Qiao Jing's argument was logical, withstands scrutiny, and contained no flaws. Her constant demeanor of an unconcerned onlooker added a touch of realism to what she said.
The joy on Zhan Qipei's face had already disappeared, replaced by an increasingly gloomy expression, and even the hand holding Qiao Jing's wrist gradually loosened.
Qiao Jing took the opportunity to pull back her hand, which bore a red mark and felt somewhat numb.
"Oh, right, you said four days ago... wasn't that when your mom picked me up? Your mom and your sister came over at noon. If you don't believe me, go ask them."
Zhan Qipei's face completely fell, and he sat there quietly, as if a heavy gloom had enveloped him.
Seeing Zhan Qipei's demeanor, Qiao Jing felt at ease, as he probably no longer suspected her as the one who had operated on him that day.
After that, there was silence all the way.
Twenty minutes later, the car stopped at the front gate of the hospital.
Qiao Jing hadn't even opened the car door to get out when she saw Zhan Qipei exit the car first without waiting for her, striding toward the hospital with long steps.
Seeing the man's behavior, Qiao Jing inexplicably found it somewhat amusing.
This man was like the weather, changing dramatically.
Looking down at her reddened wrist, it seemed she had been right not to confess to Zhan Qipei that she had been the one to perform his surgery. Look at this red mark, he had used so much force, he might as well have wished to crush her wrist.
If he ever learned the truth, who knows what trouble he might stir up.
Of course, there's the old saying, it's not that she was afraid, she simply found it too bothersome.
As soon as Zhan Qipei entered the hospital room, he saw Zhan Yuanshan immediately perk up.
When Zhan Yuanshan saw that only Zhan Qipei had come, his excited old face visibly deflated.
"Where's Jing Girl? Didn't she come with you? Then why did you come alone?"
Zhan Qipei "..."
At this moment, Qiao Jing walked out from behind Zhan Qipei.
Zhan Qipei clearly saw Zhan Yuanshan's mood brighten tremendously, delighted beyond compare.
Seeing this, Zhan Qipei was speechless, thinking to himself, was his own grandson actually less important than an outsider?
"Jing Girl, you finally came to see me! Come on over here, let Granddad have a good look at you."
Qiao Jing walked over to the bedside and sat down directly.
"You shouldn't get excited; too much excitement could kill you at any moment."
Zhan Qipei frowned. Was she really talking to his grandfather like this? The lack of respect!
"Alright, alright, I'll listen to you, I won't get excited," Zhan Yuanshan chuckled happily, his old eyes brimming with benevolent laughter as he looked at Qiao Jing.
This scene stunned Zhan Qipei; his grandfather's temper was notorious, and anyone else speaking to him in such a manner would have set him off. Yet now, Zhan Yuanshan was not only unangered but actually pleased.
Did his grandfather really like Qiao Jing that much?
Could it be solely because Qiao Jing's grandfather had once saved his grandfather's life on the battlefield? So much so that he loved everything associated with her?
"I'll check your pulse." Qiao Jing reached out and touched Zhan Yuanshan's wrist.
Seeing this, Zhan Qipei half-squinted his eyes and moved closer to Qiao Jing.
Qiao Jing subtly shifted her gaze, fixating on the man's long legs, wondering if Zhan Qipei was beginning to suspect her again?
Indeed, just as Qiao Jing had guessed, Zhan Qipei was staring at her intently, trying to read something from the girl's eyes. However, her eyelashes were long and thick, fluttering like butterfly wings, and since she was looking downwards, it covered a large area, making it hard to discern her underlying emotions.
A moment later, Qiao Jing released Zhan Yuanshan's hand, maintaining a neutral expression as she said, "It's the same as always, neither good nor bad. Continue to keep up a good mood, and try not to get excited."
"If you want me to have a good mood, that's easy, just give me a great-grandson, and my illness will instantly get better!" Zhan Yuanshan said, his old eyes sneakily glancing at Qiao Jing's abdomen.
When will it start showing?
His grandson is really useless!
Zhan Qipei frowned; he thought he saw his grandfather cast a disdainful look his way.
It felt like he was saying he was useless.
"If you want a great-grandson, let someone else have it; I'll pass. I find him utterly detestable, and a forced melon isn't sweet," Qiao Jing said while reaching into the fruit basket for an orange, which she began to peel and eat.
"That won't do, I don't care for other daughters-in-law; only you are suitable. I don't want anyone else's!" Zhan Yuanshan stubbornly declared.
Qiao Jing looked up at Zhan Yuanshan, then decided to let it go considering his old age, choosing not to argue with him further.
"Oh? Right, Jing Girl, how's your research on corn coming along? Did it succeed?"