No one heard the last few words between the grandfather and grandson. They only noticed that Xiang Xingzhao was exhausted, his hands loosened Xiang Mingzhang's shoulders, and his whole body fell down like a collapsing mountain.
Xiang Mingzhang quickly grabbed Xiang Xingzhao's elbow, which was so thin that only a handful of dry bones remained. He put Xiang Xingzhao back into the wheelchair, bent over and supported himself on the armrests on both sides, and said, "Grandpa is the person closest to me. Since it is Grandpa's wish, I will definitely do it."
Xiang Kun asked: "If you agree, when will Xiang Long come back?"
"It seems that uncle also misses his brother." Xiang Mingzhang said, "With so many witnesses, I can't break my promise. Don't worry, Xiang Long will come back after completing the formalities."
The eldest aunt said, "Finally, our family can be reunited."
Xiang Xingzhao sat slumped, his face pale and visibly in a bad state. Xiang Huan said, "Okay, let Dad go back to the ward to rest."
Xiang Kun reached out for help, but Xiang Mingzhang simply turned the wheelchair around and pushed Xiang Xingzhao back to the ward, followed by the rest of the Xiang family.
After the kidnapping, Xiang Xingzhao almost experienced a second stroke. Many of his indicators were at dangerous levels. He could not eat. He was about the same height as Xiang Mingzhang, but his weight dropped rapidly to less than 100 kilograms.
A group of experts and doctors examined Xiang Xingzhao. The worse the condition was, the less they would say it in front of the patient and only recommended hospitalization to his family.
Xiang Kun and Xiang Huan both agreed. Xiang Mingzhang stood at the end of the bed and said, "I will arrange for someone to take care of you during your hospitalization. Don't bother anyone."
Xiang Kun asked: "What do you mean?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "I just want to show my filial piety to my grandfather."
Xiang Rugang added: "Grandpa has three grandsons, and I am the eldest of this generation. How can I let you be the only one to suffer?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "You all said that grandpa loves me the most, so it is only right that I give a little more."
Xiang Rugang said: "That's because your father is not here. Grandpa pities you. Don't take yourself too seriously."
Xiang Mingzhang was not angry at all. He said sincerely and regretfully, "I hope someone will take you, the eldest son and grandson, seriously. Then the kidnappers may not have to keep an eye on me."
Xiang Kun and his aunt were both a little angry when they heard this, and Xiang Rugang was even more furious. Xiang Ruxu didn't say a word from beginning to end. He didn't like to get involved in disputes and said, "Grandpa has already understood it. Let Grandpa decide."
Xiang Xingzhao lay on his back on the bed. He was not yet dying, but he knew that struggling was in vain. He said, "Just follow the instructions of the Emperor."
The assistant was waiting outside. Xiang Mingzhang turned around and walked out. Suddenly he paused and said, "I see the old man's legal team is here too. Should I invite them in?"
No one responded, so Xiang Mingzhang continued, "When I was kidnapped, Uncle Qi forced me to sign a will. I remember the content and the beneficiaries. Uncle Qi is really funny. He blackmailed me but didn't ask for a penny for himself."
He asked: "Grandpa, you need to think carefully about the will, so I would rather die than sign it. Do you think I did the right thing?"
Xiang Xingzhao replied slowly: "Let the lawyer go back. I have nothing to confess."
In the reception area, everyone could see that the atmosphere in the Xiang family was turbulent, and they also knew that although Xiang Xingzhao's condition seemed to be improving, in fact there was no way to save him.
Shen Ruozhen folded his arms and did not move, in a completely defensive posture. He had witnessed the turmoil in the Xiang family more than once, but this was the first time that so many people had gathered together.
The retired company veterans have deep feelings for Xiang Xingzhao. The other directors and senior executives are still in office and they truly respect Xiang Xingzhao, but everyone is in their own camp.
Everyone understood that even if Xiang Xingzhao recovered fully, his age and energy would not allow him to be qualified for the position of Chairman Xiang Yue.
The door of the ward opened, Xiang Mingzhang walked out, and everyone gathered around him: "Mr. Xiang, how is Director Xiang?"
"He has gone to bed." Xiang Mingzhang said, "He has been ill for more than two years. Whether he is getting better or worse cannot be explained simply. The doctor will do his best, and we, the family members, will cooperate seriously."
After he said this, everyone understood what was going on and comforted him, "Mr. Xiang and Mr. Xiang have the deepest relationship, so take care of yourself."
Xiang Mingzhang said with a veiled tone: "Thank you, I will. You all work hard in the company, and you still have to worry about our family affairs. I feel guilty."
The directors were embarrassed and all came to be witnesses tonight. Although Xiang Mingzhang agreed to the request, he turned the passive situation into active one and was definitely not the one being manipulated.
Shen Ruozhen loosened his arms, and a wrinkle appeared on the lapel of his suit. He pressed it. Xiang Mingzhang thought he had chest discomfort and came over immediately: "Are you tired?"
