Chapter 50: A Visit to the Sick

Chapter 50: A Visit to the Sick

The agent smiled as the car descended from the overpass and headed toward the high-rise buildings.

Gripping the steering wheel, she turned to her companion seated beside her and said, "This visit should be about the endorsement deal. It would be best if we can secure it, but if not, there are other options."

Although EV had arranged a meeting, it didn't guarantee success. The previous spokespersons for the brand were all top-tier celebrities, making their current situation somewhat precarious.

With "Fate's Inquiry" still airing and enjoying explosive popularity, the company had already lined up several endorsement candidates as backups. These alternatives were also quite promising; if EV didn't work out, they had other choices.

Chen Yibai, having sipped his black coffee until his brows furrowed, suddenly relaxed them upon finishing the last sip. He nodded in response.

He had no objections to these matters; as long as he could earn gold coins, everything was fine.

Arriving near the commercial district, the agent drove into EV's parking lot, relieved to avoid the frustrating hunt for a parking space.

EV's office building was tall, resembling the photography studio she had visited before, with its white walls standing out among the surrounding buildings. A staff member was waiting for them before they even got out of the car, guiding them through the company entrance once they disembarked.

The general manager's surname was Su, and the staff member was his assistant. After exchanging greetings, as they ascended the elevator, he explained, "Chief Su originally wanted to meet you immediately, but something came up suddenly, preventing him from doing so."

The elevator ascended to the fifteenth floor, where they exited and passed by the office area. At the corridor's end were the general manager's office and a reception room.

As they walked past, employees in the office area lifted their heads, catching glimpses of the passing figures, noticing the white strands of hair peeking out from under a black cap.

In that brief moment, the figures vanished around the corner.

Chen Yibai entered the office alongside his money-making partner.

The general manager appeared relatively young, in his late twenties or early thirties. When they entered, he was behind his desk, seemingly on a call, as they heard him say, "Wait for a moment."

Upon hanging up, the general manager stood and walked out from behind his desk, greeting them with a smile.

Both parties sat down as the assistant served tea, and the meeting proceeded pleasantly.

Surprisingly direct, Chief Su's approach also reflected EV's internal stance. The matter of the spokesperson was more stable than expected, and the decision to arrange this meeting was the result of internal deliberations.

Chen Yibai sipped his tea occasionally while chatting. Having consumed black coffee followed by tea, any trace of drowsiness vanished.

After the pleasant discussion came the phase of mutual probing regarding finances, which was his partner's forte. With nothing left for him to do here, he was allowed to wander off to other areas of the building. The assistant led him to a nearby reception room.

The reception room was stocked with small snacks. Before the assistant could pour another cup of tea, Chen Moubai promptly stopped him.

He was already fully alert and had consumed enough water that morning.

The pouring of tea halted, and since there was no longer any need for assistance, the assistant offered some snacks and other small items, excusing himself to leave the space to those inside.

"…He has others to meet, putting me at the back of the queue. I'll have to stay here a bit longer."

Just as the reception room's door opened and the assistant hadn't yet departed, a man approached from the corridor outside, wearing a flamboyant tie. He walked while talking on the phone, holding a cigarette in his other hand.

"There's nothing interesting here, just like before."

Observing the man's approach, the assistant swiftly intervened before the flamboyantly-tied individual could enter the reception room, politely saying, "President Zhang, let me take you to the meeting room first."

"There's someone inside already?"

Stopping in front of the reception room, President Zhang held his phone away from his ear, chuckling and remarking on how busy Chief Su must be.

At the door, he glanced through the assistant's shoulder into the room. The person sitting inside wore a light blue shirt and a hat, somehow familiar.

The person inside slightly lifted his cap, allowing him to meet the eyes beneath the white strands of hair.

—Indeed, quite familiar.

Pausing mid-step, Zhang Wenxuan redirected his feet back toward the reception room.

Caught off guard by the unexpected change of direction, the assistant hesitated and said, "President Zhang…"

Zhang Wenxuan continued inside, waving off the assistant's concern. "It's fine, I know him."

