Chapter 120: Private Negotiations

Liang Jinshang followed them into the car, and Shang Yucheng said nothing. It was already a foregone conclusion that Nan Yi would be taken in; there was little Liang Jinshang could do by following along. The most rational course of action was to keep a close eye on the situation here. Gong Xueyuan was the type to hold a grudge, and she would certainly seize upon this accident to make things difficult. If Gong Xueyuan were left alone with Shang Yucheng, a few well-placed instigations would be enough to drive Nan Yi to a dead end.

Gong Xueyuan brazenly occupied the back seat, forcing Liang Jinshang into the passenger seat, where she kept looking back to check on Gong Nian’s condition. Although the girl was not particularly likable, she was still a human being, and anyone with a shred of conscience would feel distressed for her. However, Gong Xueyuan leaned as close to Shang Yucheng as possible, blocking Liang Jinshang’s view. Liang Jinshang could only see the three of them looking like a close-knit family, which inevitably reminded her of the drawing Gong Nian had made. She smiled self-deprecatingly and turned back around. She was never one to sit and wait for her demise. Lowering her head, she sent a message to Chao Jingyu, informing him of Gong Nian’s injuries and asking for his help. After all, Chao Jingyu was part of the medical system, and in critical moments, he had more resources than anyone else. She said nothing else, knowing that only if Gong Nian survived would there be room for negotiation.

Chao Jingyu called back immediately, but Liang Jinshang hung up. He switched to WeChat.

[Can’t talk?]
[Is Yucheng there?]
[Nian Nian wouldn’t have run out by herself. Is Xueyuan there too?]

Chao Jingyu’s messages came one after another, rapidly. Liang Jinshang admired his thoughtfulness and keen intuition: [Yes, they are both here. Gong Nian’s condition is critical. What should I do?]

Chao Jingyu: [Which hospital? Tell me.]
Chao Jingyu: [Don’t worry.]

Seeing those last three words, Liang Jinshang gripped her phone tightly. With him saying that, she felt a little less afraid. Although Chao Jingyu was a close friend of Shang Yucheng and Gong Xueyuan, she trusted him for no reason at all. With him around, regardless of Shang Yucheng’s rage or Gong Xueyuan’s schemes, Nan Yi would receive fair treatment. Why shouldn't she? After all the heinous things Gong Xueyuan had done over the years, driving Nan Yi to chronic illness, was it not divine retribution if she faced some retaliation? Gong Nian’s injury was an accident, and Liang Jinshang only wanted fairness. She knew with chilling clarity that Shang Yucheng would not provide it.

...

They arrived at the nearest hospital. Shang Yucheng had already made calls on the way, and emergency doctors were waiting at the entrance. A line of medical staff rushed Gong Nian inside for examination, and a doctor soon emerged.

"The patient has lost too much blood and needs an urgent transfusion. She is AB-negative. A patient with a massive hemorrhage just used up our inventory of that blood type. It will take an hour to get more from the nearest blood bank. We suggest that someone with the same blood type donate immediately."

Upon hearing it was AB, Liang Jinshang immediately said, "I have the same blood type. I’ll donate!"

As the doctor was about to take her to get blood drawn, Shang Yucheng blocked them, saying coldly, "You don't need to donate."

Although Liang Jinshang had a small selfish desire to prove herself in front of him, her original intent was to save a life. "Shang Yucheng!" she said urgently. "My blood isn't poisoned; it won't harm your 'little princess.' Can't I just try to atone for some of Nan Yi's sins?"

Gong Xueyuan chimed in coldly, "Stop with the fake kindness. I don't want your blood! ...Doctor, take my blood for my sister!"

But blood donation wasn't a matter of simply choosing a donor. The doctor asked, "What is your blood type?"

Gong Xueyuan: "I'm not sure, but I am her sister. My blood must be compatible!"

"You don't even know your blood type and you want to donate?" The doctor was busy with the resuscitation; had these people not appeared so wealthy and influential, he would have started shouting. "And you are her sister—transfusions between second-degree relatives cause immune rejection! Stop causing trouble!"

The doctor turned to Liang Jinshang: "You aren't family? Then you come with me."

Liang Jinshang nodded and started to follow, but Shang Yucheng intervened more forcefully this time, his tone carrying a reprimand: "You’re so frail, why are you trying to donate blood?" He ordered the doctor directly, "The blood packs will be here in five minutes. Just focus on resuscitation."

Watching Shang Yucheng protect Liang Jinshang, Gong Xueyuan was filled with bitter jealousy. She couldn't help but interject, "Yucheng, five minutes might be too long for Nian Nian. I think we should just let Liang Jinshang donate some blood!"

Liang Jinshang knew Gong Xueyuan couldn't stand to see Shang Yucheng treat her well, but she chose not to engage in a conflict at that moment and remained silent. Shang Yucheng, however, touched her bowed head and replied coolly on her behalf, "Whether or not my girlfriend donates blood is not for you to decide."

Gong Xueyuan’s hands clenched and then relaxed. When had she ever suffered such grievances? Was Shang Yucheng calling her his girlfriend repeatedly just to spite her? He was completely bewitched by this woman! Ever since this Fang Jiabao had appeared out of nowhere, everyone around her had turned against her. How dare she compete for her man? This time, she would make sure this wretch paid the highest price.

Just then, the police who had been called arrived to investigate. "Who is the victim’s family?"

"I am!" Gong Xueyuan said. "My sister was pushed into the road and hit by a car; she’s currently between life and death! This is attempted murder!"

Liang Jinshang argued her case, "No, officer, it was just an accidental injury!"

"There are many witnesses on the scene, and you can pull the surveillance footage. That crazy woman was targeting us. Officer, our family’s lawyers will be here soon, and we will insist that she be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!"

If Nan Yi were truly charged with attempted murder and thrown into prison, Liang Jinshang felt that her fragile constitution wouldn't last until she was released.

"Yucheng..." Liang Jinshang grabbed his sleeve, pleading for him to say something.

Shang Yucheng looked down at her and said emotionlessly, "Let’s wait and see how Gong Nian is doing."

Liang Jinshang understood his meaning: if Gong Nian was fine, he wouldn't interfere. But if Gong Nian was not...

The officer stated, "If it is a case of attempted murder, we will file a public prosecution. You need to be clear about your claims; the law is a serious matter!"

"Officer, this is a private matter, not a murder. We request a private settlement," a clear, composed voice suddenly interjected. "Please give us a few days."

Liang Jinshang’s spirit lifted, and she looked up. Chao Jingyu had arrived, not even having had time to change out of his white medical coat. He stood tall, his long strides carrying him forward, the white coat fluttering in the wind. He looked composed and refined; everyone who saw him couldn't help but take note.