"It's just... the situation is worse than I anticipated."
Listening to the halting voice, it didn't seem as if it was difficult to talk about. It seemed more like a kind of subtle reminder.
The halted footsteps moved forward again as Song Yunxiao's hand resumed brushing through the rows of clothes."Just say it directly."
"I just sent you Dria's medical report," the man on the phone continued."It contains the detailed information."
"In short, given Ace's working pace, they'll never be able to afford the medical expenses in this lifetime." The man on the phone went on,"After all, myasthenia gravis is a rare and incurable disease."
"The RD Biotech Institute did release a special drug, but it requires lifelong use. However, you know how it is—sky-high prices that the poor can't afford. Even if Ace worked ten jobs a day, it'd be futile."
Song Yunxiao remained silent for a moment, sorting through the tangled mess of information in her mind.
The slippers softly tread on the plush carpet, yet a faint tremor tugged at Song Yunxiao's heart.
It was neither an itch nor pain, just an indescribable feeling.
Maybe it was because Ace was someone she had personally brought back to Night Paradise and had kept by her side, nurturing all these years, making her deeply cherish them.
Or perhaps it was just pure sympathy for Ace's painful fate, lamenting the injustice of the world. Or maybe it was simply because this girl named Dria, tormented by illness, was too pitiful.
Song Yunxiao didn't realize she was still on the phone. Unconsciously, she let out a deep sigh.
The good news was: feeling upset just happens to prove that she still had a heart, doesn't it?
From the present perspective, it seemed the environment on both sides of the call was eerily quiet.
The man on the other end of the phone easily noticed Song Yunxiao's unusual behavior, seemingly never having seen her this heavy-hearted.
"Heartache?" He was the first to break the cold silence, though his tone was entirely teasing."Don't blame me for not warning you—don't get involved in this."
Without warning, Song Yunxiao interrupted the man's words."Dria's medical expenses are on me. Alex, you help me arrange it."
Alex was stunned, unsure of what to say. After a long pause, he finally responded,"What's the difference between throwing money into a river and this? It wouldn't even make a splash."
"Don't do something stupid." Alex warned sternly.
As if realizing he spoke too harshly, the man softened his tone,"I just don't want you to invite trouble for yourself."
"Now I'm truly saving the world. What's there for you to oppose?" Song Yunxiao said as she carried the clothes and walked out."Set up the foundation, auction house, and charity speeches. As for the rest, you know what to do."
"Don't overthink it. Just handle it. It's a good tax-saving opportunity. Don't tell me those gods on high are going to split a dollar each among the poor mortals."
Song Yunxiao didn't forget to ask Alex for his part."Oh, and you donate some too. It's for charity. Stop acting like a pixiu that only takes in and never lets out."
"Alright, enough. Your sister has some other matters to deal with."
Alex silently listened to the dying echoes of the call before it disconnected.
Other matters?
What other matters could there be?
Wasn't it just rushing to shower love on that pampered little boy she kept outside?
At around three in the afternoon, Song Yunxiao drove to the Royal Selei State Hospital.
Following the floor and ward number Alex had sent her, she found her destination.
As expected, Ace should be there.
The door wasn't closed, left entirely open.
Song Yunxiao paused at the entrance, knocked on the door, and walked in with a large bouquet of flowers.
Ace, being a caring brother, had arranged for his sister to have a private room.
The room featured a small living area and a section for electric water usage.
Though the furnishings and equipment were somewhat basic, the place was compact yet fully functional—good enough to serve its purpose.
Ace, who had been spacing out on the side, stood up immediately upon seeing it was Song Yunxiao. His expression was a mix of surprise and embarrassment.
"Why are you here?" Ace asked.
Song Yunxiao, upon entering, sized up the man's attire.
A simple, thin outfit of civilian clothes hung on his tall build, making him appear even more frail—nothing like last night's small feline ensemble.
Is he really struggling this much...
"Didn't you say your sister was sick? I came to have a look."
She handed the bouquet to Ace and stepped forward, immediately noticing the young girl lying on the bed.
She was serene and beautiful. At first glance, one might assume it was just a minor ailment requiring a few days in the hospital, not realizing the torment and suffering she was enduring.
Ace glanced toward the inner room and said,"She's still asleep."
"Then I won't disturb her." Song Yunxiao withdrew from the room.
Standing to the side, Ace seemed uneasy."Sister, if you're looking for service, could we do it another day? At least not here, okay?"
At these words, Song Yunxiao finally raised her head to look directly at the man beside her. She smiled faintly,"Is that how you see me?"
Without another glance at him, her lips moved slightly."I heard from my friend that RD Biotech Institute has a suppressant for related diseases. I specifically came to ask if you're interested."
Ace watched as Song Yunxiao took one, two steps toward the window.
The strong afternoon sunlight at three or four o'clock was dazzlingly bright.
In the ward, Ace saw the sunlight spill over the woman's profile and hair, gilding her with a radiant, golden glow. Her voice was gentle yet firm,"As for money, I'll take care of it. I just came to ask for your opinion, and your sister's."
"For a disease this serious, there has to be an outcome—whether it's euthanasia or lifelong medication, it's better to choose for yourself than to let fate decide for you."
"Take your time to think it over. I'll be heading out now."