As Rong Yu's nominal father, Rong Wangtian indeed ought to accompany her to Harbor City.
Standing beside Pei Yaru, he watched the two prominent figures of the Ji family—one the founder and the other the current helmsman—personally escort Rong Yu here. Even though he had long known that this daughter of his was treated with the utmost respect by the Ji family, he still felt a deep sense of shock every time he witnessed such a scene.
He quickly stepped forward to greet them. Thank you for the trouble, Old Mr. Ji and CEO Ji. You can just hand my daughter's luggage to me. I'll go check her in.
Ji Zhiyuan spoke in a mild tone, We happen to be going to Harbor City on business anyway, so we'll just check it all in together.
He and his bodyguard, each pushing two suitcases, walked toward the check-in counter.
Old Master Ji kept a straight face, an imposing aura radiating from him. He stood right beside Rong Yu, wearing a look that clearly said strangers should keep their distance.
Mrs. Song wanted to go over and strike up a conversation.
This was the founder of the Ji family, after all. Even just exchanging a few words and getting his contact information would be immensely beneficial.
But after taking only two steps, she was pulled back by Song Huai. Mom, I think I lost my earphones. Can you help me find them?
Mrs. Song had no choice but to give up.
The group boarded the plane.
Since Rong Yu's ticket was purchased by her school, Old Master Ji hadn't bought a first-class ticket either, which perfectly allowed them to pick seats next to each other.
Rong Yu sat by the window, Old Master Ji sat in the middle, and Ji Zhiyuan took the aisle seat. His tall, broad frame effectively blocked out any probing gazes from the rest of the cabin.
I haven't been to Harbor City in at least thirty years, Old Master Ji murmured to Rong Yu. I heard there's a highly effective temple there where any wish you make comes true. It's only a twenty-minute drive from the airport. Mom, why don't we go pay our respects first?
Rong Yu asked him, What does Yingbao want to pray for?
Old Master Ji looked out at the layers of white clouds through the window and slowly replied, I want to pray for the gods to bless me with a few more years of life.
Rong Yu's heart tightened.
She reached out and gently stroked his deeply wrinkled face. Alright, Mom will go with you.
Old Master Ji mumbled to himself for a little while before falling asleep on his biological mother's shoulder. Rong Yu asked a flight attendant for a blanket, draped it over her elderly son, and went back to reading her book.
Just as the plane was preparing to land.
Someone in the cabin suddenly screamed in panic. Oh no! Help! Is there a doctor on the plane? Doudou, Doudou, please don't scare Mommy!
A female passenger in the front row was holding a three- or four-year-old child, her face full of terror and helplessness.
The child was coughing violently, his eyes rolling back, and his lips turning blue. His condition looked incredibly dire.
A flight attendant rushed over and was just about to make an announcement.
I am a pediatrician, a deputy chief physician, a woman said, appearing quickly. She pulled out her professional credentials, handed them to the flight attendant, and swiftly laid a blanket on the floor. Please lay the child flat down. I need to examine him.
Ji Zhiyuan paused in surprise.
It was Dr. Wen, Wen Yan.
This woman always gave him a strong sense of familiarity, as if he had met her somewhere before.
He watched her crouch down and use extremely professional techniques to check the child's pupils and throat, while rapidly questioning the parent, Has the child had any cold symptoms over the past three days?
He's had a bit of a runny nose the last few days, the child's mother sobbed. Before getting on the plane this morning, he only had a slight cough...
A barking cough like a seal, supraclavicular retraction, and subglottic edema. It is highly likely to be laryngeal obstruction, Wen Yan said rapidly. Miss, is there a first-aid kit on the plane? I need some medication right now...
The first-aid kit handed over by the flight attendant was much more basic than expected. Wen Yan quickly rummaged through it, her expression turning grave. There's only epinephrine injection, but no nebulizer.
The child's mother nearly broke down. How could it be laryngeal obstruction? Is his life in danger? What should I do? My Doudou...
