Yan Xia was on the verge of collapse. In her current state, Fang Jiangyi could basically take her anywhere he wanted without asking for her opinion. But he still did so, which was the most basic respect for her.
"How is my dad? And Uncle Fu?"
Fang Jiangyi's expression was complicated, and he remained silent.
Yan Xia looked around and felt for her phone on the bedside table.
The news on the phone came at her in a flood. The major car accident on the bridge had already been reported countless times by the media.
Cheng Hua, the founder of Shengshi Group, had just been released from prison when he was involved in a major car accident. The butler and the driver in the car with him were all killed. The other two died on the spot, while Cheng Hua died on the way to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Yan Xia read the news again and again in a near - numb state. She knew there was no turning back, but what was she still hoping for?
Fang Jiangyi noticed that her state was very bad. Suddenly, he reached out and snatched her phone away. "Don't look anymore. It's all in the past. You're not left with nothing. I've said that no matter when, as long as you're willing to look back at me, I'll always be there waiting for you."
"What's the use of waiting for me? You're not my family after all. There's no possibility between us. You know that." Because he was the brother - in - law she had called for so many years, and more importantly, she had lost her heart and couldn't find it again.
Her tears fell on the back of her hand uncontrollably. Finally, she looked up and said, "Sorry."
"What I mean is that I can help you without asking for any return." Fang Jiangyi paused and then said, "I owe you, and I'll try my best to make it up to you."
He had always felt guilty towards the Yan sisters.
Yan Xia's mind was in a complete mess. She didn't know where else she could go.
Once upon a time, she had a most pious wish that one day she could go to the place with the most beautiful starry sky in the world.
Fang Jiangyi didn't force her either. "Lan Mengfan was left in Lord Lu's mansion. I was worried that something might go wrong, so I've already had someone bring her to me in advance. Just tell me when you've decided where to go."
Hearing this, Yan Xia instinctively looked towards the door.
"Do you want to see her?" Fang Jiangyi asked. "She's just outside. You can see her as long as you step out of this room. But she's just a child and doesn't understand anything. If you want to see her, you have to adjust your state first."
Yan Xia reached out to wipe away her tears, buried her face in her palms, and sobbed as she tried to control her emotions. She kept telling herself in her heart.
Cheng Yan Xia, this is the last time. This is the last time you cry for Lu Qianzhou. From now on, you have nothing to do with each other.
Almost two minutes later, she completely composed herself, wiped away her tears, and put on a smile as she said to Fang Jiangyi.
"I'm okay. I want to see the child."
Fang Jiangyi came out of the room with her. Since he picked Yan Xia up, she had slept for a full day and night.
At noon, the child in a little pink dress was playing with toys in the living room. She was holding a toy stethoscope and giving a check - up to a toy rabbit, babbling something. The babbling of a child was pure and clear.
Yan Xia called out to her, "Mengfan."
"Auntie."
Lan Mengfan immediately dropped the toy in her hand and rushed over. Like a little leg - pendant, she hugged Yan Xia's leg tightly and wouldn't let go. Her little chubby face was squashed against Yan Xia's leg, looking soft and extremely cute.
"Auntie, where have you been these two days? I've been waiting for you at home. You and Grandpa Fu weren't there. I was so scared at home alone."
Maybe because they had built a particularly deep bond, Lan Mengfan now trusted and relied on her very much.
Speaking of which, they were really destined. From strangers to getting familiar with each other, it only took a few days for her to gain the child's trust. She felt both honored and guilty.
Yan Xia really enjoyed this feeling. She reached out to stroke the child's head to comfort her. "Auntie had some work these two days, so I didn't have time to go home. But now that I'm back, I came to find you right away, didn't I?"
Lan Mengfan raised her little face. Her face was all scrunched up, full of disapproval. Finally, she pulled Yan Xia and motioned for her to squat down. Yan Xia obediently did as she was told. The child reached out her little hand to feel the temperature of her forehead.
"Auntie is sick."
"Yes, but I'm better now."
Lan Mengfan pulled her hand and carefully examined her. Finally, she noticed that both of Yan Xia's wrists were chafed by the chains and were now red and swollen, looking a bit scary. Her two eyebrows frowned into a V - shape.
"You're hurt. Does it hurt? Let me blow on it for you, Auntie."
Lan Mengfan pouted and gently blew on her wrists, always being very careful and serious.
She looked extremely cute when she was being so serious, as if she was doing something of utmost importance. In fact, Lan Yuzhou was quite lucky to have such a well - behaved and sensible daughter. Even if he had to reform himself in prison for three years, it was worth it. Because once he got out, it would be a long - awaited new start, and there would still be all kinds of possibilities in the future.
Yan Xia's eyes welled up, but her heart felt warm.
She reached out and hugged Lan Mengfan into her arms, tightly closing her eyes.
Finally, she whispered in Lan Mengfan's ear, "Mengfan, if Auntie wants to take you away from here, to a very far - away place and won't come back for a very long time, would you like to go with me?"
Lan Mengfan squinted her eyes and smiled. Without even thinking, she nodded and agreed, "Yes."
Fang Jiangyi originally thought that Yan Xia's state had improved, so he wanted to leave first to give them some private space. Who would have thought that just as he reached the second - floor landing, Yan Xia called out to him.
"Fang Jiangyi."
He stopped in his tracks.
Yan Xia said, "Thank you. Take me away. Anywhere is fine."
Don't say anything. Don't ask anything. Just take her away. Anywhere is fine.
Fang Jiangyi suddenly turned back to look at her.
...
They arrived in New Zealand at around three o'clock in the afternoon local time.
After coming out of the airport, the driver arranged by Fang Jiangyi was already waiting outside. Yan Xia wore sunglasses and a mask and followed behind Fang Jiangyi. Fang Jiangyi was holding Lan Mengfan in his arms. Because of the time difference, the child was already asleep.
After getting in the car, it quickly drove towards the destination. Looking at the strange street scenes flashing by outside the car window, Yan Xia slumped heavily on the back of the seat and let out a long sigh.
It seemed as if she was relieved to have escaped from the capital city, or perhaps she was happy because she had obtained a new start.
The several detached villas that Fang Jiangyi had arranged for them were exquisitely decorated. After arriving at the new home, Fang Jiangyi directly carried the child to the bedroom. Yan Xia followed, covered Lan Mengfan with the quilt, and stroked her little face before backing out of the room.
The long - haul flight had exhausted Yan Xia. She just slumped down on the sofa.
"Thank you." She was completely worn out.
Fang Jiangyi said, "From now on, you'll live here. I'll provide all the funds you need."
He took care of everything for her, and she didn't need to worry about anything.
"When my situation stabilizes, I'll also find a job. I'll pay back all this money to you in the future, but you know that I definitely won't be able to do it in the short term..."