Chapter 0168

Lin Tianba suddenly froze.

Lin Ran, Lin Ran, always Lin Ran—when did this ungrateful son rise to such prominence? Even the bank people are favoring him now.

Thinking carefully, Lin Ran did seem quite impressive these days.

But all his success was thanks to Luo Yao's support. Without her, what would he amount to?

"Fine, I understand."

Lin Tianba had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

After the bank representatives left, Lin Tianba began reminiscing about his past interactions with Lin Ran. The more he thought, the more he realized he might have been too harsh on his son.

Perhaps... he could try to mend things, show a little fatherly love. Maybe then...

His phone rang—it was the bank again.

[Mr. Lin, we forgot to mention earlier: if you fail to repay the loan within a month, we will file a lawsuit and request court enforcement.]

"Pfft—!" A mouthful of blood sprayed out as Lin Tianba finally collapsed under the pressure.

When Liu Yuemei returned home after work, she found Lin Tianba unconscious and immediately contacted Lin Jian.

Lin Jian rushed back and, together with his mother, took Lin Tianba to the hospital.

After a brief examination, the doctor simply told them to admit him.

Once Lin Jian completed the admission procedures, the hospital informed them there were no available rooms—only a bed in the hallway.

This infuriated Liu Yuemei. How dare they? She was Mrs. Lin! And now they expected her to stay in a hallway?

"Do you have any idea who I am? I swear, I’ll have this hospital torn down!" she shrieked, drawing disapproving frowns from passersby.

The commotion caught the attention of the elderly hospital director, who came over and sternly reprimanded her.

"Tear down our hospital? Quite the bold claim. Even billionaires wouldn’t dare say such a thing here."

Liu Yuemei froze, suddenly recalling Lin Tianba’s past warnings about certain powerful families.

Rumors said this hospital was backed by the Yi Family—not only wealthier than them but also the saviors of countless influential figures. A single call from them could make her disappear.

So, Liu Yuemei forced herself to calm down.

"Then what about my husband? We can’t possibly stay in the hallway."

"You can opt for the ultra-VIP ward. It costs 100,000 per day—though I doubt you can afford it."

Liu Yuemei hesitated. That expensive?

In the past, she wouldn’t have batted an eye. But now, she paused for three full seconds.

"Fine, we’ll take it."

The director turned to the head nurse. "Process their admission."

If they were eager to throw money away, the hospital would gladly let them stay for weeks.

Of course, this treatment was reserved for people like Liu Yuemei. For ordinary patients, the hospital upheld its duty to heal with integrity.

The Yi Family never lacked medical ethics.

Inside his ward, Lin Ran grew impatient and had the door opened. Soon, voices echoed from the hallway.

At first, he thought it was Luo Yao returning—until he recognized another familiar tone.

"How incompetent are you? I’m paying 100,000 a day, and there’s someone next door?"

Head Nurse: "Ma’am, this floor has two wards. You’re only occupying one."

"What? This is outrageous! I’ll file a complaint!"

"Ma’am, if you’re dissatisfied with our hospital, you’re free to complain. But if you’re just making excuses because you can’t afford it, the general ward is always an option."

A single sentence—checkmate.

Liu Yuemei’s petty schemes were instantly crushed.

Lin Jian nudged her, signaling her to stop embarrassing them further.

"Xiànzài wǒmen quē qián." (We’re short on money now.)

He didn’t need to finish—Liu Yuemei understood. But she refused to humiliate herself by returning to the hallway.

Inside the room, Lin Ran recognized the voices outside.

"Young Master Lin, should I close the door and have them removed?"

Lin Ran shook his head. "No need, Uncle Fu. Help me up."

"Young Master, what do you intend to do?"

"I was wondering why someone as healthy as me ended up hospitalized. Turns out, ‘Heaven assigns great tasks by first testing one’s resolve.’ Let’s go take a look."

With Uncle Fu’s support, Lin Ran reached the doorway and smirked at the miserable faces of Lin Jian and Liu Yuemei—along with Lin Tianba, unconscious on the gurney.

Nurse: "So, would you like to transfer to a general ward?"

She emphasized the word "general" deliberately.

Lin Jian was about to persuade his mother again when he noticed Lin Ran’s mocking gaze.

Hatred flashed in his eyes—but was quickly replaced by feigned delight.

"Gēge?" (Brother?)

Liu Yuemei turned and saw Lin Ran.

"Xiao Ran?"

Lin Ran remained eerily calm, his smile dripping with disdain.

Suddenly, Liu Yuemei regained her arrogance.

"That’s my son over there. If he can stay here, so can I!"

The head nurse was baffled. Wasn’t that Young Master Lin? But they seemed to know him—had she offended the wrong people?

"Huh?"

Before she could ask, Lin Ran spoke.

"Don’t claim relations with me. I don’t associate with beasts. Nurse, if they can’t pay, kindly remove them. I prefer peace and quiet."

The head nurse glared. "How dare you slander Young Master Lin? Get out now!"

"Who says we can’t pay? We’re staying!" Liu Yuemei’s pride flared.

Lin Ran taunted, "I’ll pay another 100,000 to reserve the adjacent ward too."

Liu Yuemei finally dropped her pretense.

"What’s your problem?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. Outbid me if you want the room."

Liu Yuemei nearly exploded. She glanced at Lin Jian, who frowned.

They only had 1 million left—their last lifeline.

Originally, their emergency fund was 2 million, but Liu Yuemei lost half at the casino. Now, only Lin Jian’s share remained.

"1.1 million!" Liu Yuemei countered.

Lin Ran laughed. They must be desperate if she could only raise by 10,000.

So this was all their savings? Pathetic.

"2 million."

"You—! 2.1 million!" She was on the verge of snapping.

"3 million." Lin Ran raised the stakes without blinking.

Liu Yuemei fell silent, defeated. Her heart ached unbearably.

Never in her dreams did she imagine being looked down upon financially—especially by Lin Ran, the stray dog she once trampled at will.

(Note: If you can’t find the book by title, try searching the author—it might have been renamed!)