The Sickly Beauty Gives Up Struggling [Rebirth] Chapter 188

After Zhang Zhaohe fell off the cliff, he did not die immediately. He was taken to the hospital by the scenic area’s emergency rescue team. After an entire day of intensive treatment, he fell into a coma.

Perhaps because he had always been meticulous about his health, even with several broken bones and a brain hemorrhage requiring surgery, he still held on to his last breath.

The attending doctor’s opinion was that Zhang Zhaohe was comatose, but it was uncertain whether he still had any awareness. The situation was dire, and whether he would wake up remained unknown.

Zhang Zhaohe had no family, and his so-called friends avoided him like the plague.

The hospital had no choice but to contact his former employer. 

The principal of A University reluctantly showed up, but he hedged responsibility, vaguely stating that Zhang Zhaohe was no longer affiliated with A University, so they had no authority to make any decisions.

Out of humanitarian concerns, the principal paid for the surgery, but when it came to ICU costs, he quickly found an excuse and slipped away.

Under such circumstances, the hospital couldn’t justify keeping Zhang Zhaohe in a bed. They had saved him, but they were prepared to watch him die.

However, before they could discharge him, the hospital’s finance department received a payment from the High Tower Group.

The note attached to the payment stated their willingness to cover Zhang Zhaohe’s stay in a standard ward until the day he died.

Naturally, a standard ward lacked the conditions and level of care provided by the ICU. It wasn’t conducive to recovery and often required sharing a room, where the noise of other patients and their families could be overwhelming.

The intention was clear: to let him live until death came naturally.

The hospital tried to warn the group that such low-quality survival could be a torment to the patient and their loved ones, but the High Tower Group ignored their advice.

The official investigation into the Luyinxu case was finally concluded. Liu Tanzhi and the marketing company behind her were found guilty of defamation and inciting online violence. The court ordered the confiscation of their illegal earnings, and Liu Tanzhi was sentenced to two years in prison.

Liu Tanzhi pleaded guilty and did not appeal, but she refused to implicate Han Jiang, insisting that her actions were driven by personal greed and immoral intentions.

Her husband, Li Baishou, took the opportunity to file for divorce, demanding that Liu Tanzhi leave the marriage without any financial compensation.

Exhausted, Liu Tanzhi did not contest it. She simply cast him a look of contempt in the courtroom and agreed to his terms.

However, out of fairness, the court did not strip her of all assets, leaving her with a chance to start over.

It was also in court that Li Baishou discovered Liu Tanzhi’s various social media accounts. Each account’s bio read the same:

“A warrior dies for the one who truly understands them.”

At a Cantonese Restaurant.

Jian Fu bit into a crawfish and, puzzled by Li Rong’s decision, asked, “Spending even one more cent on him is a waste!”

Li Rong calmly picked up a piece of bamboo shoot with his chopsticks and smiled meaningfully. “If he dies so easily, I’ll be disappointed.”

Only by living could Zhang Zhaohe truly experience pain, failure, and despair. Only by living could he atone for his sins.

Cen Xiao, silent as always, placed a steamed carrot and beef dumpling into Li Rong’s bowl. Li Rong squinted at the familiar orange color and promptly threw it back into Cen Xiao’s bowl without a second thought.

Cen Xiao couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.

Lin Zhen, chewing on arugula salad with oil and vinegar, asked, “So, boss, how long are you and Cen Xiao going to keep pretending to be at odds?”

The table fell silent, and everyone had a moment of realization.

Right—out in the public eye, Li Rong and Cen Xiao were still supposedly at odds, and Hongsuo Research Institute was still at loggerheads with Blue Pivot.

Jian Fu shrugged indifferently. “Who cares? There’s no one left to fool anymore. Do you want this steamed crawfish?” He held out a peeled crawfish to Lin Zhen, showing off how oil-free it was.

Lin Zhen frowned but carefully accepted it, dipping it lightly in oil and vinegar before swallowing. 

