"It's the New Year, where can I find someone to help? Besides, with the old man's condition, I wouldn't trust anyone else to look after him."
"If he can't make it through, at least he won't be alone in his final days with the two of us by his side."
Chen Yang could tell that Zhang Weiyang was feeling rather pessimistic.
However, anyone looking at their own father, covered in tubes, lying on the bed pale and unable to move, would find it hard to feel cheerful.
After holding on for so long, it was understandable for Zhang Weiyang to have feelings of despair.
After all, medical technology in this era was far from as advanced as it would be in later times.
"Weiyang, as long as we follow the doctor's orders, I believe the old man will pull through."
"Your father was so happy when you got married, anyone could see he was a hundred percent willing to help you raise your children."
Chen Yang was powerless in such matters; the only thing he could do was support Zhang Weiyang financially.
At least in his previous life, Zhang Weiyang hadn't been able to afford a kidney transplant for his father by this time. This life, he had already undergone the surgery before his father's condition worsened to an irreversible stage.
As for whether his father could withstand the rejection after the kidney transplant, that would depend on luck.
In the same environment, with the same doctors and the same medicine, the final outcome for each patient could vary.
Individual differences sometimes couldn't be helped; if he couldn't make it, it could only be attributed to bad luck.
"Brother Yang, I know. I also hope my father can live to see my children born, hold his grandchildren, and enjoy the happiness of family."
Zhang Weiyang gazed at his frail father on the hospital bed, his voice a little choked. After the surgery, his father's complexion had deteriorated day by day, unable to eat anything and relying solely on nutritional fluid.
Only in the last few days had the doctor said he could have some supplementary liquid food. Naturally, his body had become weaker day by day.
"Weiyang, the old man will pull through. You have to believe in his desire to hold his grandchildren."
"But you also need to take good care of yourself and Erdi. Otherwise, when the old man recovers, if you two have ruined your health, he won't be at peace."
"I'll look after the old man here. Go back to the guesthouse and take a hot shower. Shave your beard. It's the New Year; you can't see people looking like this."
"If the old man sees you looking disheveled day after day, he won't feel right either."
Chen Yang patted Zhang Weiyang's shoulder, knowing the immense pressure he was under. At this moment, what he needed most was comfort.
"Brother Yang, I..."
"Don't worry. It's daytime, and the doctors and nurses are all here. If the old man feels unwell, I'll find a doctor immediately. The IV is already in; there's no difference between you watching and me watching."
"Your body reeks; even the doctors and nurses will want to avoid you. How can you look after the old man like this?"
Chen Yang quickly ushered Zhang Weiyang out of the ward. If he continued to push himself like this, he would surely collapse.
Although Chen Yang had initially valued Zhang Weiyang's business acumen and skills, as they spent more time together, he had long since regarded Zhang Weiyang as a brother.
He couldn't just stand by and watch his brother's health deteriorate. He had driven Zhang Weiyang out of the ward.
Chen Yang placed the pastries he had brought on the bedside table. Zhang Weiyang's father was disturbed from his sleep.
"Uncle, look at Weiyang; he's so unkempt. It's the New Year; it's not good to be so messy. Send him back to wash up and tidy himself."
"If you're feeling unwell anywhere, tell me, and I'll find the doctor and nurses for you."
Chen Yang smiled gently at the old man. The elder, upon hearing his words, didn't get angry but instead showed a relieved smile.
"Weiyang, this child, has been without a mother since he was young. I raised him single-handedly. He's a filial son. I've seen how he and Erdi have treated me these past few days."
"I told him to rest well, and I have nurses here. He wouldn't listen. Sigh, finally, there's someone who can manage this little rascal."
"To have a brother like you is a blessing he earned in his past life. Chen Yang, Uncle thanks you on his behalf."
Zhang Weiyang's father was still very clear-minded; what father wouldn't dote on his son?
Zhang Weiyang was filial, looking after his father tirelessly. Seeing his son unkempt and smelling of sweat, how could the old man not feel distressed?
Of course, it didn't necessarily mean Zhang Weiyang hadn't bathed. Thinking about changing clothes frequently, Lin Erdi would have to help him wash them. It was already difficult for them to take turns looking after the old man.
How could he bear to let Lin Erdi wash his clothes after returning home? So, if the clothes were worn for too long, they would naturally have an odor.
"Uncle, please take good care of your health. Once you get past this stage, you'll hold your grandchildren, live happily for several decades, and maybe even hold great-grandchildren!"
"A family of four generations living together then, how blissful that would be!"
Chen Yang encouraged the elder. At times like these, mental fortitude could play a more crucial role in stabilizing a patient's condition than conventional treatment.
Indeed, after Chen Yang said this, the elder's eyes seemed to hold a glimmer of hope.
Fearing that the old man might be too tired from talking too much, Chen Yang didn't chat for long. After more than an hour, Zhang Weiyang hadn't returned, but Lei Baoguo arrived instead.
"Baoguo, boy, where did you crawl out of, a mud pit? It's the New Year, and you're this filthy."
Chen Yang, looking at Lei Baoguo whose clothes were covered in mud spots, almost burst out laughing.
"Alas, Boss, you know that Li Jing's father is renovating the courtyard. I was thinking of helping out to make a better impression on him."
"All day, they have me transporting dirt from here to there, and I'm exhausted. The key is, if I dare to slack off, that old man will kick me, and my bones will fall apart."
Lei Baoguo, a man who could face eight bandits without flinching, trembled when he mentioned Li Jing's father.
His future father-in-law was certainly making him work hard.
"If you want to marry his daughter, it's not that easy. It's good that he's making you work hard. Given their family's status, if they hadn't kicked you out directly, it's all thanks to Li Jing's face."
"Didn't I give you five hundred yuan to buy some things to show respect to Li Jing's parents? You greenhorn, you haven't done anything with it, have you?"
Chen Yang certainly wasn't gloating. Five hundred yuan at this time was a huge sum.
Using this money to curry favor with his future father-in-law and mother-in-law, even if Li Jing's family had a significant background, they likely wouldn't completely dislike this foolish young man.
"Boss, wasn't that five hundred yuan you gave me for the wedding?"
"I don't even know how long it would take me to earn that five hundred yuan. How could I dare use it carelessly?"
Lei Baoguo sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. He intended to use this money to buy Li Jing the "three spins and one sound" (referring to a bicycle, sewing machine, watch, and radio, common wedding gifts at the time) when they got married, which would be more presentable.
Chen Yang looked at the simple and honest Lei Baoguo, thinking he needed to give this blockhead some guidance.