Broken Tales

The once serene atmosphere of the Ji Family Villa was engulfed in gloom and worry as the brothers who heard the news from Butler Gu Man rushed downstairs to greet their youngest brother. They were just joking around, laughing at their youngest brother's lovestruck face whenever he sees Hou Wei Yan.

None of them thought that such jokes would turn into their nightmare.

As soon as their youngest brother's fragile figure came into view, they immediately engulfed him in a hug, their voices obviously strained from worry and fright.

"Ah Li!"

"Are you okay? Did you get hurt too?" Ji Bao Shi asked as he did a full body check on his brother. He left no spot unchecked since his brother was filled with blood. The rusty stench and the lifeless look in his eyes worried them greatly.

Ji Li Zhao looked at his bloodied hands before he pulled on his shirt. The blood had clung to it, painfully reminding him of the terrible event that transpired due to his carelessness.

"The blood…belongs to Wei Wei."

His voice trembled and before long, tears had trickled down his cheeks. "It would have been better if it's mine."

"Don't say that!" The eldest remarked as he engulfed his youngest brother in his tight embrace.

"Everyone is glad that you weren't hurt too. You managed to bring her home because you didn't get hurt."

His words reminded him once more of the horrible accident that happened a few minutes ago. Without realizing it, tears had swelled in his eyes even more causing his brother to tighten his hug and allow him to cry as much as he wanted.

"It's okay now. They will save her."

Ji Li Zhao normally doesn't cry much but after their mother left, he had been openly showing his vulnerability. He was showing signs of improvement but with this accident, they feared that he would revert to his old habits of crying every day and locking himself in his room.

Now, he's unsure how they would help him get over this. Without Hou Wei Yan…it would be damn harder than before.

While busy comforting his younger brother, his twin arrived after interrogating the servant who brought Ji Li Zhao. "They probably brought her to Shiying Hospital."

"I want to go! Bring me there, big brother!" Ji Li Zhao immediately reacted as he released himself from his brother's arms.

"No!" Ji Cao Shi sternly answered.

"We cannot go there, not when the entire Xing Family is there. The elders must have rushed there and are probably driven mad by worry and anger."

"Cao Shi is right. Going there when Wei Yan's life is still in danger would only end up badly. We have to wait for father."

Ji Li Zhao looked at his brothers in bewilderment. [ Why is father visiting now of all times? ]

"He's coming?"

The eldest nodded his head and gently patted his head, hoping that such news would lessen his worries. With their father around, they would be able to visit without fearing for their lives. Although they are in a state of rivalry with the Xings, they cannot openly hurt one another. Especially with the head of the House around.

"He's already on his way. So, let's wait for him, okay?"

[ Did they inform Father of what happened? No way…then he's coming to take me back, doesn't he? ]

This train of thought caused Ji Li Zhao to react strongly to his words. As though begging for his life, he clung to his elder brother's trousers with his tears continuously flowing. "No. Please bring me to Wei Wei! Father is probably here to take me away. I can't leave!"

The thought of their separation in such a state terrifies him more than anything else. He knows he has to leave sooner or later, but not in such a state. He wants to guarantee that when he leaves, she's already safe.

"I can't leave…Not when she's lying in the hospital bed fighting between life and death!"

The twins looked at one another, ready to reject his wish. There is no opponent more terrifying than the Xings. They weren't willing to expose their little brother to any form of danger…because they promised their mother when she was still conceiving him that they would do whatever it takes to protect him from danger.

Before they could react though, Ji Xuejin decided to step in. He was the only one in the room to side with Ji Li Zhao. "We understand. Go change your clothes first, then, we will continue our discussion."

Feeling the sincerity in his voice, Ji Li Zhao obeyed without hesitation. He was even running to his room to change his clothes with Gu Man's assistance.

Once left by themselves, Ji Bao Shi turned to his brother in confusion and anger. He just gave Li Zhao false hope. They cannot obey him this time.

"Xuejin, what was that for? We can't bring him to her!"

"You're being too hasty in your decisions. We need to know the truth first before we decide on hiding him away," he replied back with honesty.

"What do you mean?"

He looked at the eldest among them and sighed. "Don't play dumb, elder brother. I know why Father is coming. He's indeed planning on running away with Ah Li. To hide him from the Xing family's scrutiny and wrath."

"But that would be best! We can't allow them to meet. Who knows what they will do to Ah Li!" Ji Bao Shi blurted out, terrified out of his wits. He doesn't want to get involved with the Xings because he knows for a fact how far they would go for their family.