It was good, but it lacked the flavor of garlic butter or chili oil. However, he was working toward holding his own concert and had been working out, so he couldn’t afford to eat anything greasy.

Ji Xiaochuan sucked on her chopsticks and mumbled, “But still… we acted so well before. It’ll be hard for people to believe your relationship has improved.”

Li Rong laughed softly. “No rush. It’s not like I enjoy flaunting our relationship.”

Cen Xiao raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

He still enjoyed strolling around campus with Li Rong, though.

Li Rong shot him a glance and gestured to the dumpling in Cen Xiao’s bowl. “Eat your carrot yourself. Don’t think you can use this as an excuse to feed me.”

Cen Xiao had no choice but to eat the dumpling. It was quite delicious, without any noticeable carrot flavor, but Li Rong was particularly sensitive—always surprising yet frustrating in his quirks.

After finishing the dumpling, Cen Xiao sighed. “But we really do need to figure something out. Otherwise, my mom will keep worrying and suspecting that I’m actually bullying you.”

Cen Xiao had already explained to his mother that he and Li Rong had been acting for the sake of integrating Li Rong into the High Tower Group.

But rumors spread far and wide, and what reached Xiao Moran’s ears were exaggerated tales of Cen Xiao publicly humiliating Li Rong. Sometimes, they even said he got physical.

Because she cared so much, Xiao Moran often dropped hints to Cen Xiao: “If it’s just an act, don’t overdo it.”

“I heard you stuffed an invitation into Li Rong’s clothes. Isn’t that a bit much?”

“I saw students posting on social media that you’ve been particularly rough with Li Rong. You’re so strong—has he been hurt?”

“Now that Han Jiang has fallen and Zhang Zhaohe is in a coma, maybe you two should stop acting. Sometimes acting too long creates distance between friends.”

…

“Friends?” Jian Fu caught onto the key word and immediately grinned, helping himself to a piece of steamed pork ribs. “I almost forgot—you two still have a big hurdle to clear. If Uncle Cen and Aunt Xiao find out about you two… cough!”

Li Rong raised an eyebrow in confusion and asked, “That hurdle… you don’t have to clear it?”

Jian Fu froze slightly, his face inexplicably turning red from his ears upward, as if he were sitting in a sauna. Li Rong’s gaze burned like a furnace.

Lin Zhen, chewing on arugula, began to cough awkwardly into his hand.

“Is there any shaved ice? I want something sweet,” Li Rong asked innocently, quickly changing the subject as he nudged Cen Xiao’s arm, pestering him for dessert.

He still held the same opinion: Lin Zhen and Jian Fu were still young, and there was no rush to break the ambiguity between them. Remaining in this undefined, muddled state was fine, too.

Six months later.

The Jiajia Central Hospital published an official statement: the second phase of trials for Luyinxu had succeeded and was now applying for emergency approval. Once approved, production lines would be expanded to eradicate bacterial progeria completely.

The High Tower Group welcomed its third collective meeting since Li Rong’s inclusion. This time, Jiang Weide was absent due to a business trip abroad, and Li Rong, as the person in charge of GT201, chaired the meeting.

Fresh from the laboratory, he hadn’t yet removed his clean lab coat. He simply rolled up the sleeves, revealing his fair wrists.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the High Tower Group has recently weathered turbulent storms and encountered some disgraceful incidents. Fortunately, we corrected course in time, avoiding any irreparable consequences.”

Indeed, no irreparable consequences occurred because nearly all the fallout had been borne by the Li family.

However, by phrasing it this way, Li Rong showed no intent to blame anyone for blindly trusting Zhang Zhaohe. His composure and magnanimity visibly relieved the older scientists in the room.

“That said, we must reflect on certain practices during Zhang Zhaohe’s leadership. His actions were extreme, selfish, and manipulative—he stirred up group tensions to divert attention from the truth, wasting our energy in unnecessary disputes. Once Luyinxu is fully released, bacterial progeria will eventually be eradicated, and the medication will quickly exit the market. It will not bring significant profits.”

