Chapter 26: The Hospital Bed Was Empty

Jiang Ze grabbed Shen Suining’s wrist and pulled her close, asking in a low voice, "What’s wrong? What happened?"

Shen Suining’s eyes were filled with tears, her heart gripped by anxiety. "My grandmother’s condition is critical. I need to get to the hospital immediately."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ze replied instantly, "I’ll take you!"

Shen Suining was in a state of utter turmoil, and Jiang Ze’s words acted like a sedative. She didn’t refuse, nodding instead and saying, "I’m sorry to trouble you."

Jiang Ze didn't tease her as he usually might. He simply grabbed a thicker coat, helped her put it on, and then led her out of the house by the hand. As they entered the elevator, he pulled out his phone and sent a message.

Only then did it suddenly occur to Shen Suining that they were leaving just like that—what would become of Jiang Nuonuo, left home all alone?

Jiang Ze put his phone away and, looking up, met Shen Suining’s worried gaze.

"Maybe you should go back," she suggested. "It won't be safe for Nuonuo to be home by herself."

Jiang Ze squeezed her hand. "Don't worry. I’ve already sent a bodyguard up to look after her. Everything will be fine."

Only then did Shen Suining feel a sense of relief.

The hospital was not far, and they arrived quickly. However, just before she stepped out of the car, Shen Suining suddenly recalled Ye Pianpian’s words.

In Ning City, Jiang Ze was still officially considered dead, and the Jiang family held shares in this hospital. If he appeared here, news of his return would surely reach the Jiang family immediately. If, as Ye Pianpian suspected, Jiang Ze had returned for revenge, wouldn't this disrupt his plans?

Shen Suining froze, her hand still on the seatbelt, and looked up at him. "Jiang Ze, I can go up alone. You should go back."

Jiang Ze frowned slightly. "What’s wrong? Am I so presentable that I must be hidden?"

Shen Suining spoke her mind bluntly: "I don’t want my affairs to interfere with your plans."

Hearing her say this, a warmth flooded Jiang Ze’s heart. His "Suisui" was so kind; even while keeping her walls high to prevent him from entering her heart, she still thought of him. How could he not love her?

He reached up and gently stroked her hair. "Don't worry, Suisui. Since I’ve returned, I’m not afraid of being seen."

Seeing his persistence, she said no more.

Anxious about her grandmother’s condition, she didn't delay, pushing the car door open and rushing toward the inpatient department. Jiang Ze followed behind, and they soon reached the VIP floor.

It was late, and the corridor was empty; the sound of Shen Suining’s hurried footsteps echoed loudly. Jiang Ze did not step out of the elevator with her, as his phone had just rung with a call he was compelled to answer. Shen Suining ran toward the room alone.

Moments later, she pushed the door open with trepidation. The room was so quiet it filled her with panic. The steady rhythm of the medical instruments that usually filled the space was gone, causing her to stop in her tracks. She was terrified of what she might see if she stepped inside.

Yet, despite her fear, she had to enter. The bed was empty.

Shen Suining swayed, stumbling toward the bed. She couldn't believe it, pulling back the covers to find the sheets perfectly flat—the bed was indeed empty. Suppressing the rising panic, she pressed the call button, but lacking the patience to wait for a nurse, she turned and ran back toward the door.

Before she could leave, the door swung open, and Jiang Runlang stepped in, locking it firmly behind him.

Though her mind was in chaos, Shen Suining was not stupid. The moment she saw Jiang Runlang, she understood everything.

"Where is my grandmother?" she asked through gritted teeth. She swore that if he had harmed her grandmother, she would drag him down with her.

Jiang Runlang was momentarily stunned by the hatred in her eyes. Since Shen Suining had agreed to be with him, her gaze had never been filled with love, but it had never been like this either. It was the first time she felt like a stranger to him.

However, he didn't care. He sneered, "So you do care about your grandmother’s life? You didn't answer my calls or messages—I thought you had become fearless."

Shen Suining clenched her fists. "Where is she?"

"Don't worry," Jiang Runlang said. "She’s not dead!"

His words only made her more frantic. She had to lower her head, pleading, "Jiang Runlang, whatever is between us, don't involve my grandmother. I beg you!" Her voice was choked, though she struggled to hold back tears.

Seeing her like this, his contempt deepened. "Shen Suining, you humiliated me so badly at the auction; I thought you truly had no concerns left."

He stepped forward, grabbing her by the throat and forcing her to look at him. "I’ve let you live comfortably in the Jiang household for all these years, and you’ve forgotten who you are! Who gave you the nerve to ask for a divorce in public? If you don't learn a lesson, I think you've forgotten your own name!"

Jiang Runlang was brimming with rage. No one in Ning City had ever dared to humiliate him like that—least of all Shen Suining. It infuriated him. Especially after he had questioned Pei Min and confirmed that while she had invited Shen Suining to the auction, she had never asked her to bid, much less given her hundreds of millions to do so. This meant someone else was helping Shen Suining embarrass him.

The fire had burned all night. After sending Jiang Nuonuo home, he had spent the night calling and texting her, only to find that she had vanished. He had intended to show some restraint, but since she refused to play along, he had resorted to this: moving her grandmother elsewhere.

Shen Suining grabbed his wrist, trying to pry his fingers loose. His grip was too strong, and she was struggling to breathe. But she ignored her own distress, gasping, "Don't... don't hurt her! Please!"

Watching her face flush red and tears spill from her eyes, Jiang Runlang felt the frustration that had clogged his chest all night finally begin to clear.