Just like them, he will do whatever it takes to protect his little brother. But with all honesty, he is still vulnerable. Although already acknowledged as the heir, he is still powerless compared to the other Xing Grandchildren who already made notable names for themselves.

Watching his older brother tremble in both anger and despair at his inability to protect their brother by his own means greatly frustrated Ji Xuejin. Their eldest is usually a carefree person, in fact, he had called him a happy-go-lucky idiot many times. But when extreme situations arrive, he often overthinks and takes actions he thinks would protect them.

He was doing such a thing again―overthinking to the point of accusing their little brother of hurting Wei Yan.

"And you really believe he was the one at fault? You know, Ah Li. He's not one who would hurt others. He's hiding it, but he is still hurt by Mother's disappearance. So, you're thinking that he probably lost his composure and did something unimaginable, aren't you?"

Upon hearing such words, Ji Bao Shi instinctively bit his lower lip―feeling guilty for thinking of horrible scenarios in his head. The many possibilities running through his head caused him to lower his head in shame because, in his mind, he was already condemning his little brother for hurting Hou Wei Yan.

"Ah Li is level-headed. He probably wouldn't hurt others because he's been hurt the same way and doesn't want others to suffer the same pain he had…that's the kind of child he is." Ji Xuejin muttered making Ji Bao Shi feel horrible for thinking such a thing.

Sensing that his twin was feeling down, Ji Cao Shi approached him and ruffled his hair―a gesture he would never do under normal circumstances. "Let's trust our little brother."

"I'm sorry…for thinking such horrible things."

"You overthink sometimes." he casually replied before walking away without taking another glance at him.

Bewildered and astonished, Ji Bao Shi turned to his younger brother who was still worried that he may have said things a little harshly. Although, the former failed to notice the worry written on his face.

"Did he just ruffle my hair? That twin who doesn't like it when I ruffle him?"

"This really isn't the time to be thinking menial things," he muttered while paddling his wheelchair toward the living room. It is so like him to disregard harsh words as long as it makes sense to him.

A few moments after, Ji Li Zhao finally went down. When he saw his brothers' seriously huddled in the living room, he instinctively knew that he wasn't going to see Hou Wei Yan today―because they weren't planning on bringing him to her in the first place.

Although he was feeling betrayed, he went on and strode towards them with confidence. They all looked at him once he was in front of them, and before they could say anything, Ji Li Zhao had already made his move.

"If I tell you what happened, will you bring me to her?"

"I told you, it's dangerous." Ji Bao Shi insisted.

He will, of course, hear the truth but bringing him to her is another issue. Without their father's protection, they are vulnerable.

"If I don't explain what happened then they will continue persecuting me as a criminal. They need to know who really did this so they can find the truth and serve the justice Wei Wei deserves." he bravely stated.

With all honesty, Ji Bao Shi was still against it and he was about to voice his protest. But his twin brother had already decided to hear him out and surrender to his wishes. "Alright."

Once given permission, Ji Li Zhao finally began talking. Every detail of the incident, he shared it with them and once done he allowed Gu Man to pass on a paper to them which left his older brother no room to react to the story that he had just shared.

The eldest looked at him in confusion as all that was written in the paper were names of prominent figures in their country. He was even acquainted with some of them.

"This is?"

He knew to some extent that visiting Wei Yan won't be easy and the first obstacle he needs to face is proving his innocence. So instead of crying, he had to move fast and contacted a reliable source.

"That's the list of people who attended Zhou Jinhai's birthday party. The ones who were not present at the time Wei Wei was getting bullied are those four at the bottom. I asked Grandfather for the list and told him of the circumstances. He promised to send all the details about the four of them after a few minutes."

The brothers looked at one another after hearing his words. Their Grandfather is not on good terms with Elder Xing, if Ji Li Zhao was to ask him, he would only find this as a good opportunity to ruin the Xings. So, the only Grandfather he can rely on is probably Bei Jin Lin.

Ji Cao Shi, who knows the extent of that hatred, looked at him for confirmation. "By Grandfather, you mean Elder Bei?"

"I had to ask him…because I don't know who else can help me find them," he answered while nodding his head. He knows how powerless he is and he accepts that. For now, he needs all the help he can get and build his own power and strength that will solely belong to him.

"Grandfather has the best informants and he has that man with him. The information he has is reliable so if I present this to the Xings, they will have no choice but to believe me."

