C4 The Vegetative Patient

“Oh, Chuman, you've got it all wrong.” Ling Hantong quickly tried to calm down the furious Bai Hechi, anxiously explaining, “Your dad and I discussed this for a long time. We believe it’s the best outcome for you, for Aixue, and for the family.”

“But he’s in a coma,” Bai Chuman said, her eyes welling up with tears as she stared at Bai Hechi, biting her lip to keep from crying. Her stubborn expression made Bai Hechi pause, reminded of something as he glanced away.

Ling Hantong noticed his reaction. Decades of marriage had made her acutely aware of what her husband was thinking. Jealousy gnawed at her, almost making her grind her teeth. Even after all these years, the past still haunted them. She forced a smile.

“Chuman, your dad’s company needs the Jiang family. You have to understand your father. All your uncles are watching him closely.”

This seemed less directed at Bai Chuman and more like a warning to the wavering Bai Hechi, who turned away silently.

Ling Hantong continued with a hint of sarcasm, “Your sister and Jee Hanxin are in love and getting married at the end of October. Before the accident, every girl wanted Yichen to notice her. Even now, who knows? He might wake up soon, and then you’d be in for a good life. Plus, your dad’s company could get out of its crisis.”

Bai Chuman gently stroked the armrest of the pearwood chair, lost in thought, her expression wavering with indecision. It seemed as if Ling Hantong's words had struck a chord with her.

Ling Hantong exchanged a knowing smile with Bai Hechi and gave a slight nod.

Bai Chuman almost let out a laugh. Ling Hantong's words seemed perfect, covering all bases, yet conveniently avoided mentioning that the Jiang family was a true den of wolves. And what if the Bai family's golden child never woke up? What would she do then? Divorce was out of the question with the powerful Jiang family. Spending a lifetime as a widow, a caretaker—how could such a "great" opportunity be meant for her?

Despite her swirling thoughts, her face betrayed nothing, as if she was considering agreeing but was held back by some concern.

"Such a great opportunity, Uncle. Why think of me? Surely my cousins are all eager to marry into the Jiang family, given their immense wealth..."

"You are my daughter. What father wouldn't want the best for his child? You've had a rough time these past years, and I've always wanted to make it up to you..." Bai Hechi looked at her with a mix of love and guilt, raising his hand as if to touch her hair but stopping midway. "Never mind, there's no point in saying more. It's my fault."

Chuman's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at her father, Bai Hechi, feeling touched. "Dad, I've never blamed you."

Bai Hechi turned his face slightly, almost unable to meet her tearful gaze, and nodded awkwardly. "I promise you."

Both Bai Hechi and Ling Hantong exchanged glances, seeing the surprise and delight in each other's eyes.

"I agree to marry into the Jiang family. You're my dad, and if you're in trouble, how could I just stand by?" Chuman looked at Bai Hechi, her eyes shimmering with a hint of a daughter's grievance. "Dad, I always thought you didn't care about me."

Bai Hechi watched Chuman, her eyes glistening with tears, and felt a pang of guilt. This girl was his own flesh and blood, yet he had never fulfilled his duties as a father. However, this guilt quickly faded, replaced by his desire for wealth.

While Chuman's parents were calculating how much wealth and power they could gain from the Jiang family, Chuman sat calmly sipping her tea, her eyes deep and mocking as she observed their greed.

Chuman and Yichen's wedding date was set quickly. Due to Yichen's health, they didn't even have a wedding ceremony, and their union was almost entirely kept from the public eye.

Chuman looked at the ruby ring on her ring finger, its deep red hue carrying the weight of years, clearly valuable. She smiled bitterly. It had been delivered by the Jiang family earlier today, marking the day she would marry into their family. Soon, she would be taken to the Jiang household to become Mrs. Jiang.