In front of so many people, Shen Ruozhen spoke in the tone of a subordinate: "I'm fine, Mr. Xiang."
Xiang Mingzhang was not aware of it: "Why don't you go to the car and rest for a while? Are you hungry? There is a restaurant in the hospital. I will ask someone to buy you something to eat?"
Shen Ruozhen said: "... No need, I'll wait for you."
Uncle Lun and the others all supported Xiang Mingzhang and had a close relationship with him. They joked, "Mr. Chu was implicated and kidnapped, and he was on the same page with Mingzhang."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "It's true what was said just now, if you survive a disaster, you will have good fortune in the future. It's my blessing."
Uncle Fang asked, "If this happened to someone else, they would probably be so scared that they would resign. Aren't you afraid, Mr. Chu?"
Apart from Xiang Mingzhang's faction, some other people were considering the situation. Shen Ruozhen took the opportunity to express Xiang Mingzhang's attitude and replied with a smile: "There is a poem I particularly like, infinite scenery is on the dangerous peaks. There is nothing to be afraid of when the clouds fly over."
After arranging everything at the hospital, Xiang Mingzhang and Shen Ruozhen left the hospital very late.
The driver started the engine and asked, "Where are you going back to, Mr. Xiang?"
Xiang Mingzhang tilted his head and said, "Let's go to my apartment."
A lot of things happened tonight, and Shen Ruozhen felt that Xiang Mingzhang needed someone to accompany him, or he had something to discuss, so he agreed, "Okay."
The driver took them to the entrance of Bomanjia Building. Shen Ruozhen hadn't been there for some time, so he went to the 40th floor and opened the door with the room card Xiang Mingzhang gave him.
The vase in the entrance hall was not filled with flowers, but instead with a bunch of emerald green pomelo leaves. The apartment manager heard that Xiang Mingzhang had an accident, so he put these leaves in the vase to ward off evil spirits and keep him safe.
Shen Ruozhen said: "You only say that I am feudal. Why don't you resist this superstitious behavior?"
Xiang Mingzhang took off his coat neatly: "I don't dare anymore. After you were shot, I updated my worldview. Now I believe in Buddhism, past lives and present lives, and believe that there is heaven and hell after death."
Shen Ruozhen couldn't tell whether this update was an upgrade or a regression, so he asked, "Anything else?"
Xiang Mingzhang said, "There is also my mother's Guanyin statue. When she decides not to use it anymore, I plan to take it over and put it on the cabinet. How about that?"
Shen Ruozhen didn't believe Xiang Mingzhang's lies. He changed into slippers and went to the bathroom. It was almost ten o'clock. He had been going to bed to rest at this time every day since he was injured.
Xiang Mingzhang followed in, filled the bathtub with hot water, and said, "Take a bath, I'll order dinner later."
Shen Ruozhen said: "Pyjamas."
Xiang Mingzhang, like a butler, deliberately dragged out his voice: "Master Shen, wait a moment, I'll get it for you."
Shen Ruozhen took off his clothes and waited for Xiang Mingzhang to leave before picking on him. The young master would not wait for anyone. He sat in the bathtub, his long legs together and slightly bent, the hot water flowing over the scar on his chest.
Xiang Mingzhang brought over the pajamas and filled his palm with bath gel. He touched the water with his hand to stir up dense foam, then rubbed the water droplets onto Shen Ruozhen's shoulders.
Shen Ruozhen said: "Xiang Xingzhao doesn't look well."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "His foundation is terrible. He can't hold on for long. After all, he is over 80 years old."
Shen Ruozhen raised his head: "Did you really promise Xiang Long to come back?"
"It's time." Xiang Mingzhang said that Xiang Long is still useful.
The name was unfamiliar to Shen Ruozhen when he heard it for the first time. Now he has pieced together a blurry silhouette, which is only separated from the real body by a thin layer of paper that is about to be punctured.
Xiang Mingzhang wiped his hands with a towel and said, "Let's not talk about those people anymore. I'll ask the restaurant to send dinner. What do you want to eat?"
Shen Ruozhen said: "All good."
Xiang Mingzhang frowned speechlessly. He didn't eat animal organs or heads and feet. He didn't like noodles that were too chewy, or too greasy with thick oil and red sauce. He couldn't eat spicy or sour food.
In short, Shen Ruozhen's appetite is average, but his advantage is that he has excellent self-cultivation. No matter whether he likes it or not, he will not say it out loud to spoil others' interest.
Shen Ruozhen didn't know that Xiang Mingzhang had complained a lot in his mind. After he finished taking a bath, dinner was served.
The two of them ate in the living room. After they finished eating, they left the floor lamp next to the sofa on. Last time, Shen Ruozhen complained that the comedy was not funny enough, so this time Xiang Mingzhang found a tragedy movie.