“However, I do not believe scientific research requires us to live as ascetics. Using knowledge and technology to generate wealth is entirely reasonable and honorable. The High Tower Group and Hongsuo Research Institute will continue to innovate. For too long, our hostile relationship with the Blue Pivot United Commerce Association has led us to forgo many business resources and cooperation opportunities. This is truly regrettable.”

“After discussions with my mentors, we’ve decided to explore collaboration with Blue Pivot under mutually agreed conditions. Sharing resources and complementing each other’s strengths will provide greater benefits for everyone, relieving companies caught in the middle of this divide.”

“Both Blue Pivot and Hongsuo have their respective strengths and weaknesses. Working together allows for mutual growth, improving lives far more practically than settling old grudges.”

“Rest assured, the cooperation agreement will prioritize everyone’s interests. The signing ceremony will be witnessed by the Ninth District Ghost Eye Group…”

Before he could finish, three knocks suddenly interrupted from the meeting room door.

The core members of the High Tower Group turned toward the entrance, looking puzzled.

Li Rong also glanced at the door, though he remained calm, as if he had anticipated this visitor.

Soon, the door creaked open, revealing Xu Wei.

He looked travel-worn, with heavy bags under his eyes, dragging a large suitcase as if he had come straight from the airport.

Xu Wei nervously wrung his hands, tugged uncomfortably at his tan coat, and offered an awkward smile to his colleagues, some familiar, others not. Unsure where to begin, he finally turned his pleading gaze toward Li Rong.

Li Rong raised his hand slightly in acknowledgment and said indifferently, “Everyone, this is Professor Xu Wei.”

The room fell silent. Of course, everyone knew Xu Wei—after all, they’d watched his video accusing Zhang Zhaohe countless times. His testimony had nailed Zhang Zhaohe’s coffin, driving Zhang Zhaohe to his ruin and eventual suicide attempt.

Morality is complex, and right and wrong live in shades of gray. Yet nobody understood why Xu Wei was standing here now.

Clearing his throat, Xu Wei looked exhausted and sheepish. He spoke dryly: “I… I made some mistakes under Zhang Zhaohe’s influence. I betrayed Professor Li’s support and suffered greatly for it. I… I’m getting older now and just want to return to work at A University. My family and friends are here; this is my home. Life abroad isn’t as great as it seems—it’s oppressive. I’m grateful to Li Rong for giving me this opportunity…”

Finished, Xu Wei glanced nervously at Li Rong, who was fiddling with the microphone, his expression cold and unreadable.

Xu Wei’s heart climbed into his throat.

He knew he had no right to ask anything of Li Rong. Once, Li Rong had extended an olive branch to him, but Xu Wei, timid and spineless, had refused to testify against Zhang Zhaohe.

He only dared to turn against Zhang Zhaohe after confirming the man was finished.

As a turncoat, Xu Wei knew he was the least respected type of person in academic circles. Under normal circumstances, he’d have no future in domestic research.

But Li Rong had unexpectedly offered him another chance.

Clinging to that offer, Xu Wei had hastily booked a flight, canceled his overseas lectures, and rushed straight to Hongsuo Research Institute.

Of course, he’d left himself an escape route: he hadn’t resigned from his job abroad. If he wasn’t welcomed here, he could still go back.

However, Li Rong had placed him here—at the High Tower Group’s meeting—forcing him to face his peers and endure their moral judgment.

Under the scrutiny of countless gazes, every second of silence was torture, and Xu Wei almost fled in panic.

At that moment, Li Rong finally spoke. He lifted his gaze and looked at Xu Wei, smiling faintly. Then, in a clear, pleasant voice, he asked: “What do you call me?”

Xu Wei’s eyes widened suddenly as realization struck him. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he licked his dry, pale lips before loudly declaring: “Team Leader Li, I request to join the High Tower Group!”

The weather was perfect that day, with clear skies and no clouds in sight.

