Chapter 15: One Must Find Some Fun

“A newspaper interview? Isn't that a bit unnecessary?”

……

“What? The reporters are almost at the factory?”

Su Jianguo put down the microphone, unable to help feeling a bit nervous.

The robbery at the savings office had caused a sensation throughout the city. As a party involved and the victim, it was only normal for newspapers to want to report on it first.

However, based on the other party's tone, they clearly knew about his resistance against the robbers and were treating him like a hero who had stepped forward without fear of life or death.

A hero—he certainly didn't count as one.

Yet, he couldn't exactly explain that it was because he didn't want to hand over his necklace.

A few minutes later, the reporters arrived just as expected.

When everyone saw the injury on his cheek, their admiration became even more palpable.

On the surface, Su Jianguo handled it calmly, but in his heart, he felt utterly helpless.

In truth, the wound on his face wasn't that serious; had he known, he wouldn't have applied the medicinal liquid before heading out and drawing so much attention.

In the evening, Su Yan and Su Mo returned from school, and the courtyard was in the midst of its lively hour.

Su Mo greeted everyone with grace and poise, her sweet smile forming a sharp contrast to Su Yan's expressionless face.

Upon returning home, Su Mo was overjoyed to learn that reporters had actually interviewed Su Jianguo today.

"Dad, you are truly amazing!"

She made no effort to hide her admiration for Su Jianguo.

Su Jianguo smiled broadly. "Actually, I shouldn't have been so high-profile."

"But you can't be too low-profile either! Besides, the courage you showed in resisting the robbers is worth spreading!" Li Qiuhua was more excited than anyone.

"The ones who should be thanked are the people's police. It was they who maintained social order, protected property safety, and caught the robbers."

As Su Jianguo spoke, he looked toward Su Yan, eager to receive a word of praise from her as well.

To his disappointment, however, Su Yan said nothing from beginning to end.

"I'm in no hurry to eat; I'm going to go check on the Factory Director first."

Since such a major incident had occurred, almost everyone in the courtyard had visited, but there had been no news from Wu Qi's side. He felt uneasy, wondering if Wu Qi's condition had worsened.

Li Qiuhua gave an affirmative "Alright."

Preparing to head out, Su Jianguo looked at Su Yan again. "Daughter, do you want to come with Dad to visit Uncle Wu?"

He practically wanted the whole world to know that Su Yan was his daughter, Su Jianguo!

"The two children have been tired from school all day; they should rest at home."

Before Su Yan could speak, Li Qiuhua stepped in to make the decision.

However, it was clear that her word didn't carry the final say, as Su Jianguo continued to wait for Su Yan.

"Okay."

Originally, Su Yan had no intention of going out, but the reactions of the mother and daughter changed her mind.

She had to find some amusement in this household.

Sure enough, Li Qiuhua showed visible irritation, yet she still forced herself to act as if nothing were wrong in front of Su Jianguo, making her entire demeanor look incredibly awkward and strained.

The moment the father and daughter left the house, Su Mo's emotions exploded.

"Mom, are we really just going to let Su Yan continue like this?"

Su Mo felt that ever since Su Yan arrived, every second had been an ordeal.

Thinking that Li Qiuhua shared her sentiments, she was surprised when Li Qiuhua's expression immediately turned incredibly solemn.

"I know you're unhappy, but no matter how unhappy you are, you have to endure it. That girl just came back; naturally, your father will want to treat her a bit better. It won't be like this after a few days."

Su Mo hadn't expected her to say this; her face turned so dark it could have dripped water.

"Mom, are you serious? Can't you see that Dad only has that blind girl in his heart now?"

"She is your father's biological daughter, so it's normal. You know how your father usually treats you; he won't stop loving you just because there's an extra Su Yan."

Li Qiuhua knew exactly what she was thinking, but she would never take risks for her daughter.

As long as they could live a stable life like they did now, that was good enough.

Besides, although Su Mo was not Su Jianguo's biological child, she still had Su Qiang, and that was enough to keep Su Jianguo tied to them.

"Your father made it very clear: Su Yan's marriage to Gu Yang will absolutely not change. You should also stop pinning your hopes on Gu Yang; Mom will find you someone better in the future."

Su Mo's expression became distorted. So now, even her own mother had chosen that blind girl?!

Su Jianguo and Su Yan walked leisurely toward Wu Qi's house. Su Jianguo, in particular, was in no rush, stopping to chat with anyone they encountered.

The people in the courtyard had long known that Su Yan had issues with her eyes, so no one showed any unusual looks.

"What illness does Uncle Wu have?" Su Yan didn't want to waste time, so she proactively brought the topic to Wu Qi.

Su Jianguo finally remembered their purpose and quickened his pace slightly.

"It's actually an old ailment left over from working too hard when he was young; his legs and waist aren't very good. It flares up once or twice every year, but this time it's particularly severe—he can't even get off the kang bed. He's been receiving treatment at the hospital for the past few days, and he only just got discharged the day you returned."

As he reached the end, he couldn't help but sigh.

Wu Qi was only two years older than him, yet he was constantly sickly.

The father and daughter reached Wu Qi's doorstep while talking.

Su Jianguo led Su Yan directly into the courtyard.

Just as they reached the entrance to the outer room, Su Yan suddenly paused her steps.

Thinking she was shy around strangers, Su Jianguo immediately comforted her: "Don't be afraid. Your Uncle Wu is a very good person; he'll surely like you when he sees you."

Su Yan gave an "Mm" and resumed walking.

Seeing the father and daughter, the Wu family naturally gave them a warm welcome. Wu Qi's wife, Wang Jinhua, even went out of her way to wash fruit and place it in Su Yan's hands.

Wu Qi had also heard about the robbery at the savings office, but unfortunately, he was currently unable to move. He expressed concern regarding the injury on Su Jianguo's face before turning his gaze toward Su Yan.

"Old Su, is this the Yan Yan you've been talking about every day?"

"Yes, I just brought her back a few days ago. Yan Yan, come greet everyone."

"Hello, Uncle Wu. Hello, Auntie."

Su Yan greeted the two of them obediently.

Her gaze, beneath the black cloth, fell directly on Wu Qi.

Wu Qi struggled to sit up, but after several attempts, he failed to succeed.

Su Jianguo's expression grew heavy. "Brother Wu, weren't you receiving treatment at the hospital? Why hasn't it improved?"

Both Wu Qi and his wife began to sigh.

"Tell me about it. This time is more serious than ever before. We've used every medicine available, but there's just no effect. In my current state, I won't be able to work for a while; the factory will have to rely on you."

Wu Qi's voice was filled with apology and helplessness. The factory was currently in its busy season, yet he was unable to help with anything.

"There's no need for that between us. Just focus on recovering; everyone is waiting for you!"

Su Jianguo raised his voice, fearing that Wu Qi would become anxious and worried.

"Uncle Wu, since the hospital treatment hasn't been effective, have you considered any other methods?"

Su Yan suddenly spoke, and her single sentence instantly silenced the room.

(End of Chapter)