Chapter 905: Hidden Truths

Chapter 905: Chapter 905: Hidden Truths

The black van slowly drove away, heading towards the Cui Family’s old residence.

Cui Yunzhi sat in the backseat of the black van, still clutching Yang Cheng’s jacket. The faint medicinal scent lingering on it inexplicably gave her a sense of peace.

"Yunzhi, you don’t look well. Were you scared just now?"

Cui Yunfan, sitting in the front passenger seat, turned his head, his voice full of concern.

"I’m fine, Yunfan, just a bit tired."

Cui Yunzhi shook her head, managing a weak smile. "Grandfather... how is he really? The call wasn’t very clear."

Cui Yunfan sighed, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes. "Grandfather isn’t doing well. He suddenly had a stroke a few days ago, was in a coma for several days, and after barely waking up, his body is very weak. The doctors say... he might not hold on for much longer."

Cui Yunzhi’s heart sank, her eyes instantly reddening.

"How could this happen? Grandfather has always been so strong, how could he have a stroke so suddenly?"

Her voice was slightly choked.

Cui Yunfan was silent for a moment, then lowered his voice, "Yunzhi, there’s something I didn’t tell you over the phone. I suspect... Grandfather’s illness isn’t so simple."

"What do you mean?"

Cui Yunzhi suddenly looked up, her beautiful eyes filled with surprise.

"The day Grandfather fell ill, Liu Yue Ru happened to be in Grandfather’s room, saying she was bringing him supplements. After Grandfather drank those supplements, something happened shortly after."

Cui Yunzhi’s face changed, "Are you saying... Aunt poisoned Grandfather?"

"I have no evidence, just suspicions."

Cui Yunfan shook his head. "But in any case, be careful when you return. Liu Yue Ru is very scheming."

Cui Yunzhi furrowed her brows, doubting that Liu Yue Ru had the courage to poison someone. There might be other undercurrents at play.

The car stopped at the entrance of the Cui Family’s old residence. Cui Yunzhi got out, looking at the ancient manor before her, a complex emotion welling up inside her.

The vermillion doors, the majestic stone lions at the entrance, everything was just as she remembered, but this time, the atmosphere was completely different.

Several black-clad bodyguards stood at the door, far more than usual, each looking stern and vigilant.

"Miss."

Upon seeing Cui Yunzhi, the bodyguards quickly saluted.

Cui Yunzhi nodded and walked swiftly through the doors.

Passing through the front yard, she walked along the cobblestone path lined with neatly trimmed flowers and trees, the air filled with a faint floral fragrance.

The Cui Family’s old residence was expansive, with at least seven or eight courtyards. Cui Boyong lived in the inner main courtyard, the most secluded part of the estate.

Cui Yunzhi quickened her pace, longing to fly to her Grandfather’s side.

But just as she reached the entrance to the main courtyard, a black-clad man stopped her.

"Miss, you can’t go in."

"Why?"

Cui Yunzhi frowned.

"The old master is resting. The doctor has instructed that no one is to disturb him," the man said expressionlessly.

"I’m his granddaughter. I’ve come a long way just to see Grandfather. Won’t you even let me take a look?"

Cui Yunzhi’s voice rose, her beautiful eyes filled with anger.

The black-clad man remained unmoved, "Miss, it’s the Madam’s orders. The old master is too weak to be disturbed. Please understand."

Cui Yunzhi sneered, "I don’t mind Aunt managing the household, but what does stopping me from seeing Grandfather mean?"

As she spoke, Cui Yunfan stepped forward, pushing the black-clad man aside and made to charge in.

A few bodyguards immediately stepped forward, their tone turning firm, "Young Master, Miss, please don’t make things difficult for us."

"Move aside!"

Cui Yunfan shouted.

At that moment, a gentle voice came from behind.

"Yunzhi, Yunfan, you’re back?"

Cui Yunzhi turned to see Liu Yue Ru gracefully approaching, dressed in an elegant silk cheongsam, her makeup pristine, her smile gentle.

"Aunt."

Cui Yunzhi greeted, her tone indifferent.

"It’s good you’re back, it’s good," Liu Yue Ru said, studying her up and down, a barely noticeable coldness flashed in her eyes, but her face was full of concern. "You must be weary from the journey. You don’t look too well, why not rest first? It’s not too late to see the old master when he’s feeling better."

"I’m not tired. I just want to see Grandfather, even just for a moment."

Cui Yunzhi insisted.

Liu Yue Ru’s smile froze momentarily, but she quickly resumed her usual demeanor. "Yunzhi, it’s not that Aunt won’t let you in, truly, the old master’s health can’t withstand any fuss. He just managed to sleep, and if you wake him, it won’t aid his recovery."

"I won’t make a sound. I’ll just stand at the door and take a quick look."

Cui Yunzhi’s eyes were already red, her voice choking slightly, "Aunt, I’m begging you."

Seeing her like that, Liu Yue Ru sneered internally, but outwardly showed a difficult expression.

"Fine, since you’re so insistent, you can go in for a look, but don’t make a sound and don’t stay too long."

"Thank you, Aunt."

Cui Yunzhi hurriedly expressed gratitude and walked quickly into the courtyard with Cui Yunfan.

Liu Yue Ru stood on the spot, watching her back, a glint of malice in her eyes.

She turned to the black-clad man beside her, lowering her voice, "What happened? Weren’t you supposed to act on the road? How did she return safely?"

The black-clad man bowed his head respectfully, "Madam, on the way, the young lady encountered two people who saved her. Our men were no match for them."

Liu Yue Ru frowned, "Who are those two?"

"We’ve checked. A man and a woman, outsiders, identities unclear. Supposedly the man is a doctor. The young lady even invited him to treat the old master," the man reported.

Liu Yue Ru laughed coldly, "Meddlers, if they dare to disrupt my plans, then I won’t be polite. Find a way to drive them out of Qing City. Don’t let them ruin our big plan."

"Yes," the man acknowledged before turning away.

Liu Yue Ru adjusted her collar, donned a gentle expression, and also entered the courtyard.

Inside the room, Cui Boyong lay on the bed.

His face was pale, lips purplish, eyes sunken, looking emaciated as if something had drained away his Essence Qi.

The bedside was crowded with various instruments, ECG monitors, blood pressure gauges, IV stands, their beeping sounds piercing in the quiet room.

Cui Yunzhi stood at the doorway, tears welling up upon seeing her grandfather’s condition.

She covered her mouth to stifle any sound, but her body trembled uncontrollably.

"Yunzhi..."

Yet, Cui Boyong seemed to sense something and slowly opened his eyes. Seeing his granddaughter at the door, he managed a strained smile, his voice extremely hoarse.