Chapter 0259

The last person returned to the capital.

"I want to be a good person, hoping one day I can see Dahua again. Dahua will definitely come looking for me."

"I left her my address and contact details."

Zhang Laifu waited and waited, until now.

"Young Master Lin, tell me, was I wrong?"

"But why hasn’t she come looking for me all these years? If she had just reached out once, even if it meant breaking my bones, I would have ensured her a life of peace and health. And when she saw me at the estate, she didn’t even offer me an explanation. I loved her so much, yet she never gave me a chance."

Tears had soaked Old Butler Zhang’s cheeks. For the first time, Lin Ran saw the sorrow of an old man etched across the face of this loyal steward.

"And I still don’t understand—why didn’t she want to leave with me back then? Did she really have no feelings for me at all?"

Lin Ran sighed inwardly, admitting he was moved by the story.

He patted Zhang Laifu’s shoulder.

"Granny Wang does care for you. A woman willing to bear your child before marriage—that alone proves she held you in her heart. Besides, I’ve known Granny Wang for years, and I trust her character completely."

"As for why she didn’t leave with you then, or why she avoided you all this time—perhaps that’s an answer you’ll have to find yourself."

Zhang Laifu was struck by Lin Ran’s words. Lost in his obsession, he had misjudged the situation entirely.

"You’re right, you’re absolutely right. I must win Dahua’s forgiveness. Women need to be coaxed. If I love her, I should give her everything. Young Master Lin, do you think… was I truly wrong in the past?"

Lin Ran hadn’t expected Zhang Laifu to be such a romantic fool. He could only reply helplessly,

"Whether you were wrong or not, I can’t say. But I never imagined a man your age had the makings of a hopeless simp."

"Young Master Lin, you jest!"

What is love? And what is regret?

Lin Ran sighed. "Yao Yao said if you’re a heartless scoundrel, you should just end yourself. The choice is yours."

Zhang Laifu’s pupils trembled.

"Then… do I count as one?"

"Maybe? But as a fellow man, I suggest you seek the answer from Granny Wang yourself."

Just then, Granny Wang emerged from the specialist’s room.

"Zhang Laifu, you have no right to see my grandson. But now that you know, come with me to meet the child."

She then approached Lin Ran.

"Young Master Lin, I’m sorry for my outburst earlier. I’d like to return to work at the estate."

The doctor had just told her there was hope for the child—but it would require a fortune.

Lin Ran: "Of course, you’re welcome back. Granny Wang, I came to see your grandson too."

On the way to the ward, Lin Ran inquired about the child’s condition.

The boy had leukemia. Survival depended not just on treatment, but also on luck.

Lin Ran suddenly realized how much Granny Wang had endured.

"What about his parents?"

At the question, Granny Wang froze. Then she burst into tears.

"Both his parents are gone. It’s all my fault—if I’d been more capable, things wouldn’t have come to this."

Lin Ran inhaled sharply. Zhang Laifu was equally stunned.

Granny Wang’s son was also Zhang Laifu’s son.

"You mean… our son…?"

Granny Wang wept silently, offering no reply.

Were it not for her grandson, she might have long lost the will to live.

The three arrived at the ward. Zhang Laifu trailed behind, nervous at the revelation of an heir he’d never known.

At the door, Lin Ran glanced at them.

"I’ll go in first. You two should talk outside—discuss how to face the child later."

Lin Ran knew Zhang Laifu wanted to see the boy, but he also needed to speak with Granny Wang. This was their chance.

Whether they reconciled or clashed, they had to confront it.

And some painful truths were Zhang Laifu’s to bear—Lin Ran wouldn’t interfere.

Entering the ward, he found only one small patient inside.

The child was asleep. Lin Ran didn’t disturb him, instead sitting quietly by the bed.

The boy had long lashes and pale skin, but his sleep seemed restless, his brow permanently furrowed.

Lin Ran watched him, making no move to leave. He knew the pair outside needed time—his departure would only interrupt them.

Then, the child’s eyelids fluttered open.

Startled at first by the stranger, the boy’s eyes soon sparkled with delight.

Lin Ran paused too, struck by an odd sense of familiarity in those dark, lively eyes—mischievous yet endearing.

"What’s your name? How old are you?"

Lin Ran broke the silence with the classic opener.

Though frail and thin, the boy grinned brightly.

"I’m Wang Anjian. Granny says this name will keep me safe and healthy. I’m nine and a half."

Lin Ran’s heart clenched.

"Hello, Anjian. I’m Lin Ran. You can call me Brother Lin Ran."

"Brother Lin Ran, I’ve missed you so much."

Lin Ran: "…?"

"Do we know each other?"

Wang Anjian quickly covered his mouth, then reconsidered and lowered his hand.

"No… but Granny told me about you. Brother Lin Ran, did you come to see me?"

"I did. You’re adorable. So very sweet."

Wang Anjian’s heart raced—Brother Lin Ran was praising him!

"You’re really handsome too."

Lin Ran noticed the boy’s remarkable spirit, far brighter than most patients. Perhaps it was childhood innocence.

He’d never been fond of kids, but Wang Anjian was changing his mind.

Maybe he and Luo Yao could have a child this lovely someday.

"Oh, I brought you gifts." Lin Ran pulled out one present after another, each met with wide-eyed wonder.

"These are my favorite snacks. And this—it’s a limited-edition drone, impossible to buy now. These are melon seeds for nibbling while listening to stories, and this…"

With each introduction, Wang Anjian’s gaze grew warmer, brimming with affection.

"Brother Lin Ran, thank you. You’re the best brother ever."

Lin Ran was utterly charmed.

How could such a precious child exist? And why must heaven burden him so?

"Anjian, do you have any wishes?"

The boy beamed.

"I do! But one already came true… Now, I just want to live, so I can take care of Granny and you, Brother Lin Ran."

Lin Ran’s heart shattered. This little angel was too pure for the world’s cruelty.