The three of them fell into silence before each seeking the eyes of one other. They had always viewed their little brother as the sweet child raised with love, and that he was simply brighter compared to those his age. It never occurred to them that he already knew the influence that he has and knew when to utilize it.

Impressed by his display of intelligence, Ji Bao Shi surrendered to his whims. He slowly skimmed through the names for the last time and stood up with a smile on his face.

"We really can't say no to you. Uncle, please prepare the car while I inform Father of the new arrangements."

Grateful for his consideration, Ji Li Zhao stood up and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, brother!"

He reached out his hands at the little one hugging his thigh and slowly messed up his hair before leaving. He doesn't know how his father will react, and even if he commands him to stop, he has no choice but to disobey. Because proving Ji Li Zhao's innocence is indeed a better choice than hiding him away.

.....

Shiying Private Hospital located near the Imperial Villas was both prestigious and big. It was well funded by the Xing Family while the Han Family personally hired the staff of the hospital. Due to the serenity of their location, they mostly cater to VIPs who wish for recovery in silence or those who wish to be peaceful till their last breath.

The tranquility of such a place was disturbed as their number one sponsor came in, and in her arms was an unconscious child with blood all over her face. Xing Mei Yi's wails sent all of them into panic and with haste, they brought her daughter to the emergency room.

Not allowed inside the room, Xing Mei Yi was left crying outside with her brother and aide. Her husband, Hou Guanyu, who was already planning a visit arrived at the hospital in no time.

Although a little hesitant to approach her due to their recent quarrels, as soon as he saw her bawling her eyes out, he reacted swiftly and engulfed her in a tight hug. They had fought quite hard which made her decide to stay in their villa, but he decided to abandon all reasons just to comfort her.

Xing Mei Yi clung to his shoulders and cried even more as his warmth surrounded her. "Wei Wei…I wasn't able…I couldn't protect her."

"Wei Wei is strong, she'll get through this, okay?" Guanyu assured as he gently stroked her hair and kissed the top of her forehead, a gesture she genuinely loves.

After a while, her cry died down and fatigue took over her. When he noticed that she was forcing herself to stay awake despite the obvious exhaustion in her body due to crying, Guanyu guided her head in his shoulders and allowed her a moment to relax.

But before she could drift into sleep, the hospital was turned upside down once more as three prominent figures stepped inside and walked without turning around toward the emergency room.

"Jun Zhu."

{*originated from the title of a royal-born girl in ancient China, now used as a nickname for a girl who is cute and precious}

The familiar voice filled with worry and warmth made Xing Mei Yi rise from her seat. She ran towards him and plunged herself into his warm embrace. "Dad!"

The whole world knows just how loved Xing Mei Yi is and the one who dotes on her beyond imaginable is her father…the one and only Xing Mingli. Seeing his only princess cry was the thing he hated the most. He was never fond of it and he would bring hell to anyone who brought her to tears.

As soon as he felt her shaking with tears, he began to tighten his grip on her—something he always did to assure her that he was there, that nothing in this world can hurt her as long as she was in his arms.

"She's going to be okay," he assured while continuously rubbing her back. He repeatedly did it until he felt her slightly calm down.

Once that was settled, he turned towards his son and glared at him. "What were you doing, allowing that kid near Ah Wei?!"

"I'm sorry, father. I became complacent."

Xing Gengxin knew the length his father would go to for their little sister. He already warned her about Ji Li Zhao and yet she did not listen. Surely, he was not to be blamed for this, but he still accepted everything.

He was used to this and although a bit unfair, he would rather give in than suffer wearing girl clothes for the rest of his life again.

Their mother—Wu Fan—immediately stepped in when she noticed Gengxin's sour mood. She had always tried her best to be fair and unbiased, unlike her husband who seems to favor Xing Mei Yi the most. It was because she existed that the family remained intact and loving toward one another.

Had she not been a mediator, the Xing Family would have undergone utter chaos. She was firm and strict and yet her affection knows no bounds when she needs them to feel it.

"This is not your fault nor is it Mei Yi's," she muttered while patting the back of her son. Gengxin placed his hand atop hers and did his best to assure her that he was fine.

After making sure that he was indeed over what his father said, she heaved a sigh and proceeded to hug her daughter tightly in her arms. "Let's continue praying for her."

Madame Xing gently caressed her hair and when she relaxed her shoulders, she found it the right opportunity to lead her back to her seat in fear that she would collapse due to exhaustion and stress. The men who were left behind immediately followed suit without question.

