C8 The Last Time I See You

"Oh my, Mom, did you see that? This girl is so disrespectful! My Xiaoqian treats her so well, yet she just gives Xiaoqian attitude! Such an ungrateful girl, acting like she's in charge while Grandpa's still in the hospital! Mom, look at her, she's beyond help! It's like raising a thankless wolf..."

Lee Pingqiu complained bitterly, but Ji Xinling just ignored her, continuing to walk away as if she heard nothing.

The elderly woman came downstairs without a word, watching Ji Xinling's departing figure thoughtfully.

Instead of heading straight to the hospital to see her grandfather, Ji Xinling drove to the historic Jade Hill Estate on Yuxiu Street. This quaint estate, rich in history, evoked a sense of nostalgia. She stepped out of the car and walked to the estate's edge, gently touching the green vines with small fruits hanging from them.

After a quiet moment of reflection, she drove to the hospital to visit her grandfather. In the exclusive VIP room, she looked at her grandfather, still unconscious in bed, and felt a pang of sorrow.

"Doctor, how is my grandfather doing?" she asked.

The doctor sighed softly, "Old Master Ji has been overworked for years, and his health isn't great. If we don't operate soon, it could be very dangerous."

Ji Xinling felt a tightness in her chest; time was running out, and it seemed she had to make some decisions. For her grandfather, she was willing to do anything.

She went to Loong Zijun's company and waited outside for a full three hours. She had approached the receptionist, who was polite but distant, informing her that Loong Zijun was not in the office. With no other choice, she waited outside.

As she waited, a wave of bitterness washed over her. She used to come here like it was her own home, and the staff knew her well. But now... it was true what they said: out of sight, out of mind.

Checking the time, Ji Xinling decided to head to the parking lot to find Loong Zijun. Sure enough, she saw him appear as the workday ended.

The moment Loong Zijun saw her, his brow furrowed. His dark eyes showed impatience, and his tall figure leaned against the car as he spoke, his words as cold as a winter wind: "Xinling, do you really want to keep dragging this out with me?"

Ji Xinling clenched her fingers. "Loong Zijun, this is the last time I'm coming to see you. I just want to clear something up."

Loong Zijun's brow remained furrowed, his impatience undiminished.

Ji Xinling tried to piece together her shattered dignity, looking up at him. "If you marry me, the Ji family can get through this crisis. Are you willing to marry me?"

As she spoke, the dignity she had painstakingly gathered shattered instantly. She had already trampled her pride underfoot, hoping he would help her for the sake of their three years together.

Loong Zijun had never seen Xinling like this. She was as gentle as water, her expression slightly stiff yet captivating. After she finished speaking, her eyes lowered, evoking a protective instinct in him.

He could even sense her unique fragrance, a combination of sight and scent that sent a shiver through his nerves. He reached out, wanting to pull this endearing woman into his arms.

Just then, the ringtone from Tianyi Securities broke the atmosphere. Zijun glanced at the caller ID, his expression softening even more.