She said it lightly, as if it were just a joke.
But Pei Jiangmu knew how much courage she had to muster when she stood in front of Pei Ting at that time.
It was at that moment that he became even more certain.
This girl was the only light in his cold and dark life, the one who would spare no effort to protect him regardless of anything.
And it was also from that time on that he began to look forward to the day when he could leave far away with her...
The memories ebbed away like a receding tide.
The reality before him was still his father's cold reproaches, his mother's helpless complaints, and his own body that had long been accustomed to harm and neglect.
It turned out that he had never managed to escape.
Pei Jiangmu still sat on the ground in silence.
It was as if the almost - landed slap just now and those sharp accusations were just insignificant background noise.
But he looked even more desolate than before.
It seemed that if it weren't for the person lying in the ward, he could leave this world at any time.
Pei's mother looked at her son, who seemed to have had his soul taken away, leaving only an empty shell.
Then she caught a glimpse of her husband Pei Ting's still - angry and gloomy expression, as if he was about to explode again, and her heart tightened.
She knew her husband's temper too well and also knew that once some words were spoken, it would be really hard to take them back.
She quickly stepped forward, gently tugged at Pei Ting's arm, and whispered.
"Lao Pei, say less. The child is also sad... Let's go over there first and let him calm down."
She half - persuaded and half - dragged the disgruntled Pei Ting to the rest area at the other end of the corridor.
After Pei Ting's anger subsided a bit, Pei's mother adjusted her mood and walked back alone.
She looked at her son who still sat on the ground, as if integrated with the cold floor, sighed, and tried to soften her tone.
But when she spoke, it still carried an undeniable air of "for your own good".
"Jiangmu, don't blame your dad for being angry. He's just frustrated that you haven't lived up to his expectations."
She paused, observing Pei Jiangmu's reaction. Seeing that he remained motionless, she continued to state the conditions she had prepared.
"For your elder brother, we've already contacted the world's top neurosurgery and rehabilitation medical teams."
"As long as you nod, we can arrange to transfer Meng Ruochao to the best medical center for treatment at any time."
"They have the most advanced equipment and the most experienced doctors. It will definitely help her wake up."
Her words were like a stone thrown into a stagnant pool, finally making Pei Jiangmu's drooping eyelashes tremble slightly.
Seeing this, Pei's mother thought he was tempted and immediately pressed on, stating her real purpose.
"But we also have two conditions."
"First, you must return to the company immediately and resume normal work."
"The Pei family can't do without you. You know the current situation of the company. It needs you to step up and stabilize the situation."
"Second," Pei's mother lowered her voice, but it carried more weight, "the wedding date with Miss Cui Ran from the Cui family has been tentatively set for the sixteenth of next month."
"As long as you agree to these two points, we guarantee that Meng Ruochao will receive the best and most cost - free treatment in the world."
As soon as she finished speaking—
Pei Jiangmu suddenly raised his head!
The originally empty and dead eyes instantly burst with unbelievable shock.
Then it was replaced by overwhelming anger and the coldness of being betrayed and calculated by his closest relatives.
Due to long - term fasting and emotional agitation, his vision went black, but he still propped himself up against the wall and stood up unsteadily.
He stared fixedly at his mother, his voice trembling with extreme anger and carrying a sharp sarcasm.
"So... you're using Chaochao's life... to threaten me?"
He finally understood.
The so - called concern and the so - called top - level medical team were just a naked deal in the eyes of the Pei family.
Trading his personal freedom and marriage for a little more chance of survival for Chaochao.
Pei's mother was startled by the terrifying light in his eyes.
But soon she composed herself and softened her tone, trying to wrap this cold calculation in the guise of family affection.
"Jiangmu, how can you think like this? How could your parents be threatening you? We really are doing this for your own good!"
"That Meng Ruochao, look at what she's done to you. Look at yourself now!"
"Marrying into the Cui family is the best choice for you and the Pei family! We just want you to get back on the right track..."
"For my own good?"
Pei Jiangmu let out a sneering laugh, which was desolate and broken.
He who had remained indifferent to all the accusations just now now seemed like a trapped beast whose reverse scales had been completely touched, exuding a cold and determined aura all over.
He was firm and resolute, and every word seemed to be fished out of an ice cellar.
"First, I will never marry anyone other than Chaochao. I didn't in the past, I won't now, and I definitely won't in the future!"
"Second, I won't leave her side to go to work until she wakes up!"
"You can hold a board meeting and kick me out of the position of manager, or even remove me from the Pei family genealogy! I don't care!"
He took a step forward. Although his body was weak, the paranoia and determination in his eyes were terrifying.
"Finally, don't bother yourselves with Chaochao's medical issues! I'll find my own way to give her the best treatment!"
He was not a parasite relying on the Pei family for survival.
As early as many years ago, he had started using his own abilities and vision to make various investments, accumulating a huge fortune that could shake the local economy.
The identity of the young master of the Pei family was more of a shackle than an honor to him.
The money he earned was through his own efforts. The Pei family could not use their resources to control him and dictate his life.
Pei's mother was so angry at his merciless retort and determined attitude that her face turned pale. She pointed at him.
"You... You unfilial wretch! Why are you so stubborn!"
"The stubborn ones are you!"
Pei Jiangmu interrupted her rudely. He was fed up with this kind of control in the name of love.
"Please leave! You're not welcome here!"
He directly issued an order to evict, with a tough attitude and no room for compromise.
Seeing his unyielding attitude, Pei's mother knew it was useless to say more.
She could only leave angrily and embarrassedly, dragging the equally livid Pei Ting away.
Their visit didn't bring any comfort.
Instead, it was like a cold and biting wind that completely blew out the last faint expectation of family affection in Pei Jiangmu's heart, leaving only deeper coldness and determination.
Qi Yu watched in fear. Just as he was about to step forward to console him, he saw Pei Jiangmu suddenly turn his head and look at him.
Since Meng Ruochao's accident, this was the first time he showed such a clear, sharp and purposeful look.
"Qi Yu."
Pei Jiangmu's voice was still hoarse, but it carried an undeniable order.
"Bring forward the transfer. Arrange everything as quickly as possible."
He originally planned to take Meng Ruochao abroad to seek more top - level medical resources, but he had wanted to wait until her condition was more stable.
But now, the attitude of Pei's parents made him feel a strong sense of uneasiness and threat.
He would never entrust Chaochao's safety to these people who were trying to control him with her.
He had to take her away immediately, to a place where the Pei family's influence could not easily reach.