Chapter 130: The Car Accident

The day the high school entrance exam results were released, a torrential downpour descended upon the city, as if the entire world were being swallowed by the rain.

It was not a good day. Daxu looked at the sky with a heavy heart and muttered to himself, "Is this miserable weather a sign that I’m destined for failure?"

They had arranged to meet at the Changxiang Internet Cafe.

Su Yan had gone to the restaurant early that morning. Usually, such weather meant she would have a lot of deliveries to make. She sent a text message to Ming Han: "Xiao Han, waiting for your good news."

Ming Han replied: "If I do well, will you go on a trip with me this summer break?"

Su Yan did not reply; she was already out on her electric scooter, delivering food. The restaurant was short-staffed, and with a sudden surge in delivery orders, she had to handle them herself.

As the rain poured down, Su Yan’s vision blurred. She wiped the water from her face with her hand and kept the scooter steady. Customers these days were short-tempered; if you were late with their food, they would lose their minds.

Suddenly, a truck sped past, creating a vortex of wind as it brushed by. Su Yan’s sun hat was blown away and landed in the middle of the road. It was a birthday gift from Ming Han.

Su Yan stopped the scooter and ran into the middle of the road to retrieve her hat. Because of the heavy rain, visibility was extremely poor.

A Buick was traveling at 80 kilometers per hour... By the time the driver saw Su Yan crouching to pick up her hat, it was too late. He slammed on the brakes, but the car still struck her head with a violent force.

Su Yan was thrown two meters, losing consciousness instantly. A deep gash opened on her forehead, and blood flowed profusely. If the driver had been heartless, Su Yan would have surely died on the spot. But after a brief moment of internal struggle, he dialed 110 and 120.

The ambulance and police arrived quickly. The first person the police contacted was Su Ruhai, Ming Han’s grandfather. He had been watching television at home when he received the news, and he nearly fainted.

Half an hour later, he and his wife arrived at the hospital. Su Yan was already in surgery. Su Ruhai signed the forms, paid the fees, and handled the paperwork. During the process, a doctor walked out and said, "Family, please prepare yourselves mentally. She might not make it through the night."

Upon hearing this, Ming Han’s grandmother collapsed on the spot.

Su Ruhai was burning with anxiety. After a long moment of deliberation, he decided to call his grandson. If this night was to be the end, Ming Han had the right to experience and accompany her through these final moments. Otherwise, he would be consumed by grief and guilt for the rest of his life.

***

Ming Han and his friends were checking their results.

Daxu was praying, "Heavenly spirits, please, let me score at least 370." When the results finally appeared, he had scored 369.

Chen Li checked hers: 403. With all A’s in her minor subjects, she received an extra 9 points, making her admission to City No. 1 High School almost certain. Ming Han praised her, "I’m so envious that you have such a good desk-mate..."

Yuhang scored 395. As a sports student, he would have no trouble getting into City No. 1 High School.

Finally, Ming Han entered his exam registration number: 416. He ranked 53rd in the entire city.

"Yes! That’s great."

Just then, Su Ruhai’s call came through. Ming Han thought to himself, *Why is Grandpa even more anxious than my mom?* He answered the phone.

"Xiao Han, listen carefully to every word I say. You must stay calm."

Ming Han sensed something was wrong. "Okay!"

"Xiao Han, your mother has been in an accident. She might not make it through today. She is at the county hospital now. Take a taxi and come over. See if you can catch a final glimpse of her."

Every word struck Ming Han like a bolt of lightning, shattering his psychological defenses. He felt his heart being pierced by a knife.

"Grandpa, you’re lying to me, aren't you? How is that possible... She just sent me a message! Grandpa, you..." Ming Han spoke incoherently, tears streaming down his face.

Ming Han’s reaction terrified everyone present. They gathered around him. "Ming Han, what’s wrong?"

Ming Han did not answer.

Su Ruhai sighed, "Xiao Han, just take a taxi and come here. No matter what, Grandpa is here."

Ming Han shook his head repeatedly. "No... no..." He could not hear the concerns and questions of those around him.

He dashed out of the internet cafe.

Chen Li shouted, "Ming Han, you didn't take an umbrella!"

Ming Han didn't stop. He ran through the streets, letting the rain soak his entire body. He screamed at the top of his lungs, "Taxi... taxi..."

Daxu was still dazed. "What’s wrong with Ming Han? Is he like Fan Jin who went mad after passing the imperial exam?"

Chen Li glared at Daxu. She ran up to Ming Han with an umbrella. "Ming Han, take my car!"

Ming Han nodded. Chen Li pulled out her phone and called her driver. Five minutes later, the driver arrived, and Ming Han and Chen Li got in.

"Where to?"

"The county hospital."

Chen Li’s heart sank; she had a terrible premonition.

***

Ming Han was drenched in rainwater, his eyes vacant, staring blankly ahead. The low temperature inside the car made him shiver uncontrollably. It was summer, and everyone was wearing only thin clothes. The driver turned off the air conditioning, but Ming Han could not stop trembling.

Years later, Chen Li would never forget how Ming Han looked that day—like a destitute, homeless child, curled up in the darkest corner of the world.

Chen Li hesitated for a moment, then finally leaned toward Ming Han and hugged him gently. Ming Han didn't respond; he just let his tears flow freely.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the county hospital. Su Ruhai was the only one waiting outside the operating room. His eyes were red and swollen, but he was forcing himself to remain calm.

Ming Han stared at the operating room, muttering, "Mom, I'm here. Please, come out!"

As soon as Ming Han said this, Su Ruhai lost control. The sixty-something-year-old man covered his face and sobbed. Chen Li finally understood—that lively and lovely Aunt Su was currently fighting for her life.

"Auntie, you must be okay."

When Yuhang and the others arrived, Ming Han was sitting alone on a chair, his eyes fixed on the door of the operating room. He was waiting—waiting for the doctor to walk out, weary but proud, and say, "The surgery was a success; the patient is out of danger."

Yes, it must be that way...

After six hours, the doctors finally emerged. The lead surgeon had a complex expression. "Family of the patient, please come with me."

Su Ruhai and Ming Han stood up at the same time. The surgeon said to Ming Han, "Young man, you should wait here."

Ming Han shook his head, his face pale.

Su Ruhai said, "Doctor, let him come too. He is already a grown man."

The doctor nodded and led them to his office.

"The surgery was successful. However, because the injury was so severe, and it involved the head, we cannot predict if the patient will survive."

Ming Han was anxious. "If the surgery was successful, how can you not predict the outcome?"

"Child, when your mother was brought in, she was already on the brink of death. The fact that she has held on until now is entirely due to her own strong will to live. If she can make it through these next 72 hours, then I can guarantee she is out of danger."

The doctor looked helpless.

Ming Han turned around. "Can I see her?"

"She is still in intensive care. You can visit from a distance."

So, in this world, not every injury or illness could be solved by surgery. A profound sense of powerlessness washed over Ming Han.