The assistant then turned to look at the person seated inside.

During this brief interval, Chen Moubai's brain finally retrieved the stored information successfully, remembering that this was a friend of Cai Shen's, someone named Zhang something, whom he hadn't seen in a while. Nodding, he acknowledged the connection.

Relieved, the assistant closed the reception room door again, leaving to fetch tea for the newcomer.

Having mentioned they'd catch up later, Zhang something hung up his phone, casually placing it on the table. "What a coincidence."

As the assistant went to pour tea, Chen Bai removed his hat, running his fingers through his unruly hair, echoing, "Indeed, what a coincidence."

Having already seen the white hair online, Zhang something wasn't surprised. He extinguished his lit cigarette and asked, "What brings you here?"

Chen Yibai felt his appearance made it abundantly clear that he was there for work.

Zhang something, who could obviously tell, merely asked out of politeness, then chuckled. "So that's who Su Peng was referring to when he mentioned today's meeting."

Su Peng, known to others as the general manager, happened to be his friend. Today, he had come for a matter, only to be told that a meeting was being held for a new spokesperson, and he should wait.

He hadn't expected to encounter an acquaintance.

The assistant delivered the freshly brewed tea, then promptly excused himself, leaving the two alone.

Zhang something took a sip of tea, saying, "Su Peng likes to plan meticulously before taking action; once you meet, the endorsement is as good as secured."

He added, "You should have mentioned it earlier; I could've asked Huochuan. He has better resources, doesn't he?"

Casually diminishing the significance of his friend's workplace with a few words.

Asking the client to introduce him to a new client was rather audacious. Chen Moubai had no intention of pursuing such an avenue, simply dismissing the suggestion.

Zhang Wenxuan guessed that he wouldn't do such a thing, which was as expected, making him somewhat happy yet also feeling a bit sorry for others, saying, "It's a win-win situation, and he doesn't lose out either. Sometimes bringing it up isn't entirely out of the question."

"…"

Chen Bai finally gave this person a proper look.

Although he didn't quite remember the details of the plot, he recalled that when his supporting character brother was deeply embroiled in a tragic romance, he had tried to take this path, seeking resources from the God of Wealth, only to be directly ridiculed by this brother into the ground.

It was hard to imagine that this person would voluntarily teach someone how to ask for resources.

Indeed, reality diverged greatly from the plot.

Zhang Wenxuan then said, "Has Huo Chuan been meeting less frequently recently?"

Chen Bai popped a milk candy from the table into his mouth and nodded.

Thus, Zhang Wenxuan said, "Don't overthink it. He's just busy, and on top of that, Aunt Zhang hasn't been feeling well lately, so she's been quite overwhelmed."

It had only been a short while since Chen Yibai stopped taking orders, and he hadn't understood why he should overthink anything. Not thinking much about it, he slightly lifted his eyes and asked, "Auntie hasn't been feeling well recently?"

Unexpectedly that he would ask like this, Zhang Wenxuan's hand holding the teacup paused as he said, "You didn't know?"

Chen Bai nodded.

Aunt Zhang had become his online friend, and they had been chatting regularly. Occasionally, they talked on the phone. Recently, their chats had decreased, and he assumed it was because Huo Qing had returned home from school and had company, hence the reduced messages.

He hadn't heard her mention being unwell, and Huo Qing, who often chatted with him, hadn't mentioned it either.

Zhang Wenxuan was momentarily stunned before realizing, saying, "She probably didn't want you to worry and affect your work."

He said, "You've been pretty busy yourself lately."

The circle was so small that any slight stir one day would be known by everyone in the circle the next. They were already closely connected to Huo Chuan, so there was no need for anyone to tell them; secrets couldn't be kept, and they naturally knew everything. He knew things too matter-of-factly, forgetting that this person was actually still on the fringes of the circle, not particularly sensitive to such information or aware of it.

Thus, Chen Bai lowered his head to pull out his phone and sent a message to Huo Qing.

