Chapter 141: Mother Xu Wakes Up

Under normal circumstances, Jiang Li would have been more than happy to oblige, but he couldn't do that now. He coaxed Xu An'an to stay still for a moment, then went inside to retrieve a damp towel. "Let me wipe you down."

Xu An'an, feeling drowsy and disoriented, let him tend to her.

*Ring, ring!*

Just as Jiang Li finished and was about to head to the bathroom to take care of his own needs, the phone on the table rang—it was Xu An'an’s. It was an unfamiliar number.

He answered, "Who is this?"

The person on the other end seemed surprised to hear a man’s voice. After a pause, they asked, "Is this not Xu An'an's phone?"

"Yes."

Jiang Li’s voice was icy, enough to make the caller hesitant to speak further. "There will be a class reunion soon, held at the school. We hope Student Xu can attend; it is also the teacher's wish."

"I will pass the message along."

Jiang Li hung up the phone and walked quickly into the bathroom.

It wasn't until Xu An'an woke up that Jiang Li told her about the reunion. She didn't really want to go, but upon hearing it was the teacher’s request, she reluctantly replied to the message, agreeing to attend.

Jiang Li saw right through her. "Why don't you want to go?"

"It’s nothing, really. It’s been so many years; I don't feel it’s necessary to see them again." Xu An'an leaned back in the rattan chair, soaking up the sun. The rain had passed, and the warmth felt comforting.

Jiang Li frowned at her words. "Are you saying that among all the people from your past, there isn't a single one you want to see? Not one you’d regret not meeting?"

Xu An'an opened her eyes, sensing that Jiang Li was overly sensitive about this topic. "So, is there someone *you* want to see?"

"Don't you have anyone?"

Because Jiang Li was so serious, Xu An'an felt compelled to answer thoughtfully, but in the end, she shook her head. A small bird flew past, distracting her and causing her to miss the flash of disappointment in Jiang Li’s eyes.

Jiang Li held out his hand to her. "Do you have any cash?"

The topic changed so abruptly that Xu An'an was caught off guard. She gestured for him to get it himself. "My bag is hanging on the coat rack."

Jiang Li rummaged through her wallet and feigned accidentally discovering a photograph. "Who is this?"

Xu An'an froze, then snatched the photo back, feeling uneasy. "Honestly, if you need money, just take the money. Why are you looking at my photos?"

Seeing how protective she was, Jiang Li’s gaze cooled. He placed the wallet on the table and turned to walk away.

So she claimed there was no one she wanted to see? She was obviously lying to him! Not only was she a little heartless, but she was also a little liar! Back at the hospital, she used to follow him around all day, promising to marry him once she came of age. And now? Not only had she forgotten him entirely, but she had also developed feelings for another man!

Xu An'an was confused, unable to understand why Jiang Li had gotten angry.

*Ring, ring!*

Seeing Wen Huairou’s name on the caller ID, she answered, "Director Wen."

"An'an, do you have time to come to the hospital?"

"Right now?"

"Yes, your mother has woken up."

*Boom.*

Xu An'an’s mind went blank. It took her a long while to recover, her voice trembling. "Y-you mean my mother woke up? Is it true? Is she really awake?"

Hearing that Xu An'an hadn't followed him out, Jiang Li returned, arriving just in time to hear her. He immediately called the hospital. He had secretly arranged for people to guard Xu's mother, ensuring no ill-intentioned person could disturb her. Once confirmed that she was indeed awake, Jiang Li grabbed his car keys and waited for Xu An'an to come downstairs so he could take her to the hospital.

On the way, Xu An'an was still in a daze. She couldn't believe it; her mother had been in a coma for so many years, and now, after only a few months, she had suddenly awakened! This also confirmed one thing: Shen Ying had been meddling behind the scenes all along. Thinking of Shen Ying, intense hatred and murderous intent surged in Xu An'an’s eyes; she wanted to rush to the Xu household and kill her right then and there.

At the entrance of the ward, Xu An'an was incredibly nervous. Jiang Li stayed by her side. "Your mother is really awake; she's waiting for you."

Xu An'an took a deep breath, terrified that upon pushing the door open, she would find it was all just a dream—a dream she had had many times before. Every time she woke from such dreams, she would lie in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, tears streaming down her face.

Jiang Li wiped away her tears, heartbroken, and pulled her into his arms, soothing her softly. "This isn't a dream; it’s really happening. Actually, your mother’s condition wasn't as dire as it seemed. After months of treatment and care, she has recovered."

Jiang Li had personally hired a team of experts from abroad at a high salary. He did this not only because she was Xu An'an's mother, but also because she had always treated him well.

With Jiang Li’s comfort and encouragement, Xu An'an nodded and pushed open the door. She saw the woman lying on the hospital bed. Her mother’s eyes were open, looking dazed. Beside her stood Wen Huairou and other doctors, checking if she felt any discomfort.

"You..."

Seeing Jiang Li arrive as well, Wen Huairou paused, then offered a gentle smile. "Ah Li, you’re here too."

Jiang Li gave a slight nod. "How is her condition now?"

In truth, he already knew. Xu's mother had lost her memory. Although Jiang Li’s team had been working with Wen Huairou, they reported to him separately, and there were details that even Wen Huairou was unaware of.

Wen Huairou sighed and explained the situation to Xu An'an. "Your mother has lost her memory; she doesn't even remember who she is. You should prepare yourself for that. However, this amnesia is likely temporary. Perhaps if you visit more often and talk to her, and once her health recovers, you can take her to familiar places; she might regain her memories."

Xu An'an instinctively grabbed Jiang Li’s hand, and he gripped hers back. His large hand enveloped hers, providing her with a constant source of warmth.

Receiving so much information at once, Xu An'an, still not fully recovered herself, felt as though she might collapse. She nodded. "Can I go to her now?"

Wen Huairou withdrew her gaze from their joined hands and said faintly, "Of course."

The doctors standing by the bed stepped aside. Xu An'an walked over slowly, and the moment she made eye contact with her mother, her tears began to fall.

Wen Huairou said softly, "Let's all step outside."

Jiang Li didn't want to leave. Wen Huairou frowned, though her tone remained gentle. "Ah Li, it’s not appropriate for us outsiders to stay here. Let Miss Xu have some time with her mother."

Jiang Li disliked the word "outsider," but it was the truth. He had no choice but to go outside, yet he stood at the small window of the ward, watching Xu An'an, who was weeping like a child. He couldn't help but clench his fists. If he could, he would have gone in to stay by her side.

Watching this scene, Wen Huairou’s expression darkened slightly.