The signing ceremony between the Blue Pivot United Commerce Association and Hongsuo Research Institute took place at the Seven Stars Hotel. Attendees included the seven current presidents of Blue Pivot, Jiang Weide, the director of Hongsuo Research Institute, Li Rong, leader of the High Tower Group, and Cen Xiao, leader of the Ninth District Ghost Eye Group.

Jian Changli elbowed Cen Qing, pouting slightly and glancing meaningfully at Li Rong, who was seated opposite them.

Cen Qing frowned and whispered, “Why are you nudging me?”

Jian Changli mumbled out of the corner of his mouth, his voice muffled as he leaned sideways:
“He’s the leader of the High Tower Group now.”

Cen Qing snorted lightly through his nose: “I can see that.”

Jian Changli raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Admit it—our sons have good judgment. Backing him wasn’t a mistake. With the Information Department of Hongsuo collaborating with us, District One can save a lot on expenses.”

Cen Qing replied indifferently, “It doesn’t concern District Three much.”

Indeed, since Hongsuo lacked a dedicated import-export department, the ones truly benefiting were Districts One and Four. Hu Yuming from District Four was practically grinning from ear to ear.

Jian Changli couldn’t stop talking. “Tsk, look at it this way: isn’t it all thanks to your son’s connections? Blue Pivot and Hongsuo have been adversaries until now, but this marks the first opportunity for cooperation. Surrounded by rivals in District Nine, the unconditional support of the High Tower Group is Cen Xiao’s greatest asset. I must say, Cen Xiao is truly remarkable—he saw Li Rong’s ability to turn the tide and took advantage of it early on, securing such a strong ally.”

Cen Qing shot Jian Changli a look. “Really? You think he foresaw Li Rong becoming the High Tower Group leader back in high school?”

Jian Changli shrugged. “It’s not impossible.”

Cen Qing sneered coldly. “Even I wouldn’t exaggerate like that.”

The gilded doors swung open suddenly, letting in fresh, warm air that stirred everyone’s sleeves and hems. The room’s attention turned toward the entrance.

Cen Xiao strode in, dressed in a black suit, followed closely by Yu Fuyan and Geng An.

With deep-set features and a composed expression, Cen Xiao walked steadily toward the center of the hall. His leather shoes struck the marble floor with a steady, rhythmic sound.

His gaze swept over familiar faces before landing on Li Rong.

Unlike Cen Xiao, Li Rong was dressed casually—he wore a white T-shirt under a light blue shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up to his forearms. He rested his chin lazily on the back of his hand, his head tilted slightly, and his hair fell softly against his ears and neck.

The presidents of Blue Pivot, all older uncles of Cen Xiao, and Jiang Weide, his senior, instinctively stood up to show proper respect to Cen Xiao as leader of the Ghost Eye Group in District Nine.

Jiang Weide stood, so Li Rong naturally stood as well. The sleeves of his shirt slid down under gravity, covering the backs of his hands and leaving only his long, fair fingers visible.

With a gentle smile, Li Rong looked toward Cen Xiao. His warm, charming eyes hinted at kindness, and as Cen Xiao passed him, he greeted him calmly and modestly:
“Group Leader Cen.”

Cen Xiao paused and met his gaze, his eyes briefly flickering with a hint of mischief.

Sunlight streamed through the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, creeping across the marble floor and brushing against Li Rong’s back, scattering golden flecks of light across the tips of his hair.

“Long time no see, Group Leader Li.” Cen Xiao suppressed the surge of affection in his heart and extended his hand meaningfully toward Li Rong.

Li Rong’s lips curved upward. From beneath his pale blue sleeve, his cool fingers lightly touched Cen Xiao’s warm palm. At that moment of skin-to-skin contact, familiar and intimate emotions swept over them, gentler and warmer than the light itself.

“It has been… a long time.”

Spring feelings rippled, red waves surged.

From the previous night at midnight until now, it had been a full seven hours since they’d last seen each other.

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