Chapter 956 - A Risky Plan
A Star Reborn: The Queen's Return
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Xia Ling shook her head in disappointment, unable to utter a word.
The lighting in the hallway was dim, and it made her look exceptionally haggard, almost as if sheâd been drained of all energy and had nothing but an empty shell left. She did not want to talk to anyone nor make any expression. Scenes of the encounter with the snakes flashed before her eyes repeatedly. She remembered how confident and assuring his voice was when he told her to hold him tight, and how she just knew she could depend on him. But now?
When he needed her support most, she couldnât do a thing.
Just next to her, a lady said, âHow could you possibly not get him awake? Donât you love him the most, or is it that he doesnât love you enough? Otherwise, how could he have no reaction when he heard your voice?â
She did not know whose voice that was as she remained caught up in her own bubble.
Xia Moyan, who was standing right next to Xia Ling, glanced at Su Tang. He did not know her, but it wasnât difficult to see through the enmity in her tone and the jealousy rising inside her. He questioned Old Master Li calmly, âIs this place open to random troublemakers as well?â
Old Master Li was stunned for a moment before realizing that he was referring to Su Tang. He hurriedly tried to diffuse the tension. âAh Tang didnât mean it that way. Sheâs just too anxious, thatâs why she...â
âAh Nuo.â Xia Moyan didnât hear him out. He called the quiet bodyguard whoâd been holding Shaohui. âInvite the irrelevant people out of here.â
âYes.â Ah Nuo handed Little Shaohui to Madam Xia and said to Su Tang, âMiss Su, please leave this place.â Although he was the Li familyâs bodyguard, he had taken orders from Li Leiâthis brother-in-law was to be treated as family, while Su Tang would just be a subordinate, an outsider.
Su Tang widened her eyes in disbelief. Was he rebelling?!
A Li family member was helping an outsider then against her?!
âAh Nuo, you!â Su Tang was shocked and humiliated. Her pitch went up several keys. âDonât forget which family youâre from!â
Ah Nuo was firm in his stand but remained polite. âMiss Su, please donât force me to take action.â
He had rebelled indeed! Su Tang bit her lip and looked towards Old Master Li for help. This was the first time sheâd been issued an order, and in front of her love rival at that. How was she supposed to save her image?!
But all Old Master Li did was sigh before saying, âAh Tang, youâve been keeping watch for so many days, itâs about time you took a good rest.â Old Master was advanced in age, but his eyesight hadnât failed him completely. He could see that Preceptor Xia was evidently very unhappy, and he did not want to create more trouble at a time like this. Moreover, Li Lei had taken over his power a long time ago; even if he ordered Ah Nuo, Ah Nuo wouldnât abide by it. All he could do was make things less awkward for Su Tang by putting in some words for her.
Su Tangâs heart went coldâduring crucial moments, she meant nothing to Old Master.
Old Master had always prioritized his familyâs interests, but today she was alone and helpless in the Li family...
âMiss Su, itâs time to go.â Ah Nuo hurried her and reached out to grab her elbow. He said diplomatically, âApologies.â And headed right out the hallway.
Su Tang staggered upon being dragged along by him and spat. âLet go of me, I can walk on my own!â
Biting her lower lip, she left the crowd with a face as white as sheet.
The atmosphere was a little awkward.
Xia Moyan saw that his sister was in a bad state and told the nurseâs aide, âWheel her back to her ward.â
The nurseâs aide nodded, but just as she began wheeling Xia Ling away, she jolted up as if awoken from a dream. She immediately held down the wheels of the wheelchair and said, âNo, Iâm not leaving! I want to stay and accompany Li Lei!â She looked up at Xia Moyan hopefully. âBrother, save Li Lei. Can you save him?â
Xia Moyan said, âItâs too late, I canât.â
Xia Ling shook her head in disbelief. âHow could you not have a way? Brother, stop lying to me, you surely have a way, right?â She looked up at him and tried to spot any clue, but all she got was silence. The spark in her eyes slowly died down.
Old Master Li had been rejected by Xia Moyan a few days back and did not find it surprising. âMy poor grandson...â he murmured agonizingly and staggered shakily to the bench.
Xia Ling lowered her head and kept watch beside him.
Her lashes drooped as her eyes went dark and gloomy. No one knew what she was thinking.
Madam Xiaâs heart ached for her. âYou should go back, Xiao Ling. Youâve been staying out here for so long. You have to take good care of yourself, your body hasnât recovered yet.â
Xia Ling looked up and forced a smile. âMom, Iâm alright. You and Brother can go back first, Iâll stay with him for an hour more before getting the nurse aide to wheel me back.â
Madam Xia saw that there was no point in coercing her and sighed. âIâll stay here and accompany you then.â
Xia Ling shook her head. âIâm really alright. You and Brother can leave first, Iâd like some time on my own. Oh right, take Shaohui along with you. Iâm afraid heâll fall sick if he doesnât sleep well here. Iâll be fine, Ah Nuo is here anyway.â
Madam Xia looked at Ah Nuo, the big man with few words. He appeared very reliable and seemed to be loyal to Xia Ling. She took another look at Shaohui who was sound asleep and her heart went out to the child. Receiving the child from Ah Nuo, she gave Xia Ling a few more words of advice before leaving with her son.
Only Xia Ling, Old Master Li, and Ah Nuo were left in the hallway.
Xia Ling whispered to Old Master Li, âGrandpa, Iâm asking for you to help me with something.â
Old Master raised a brow at her but did not say a word. He detested this granddaughter-in-law. If not for her, his grandson wouldnât be in so much trouble.
Xia Ling did not mind his attitude towards her and went on. âIâm asking you to help me leave this hospital. Iâm going to look for Wei Lingnan, he might be the only one whoâs able to save Li Lei now.â
Old Master Li broke his stone-cold expression a little. âThe Preceptor canât even save him, but heâd be able to?â
âWe have to try,â Xia Ling said. Her brother had told her about Wei Lingnanâs background before. She knew that this mysterious man was the only one in the world who was capable of going against the Xia family. Since he was that powerful and was also involved in the drug manufacturing business, he might really have a way to save Li Lei. At this point, they just had to give it a shot.
Old Master Li was for the idea; this was his grandson, after all, any ounce of hope was worth pursuing. He stood up and told Ah Nuo, âYouâll wheel Ye Xingling and follow me. Be careful on the way, donât let anyone sense something fishy.â
Ah Nuo did not look too pleasant. âOld Master, Madam?! This is too risky. Madam, youâre still weak, what if something happens along the way?!â