He Chaoping, upon knowing that Chen Bin had just returned from Shanghai, told him to take a good rest.
As for other matters, they would talk about them on the weekend.
On Friday afternoon, Chen Bin left work early and had Cheng Zhuang drive him to the County Hospital.
After asking around, he finally found himself in front of Ding Zi’s mother’s hospital room.
Through the glass window on the door, Chen Bin noticed an elderly woman lying in the hospital bed, her face gaunt and lifeless.
It looked as though she must be Ding Zi’s mother.
Beside the bed sat a small, thin man with graying hair, his fra frail, giving off an impression of malnutrition.
Chen Bin guessed he was most likely Ding Zi’s father.
Pushing the door open, Chen Bin found that the bedridden woman appeared to be asleep.
He spoke softly to the man, "Hello, uncle, I’m the Party Secretary of Qinghe Town."
The man, realizing he was talking to his daughter’s boss, instantly stood up in a flurry of urgency.
Grasping Chen Bin’s hand with both of his, he said, "Hello, leader! Hello!"
Chen Bin gestured toward the door, "How about we go outside to talk?"
The man nodded repeatedly.
Once outside the hospital room, Chen Bin began to inquire about the woman’s illness.
After the man truthfully explained the situation, Chen Bin finally realized the gravity of it.
"Then why didn’t you go to Tianhai for treatnt? The dical facilities there are much better than here in the county."
The man sighed, his face filled with guilt.
"It’s my fault for being useless. I got sick years ago and spent more than half of our family’s savings. Now with her mother in this condition, I really can’t co up with that kind of money anymore."
As he expressed his sorrow, tears started to well up in the corners of his eyes.
Worried it might make Chen Bin uncomfortable, he turned his head away and discreetly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
Chen Bin followed up, "If she were to undergo surgery, how much would it cost roughly?"
"At least hundreds of thousands. Big hospitals are very expensive, and then there’s the cost of post-operative care. We simply can’t afford it."
Chen Bin sighed and offered reassurance.
"Don’t be too disheartened. As the saying goes, there’s always a way forward. How about this — could you get your wife’s brain scans and diagnostic reports? I’ll see if I can find soone to look things over and offer so advice."
Upon hearing Chen Bin willing to help, the man beca so emotional he looked like he was about to kneel.
"Thank you, leader, thank you so much..."
Chen Bin quickly steadied him by holding his shoulders, "You don’t have to thank just yet. I’ll try my best to help, but I can’t guarantee anything at this stage."
After getting the necessary materials, Chen Bin imdiately headed to He Chaoping’s house.
Since it had been arranged beforehand, Zheng Najiao even prepared an elaborate spread of dishes.
During the al, the three of them sat at the dining table, eating and chatting.
Chen Bin also shared the observations from his visit to Shanghai.
Nodding, He Chaoping encouraged him.
"Your idea is great—it’s bound to succeed."
However, Chen Bin sighed in response.
"I’m not worried about whether the factory can sell its products after it’s built. My main concern right now is whether it can even be built at all."
"What’s the matter? Problems at work?"
Sighing again, Chen Bin didn’t go into much detail.
Instead, he asked back, "By the way, why did you call last ti?"
Exchanging a glance with Zheng Najiao, He Chaoping sighed helplessly.
"He Beibei’s performance in her recent end-of-term exams dropped over two hundred ranks in her grade."
"What?! How could it drop so far?"
Sighing once more, He Chaoping remarked, "I feel like it might have sothing to do with you."
"What? How does this have anything to do with ?"
Seeing Chen Bin’s agitation, He Chaoping hurried to offer an explanation.
"He Beibei’s previous progress in her studies was the result of your painstaking guidance. But ever since you left Qingshi County, she’s been downcast every day. Her teachers at school often ntion that she seems preoccupied with sothing."
"Then why not sit down and talk to her about it? As long as you get to the root of what’s bothering her, everything should work itself out."
"I tried talking to her, but this little girl refuses to share anything. Eventually, I guessed she might’ve developed feelings for you. With your sudden departure, she’s struggling to accept it."
Whether or not this was true, if Beibei’s drop in performance was sohow due to him, Chen Bin found it sowhat heartening.
At least it showed the little lady hadn’t forgotten his influence and care.
"He Beibei is already sixteen years old this year. I trust she has the capacity to adjust on her own. How about giving her a bit more ti to slowly adapt?"
"If it were any other matter, I’d be willing to wait indefinitely. But she’s in high school now—every mont is critical. I just can’t afford to take that risk!"
He Chaoping cherished his only daughter, and his lifelong wish was to see her flourish.
So long as He Beibei could get into a decent university, his entire life’s aspirations would be fulfilled.
Thus, under no circumstances would he allow her to falter during this crucial stage of high school.
"Mr. He, then what are you thinking?"
"I’ve decided to have He Beibei transfer schools—to Dragon Mountain County!"
"What?"
Hearing this, Chen Bin was taken aback.
He Beibei’s current school, Tianhai No.1 Middle School, was a provincial key institution.
Countless families would go to great lengths to get their children admitted there, and yet He Chaoping wanted Beibei to transfer out?
Taking a deep breath, Chen Bin responded earnestly.
"I think this is a decision that should be discussed thoroughly with Beibei. We should prioritize her wishes above all."
He Chaoping nodded, "No problem. She’ll be finishing evening self-study soon—please join in picking her up."
"Alright!"
After dinner, He Chaoping drove Chen Bin to Tianhai No.1 Middle School.
When He Beibei ca out from the school gates with her backpack, she looked thrilled to see Chen Bin.
"Hero Brother! Why are you here?!"
Chen Bin grinned and replied, "I missed you, of course. Did you miss ?"
Turning her face to the side in a playful pout, He Beibei said proudly.
"Big anie—why would I miss you?"
At this mont, she glanced briefly at He Chaoping standing off to the side.
She continued speaking to Chen Bin, "You’re not here because of the grades thing, are you?"
Chen Bin didn’t deny it but asked her back.
"Yes, that’s exactly why. Now, tell —what’s going on?"
"I don’t know. I just don’t like studying these days. I often find myself distracted during class."
Chen Bin pulled her aside and asked in a low voice, "Be honest—is this because I left Qingshi County?"
"Pfft! Of course not! Why would I care about you?"
Seeing her acting all defiant, Chen Bin deliberately let out a sigh.
"Your parents were even planning to transfer you to Dragon Mountain County so I could personally supervise you. But since you don’t care, I guess that won’t be necessary."
"Care! You’re the most important person to !"
At this mont, He Beibei appeared very emotional.
"Make sure you think this through carefully. Transfering ans adjusting to a new environnt. If you can’t adapt, your studies might suffer as a result."
"I’m not afraid. As long as I can be near you, I can adapt to anything!"
Chen Bin still couldn’t figure out why this little girl was so attached to having him tutor her studies.
Could it be because she idolized him after he stepped in to help her last ti?
Thinking of this, he couldn’t resist teasing her.
"Also, if you transfer to Dragon Mountain County, you’ll be staying with . Just think—alone with a man like . Aren’t you worried I might eat you alive?"
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