After pouring the hot water and health medicine, Xiang Mingzhang said, "Remember to take it later. I'm going to take a shower."
Shen Ruozhen was lying on the sofa covered with a blanket, watching a movie. His body had just recovered and he was not as strong as before. He felt sleepy as soon as the night went on.
After washing, Xiang Mingzhang wiped his hair and returned to the living room. Seeing Shen Ruozhen drowsy, he raised his hand and knocked on his forehead with the agate ring for fear that he would fall asleep.
He walked over and squatted in front of Shen Ruozhen, saying, "Why are you holding on? Go to sleep."
Shen Ruozhen woke up a little: "I'm here to accompany you, how can I fall asleep first?"
Xiang Mingzhang reacted: "Are you afraid that I'm in a bad mood?"
Being forced by Xiang Xingzhao and his family, Shen Ruozhen asked: "Are you sad?"
"Are you telling the truth?" Xiang Mingzhang replied, "I don't know how happy I am that you put aside your composure and criticized them in public to defend me."
Shen Ruozhen was stunned, and kicked Xiang Mingzhang with his dangling legs: "It turns out that I worried for nothing."
The movie on the screen is coming to an end. On a dock, the protagonist hides in the cabin of a ship and pulls out a pistol to commit suicide.
Xiang Mingzhang had his back to the TV and heard a gunshot.
More than half a month had passed since the incident, but he couldn't help but think of it, or dream about it, when Shen Ruozhen was on the yacht, holding a pistol and revealing his usually hidden fierceness.
Xiang Mingzhang couldn't help himself, he leaned forward with his hands on Shen Ruozhen's legs and said, "I will never forget the way you shot."
Xiang Mingzhang kissed Shen Ruozhen, his cheeks pressed against his thin lips. The kiss spread from his cheeks to his cheekbones and the corners of his eyes. He said, "I can't watch the movie anymore."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "It's over."
Shen Ruozhen said: "Don't you want me to sleep?"
Xiang Mingzhang asked back: "Don't you want to accompany me?"
The ending music sounded, the piano accompanied by heavy drum beats, like a heartbeat. Xiang Mingzhang held Shen Ruozhen's chin, tilted his head and sucked on his lips, but his teeth were clenched tightly.
"release."
Shen Ruozhen's voice was sticky: "I took the medicine, it's bitter."
"Let me try it." Xiang Mingzhang put his hands on Shen Ruozhen's waist and kneaded it through the blanket and pajamas. If he pressed a little harder, Shen Ruozhen's lips and teeth would open.
They hadn't been intimate for a long time, so they even refrained from hugging for fear of rubbing their scars. Xiang Mingzhang kissed Shen Ruozhen for a while, and when he was about to lose control, he stopped and tried his best to calm his irregular breathing.
Shen Ruozhen was a little overwhelmed and asked softly: "You don't want me?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "Take some more time to take care of your body."
Shen Ruozhen frowned, then opened his brows, then frowned again. Finally, he couldn't help but asked, "How long do you want to raise it?"
Xiang Mingzhang was so angry by his question: "You said you don't like it from behind, you don't like me pressing you, and you also said you like kissing, so what else do you like?"
Shen Ruozhen refused to cooperate, and he couldn't say: "No more."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "Impossible, tell me."
Shen Ruozhen said: "It's gone."
Xiang Mingzhang demanded forcefully: "Then think of one now."
Shen Ruozhen said: "You called my name."
"Okay." Xiang Mingzhang reached out and covered Shen Ruozhen's eyes, his eyelashes fluffy, "Ruozhen, close your eyes."
Shen Ruozhen obediently closed his eyes and took his hand away, but Xiang Mingzhang still stood in front of him and did not stand up.
The blanket covering his legs was lifted a little, and he felt Xiang Mingzhang approaching. He reached out to hug him, but missed and only touched Xiang Mingzhang's short hair.
The next moment, Shen Ruozhen felt as if an electric shock had been passed through his body and he fell on the sofa pillow and screamed.
He wanted to open his eyes wide, but in fact they were tightly closed. Tiny wrinkles appeared on his eyelids. He seemed to have his mouth open, and he called out Xiang Mingzhang, Mingzhang... countless times in a mess.
Shen Ruozhen listened to the tone himself and felt that it was funny and fragile, and it didn't seem so obvious under the cover of the movie's ending song.
After a long time, and a moment of shudder, Shen Ruozhen suddenly opened his eyes. His face, eyes, ears and Adam's apple were red.
Xiang Mingzhang knelt in front of him and raised his head. He pretended to be indifferent on his handsome face. It was obvious that he was trying hard to restrain something, but his eyes were scorchingly bright.
Shen Ruozhen pressed down the blanket to cover his twitching, and said in a hoarse voice: "How could you..."
Xiang Mingzhang pursed his lips and asked, "Does this count as love?"
(End of this chapter)