Coveted for a Long Time 61

Chapter 61

Fu Bei’s accident happened after getting off the highway. Rear-ended by the car behind her, she skidded and almost rushed off the road. But what followed wasn’t much better; losing control, she crashed directly into the guardrail. The front of her car was smashed to pieces. The one who hit her was even worse off, flipping over the guardrail and rolling like a ball into a waterlogged pond by the roadside.

Because of the accident, the road was soon congested with a long line of cars. Before the traffic police arrived, the scene was surrounded by a dense crowd. The local TV station rushed over upon receiving the news, but for some reason, no report had been released yet.

The extent of casualties was still unknown. Zhou Meihe only knew this much from the helper auntie at home; she wasn’t clear about the details.

An accident that could alarm Grandpa Fu must not be simple; otherwise, it would have been resolved long ago.

Qiao Xi was dazed for a moment, ignoring Tang Yi. She didn’t know how she got downstairs to the hospital or how she drove out of the city. It wasn’t exactly concern or worry; her mind was blank, just acting subconsciously.

It was a thirty-plus minute drive from the hospital to the accident scene. The scene had been cordoned off. The car that fell into the pond had been hoisted up, dripping wet, placed next to the battered Bentley. Traffic police were handling the aftermath. As for Fu Bei and the other party involved, they were no longer here, having been taken away by ambulance.

The onlookers refused to disperse, gathering in groups to discuss the accident with sighs. The traffic police urged people to leave urgently, telling everyone to get back in their cars and go, not to block the area.

TV station staff waited aside, discussing. A young man asked carefully, “Boss, are we still broadcasting this?”

The middle-aged leader glared at him. “Broadcast what? Go back quickly. Keep your mouths shut; pretend we didn’t come today.”

Consider it a wasted trip.

TV stations needed major news to boost ratings, but sometimes careful consideration was required. News needed screening; otherwise, it could cause unnecessary social trouble. After all, some people loved joining the fun after meals, eager to examine anything related to important figures with a magnifying glass, creating many false rumors. As a public platform, caution was especially needed in this regard.

The middle-aged leader actually wanted to broadcast this accident, sure it would create a wave of ratings. But weighing the pros and cons, he gave up, repeatedly warning the staff not to cause trouble.

Qiao Xi got out of the car and walked over, only to be scolded by a dutiful traffic police officer: “Late at night, still not leaving? Don’t come over. Why is everyone crowding here? Leave quickly!”

There were bloodstains on the wet ground, unknown whose. The windshield of the Bentley was shattered. The guardrail pierced through the right door, barely reaching the driver’s seat. Looking closely, there were terrifying bloodstains inside the car.

If Zhou Meihe hadn’t said the person involved was Fu Bei, Qiao Xi wouldn’t have known who owned this Bentley. Her chest felt pressed by a giant rock, breathing difficult. Her voice was suppressed to a slight hoarseness, expression wooden, asking the traffic police, “Where is the person?”

The traffic police had a pile of things to deal with. Seeing her refuse to leave, his tone was aggressive and impatient. “I say, you people just won’t listen. Blocking and destroying the scene. The people are sent to the hospital; what’s there to see? Go, go, don’t block the road.”

Qiao Xi didn’t listen. “Which hospital?”

With the traffic jam behind, the police had no time to attend to her. The urgent task was to clear the scene and persuade the onlookers to leave. So he pushed her away directly, not answering these questions.

It was a man in the crowd who saw her expression was wrong, thinking she must be related to the victims, and kindly said, “Went to the Second Hospital; sent away long ago.”

The Second Hospital was the nearest People’s Hospital. Qiao Jianliang was in the First People’s Hospital of Jiang City, quite far away.

The onlookers were just watching the spectacle, not knowing the specifics, only clear that both were sent away.

The one who fell into the pond was rescued by a kind person, nearly drowned, life and death uncertain when put on the ambulance. As for Fu Bei, the crowd didn’t pay much attention. Some said she was carried away covered in blood; some said the injury didn’t seem serious; others affirmed the person in the Bentley died on the spot. No consistent story.

Qiao Xi drove to the Second Hospital. Getting out, she didn’t know where to go, asking repeatedly at the service desk before finding the emergency room.

However, before reaching the emergency room, she heard a group of people talking in the corridor. A woman clicked her tongue, saying regretfully, “Breathing in but not out when sent here; how could they be saved? See, breathed their last before even pushing in.”

Qiao Xi paused, freezing all over. Trying hard to stabilize her emotions, she asked with a pale face, “Which one is gone?”

The woman was startled by her appearance, mumbling for a long time, “Don’t know…”

“Didn’t you say breathing in but not out? Man or woman? What did they look like?”

The woman choked. She was just describing it for the sake of talking; actually, she didn’t see at all. Holding back for a while, she replied, “Didn’t see clearly; don’t know what they looked like. Ask the doctor.”