There was a lot of noise around but it was drowned out as each one of them was mulling over this tragedy. Xing Mei Yi was still stuck in the void of guilt and she blamed herself greatly for not being careful enough. She was confident that things would turn out fine since they were in a recluse and private area.

[ Ah Yan was hurt because of me. If I just allowed someone to follow them secretly, this wouldn't have happened! This is my fault! ] she scolded herself greatly and allowed tears to trickle down her face once more.

She can't forgive herself because she knew things would turn out differently had she listened to her brother and at least allowed some security around their area.

"You---Why are you here?!"

Xing Gengxin's sudden outburst made Xing Mei Yi glance toward the hallway. To her surprise, there stood the Ji brothers, and in front of them was none other than Ji Li Zhao himself, the sole witness to the accident and the possible cause of it.

When the brothers noticed the angry look that marked Xing Gengxin's face, they immediately pulled Ji Li Zhao closer to them and hid him behind their backs. They were now facing the elders who were ready to bear their fangs.

"We're not here to cause trouble." Ji Baoshi, being the eldest, muttered. His tiny hands were already shaking a bit due to the tension that had enveloped them. He knew whose territory they were in right now.

Xing Gengxin glared at him and took an angry glance at the child behind Baoshi. "You already caused one and you involved my niece in it!"

Ji Li Zhao had always been perceptive so he knew to whom that statement was directed. With one big gulp, he took hold of his brother's shirt and tugged them to make them move away. Although hesitant, they did what their little brother wanted, but they were tenser than ever.

"I didn't hurt Wei Wei." he bravely said as he looked at Xing Gengxin eye to eye. His firm eyes then directed to Xing Mei Yi who was still in tears. The sorrow in her eyes softened him.

Realizing the gravity of things, his tears flowed down as well. "Please, believe me, Auntie. I would never hurt her."

Xing Mei Yi knew in her mind that he wasn't the type of child who would hurt an angel like Wei Yan. But her heart is bleeding too much for her to believe what her brain is screaming.

Before she could choose between the two, Xing Mingli had already covered her view. He blocked her line of sight and made sure that Ji Li Zhao's pleading eyes were directed at him instead. He was a trained Royal, someone who would never give in to any form of pleading.

Madame Xing who knew by heart what her husband is like immediately gathered Xing Mei Yi in her arms and made sure that she does not involve herself anymore.

With firm and heavy steps, the Great Master of the Xing Family strode toward Ji Li Zhao whose build was clearly far inferior to his. He looked like a dwarf in front of Goliath. But despite the overwhelming difference, Ji Li Zhao stood his ground.

Because he knew, he was not at fault—that such seething anger should not be directed at him.

"So, this is the boy that's been toying with my little tiger."

As Xing Mingli got closer and his anger became more apparent, the brothers immediately made a barrier and hid their little brother despite his apparent protest. "Please be reasonable and listen to our brother."

"How am I supposed to listen when he's hiding behind his brothers?"

[ The more they hide me, the angrier he will be. ]

Realizing this, he forcefully squeezed himself in between Ji Bao Shi and Ji Cao Shi. The brothers tried hiding him back, but Xing Mingli had already reached their front and Ji Li Zhao's eyes were now focused on him.

"What's your name?"

"I'm Ji Li Zhao, sir."

Polite. That was the tone that Ji Li Zhao used in hopes that it would not anger him more. But despite all formalities, Xing Mingli had reached the stage of rage that cannot be reasoned with.

Without much effort, he grabbed hold of Ji Li Zhao's collar and slightly raised him. Showing him just how small and inferior he was in terms of everything. Being the number one in the Regal Families for such a long time made Xing Mingli the brutal man that he is now.

Even if Ji Li Zhao was a mere child, he found no trouble overwhelming him with his force.

The brothers who saw their little brother getting raised by his collar and imagining what would come after immediately ran and grabbed hold of Xing Mingli's pants.

"Ah Li!"

Xing Mingli merely looked at their futile struggle for a second before he returned his gaze to Ji Li Zhao who was clearly struggling…but his eyes remained firm and focused.

"You caused this. My granddaughter is in that state because of you!" he uttered, his gaze still seething in anger with no sign of burning down.

"If I were to strike you as you did to her, then no one would dare complain. What we receive will always be returned tenfold, so one hit wouldn't be enough to satisfy me as of this moment."