Sitting beside him, Zhang Wenxuan remembered something, saying, "Don't tell her I told you. If you do, she might scold me again."

Or rather, it wasn't 'might'; she would definitely jab at him a couple of times.

Chen Moubai fulfilled his little wish, changing the message in the input box to say that he learned the news from an unnamed friend and asked about the situation with Mother Huo, Aunt Zhang.

The Sister of the God of Wealth must have been looking at her phone just then, as she replied quickly.

Since the matter hadn't been concealed, she confessed that the person was probably not doing well recently due to the change of seasons. She had already been taken to the hospital for recuperation, and her condition had improved significantly compared to before.

Just like what Zhang Wenxuan said, they didn't inform because Aunt Zhang forbade it. She said that he was busy and that thinking about these things while busy with work could harm his health. Additionally, she felt it wasn't a big deal, so she didn't tell him.

Chen Bai asked for the address of the hospital, casually copying and saving it.

Zhang Wenxuan said, "Want to go see her?"

White Hair nodded.

Putting aside the God of Wealth, net friends were also friends. He cherished his friends, and it was appropriate to visit.

Zhang Wenxuan began talking about how Huo Chuan's taste used to be truly terrible. Chen Yibai didn't listen much, finding the milk candies on the table quite delicious and eating another one.

As he pondered whether to eat another, the door to the reception room was knocked on and then opened. The agent and Chief Su appeared at the entrance, followed by an assistant who had just arrived.

Their tussle over gold coins seemed to have concluded. Both looked fine, suggesting that the price was set within a range that both found satisfactory enough.

Seeing an additional person in the room, and the two sitting not too far apart, both were initially stunned. Then, Chief Su's eyebrows fiercely twitched, and the agent took a few more looks at the person, recognizing him and calling out, "President Zhang."

Zhang Wenxuan, the only son of the Zhang family, whose family business had some connection to the circle. They had met at some banquet before, and the agent at least had some impression.

Some impression meant remembering that the person came from a large and prominent family, as well as being famously playful, privately mingling with many celebrities.

"…"

The agent still wore a polite smile on his face but was already on alert inside. The nearby Chief Su's vigilance was direct and unhidden, his eyelids twitching harshly as he said in a low voice, "This is the spokesperson I just confirmed!"

Judging from his expression, Zhang Wenxuan immediately waved his hands at the first moment, "Don't overthink it; he's a friend."

His denial was swift and resolute, as if purely an instinctive reaction, without any intention to hide or deceive.

Chief Su's expression finally eased, his gaze shifting down to meet the single cigarette in the ashtray that had been lit not long ago and then extinguished.

This person might not excel in many aspects, but he didn't lie. His requirements for friends were strict, so if he said they were friends, they truly were.

It was just unexpected that these two people, who seemingly had no intersection, would actually know each other.

The agent shared the same sentiment. His eyes met the carefree person standing up from the sofa, and his lips twitched.

After finishing their business, Zhang Wenxuan had something else to discuss with President Su, so the agent took leave with White Hair, the assistant accompanying them all the way to the parking lot.

Upon reaching the parking lot, the assistant glanced around, then carefully extracted a clean sheet of paper from the pile of documents in her hands, asking cautiously, "May I have your autograph, please?"

In the company, in principle, no one was allowed to seek signatures or take photos with anyone, but this was the parking lot, objectively speaking, not considered within the company premises.

It was merely signing an autograph, not a bother. Chen Yibai took the paper, looked around briefly, then turned around, using the car window as a base, picked up a pen, and signed his name.

He hadn't practiced his signature, always writing according to his own habits. The two characters "Chen Bai" were clear and straightforward, even an ordinary ballpoint pen could produce a distinctive stroke.

The assistant received the paper and pen returned by White Hair, her eyes widening slightly upon seeing the words on it, and she bounced a little with a smile.

She repeatedly thanked him, and the person wearing the cap echoed the sentiment, emphasizing mutual politeness.

The agent started the car, and White Hair said goodbye to the assistant one last time before getting in and closing the car window, waving his hand.

The vehicle started and slowly left the parking lot.

