Back at the hospital, Zhao Zhenzhen underwent a series of examinations, but the doctors couldn't find anything wrong with her.
However, she was in a state akin to being trapped in a nightmare, impossible to wake no matter how much she was called. They had no choice but to admit her for observation, administering nutrient drips daily to sustain her life.
Xie Jiucheng leaned weakly against the hospital bed, taking small sips of warm water. Upon seeing his father, he became extremely excited.
His eyes sparkled, and in a slow, hoarse voice, he asked, "Dad, where's Zhenzhen? Why didn't she come?"
Xie Father reached out as if to pat his head, but then thought better of it, considering how weak his son still was, and slowly withdrew his hand.
"You ungrateful little brat. Your old man was busy running around for you, and you don't even ask about your father first."
Xie Jiucheng smiled gently, lowering his head with a touch of embarrassment.
"I see you, Dad, and I know you're doing well. Mom told me a lot of things. I'm sorry, I was too willful and made you worry."
With just that sentence, Xie Father was appeased. He considered telling his son about Zhao Zhenzhen's coma but feared it would be too much for him to bear.
So, he changed the subject. "You haven't met Miss Xu yet, have you? It's thanks to her that you're awake. Once you've recovered, you must visit her and thank her properly."
"Mmm, I know."
Seeing his son's persistent and determined gaze, Xie Father pulled up a chair and sat down, mentally rehearsing what he was going to say several times.
His tone suddenly softened as he recounted the events on the mountain, explaining Zhao Zhenzhen's current condition.
Xie Jiucheng pulled back the covers, intending to go see Zhao Zhenzhen, but Xie Father and Xie Mother quickly stopped him.
"What are you doing? You can't even stand steady. Going there will only cause trouble. Will she wake up if you go?"
"I... I want to be with her. I don't want her to be alone. She did this all for me."
As he spoke, tears silently streamed down his face, and a melancholic, decadent aura surrounded him.
Xie Mother was also stunned. "How could this happen? Is there really nothing Miss Xu can do?
She was fine this morning, how could something happen so suddenly? I shouldn't have let her go with you."
Xie Mother was extremely worried. No matter how much she disliked her or looked down on her, Zhao Zhenzhen was still a living person, a child cherished by another family.
"Miss Xu couldn't do anything either. She said she couldn't defeat that ghost. I'm trying to find someone with more profound cultivation."
Seeing his son's absent-mindedness, Xie Father could only offer comfort, though he had no confidence in his heart.
During the time Xie Jiucheng was unconscious, he had exhausted all his connections. Now, they could only rely on the police.
Although it was bizarre, his son was living proof. No matter how great one's background, the state's backing was formidable; there would surely be capable individuals there.
"I've already spoken with the hospital. After Zhao Zhenzhen's examinations, she'll be moved to your room, and you'll be able to see her soon."
"Dad, the examinations are useless. You're just wasting time."
"Do you think I don't know that? But how will the hospital admit her without the examinations?
Your dad isn't a doctor. If she's not admitted to the hospital, she won't wake up and will starve to death."
Xie Father's emotions were heightened, and his voice was a bit loud. He had truly poured his heart out for this son, and he himself had been thoroughly frightened.
He had always been an atheist, and now, after experiencing such supernatural events, his heart struggled to accept it. He desperately needed comfort.
"Hmph, you're really not making things easy. Once you're better, you're moving out immediately. You're always thinking about your Zhao Zhenzhen, and you don't even care about your own father.
Just because I wasn't hurt doesn't mean you can disregard my efforts. What I did, she did too."
"Alright, alright. Jiucheng just woke up and is still confused. As his father, don't bicker with him. Wait until he's better and give him a good scolding."
Xie Father irritably scratched his head, went out to light a cigarette to calm his nerves, and then, bringing gifts, went to visit an acquaintance in the police station.
After Xie Father left, Xie Jiucheng was also overcome with self-reproach. His father, at his age, was still running around for him; he was truly an unfilial son.
Soon, the people hired by the Xie family set up a nearby hospital bed, and shortly after, Zhao Zhenzhen was brought to the room.
Because she was constantly thrashing about, her hands and feet had to be restrained. Listening to the words coming from her mouth, Xie Jiucheng was stunned.
Was this the same Zhao Zhenzhen he knew? So selfish. What was it that he loved about her?
All the beautiful illusions instantly shattered. Xie Jiucheng didn't know how to face his girlfriend.
Now that Xie Jiucheng had woken up, Xie Mother no longer needed to stay by his side at the hospital. Relieved, Xie Mother prepared to go home to rest.
Xie Father returned home after a tiring day, washed up, and lay on the bed, too exhausted to move.
"How is it?"
"They'll send people over to handle it, but the timing is uncertain. Zhao Zhenzhen might have to suffer a bit more."
"Sigh, we've done all we could. Husband, you've worked hard."
"Sigh, he's my own disobedient son. It's only right that I worry more about him."