Wen Yan glanced around, grabbed a plastic water bottle, and quickly emptied out the liquid. After wiping it with a sanitizing wipe, she took a syringe and an oxygen mask from the first-aid kit. She cut off the bottom of the water bottle, injected the diluted medication into it, and connected it to the oxygen mask. A makeshift nebulizer was instantly ready.
Wen Yan placed the device over the boy's nose and mouth, saying softly, Sweetheart, can you hear me? Be a good boy, don't be afraid. Take a deep breath...
The surrounding passengers and flight attendants didn't even dare to breathe too loudly, terrified of distracting the doctor from saving a life.
Ji Zhiyuan's breathing also lightened. His gaze fell involuntarily on Wen Yan. She was so incredibly focused, her voice so gentle. Her calm and effortless composure while hovering on the line between life and death made it impossible to look away.
It wasn't until she confirmed the danger had passed that Wen Yan let out a long sigh of relief. The child is out of immediate danger for now. Once we land, send him to the hospital right away for more specialized treatment.
The child's mother was endlessly grateful, thanking her over and over again.
Wen Yan waved her hand dismissively, not taking the praise to heart.
She suddenly felt an intense gaze resting upon her. Turning her head, she met Ji Zhiyuan's eyes and her entire body instantly stiffened.
She frequently interacted with the fathers of her sick patients, many of whom were social elites, but no one had ever given her such a strong sense of familiarity like Ji Zhiyuan did. This familiarity seemed to be hidden within all her senses, making her want to avoid him at all costs.
Dr. Wen, Ji Zhiyuan spoke up first. What a coincidence. Are you heading to Harbor City as well?
Ripples of emotion surged in Wen Yan's heart, but her face revealed very little. She smiled and replied, I'm going to Harbor City to attend a medical seminar.
So you are Dr. Wen! Old Master Ji said, looking delighted. Our Duoduo talks about you every single day. I've been wanting to invite you to our home as a guest for a long time.
You must be Duoduo's great-grandfather. Miss Rong is here too, Wen Yan said with a smile. Duoduo said she especially loves her great-grandfather because he always plays around and causes mischief with her.
That little brat, ruining my reputation! Old Master Ji blew into his beard and glared playfully. Just watch how I lecture her when I get back.
Wen Yan couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Her seat happened to be right behind Rong Yu's, so Old Master Ji could chat with her just by turning his head. The two of them conversed back and forth, with Rong Yu occasionally chiming in. Even though they only talked about Duoduo, they grew much closer.
When the conversation shifted to Duoduo's upcoming piano competition, Old Master Ji couldn't quite remember the exact title. Ji Zhiyuan chimed in at the right moment, It's the International Youth Piano Open, held at the Sea City Concert Hall.
Wen Yan's mind was completely filled with the sound of Duoduo's voice.
She hadn't seen Duoduo for quite a long time and truly missed the child.
She hesitated for a moment before asking, When is the Open?
Ji Zhiyuan replied, Next weekend. If you have time, Dr. Wen, you are welcome to come to the venue and cheer Duoduo on.
Wen Yan nodded and agreed.
The plane soon arrived at the Harbor City airport.
Wen Yan had someone waiting to pick her up, so she waved goodbye to them.
Rong Yu told Pei Yaru that she needed to go take care of some business first.
Rong Wangtian asked curiously, Little Yu, this is your first time in Harbor City, and you aren't familiar with the area. What kind of business do you have? I'll go with you.
There's no need to trouble CEO Rong, Ji Zhiyuan said, glancing at Rong Wangtian before turning to Pei Yaru. Don't worry, Teacher Pei. I will escort Rong Yu back to the hotel before five o'clock this evening. It won't delay any official business.
Pei Yaru nodded. Be careful on the road.
Rong Wangtian rubbed his temples.
He had canceled all his work and come to Hong Kong for one reason alone: to accompany his eldest daughter to her competition.
However, it seemed like his eldest daughter didn't need him for a single thing.
He truly was a failure of a father.
