Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2480 - 2416: I Was Wrong Before

Confronted with the reality, he found himself at a loss for words.

At that moment, he realized the once imposing tall figure who had lifted a hand against him now appeared noticeably shorter as he stood there, lacking any of the former dominance in comparison to himself.

Meng Xinian pressed his lips together tightly.

Meng Chaojun picked up the thermos, glanced his way, hesitated briefly, and then asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

This remark was plainly meant for Meng Xinian, a clear effort to engage him in conversation, but Meng Xinian kept his mouth firmly shut, his face carrying a cool detachment, offering no response at all.

Chiang Xiao stepped in and said, "We had a meal at home before heading out."

"That's good, that's good. It was Little who prepared it, wasn't it?"

"Since when do you use her nickname?" Meng Xinian remarked in a flat tone.

Meng Chaojun paused, then felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him.

"If it bothers you, I'll..."

After all, he'd heard that both his father and Meng Xinian addressed Chiang Xiao in that manner, so he figured using the same would signal warmth and a sense of belonging, just like family.

Besides, it was his way of demonstrating full acceptance of her, wasn't it?

Yet, he hadn't anticipated that Meng Xinian would take offense to it.

Chiang Xiao lightly nudged Meng Xinian with her elbow and assured Meng Chaojun, "It's nothing serious, go ahead and call me that—it's only a nickname."

"Xinian, does that work for you?" Meng Chaojun asked, turning to Meng Xinian.

Meng Xinian averted his gaze, strode over to the window, and peered out at the scene beyond.

Meng Chaojun let out a soft sigh and instructed Chiang Xiao, "You two take a seat, relax a bit—your grandfather will arrive shortly."

He held onto the thermos, settled down on the bed, and began sipping the porridge, steering clear of any further attempts to converse with Meng Xinian.

Originally, his intention had been to eat simply because Chiang Xiao had brought it, but as soon as he tasted it, he discovered how incredibly savory it was, infused with a subtle sweetness that amplified the rice's natural freshness.

Paired with some simple side dishes, the flavor was simply indescribable.

Before he knew it, he'd polished off every last bit of the porridge, yet a lingering hunger persisted.

Soon after, Old Meng showed up as well. Much like Meng Chaojun, he appeared delighted to find Meng Xinian there, and his fondness for Chiang Xiao only grew with each passing moment.

He had misjudged her in the past, truly misjudged.

He once viewed Chiang Xiao as an unfeeling sort of child, but now he understood that if you treat her with kindness, she returns it in abundance.

Without Chiang Xiao's influence, Meng Xinian might never have entered this hospital, perhaps only appearing if Meng Chaojun's condition had deteriorated to a life-threatening point.

Thanks to Chiang Xiao, a glimmer of reconciliation seemed possible between father and son.

The group headed to the conference room to hear the doctor's briefing on the updated treatment strategy.

Chiang Xiao followed the technical jargon, grasping the basics but not fully, which was enough for her to later consult Chen Baoshen about potential conflicts between any medications and items like ginseng or Lingzhi.

Her primary contribution to Meng Chaojun's care was Spiritual Spring Water, supplemented by ginseng and Lingzhi Dendrobium. Should any issues arise with the hospital's approach, she'd need to halt their procedures.

Meng Xinian stayed quiet for a stretch after hearing it all, then posed the question, "Under this plan, what's the likelihood of full recovery?"

The doctors exchanged looks, uncertain about how to reply.

In the end, Doctor Xu cleared his throat and explained, "Officer Meng, for this illness, the hospital can't promise a definitive outcome, but we can at least keep the condition stable for the next six months."

This indicated they could only assure short-term management.

As for whether it might deteriorate beyond that, or even reach a fatal conclusion, no one could predict.