Chapter 0294

Actually, even if it weren’t free, they could still afford it—after all, there was Uncle Fu.

Moreover, the subsequent treatments were fully funded by the hospital.

Even Wang Anjian’s former attending physician had been poached by the Yi Family at a high salary, just to make Wang Anjian feel more at ease.

Lin Ran had the bodyguards wait outside as he gently pushed open the door to the ward. Inside, he saw Director Yi Buhao personally conducting a check-up on Wang Anjian, with Granny Wang watching from the side.

"Brother Lin Ran, are you here to see Anjian?" Wang Anjian was the first to notice Lin Ran’s arrival.

"Of course. Has little Anjian been following the treatment properly?"

Wang Anjian immediately flashed an innocent, radiant smile.

"Of course! I’ve been very obedient."

Lin Ran stepped into the ward, and Granny Wang spoke up somewhat sheepishly, "Young Master Lin, you’re here. Thank you so much—both you and Miss Luo Yao."

Lin Ran sighed softly. Though he sometimes joked about Uncle Fu, certain things still needed to be said.

"Actually, you should thank Uncle Fu. If not for his years of hard work and dedication, Anjian wouldn’t have access to such excellent medical care."

Granny Wang fell silent for a moment before forcing a faint smile.

"I am grateful to him in my heart… but I just can’t say it to his face."

Lin Ran replied, "Granny Wang, we’ve known each other for so long, so I won’t mince words. The matter between you and Uncle Fu is for you two to resolve. Don’t feel pressured just because of my and Luo Yao’s involvement. I’ve heard bits and pieces of your story, but the decision is ultimately yours. Uncle Fu has never forgotten you all these years."

Having known Lin Ran for so long, Granny Wang understood that he genuinely cared, which moved her deeply.

Aside from those vile creatures in the Lin family, no one would ever think of Lin Ran as a bad person.

"Thank you, Young Master Lin. I know what to do."

Granny Wang didn’t shy away from the topic. She knew that at this point, she had to face these issues head-on.

Lin Ran nodded, deciding not to press further—especially since Wang Anjian was listening wide-eyed.

Some things were better kept from children.

Yi Buhao interjected, "You’re thanking the wrong people. You should be thanking the hospital, thanking me, thanking the advancements in modern medicine—"

Lin Ran and Granny Wang: "…"

"Family member of the patient, come with me. We need to discuss the child’s condition."

Granny Wang followed Yi Buhao out, casting one last glance at Lin Ran and Wang Anjian in the ward before leaving, reassured.

It was right to discuss the illness away from the child—even adults needed such matters handled delicately.

Once they were gone, Wang Anjian patted the edge of the bed excitedly.

"Brother Lin Ran, sit here and rest! I’ve already smoothed it out for you."

Lin Ran gently ruffled the little boy’s hair.

"Anjian, how are you so adorable?"

The praise lit up Wang Anjian’s face with pure joy.

"Thank you! Brother Lin Ran is adorable too."

The word "adorable" felt a bit out of place when applied to Lin Ran, but he couldn’t exactly argue with a child’s compliment.

Seeing Wang Anjian in good spirits, Lin Ran felt comfortable broaching the next topic.

"I came today because I have something to tell you. I’ll be leaving the capital for a while tomorrow."

Wang Anjian’s face fell instantly, but he still asked, "How long will you be gone? Will you come back for my surgery?"

"Do you know when your surgery is?"

"I do—in ten days."

Lin Ran recalled Luo Yao’s last absence—seven days. He remembered it clearly because those seven days had been pure torment for him.

"I’ll be gone for about a week, so I’ll be back just in time for your surgery. Don’t worry—even if I’m not in the capital then, I’ll fly back overnight to see you. But you have to promise me something: no matter what happens, you’ll stay brave, okay?"

Lin Ran didn’t fully understand why Wang Anjian insisted on his presence during the surgery, but he didn’t dwell on it.

Children wore their hearts on their sleeves—their likes and dislikes were plain to see.

"Okay! Brother Lin Ran, you can’t break your promise!"

"Deal. Anjian, your smile is as beautiful as spring flowers." Lin Ran wanted to steer the conversation away from illness.

Though Wang Anjian looked frail, his smile was bright enough to melt snow.

But while Lin Ran tried to change the subject, Wang Anjian didn’t follow.

"Brother Lin Ran, you’re teasing me. I know that’s from a song."

"Actually, I understand. This illness is really hard to treat. Just because Grandma and the others don’t tell me doesn’t mean I don’t know. Even with a matching donor, the surgery might fail. And even if it succeeds, there could still be more problems later. I’ve already prepared myself."

Lin Ran was stunned. He hadn’t expected such maturity from a child. "You’re so brave and optimistic. Heaven loves children who smile—your surgery will definitely succeed."

Wang Anjian’s gaze was pure and guileless as he said something that left Lin Ran speechless.

"If I die one day, I want to spend my last moments bringing happiness to everyone who loves me."

"Like Grandma, like Brother Lin Ran, and like that strange grandpa from the other day."

Lin Ran froze. He never imagined such words could come from a child. In terms of courage, resilience, and optimism, Wang Anjian surpassed most adults.

His mindset was remarkably healthy, free of the despair that often plagued other patients.

"Anjian, you’re the most adorable child I’ve ever met—and I’m not lying."

Who wouldn’t love a little angel like Wang Anjian, determined to spread joy to everyone around him?

"And you’re the most adorable brother I’ve ever met."

Both Lin Ran and Wang Anjian laughed, the two of them—one big, one small—finding sunlight and hope in each other’s company.

"Do you like that grandpa from the other day?"

Wang Anjian beamed. "Of course! He feels like my real grandpa."

Lin Ran blinked in shock. "Who told you that?"

Wang Anjian lifted his chin proudly.

"I figured it out myself. They thought they could hide it, but I can tell—he’s my grandpa."

With that, he pulled out an old photo from the bag by his bedside.

"This is a picture of my dad. See? Doesn’t Grandpa look just like him?"

Lin Ran took one look and nearly choked. Wasn’t this just a younger version of Uncle Fu?

"...Yeah, they do look alike."

Wang Anjian nodded confidently. "Grandma and Grandpa must have some misunderstanding. They won’t tell me, but I can guess."