Chapter 238: Preparing for the Return Journey
In the blink of an eye, a week had passed!
Over the past few days, Long Zhanjun and Ni Qiu had taken turns visiting the hospital to keep Aunt Jiang and Xiao Feng company, while Zhou Ling had simply moved into the hospital to stay by their bedside.
There was no other way—she was the only woman there, and the hospital truly couldn’t do without her.
Tang Xue had wanted to stay with them as well, but neither Li Yi nor Long Zhanjun felt comfortable with the idea!
After all, she was carrying two little ones—who would dare put her to work!
So, while Long Zhanjun and the others were busy with medical visits and keeping vigil at the hospital, Li Yi took Tang Xue out to explore Chang’an every day.
All the sights they hadn’t had time to visit before were now on the itinerary!
Under Li Yi’s guidance, Tang Xue even paid special visits to several renowned universities in Chang’an, giving her a head start on experiencing the college atmosphere.
In addition to sightseeing, the two sampled every kind of local delicacy in Chang’an.
They also visited numerous shopping malls, markets, and supply cooperatives, buying plenty of local specialties to take home as gifts for their families!
It’s safe to say their footprints were all over the vast city of Chang’an!
Just then, news came from the hospital: Aunt Jiang and Xiaofeng were scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning!
Upon hearing the news, Li Yi and Tang Xue decided they wouldn’t go anywhere the next day—they would stay at the hospital to be with them!
At 9:00 a.m. on September 29, Aunt Jiang and Xiaofeng were wheeled into two separate operating rooms at the same time!
For Long Zhanjun, this moment was filled with panic; his mind went completely blank.
Because at that moment, all he could do was crouch outside the operating room, waiting for news!
Although Li Yi and Ni Qiu kept trying to comfort him, Long Zhanjun’s mind was still in a complete turmoil.
After all, inside those operating rooms were his only remaining close relatives in this world. If anything went wrong with either of them, he might not be able to bear the blow—especially since neither of their conditions was good.
Time dragged on endlessly!
From nine o’clock in the morning until two in the afternoon, the lights in the operating room on the left finally went out.
Then, a middle-aged doctor walked out and asked, “Where is Long Xiaofeng’s family?”
“I’m here… I’m here. How is Xiaofeng?” Long Zhanjun asked, sounding somewhat flustered.
“The surgery was a success, but the patient hasn’t woken up yet. I’d like to go over some precautions with you…”
No one paid close attention to the rest of what the doctor said; as soon as they heard the words “the surgery was a success,” everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
No sooner had they settled down than the operating room door swung open, and everyone watched as Long Xiaofeng was wheeled out.
Immediately, Long Zhanjun and the others rushed forward to check on her, then followed the nurse as she wheeled Long Xiaofeng back to the ward!
Before anyone could catch their breath, the lights in the other operating room went out as well!
The same routine played out. When they heard the doctor say “The surgery was a success” once again, Long Zhanjun could no longer hold back his tears, and they streamed down his face!
It wasn’t until Jiang Yuefang was wheeled out of the operating room that everyone, including Li Yi, finally let out a sigh of relief.
According to the doctor, both surgeries went smoothly; now it was all about recovery.
If the recovery goes well, their post-surgery survival time will be longer; otherwise, the opposite will be true!
But in any case, both patients’ physical condition would be much stronger than before.
This was especially true for Long Xiaofeng; after all, she was young, and as long as she received proper nutrition, the impact on her future life wouldn’t be too significant.
Due to the anesthesia, both remained unconscious until around 4:00 p.m., when they gradually woke up one after the other!
Although both were still weak, they both said they felt great—their heartbeats were much stronger than before, and their breathing was smooth.
At that moment, Long Zhanjun’s heart, which had been in his throat, finally settled!
After confirming that Aunt Jiang and Xiaofeng were in good health, Li Yi and Tang Xue were finally ready to return to Saibei Province!
Soon, the departure time was set for 1:00 a.m. on October 1st.