Finally, only two people were left. After exiting the parking lot back onto the road, the agent glanced at the person beside her who was looking at their phone, asking, "Do you know Zhang Wenxuan?"

"Zhang Wenxuan?"

Unable to retrieve that name from his memory, Chen Moubai took a moment to recall. Then he remembered it sounded like someone's name, so he nodded and said, "I guess I know him, a friend of a friend of a friend... something like that."

It was hard to explain the matter with the financial god, so he chose to forego the explanation and simply pass him off as an acquaintance.

His words were like a tongue twister, and it took the agent a while to analyze what he meant.

—This person really has a wide circle of friends.

Turning around, the widely social person asked her, "Am I done for today?"

The agent nodded, wearing a corporate drone smile, "You're done, but I'm not."

So Chen Yibai suggested that she could drop him off at the next intersection.

The agent glanced sideways, "Why, no need to send you back?"

Chen Bai said he wasn't going back, stating, "I'm going to see a friend, then I'll go back later."

It was still early, just perfect to visit Aunt Zhang. He could still continue streaming when he got back.

So the agent dropped him off at the next intersection, reminding him on her way out not to dive into crowds and try not to be recognized.

Chen Yibai pulled down his cap brim and gave a thumbs up, saying not to worry, no one would recognize him.

"..."

The more he said not to worry, the agent felt inexplicably more anxious. She repeated her reminder again, leaving with a heart full of unease.

Chen Yibai didn't dive into crowds.

He simply took the subway in a simple manner.

On Friday, the inner loop line was filled with a sea of heads of various colors. Fortune favors the bold, and the most dangerous place is often the safest. Standing in the crowd, surrounded by people jostling about, all steadfastly staring at their phones, some even watching *Ask Fate* with earphones on.

In a corner unnoticed by anyone, a white-haired figure quietly entered the crowd and then quietly left.

His good online friend, Aunt Zhang, resided in a private hospital, their own, located in a relatively quiet area.

There must be a flower shop near a hospital. While on the subway, he had already made a reservation. When he arrived at the store, the owner hadn't finished wrapping them yet, busy with previous orders. So he helped choose the wrapping paper and ribbons, doing it himself directly.

The flowers were a bouquet of green platycodon, blooming brilliantly under the light, perfectly sized for one hand to carry. With the flowers in hand, he left before the flower shop owner could look at him any longer. He sent a message to Sister Financial God to confirm the ward number, also informing her in advance.

Sister Financial God quickly replied with an exclamation mark, not mentioning the ward number but saying she'd meet him at the entrance of the new inpatient department.

Putting away his phone, he glanced at the electronic screen showing the layout of the hospital buildings, memorizing it simply. He headed toward the inpatient department.

The hospital was a general hospital, with a full range of departments and numerous buildings. Winding around, fortunately, his brain was still sharp. Master Chen turned left and right, finally arriving at the edge of the inpatient department.

Huo Qing was bustling about and quick to act, already waiting at the entrance of the new inpatient department. Seeing him, she waved with a smile, quite noticeable standing in the crowd.

Chen Bai also waved, walking forward.

Aside from lurking in the live stream room, it had been quite a while since they last met. Huo Qing radiated joy, leading him straight to the elevator. Once inside, she stole a few glances at the white hair slightly exposed under his cap brim.

Indeed, he looked much better in real life than in his online photos.

Huo Qing's mother's ward was on the top floor of the inpatient department. As the elevator ascended, Chen Bai inquired about her condition.

Huo Qing waved her hand, laughing, "She's just weak, feeling uncomfortable due to the changing season. She's already much better now, and she's been watching TV in her room these past few days."

She then asked, "Has Second Brother Bai been pretty busy these past two days?"

Second Brother Bai said it was okay, stating, "I just happened to be passing by, so I came over to visit."

Huo Qing noticed that this person, like her brother, always said it was okay whenever asked about things, always saying he just happened to be passing by.

Currently, only Ms. Zhang was staying on the top floor of the inpatient department. After exiting the elevator, following the corridor would lead straight to the ward door.

