Shi Jingfang and Xia Dongxue, carrying nutritional supplements, had just arrived at the hospital entrance when they ran into their younger sister-in-law, Ye Binglan.
Ye Binglan rushed forward. "Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, why have you come to the hospital?"
Upon seeing the nutritional supplements they were carrying, her complexion changed abruptly. "Who in the family is hospitalized? Why didn’t anyone notify me?"
Shi Jingfang saw that her sister-in-law’s face had paled from fright and hastily explained, "It’s not someone from our family. It’s your Third Sister-in-law’s father who’s fallen ill and is staying here."
Ye Binglan patted her chest. "You scared me to death. I thought it was our dad who got sick."
Thinking of something, she said, "Then I’ll go with you. Now that I know, it wouldn’t be right not to visit."
Shi Jingfang nodded. "Alright, let’s go together then."
Ye Binglan saw her eldest sister-in-law, Shi Jingfang, looking across the street. "Eldest Sister-in-law, what are you looking at?"
Xia Dongxue withdrew her gaze. "Second Uncle’s mobility is limited, so Dad is visiting Uncle Zhang on his behalf. We’ve arranged to meet Dad here at the hospital’s main entrance, and I haven’t seen him yet."
Ye Binglan complained somewhat, "You guys really should’ve told me in advance about visiting the hospital. If we hadn’t run into each other today, Third Sister-in-law would have another thing to nag me about."
Xia Dongxue saw her expression and exchanged glances with her own sister-in-law. "See, what did I tell you?"
Shi Jingfang laughed. "She’s heartless. We shouldn’t stoop to her level."
Ye Binglan looked from one to the other. "Why are you two laughing?" Thɪs chapter is updated by Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
Shi Jingfang gave her sister-in-law a dismissive look. "You told us over the phone just a few days ago that you were leaving for a business trip for a week; who knew you’d come back early."
Xia Dongxue then lifted the supplements they were carrying. "Eldest Sister-in-law and I shouldn’t have bought your share too. We should have left it to your Third Sister-in-law to pick on you."
Realizing her misunderstanding, Ye Binglan coquettishly latched onto Xia Dongxue’s arm, swaying. "Oh, Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, my bad. Forgive me. I was supposed to be on a business trip for a week, but things went so smoothly, and I caught a ride back as soon as I was done. Don’t be mad at me. I’ll treat you both to dinner at Old Mo’s Western restaurant later."
While the sisters-in-law were chatting cheerfully, Elder Master Ye, who was using a walking cane, also arrived. "Lanlan, what are you doing here? Weren’t you on a business trip?"
Upon seeing her own father arrive, Ye Binglan quickly switched her target for affection, walked briskly a few steps, and clung to her father’s arm. "Dad, I came back early. Did you come here by yourself?"
Elder Master Ye declared loudly, "The way isn’t far. Do you think I still need someone to escort me?"
Xia Dongxue saw that they were blocking the path. "Dad, it’s getting late. Let’s go inside."
Elder Master Ye nodded. "Let’s go. It’s been so many years since I last saw Brother Zhang."
Shi Jingfang had already inquired about the ward number in advance, and they went straight there.
As the group entered the ward, they found it in chaos. It turned out one of the patient’s family members was arguing about splitting the medical expenses.
Xia Dongxue had seen Elder Zhang a few times before in the military residential compound, and she had also visited his home once when Elder Mrs. Zhang passed away.
Although it had been many years since their last meeting, she recognized Elder Zhang immediately. She pointed him out to her father-in-law, "Dad, Uncle Zhang is on the bed at the far end."
They approached, the noise in the room still ongoing. Elder Master Ye had to raise his voice, "Brother Zhang, do you still recognize me?"
There was no one by Elder Zhang’s bedside. When someone spoke to him, he hurriedly sat up. Upon seeing the person clearly, he exclaimed, "Ah, my dear in-law, what brings you here?"