Upon hearing Lin Ran's reply, Wang Anjian grew even happier.
"Brother Lin Ran, I'm so glad I survived. I can still be with Grandma, Grandpa, and you—and also the person who donated to me. They're my lifesaver, and I’d love to thank them in person someday."
At this, Lin Ran paused briefly in thought before shaking his head.
"You don’t need to stay with me. In your life, I’m just a friend or an older brother. Your real family is your grandparents. As for your lifesaver..."
He hesitated before continuing, "We’ll talk about that later."
He knew that under normal circumstances, donors and recipients weren’t allowed to meet. Even if they did, it would have to be arranged through official channels after a year.
But Lin Ran also knew that Uncle Fu had already used his connections to reach out to the donor and offered generous compensation.
The donor was a mother who had lost her child. Having endured hardship herself, she had left a sample in the bone marrow registry—never expecting it would actually save another child.
Those who had passed were gone, but the living had to keep moving forward.
Whether in pain or struggle, life demanded perseverance—such was the nature of existence."But..."
"Anjian, it’s the law. Do you want to break it?"
"No," Wang Anjian replied in a childish voice, filled with reverence for the rules.
"Then let’s wait until you’re fully recovered before meeting your lifesaver, okay?"
"Okay!" Wang Anjian nodded obediently.
Noticing the boy’s fading energy, Lin Ran prepared to leave.
"Be good, Anjian. I’ll visit again soon."
"I’ll wait for you, Brother Lin Ran."
As Lin Ran walked away, his heart was heavy with emotion.
Such a sweet child—though he had survived, the road ahead would surely be rough.
Lin Ran could only hope things would go smoothly for him.
He had considered asking Wang Anjian if he knew "Xiao Hei," but decided against it. The boy was still weak, and probing might trigger hidden emotions.
Some things had to be uncovered alone.
Besides, Lin Ran had a strong feeling—the truth wouldn’t stay buried much longer.
"Director Yi, how is Anjian’s condition?" Stepping out of the ward, Lin Ran spotted Yi Buhao.
"He’s recovering well. No severe rejection reactions so far—the donor’s compatibility was remarkably high. With proper care, he’ll be discharged soon."
Lin Ran nodded, though he knew "soon" to a doctor likely differed from his own understanding.
"Director Yi, do you remember treating a patient without a chest once?"
Yi Buhao nodded. Of course he remembered—the case had left quite an impression.
"Has that person returned since?"
"No. Why do you ask, Young Master Lin?"
"Nothing important."
So Bi Yaolian hadn’t reappeared since then, and neither had Luo Wushuang.
That couple would surely cause trouble again. Knowing their whereabouts would be ideal.
While Lin Ran had faith in Luo Yao, nipping problems in the bud was always better.
If those people joined forces during the holidays, fully prepared to target Luo Yao, it wouldn’t end well.
Lin Ran wasn’t afraid of death—but the thought of anything happening to Luo Yao terrified him.
In his heart, she had truly surpassed his own life.
Even without proof, he was certain of it.
Leaving the hospital, he drove straight to Nuanyao Group.
The company had undergone a complete transformation.
The building was fully renovated, everything gleaming and new. Wu Zhishang was busy filling the offices.
Strangely, Wu hadn’t contacted him lately.
While Lin Ran enjoyed the peace, something felt off—as the boss, not receiving a single call was unusual.
Hence, today’s surprise inspection.
And it did uncover something.
"Chairman Lin, you’re here."
The receptionist noticed the burly, unassuming man behind Lin Ran and inexplicably shuddered. Something about him made her feel a single finger could snap her neck.
Entering the building, Lin Ran was impressed—they even had a dedicated receptionist now.
He recognized her as a Jingda University student, though her name escaped him. A glance at her badge solved that.
Xiao Xiaole.
"Mn. Where’s Wu Zhishang?"
"President Wu is in the CEO’s office discussing a project with some VIPs today."
Lin Ran: "..."
Wu Zhishang—negotiating deals now?
Lin Ran himself had only bargained twice: once with Principal Tang and once with Chen Xiao. Both times, he’d taken losses—naturally, they’d been thrilled.
"I’ll head up. Don’t announce me."
"Of course, Chairman Lin. Could I ask a favor?"
Lin Ran raised a brow. Was this girl about to confess?
"I’m a married man."
"I know! That’s exactly what I wanted to talk about."
Lin Ran froze.
Seriously? Someone still dared to—?
"I adore your wife! Could you ask Madam Luo for an autograph? Please?"
Now Lin Ran was utterly baffled.
Luo Yao had fans?
And this one seemed genuinely devoted.
"You’re a fan of Yao Yao?"
"I ship your ‘Goddess Luo Conquers Lin’ pairing! But honestly, Chairman Lin, you’re kinda average—I prefer Madam Luo."
Lin Ran: "Excuse me?"
"Ah! No no, I didn’t mean you’re ordinary! You’re amazing! Just... compared to Madam Luo, you’re a bit plain—wait, no, that’s not what I—"
Lin Ran cut her off.
"Stop. I can’t take anymore. What was Wu Zhishang thinking, putting you at reception?"
He didn’t promise anything—he couldn’t be bothered.
But as an employee, reasonable requests should be met.
His solution? A forged autograph would do.
In the elevator, Lin Ran paused.
Which floor was the CEO’s office on again?
Nuanyao Group’s overhaul meant nothing was where it used to be. He studied the directory inside the elevator.
"CEO’s office... on..."
"Twelfth floor," Abu interjected, pressing the button.
Lin Ran checked—correct.
"Sharp eyes."
Abu grinned humbly. "Comes with training. For bodyguards, keen observation is essential."
Lin Ran nodded, gaining new respect for the profession. You got what you paid for.
Arriving at the floor, he found no greeters—staff shortages meant not every level had receptionists.