Huo Qing entered the ward first, opening the door and bouncing in suddenly. She waved at the person half-lying in bed, shouting energetically, "Guess who's here?"

Zhang Ling was watching TV when she heard the commotion and was startled. Turning her head, she said, "So happy, is your brother here?"

"If he came, I wouldn't be so happy."

Huo Qing smiled, saying, "Brother Bai is here."

Zhang Ling was taken aback, raising her eyes.

At the ward door, the sunlight was just right, pouring in through the open door. The person dressed in a simple top walked in, slightly lifting his cap brim. Underneath the white strands was a pair of smiling pale-colored eyes.

In his hands was a bouquet of flowers, pale green petals illuminated by the bright yellow light coming from one side, brimming with vitality.

After reacting for a moment, Zhang Ling sat up slightly, her face involuntarily breaking into a smile.

The vibrant bouquet was placed in her hands. Upon getting closer, there was a faint fragrance, very subtle, not overpowering, pleasant to the right degree.

Holding the flowers, a slightly pale face blushed lightly. She looked up again, asking the same question as Huo Qing.

Chen Bai still replied with "okay," adding that he was working nearby in the morning and happened to come over after finishing work.

His words were half true and half false, but nothing seemed amiss.

The ward was more like a small suite, equipped with a TV and sofas. Not wanting to sit in bed to chat, Zhang Ling was supported by a caregiver and Huo Qing onto a wheelchair and pushed to the side of the sofa.

The sofa was closer to the TV, making the screen appear clearer.

She liked the bunch of platycodons in her hands, placing them on her lap even after sitting on the wheelchair, holding them tightly as she took several more glances at the wrapping of the same color next to the bouquet.

Assuming that her good net-friend had noticed something, Chen Moubai spoke up at the right moment, "Time was a bit tight, so I did this myself. It's a bit rough."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ling lowered her head again, scrutinizing the packaging which she usually didn't pay much attention to, her smile causing wrinkles at the corners of her eyes as she said, "No, I was thinking how uncommon this color is."

Hearing that someone had done it by hand, Huo Qing also took a closer look, her eyes widening as she exclaimed, "Brother Bai, you're so amazing."

Brother Bai mentioned that Qianqian had worked part-time in a flower shop for a while before, not for long, but long enough to pick up some skills.

It was work experience that wasn't particularly useful for her current money-making endeavors, but occasionally came in handy.

Although it wasn't a significant amount of work experience, it was enough to delight Ms. Zhang. After admiring the flowers enough, she placed them on the coffee table in the center, in a spot where they could be easily seen.

Just as easily seen was the television behind. Chen Moubai hadn't paid much attention until he heard a familiar voice, his brows immediately furrowing as he looked up at the TV.

"..."

It wasn't a hallucination; it was indeed a familiar voice.

It was his third male friend's voice. Although somewhat distorted through the TV, the basic timbre was recognizable.

This voice, which usually whispered gossip passionately in his ears, had rarely been heard delivering lines seriously. Hearing it now, he was momentarily taken aback.

The scene on the TV changed abruptly, revealing his friend's face unexpectedly. The face that usually radiated gossip was now solemn, reciting lines earnestly.

"..."

The awkwardness of seeing an acquaintance acting washed over Chen Yibai again, and he couldn't help but wipe his face.

Fortunately, the scene quickly shifted again, entering another storyline, and his friend's face disappeared from the TV screen.

Replaced by his own face.

The other two people in the room instantly lifted their heads, their eyes wide like bells. Huo Qing added, "Si Yang has appeared in three sets of clothes so far, and Ms. Zhang and I agree that this one looks the best."

A dark blue robe with white edges, enhancing both his aura and his face.

Chen Bai glanced at the TV, then at the two people beside him, cautiously asking, "Have you been watching this TV show for the past few days?"

Huo Qing nodded directly, affirming, "It's about fortune-telling."

She continued, "Ms. Zhang even subscribed to SVIP and unlocked advanced viewing. She's really into it recently."