning, it’ll be okay…”
Xia Ling was astonished—she’d only ever seen Xia Yu being comforted by Jiang Kekai, never the other way around. Talk about a plot twist!
Jiang Kekai felt an indescribable joy. Her little cutie had finally learned to comfort her; all that care was paying off!
Once again, Jiang Kekai tightly hugged Xia Yu, her mood brightening considerably: “I know, Xia Yu; it’ll be fine.” Xia Yu didn’t budge, comfortably snuggling in Jiang Kekai’s embrace, enjoying the warmth and pleasant scent.
Zhao Wei, glancing in the rearview mirror, couldn’t help but smile indulgently. It was good to see the Young Lady having a little cutie accompany her, but alas, her own abilities didn’t permit such luxuries. If only she could pamper a little cutie like that!
Knowing the urgency of the situation, the convoy sped their way to Demon City First People’s Hospital, quickly arriving at the site Jiang Bin had mentioned.
As soon as they got out of the car, the girls were greeted by Jiang family members waiting to receive them. When they reached the hospital room, they found a gathering of distant relatives—uncles, aunts, and all—indicating the seriousness of the matter.
Upon seeing everyone, Jiang Kekai regretted bringing Xia Yu and Xia Ling along; she had planned for them to wait outside. But with so many people here, it was clear that keeping them outside wouldn’t be safe either.
After a moment’s hesitation, Jiang Kekai resolutely held Xia Yu’s hand tightly and pulled her in, feeling a little better.
But while Jiang Kekai felt relieved, her grandfather Jiang Heng was not amused. Seeing Jiang Kekai bring Xia Yu in to see him, he grumbled, “What are you bringing her here for? Do you want me to kick the bucket so you two can ride off into the sunset?”
That’s right; Jiang Heng had already recovered and, thanks to prompt medical attention, was doing quite well now—only slightly weaker than before, acting like it was just another day.
Thus, Jiang Heng’s voice was booming, reminiscent of a roaring lion, and it sent Xia Yu curling further behind Jiang Kekai. At this moment, the other relatives started chiming in to make their case.
“Little Ning, just don’t provoke your grandpa right now; otherwise, you won’t have a grandfather to call anymore.”
“Yeah! So hurry and take them away! Trust me, you two are just not a good match; your grandpa is only thinking of your well-being.”
“Look at how your grandpa’s in this state, can you really bear to upset him? He’s your family, you know?”
…
Despite the relatives’ attempts at persuasion, Jiang Kekai remained unaffected, maintaining her expression as stoic as when she entered, firmly bringing Xia Yu along as they left. Behind them, Hanhang and Xia Ling followed, both with less than cheerful faces.
Well, they didn’t share Jiang Kekai’s carefree mindset.