The most prestigious family…is also the most ruthless one. They are unforgiving when wrongdoings are directed at them and any offense should be returned with more brutality than intended. That's the Xing Family.

They had remained the number one for a long time because they were intelligent with deep pockets, of royal blood, and with enough bad blood to defend themselves from anyone who dared threaten them or their position. Over the years, they were looked upon as prestigious since their brutality was somehow overshadowed by the brilliant businesses they governed.

When no one was strong enough to harm them anymore, they tucked away their fangs like a wolverine retracting his claws.

They hid it well and concealed it as though no such thing existed. But when any members of the family have been harmed or threatened, they would bare their fangs without any ounce of mercy.

Ji Li Zhao knew all of this through the basic education he had to undergo which focuses on the current 12 Regal Families and what makes each family special. He knew the Xing Family as the Beast of all Beasts.

So, he knew, the leader of the pack would be untamable. But hopefully, he is reasonable.

"Then please do. I will not dodge nor resist, but the Elder would end up hurting his granddaughter's savior instead of punishing the real culprit," he stated.

For a moment, he saw the hesitation in the Elder's eyes but it faded as quickly as it came. He wasn't even sure if he saw it right or hallucinating in hopes that the elder would at least believe a part of his explanation.

"I am partially to blame for arriving late but I'm not the one who threw the rock at her."

Hou Guanyu, who was simply looking at the scuffle earlier, suddenly showed interest. "Threw the rock?"

His question was about to be answered, but Xing Mingli was short-fused and was clearly not in the mood for any explanation. He glared at Ji Li Zhao and raised his free hands.

"You're still to be blamed!"

"Father!"

For a moment, Ji Li Zhao thought that Xing Gengxin had changed his mind and decided to listen to his side of the story. But he remained where he was, his eyes still strained with anger. Uncaring.

But Hou Guanyu, whom he knows as a coward in front of Xing Mingli, apparently had a more tender heart. He blocked the fist that was about to hit him and made sure that no form of harm would come his way.

Xing Mingli looked at his son-in-law like he had become mental. Perhaps the shock of the event affected him and he became too brave to even dare block his path. Hou Guanyu stared at him seriously before proceeding to wear his naïve looking smile as though asking him for a bit of understanding.

He hated such a smile because it was clearly a façade, he wore to hide whatever side he had in him.

"Let's listen to him. If he was the one who struck Wei Wei then he has no reason to personally escort her back to the estate knowing fully well how dangerous it would be."

Xing Mingli was raised ruthlessly. He was educated that mercy cannot be given to those who had crossed the line. But for a rule to be applied, he needs to know if someone had really crossed the line. Whether he can give mercy or not will rely on how he discerns the truth.

He turned to the siblings and slowly released Ji Li Zhao from his tight grip. Hou Guanyu acted swiftly and pushed the little boy towards his brothers, making sure that he could no longer get caught in the Elder's enormous hands.

Once the brothers had settled down and encircled Ji Li Zhao, he sternly turned to him and gave him a tiny amount of time to explain what really happened. "Tell us everything, leave no detail behind."

Ji Li Zhao nodded his head. His brothers confirmed once more that he was unharmed before taking a step back, allowing him time to speak up. "Wei Wei and I were supposed to meet before I returned to the Capital. I ran quite late because I was preparing a gift for her."

"When I arrived there, she was already up in a tree with four boys beneath her, fooling around. I don't know what she said, they must have been reprimanded by her because they left as though frightened."

"After that, Wei Wei focused her attention on the bird we made friends with. One of the boys, I suppose he was the one who lead them there, picked up a stone and unilaterally threw it toward her. I called out for her attention so she could dodge it but it was too late. All I could do was run and catch her before her head could touch the ground."

Xing Gengxin who felt responsible for the accident because of his father's words bared his fangs once more to the child who could be considered the same age as his daughter. "You allowed them to run away?"

"I wasn't able to catch them because I was focused on bringing Wei Wei to safety. All I could think of was saving her before anything else," he admitted, his head now sunk low in guilt. Ji Li Zhao began nibbling on his lower lips, trying his best not to remember the events momentarily because he knew he'd cry once more. He didn't want to appear weak and lose his credibility.

He wants justice to be served and amongst them, Hou Guanyu was the first to understand that. He walked past his wife and touched Ji Li Zhao's shoulders, assuring him that someone from their side believed him.

"You chose well."

"Do you know them?" Xing Mingli angrily asked. The clicking of his tongue and blatant display of disappointment get noticed by everyone. He was getting impatient. He wants to know right now who he should hunt for bringing harm to his granddaughter.

