Chapter 10: Blossoming Prosperity—A Friend Request

After parting ways with Li Beitian, Nan Xing went alone to the garden beneath the hospital building.

It was the height of spring, and the garden was full of vibrant life. Nan Xing sat on a bench, stretching lazily and trying to breathe in the fresh air.

She had originally planned to visit Granny Jin but felt it improper to come empty-handed, so she ordered a bouquet of carnations online.

When the delivery person arrived, Nan Xing took the flowers and went to Granny Jin’s ward.

The moment Granny Jin saw her, she couldn’t stop smiling. “Girl, I’ve been waiting for you all along. Finally, you’re here.”

Joy brings energy; the old woman seemed to have long forgotten that she was a patient.

She took Nan Xing’s hand and pulled her to sit beside her, then ordered her eldest grandson to peel an apple for Nan Xing. Her complexion looked much healthier than before.

“You’re such a good girl. Today, I owe you my life. You risked so much to save me. Without you, this old woman would have long since passed on.”

“Grandma, what are you saying?” Jin Yao interrupted, “You still have to live a long life and see me get married.”

“Hmph, and you have the nerve to say that? Always busy with work, work, work—you’ve probably forgotten about your old grandma!”

Granny Jin shot her grandson a sharp look, then turned kindly to Nan Xing. “Little girl, Jin Yao told me your name is Nan Xing? What do you do? Where do you come from? How many people are in your family? What do your parents do...”

“Grandma...”

Jin Yao coughed twice in an attempt to stop her. It seemed a bit impolite to bombard the young girl with questions right away, but Granny Jin paid no attention.

“I’m still studying, and I come from a rural area.”

Though a bit nosy, the old woman’s nature seemed kind, so Nan Xing didn’t take it to heart.

“Still studying? That’s wonderful! Girls should study hard and learn. As the saying goes, there is beauty and wealth hidden in books. The more educated a woman is, the clearer and wiser she becomes!”

“Besides, the countryside is much better now than the city. The environment is clean, the air fresh, you grow your own organic vegetables and eat with peace of mind. Roads are well-connected, no traffic jams, houses are spacious and comfortable, and most importantly, life moves at a slower pace. Young people don’t have to compete so fiercely, so they don’t get depressed. It’s great for both body and mind!”

Nan Xing couldn’t help but smile; she hadn’t expected Granny Jin to be so trendy, even knowing some internet slang.

“Grandma, I don’t usually hear you talk so much,” Jin Yao handed the peeled apple to Nan Xing. “Did the sun just rise from the west today?”

“I spit on that. You spend 360 days a year living and working at the company—who else am I supposed to talk to besides Lao Ba?”

“Actually, I talk to Lao Ba more than I talk to you.”

Jin Yao fell silent.

Lao Ba was the name of Granny Jin’s dog, a Bichon Frise named Snowball.

Snowball was a very adorable, pure white dog.

She was called Lao Ba because Granny Jin had previously taken in seven other stray dogs.

Being elderly, she couldn’t care for them all alone. Apart from those who passed away naturally, the rest were given to professional dog lovers, leaving only the most obedient one—Lao Ba.

Nan Xing looked at Jin Yao, who was clearly exasperated, and said, “Work is important, but you shouldn’t forget to spend more time with your family. Jin Gongzi, you could learn a thing or two from Lao Ba.”

Jin Yao replied, “Lao Ba doesn’t have a job.”

Nan Xing blinked in confusion.

Seeing the two young people chatting happily, Granny Jin squinted and smiled to herself, thinking they were a perfect match.

She pulled out a Huawei Mate 60 Pro phone that Jin Yao had recently bought from under her pillow, skillfully opened WeChat, and then scanned a QR code. “Good girl, add Granny’s contact. When I’m discharged, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“Grandma, you’re too kind.”

Nan Xing smiled softly, appreciating the old woman’s kindness but not wanting to embarrass her.

She then took out her phone and showed her own QR code.

The elderly woman was quite adept with her phone. Nan Xing soon received a friend request: “Blossoming Wealth” wanted to add her.

Nan Xing accepted and added a note to the contact: Granny Jin.

“Good girl, just tell Granny what you like to eat. We have several top chefs at home—Sichuan, Shandong, Cantonese, Suzhou, Fujian cuisines. Whatever you want, Granny will make sure you get it.”

“If you don’t like home cooking, Granny will take you out for a big feast. Use my grandson’s card, pick whatever you want!”

Feeling Granny Jin’s warmth, Nan Xing’s lips curved into a serene smile. “Thank you, Grandma. I’ll treat you when I get the chance.”

The more Granny Jin looked at her, the more she liked her. She gave her grandson a knowing glance. “Granny’s tired. Jin Yao, why don’t you take Nan Xing out for a walk?”

Outside, a fine drizzle had begun again.

Nan Xing stood in the corridor, shivering slightly.

Suddenly, she felt the weight of something on her shoulders.

Jin Yao had taken off his coat and draped it over her, warmth spreading through her. Her cheeks flushed softly.

She turned to meet Jin Yao’s friendly gaze and said thank you.

A simple, ordinary moment—but someone with ill intent happened to capture it and deliberately edited it into a photo suggesting romantic ambiguity between them.

Two minutes later, Nan Xing received a call from Nan Weiguo.

“Jin Gongzi, I have something to attend to. Excuse me for leaving.” Nan Xing returned his coat.

“Do you want me to accompany you?”

Jin Yao noticed her pale face and was somewhat concerned.

“No need.”

Nan Xing said and turned to enter the elevator.

Several figures had gathered in the ward—not only Nan Weiguo but also Qin Peicen, who was supposed to be at a beauty salon.

“I told you to take good care of Master Li. How did you take care of him? I heard you even let Mr. Li get injured because of you?”

“Nan Xing, can you ever rid yourself of those bad habits you brought from the countryside? Learn from your sister—be more patient and gentle!”

“If you keep this up, the Nan family’s reputation will be ruined by you!”

It is said that enemies see red when they meet, and that certainly applied to this father and daughter.

Nan Xing had barely stepped into the room when Nan Weiguo began his harsh reprimand without distinguishing right or wrong.

But Nan Xing was used to it. “If you think she’s better, then just let her marry him.”

If not for her mother, she wouldn’t bother wading into this mess.

Wouldn’t it be better to live carefree as a little rich lady?

“What nonsense are you talking about!”

Before Nan Weiguo could further scold Nan Xing, Qin Peicen stepped forward to stop him, wearing a gentle expression.

“Husband, Xing’er is still a child. It’s normal for her to be immature. Just teach her slowly.”

“She’s about to graduate, and you say she’s still a child?” Nan Weiguo’s veins bulged on his forehead. “Zhen’er is younger than her and yet much more sensible. I think Nan Xing just needs to be disciplined!”