The reason for this specific time was simply that this was the only train with sleeper cars!
To ensure his wife would be comfortable on the train, this was the only option.
Upon learning that Li Yi was leaving, Long Zhanjun immediately found some time to call Li Yi and Tang Xue over.
First, he wanted to treat the couple to a meal—both to see them off and to express his gratitude!
Second, he wanted to ask Li Yi what his plans were for him next!
……
Chang’an State-Owned Restaurant!
Li Yi looked at the restaurant’s decor and the dishes served at the table and said with a smile, “You’ve really gone all out this time!”
“The food here is indeed expensive, but this is the only way I can express my gratitude!” Long Zhanjun said earnestly.
Tang Xue asked curiously, “Is the food here really that expensive?”
Li Yi chuckled and said, “Yes, it’s expensive. This is the famous Chang’an Restaurant, after all!”
“Is the Chang’an Restaurant just expensive?”
“Well, Chang’an Restaurant is world-renowned for its ‘authentic Shaanxi cuisine and comprehensive selection of Shaanxi-style snacks.’ It was built with funds raised by Mr. Feng Kechang. From the very beginning, a folk rhyme circulated: ‘East bells, west drums; Azure Dragon, White Tiger; Fragrant herbs, hot soup; Chang’an Restaurant.’ You could say this place is the pinnacle of Shaanxi cuisine—do you really think the prices could be cheap?”
Besides the restaurant’s high-end reputation, the dishes Long Zhanjun ordered were all signature specialties, including Gourd-Baked Chicken, Stir-Fried Pork Belly, Lotus-Leaf Steamed Pork, and Stir-Fried Three Delicacies—all renowned, top-tier dishes.
Each of these dishes costs a pretty penny on its own, so a table full of them is obviously even more expensive!
“So how much is this meal going to cost?” Tang Xue asked again.
Li Yi smiled and said, “No matter the cost, this is all a gesture of goodwill from Da Long. You just focus on enjoying your meal!”
“Okay!” Tang Xue nodded obediently.
Knowing that Li Yi and the others had to catch a train that evening, Long Zhanjun didn’t ask for any alcohol. He picked up the glass of water in front of him and said, “Brother Yi, Sister-in-law, I won’t bother with formal thanks—I’ve kept your kindness in my heart. Let’s drink tea instead of wine and wish you a safe journey!”
With that, he downed the lukewarm tea in his cup in one gulp!
Li Yi immediately replied, “Da Long, since you trust me, we’re brothers from now on. So there’s no need for formalities!”
Then, Li Yi and Tang Xue also raised their cups and drank the tea in one gulp!
“Brother Yi, what should I do next?” Long Zhanjun asked right away.
“For now, take good care of your mother and Xiaofeng. Once they’ve mostly recovered, come find me in North Sai Province!”
Li Yi continued, “Also, over the next few days, keep a close watch on Liu Ermaozi and his brother-in-law, and stay on top of the case involving Tang Jizhong and his wife!”
“Also, have Xiao Zhanwu continue helping with the investigation into Xiao Xue’s biological mother’s identity. Notify me immediately if there’s any news!”
“Alright, but how should I contact you, Brother Yi, if there’s an emergency?” Long Zhanjun asked again.
Li Yi immediately pulled out a pen and paper, jotted down a phone number, and handed it to Long Zhanjun.
Then he said directly, “Send me a telegram if there’s anything, but for urgent matters, just call this number. It’s for the Qingshan County Public Security Bureau. When you call, ask for Li Gang, and tell him you’re looking for me!”
Long Zhanjun solemnly tucked the number away and said, “Got it!”
At that moment, Li Yi continued, “Also, once you get back, you need to keep a tighter rein on your men. They can run their small businesses, but don’t let them cause trouble.”
“Got it. You’re not street thugs, and you don’t need to fight others over territory!”
“Got it!”
“As for the rest, we’ll talk about it once you get to the North,” Li Yi said.
“Alright!”
…….