"They were invited guests of the Zhou Family."

Zhu He immediately stepped in. Had he known their guest would cause a mess and harm their miss, he should have tightened the security. "The heir to the family was celebrating his birthday today. The young miss has received an invitation but declined it a few days ago."

The scowl on the elder's face was a clear indication that he was not yet buying whatever reason they are giving him. Ji Cao Shi knows just how meticulous the old man was so he decided to add more evidence. He was desperate to prove that his brother was a victim here as well. A child falsely accused by an inconsiderate elder.

"Ah Li had already pinpointed the four of them. We gathered testimonies stating that the four left the estate before the second part of the celebration. Their parents caused quite a ruckus and demanded to search for their sons."

His twin backed him up as the Elder finally took hold of the folder they offered. "They returned around the time my brother arrived in the Xing Estate with Hou Wei Yan in his arms."

Xing Mingli was not someone who would just believe them. He had trust issues and everyone knows that. His issues were the very reason why they tightened the management of their own security organization.

The files inside the folder were neatly compiled. It was thorough and filled with information, down to the smallest of detail. He arched his eyebrows at this before glaring once more. [ A neatly made file is most likely faked! ]

"And how am I supposed to believe this? Who compiled all this information in such a short amount of time?"

"Elder Bei lent a hand."

The elder's face scrunched up before his doubtful eyes found Ji Li Zhao. "You're his grandson, no?"

That was a truth he can never deny and will never deny. "I am, but he's not someone who would cover up for a relative."

"I know that very well." Xing Mingli muttered with a sigh. His frown was now much better, but still, it was a frown and the only way to ease it is Hou Wei Yan's safety and their vengeance to be exacted.

He glanced at Zhu He. "Rally the hunters. I want both the parents and children, along with the Zhou family, brought in front of me tomorrow."

With the folder now in his hands, Zhu He alongside Xing Mingli's personal butler left with haste. Their hurried footsteps could be heard echoing in the hall and as the sound died down, another loud footstep stepped in. The Ji siblings were quick to recognize who it belonged to.

Ji Ling Hao's figure soon came into view, his face stoic and his aura both chilly and dangerous. The directory of his walk was obviously heading towards Ji Li Zhao. His father's figure now grew bigger and bigger the more he stepped close.

"Father, I---"

When his father was now awfully near, Ji Li Zhao quickly closed his eyes, thinking that he would receive a slap for the mess he caused. He was ready to receive however strong the slap would be.

But what he expected didn't come for instead of a slap, he was given a warm hug. Ji Ling Hao placed his son tightly and protectively in his embrace, his hands caressing the back of Ji Li Zhao's hair.

After a few seconds, he released him and looked him in the eye. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

"N-no?" Ji Li Zhao asked in confusion. He wasn't sure what to feel or how to respond.

Not convinced by this, Ji Ling Hao carefully inspected his son and noticed his wrinkled collar. He knew what seniority is so instead of directing his glare at Elder Xing, he questioned Xing Gengxin instead.

"Did he raise his hands on you?"

"No…I'm fine."

When he heard this, Ji Ling Hao breathed a sigh of relief before he gathered his son in his embrace once more. "That's good."

[ What's going on? Didn't father hate me? He sent me here to get rid of me. ] he thought. As his mind scrambled for an answer, his eyes found his brothers staring at them with relieved looks in their eyes.

Ji Bao Shi was the first to notice his quarry so he mouthed an assurance to him. "I told you…Father would never abandon you."

Once satisfied, Ji Ling Hao released his son and straightened himself up. He quickly gave a bow to the Elder and faced him sternly. Before he arrived, he already made up his mind to do anything that the elder wants if it means sparing his child from their whole clan's wrath.

"I heard everything, but still, I want to ask forgiveness for this commotion."

Xing Mingli was old so he knew instantly what he was aiming for. But he was stubborn. He wasn't willing to yield just yet and give them forgiveness. Not when his granddaughter is fighting for her life.

"Your son is still at fault even if he provided us with valuable information. How will you handle the consequences of this, Ji Ling Hao?"

"I---"

"Doctor!"

Xing Mei Yi's cry made all of them turn toward the operation room. The doctor had just walked out and he was carefully removing his cap. His eyes scanned the room and when he saw Xing Mei Yi, he immediately approached, his face sullen which made most of them terrified. They were at a loss for words for the next words that came out of the doctor's mouth.