105 Broken

To be both resilient and adaptable—that is the mark of a true man of stature.

Throughout history, those who achieve great things never fuss over trivial matters.

Xu Tianling was even more pleased with Xu Yichen’s attitude. Not being satisfied with mere fleeting gains—that is the demeanor of a true ruler and decision-maker.

“Last time at the military district, you learned quite a bit. For a playboy, that’s already plenty,” Xu Tianling mused for a moment. “But for the Xu family, that’s far from enough.”

Xu Yichen’s heart tightened. This meant… he was being groomed as the heir.

At this moment, his feelings were complex and hard to express. Although he was certain his grandfather would choose him, once the thing he had long strived for in his past life was finally within reach, his heart felt as if a jar of seasoning had been overturned—bitter, sweet, sour, and spicy all at once.

In his previous life, his grandfather had favored his cousin, Xu Yixuan, two years his junior, despite Xu Yichen’s tireless efforts.

“The day after tomorrow, I’ll send you to your godfather. The opportunity has been given to you. Whether you become a dragon or just a worm depends entirely on your own efforts,” Xu Tianling said, staring intently at the grandson he had never paid much attention to. “I hope you won’t disappoint me.”

Godfather—the man whose smile resembled the Maitreya Buddha? In his past life, Xu Yixuan had also disappeared for a time, but back then, Xu Yichen’s mind was filled with thoughts of Liu Ziqing, so he never cared where Xu Yixuan had gone. Now he understood it was to see this godfather.

“Your godfather has deep ties to the Xu family. Once you go to him, you will no longer be the legitimate eldest grandson of the Xu family, but an ordinary person undergoing training. Do you understand?”

“Once the plan commences, there’s no room for regret. The hardships and sacrifices will far exceed what you’ve imagined. Do you still want to go?”

“If I fail, it’s just a life lost,” Xu Yichen said calmly. “For someone who has already come to terms with death, what is there to fear? If one spends their whole life being timid and cautious, they’ll only be a mediocre person.”

Hearing this, Xu Tianling frowned slightly. He wanted someone who could wield great power and strategize with wisdom, not a reckless brute with courage but lacking intellect.

He looked again at the grandson standing before the desk. Well, he would watch a little longer. Fortunately, he had only a few years left to live. Besides Xu Yichen, there was also that child from the second branch who was promising. He would observe them both thoroughly.

Just then, Xu Yichen’s next words dispelled some of his doubts.

“To fear and hesitate all one’s life is to live as a mediocrity,” said Xu Yichen with the calmest tone, yet his words carried a fierce pride that was impossible to miss.

Only when the calm is deepest does the flower bloom most brilliantly!

"Good, that’s more like my grandson Xu Tianling. Grandpa will be watching your performance closely."

Xu Yichen bowed slightly. “If grandpa has no other matters, then your grandson will take his leave.”

Xu Tianling waved his hand. “Go ahead. Use that Shadow Guard out there for now. Once you return from your godfather's place, the matter of the Shadow Guard will naturally be resolved.”

If Xu Yichen could come out of such a place, it meant he was skilled himself, and there was also a secret weapon hidden there. If he could bring it under control, not only would the family leadership position be strongly contested in terms of power, but it could also be used to keep the old foxes within the clan in check.

Xu Tianling had held the family head position for too long. Unfortunately, he had three sons, none capable of shouldering the responsibility.

With a sigh, Xu Tianling’s longtime servant, Wang Bo, who had served him so faithfully, understood his thoughts and advised, “Young Master, among the grandchildren, there are already two promising seedlings. There's no need to worry too much.”

“Let’s hope so,” Xu Tianling said, rising. “Are all the arrangements ready?”

“All set. The young master of the Li family is waiting outside.”

“Good, let’s go.” He wanted to meet this reputed genius of the Li family’s younger generation—to see whose lineage was stronger, the Lis or the Xus.

Waiting was always so long, as if an entire lifetime had passed. Lin Xia, feeling dazed, suddenly heard someone whisper in her ear, “She’s out, doctor is out.”

Then a crowd swarmed forward.

Looking at the doctor, whose face was pale and forehead dotted with fine sweat, Lin Xia’s mind drifted. Such news was devastating for the patient’s family but must also be exhausting for the doctors who risk lives to save others.

It was four o’clock in the morning; the operation had lasted six hours.

“Doctor, how is my daughter? Is she in danger? Doctor…”

One of the lead surgeons pulled off his mask, his voice heavy with fatigue. “The patient’s condition is not optimistic. In addition to severe blood loss, there is extensive cerebral hematoma. She was already in shock upon arrival. However, due to her strong constitution, she managed to hold on until reaching the hospital, which gave us the chance to operate.”

It was the credit of that apple, Lin Xia thought sharply; otherwise, she wouldn’t have lasted this long.

“The surgery was successful, but the patient’s condition remains very… The next three days are critical. If she wakes up after three days, then there’s less to worry about. But…”

“But what?” Xie Fanghua’s heart clenched.

“She has multiple comminuted fractures in her legs. If she wakes up successfully, her mind may not immediately accept the reality. You parents will need to take meticulous care and provide psychological guidance. Otherwise, even if we save her life, the patient might…”

The doctor’s words fell into a chilling silence.

A blossoming young girl losing both legs—how could the proud and outstanding Xie Xitong bear it? She would either suffer a mental breakdown or contemplate suicide!

Lin Xia was somewhat shocked, her face paling instantly, mind blank.

Zhao Xin was slightly stunned by the doctor’s words but felt relieved inside. She had experimented with the spring water from the space. For broken branches and injured poultry, it could stimulate regrowth exactly as before.

Yet, although she had this water, she couldn’t just take it out and use it. Otherwise, how could she explain it to Xie Xitong’s family?

A person who should be disabled having their bones fully restored would be a miracle not only in China but arguably in the entire world.

At that moment, Lin Xia’s eyes brightened involuntarily when they landed on Zhao Xin.

Of course—she had the space, and Zhao Xin had the spring water. If her own water was ineffective, there was still Zhao Xin’s spring.

With that thought, Lin Xia’s energy seemed to surge like an injection of adrenaline, quickly dispelling her weariness and gathering some strength.

By the time Lin Xia finally collapsed in a hotel room nearest the hospital, dawn had already broken.

Chen Guoqing, Xie Fanghua, and Chen Zimo waited outside the ward, with Zhao Xin naturally assisting. Lin Xia and Zhao Qian were already too exhausted to stay, so they found nearby hotels, booked several rooms, and rested.

At this moment, a silver-gray car stopped at the entrance of the Third Hospital. The window slowly rolled down, revealing Xu Yichen’s exquisitely handsome and devilishly charming face.