Qiao Xi restrained herself, asking where the other one was. Unfortunately, no one saw. Her heart tightened into a ball, unable to care about much else. Not knowing who to look for, her mind couldn’t hold anything but one thought.

In a state of high tension, appearing so calm yet unable to think, as if detached from the real world—unbearably uncomfortable.

People came and went in the hospital, but she seemed not to feel them. Walking a distance, her steps became unsteady.

When she truly came back to her senses, someone was calling her name.

“Qiao Xi—”

The voice couldn’t be more familiar.

Called several times in succession.

Qiao Xi’s throat was dry, unable to recover.

The other party pulled her into an embrace with great force, as if afraid she would disappear.

“Why did you come here?” The tone carried a hint of rejoicing after survival.

Qiao Xi stiffened, letting this person hug her, throat as if strangled to death, unable to say a word.

**

The one who died was the person who hit Fu Bei. Rescued from the water, he was already gone; sending him to the hospital was futile. Fu Bei was lucky. With the car smashed like that, she was surprisingly fine. The airbag played a big role at the moment of impact. No missing limbs, only a few wounds on her body. As for internal injuries, further checks were needed.

The news was suppressed by Grandpa Fu, afraid a big fuss would be hard to end. After all, someone died. Even if it wasn’t Fu Bei’s fault, given the Fu family’s background, bringing such a thing to the table would inevitably generate various unfavorable public opinions. The cause of the accident was still under investigation. From the scene surveillance alone, Fu Bei had no problems. Relevant personnel came to take statements, and two people were sent to guard here.

Fu Bei had just finished stitching and processing. Unexpectedly, she saw Qiao Xi as soon as she came out.

Qiao Xi’s reaction was huge, unable to calm down for a long time.

Liang Yuzhi was unhappy seeing her. Grandpa Fu ignored this, dealing with other matters. Only Father Fu was more humane, handing a cup of water to Qiao Xi. Seeing her pale face, he said gently, “Sit for a while, wait first. Little Bei still has to give a statement.”

Qiao Xi took the water, whispering slowly, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Father Fu keenly caught her hand trembling uncontrollably, probably from lingering fear, but didn’t say much. His personality wasn’t great before either, but he changed a lot after the old lady died. Originally not accepting Qiao Xi, with an attitude similar to Grandpa Fu’s, he seemed to have figured it out after the old lady was gone, becoming much gentler.

Still needing to cooperate with the police, Fu Bei couldn’t get away for the time being. Plus, with Liang Yuzhi blocking in the middle, Qiao Xi couldn’t be alone with Fu Bei. She stood on the balcony for a long time. Unable to wait for the person, she left first.

The matter wouldn’t have a result in a short time; follow-up handling had to wait.

Zhou Meihe was particularly attentive to this matter, visiting with a pile of gifts the next day.

Qiao Xi, finally calmed down, didn’t go. She just left work early to guard at the hospital. Later, Zhou Meihe hurried over to deliver food, talking incessantly to Qiao Jianliang about the Fu family’s current situation.

Qiao Xi stayed aside, peeling fruit with her head down. During Zhou Meihe’s talk, she never left the ward, peeling an apple for more than ten minutes.

Liability determination would probably come down soon. The deceased’s identity had been found: Liu Hao, a local of Jiang City, formerly a newspaper reporter, later fired for professional ethics issues. This time he went on a self-driving tour to the neighboring city. Who knew such a thing would happen just as he was about to enter the city? The accident location was close to surveillance. From the footage, Liu Hao seemed to be looking down at his phone at the time, distraction causing this tragedy.

Specific reasons needed further investigation. Barring accidents, it was Liu Hao’s full responsibility. Fu Bei was driving normally and was innocently involved. According to regulations, she could even sue for compensation.

“How is Little Bei now?” Qiao Jianliang asked.

Zhou Meihe wiped her tears. “Checked yesterday; there’s internal bleeding. Needs to recuperate for a while.”

After all, it was a car accident, almost rushing off the road. Visible injuries were minor; invisible ones were the most troublesome. Qiao Xi paused, lowering her eyes, expression unclear. She had been distracted since yesterday, not in a good state. In the company meeting this morning, she actually zoned out in front of a group of senior executives. It was Secretary Chen who helped hold the fort in time.

Zhou Meihe said some more irrelevant things, mostly about the Fu family, with few words of concern for Fu Bei. It was about time to leave; only the father and daughter remained in the ward.

Qiao Xi finally realized she should give the apple to Qiao Jianliang, but having been exposed to air for too long, the surface was slightly yellowed.

Qiao Jianliang waved his hand, indicating he didn’t want to eat, asking Qiao Xi to bring the medicine, wanting to sleep after taking it. Qiao Xi wasn’t her usual self, doing everything one by one, very absent-minded. After taking the medicine, Qiao Jianliang suddenly said, “Go see Little Bei tomorrow.”

Qiao Xi wasn’t listening attentively. Stunned, she asked, “What?”

“Go see Little Bei on my behalf.” Qiao Jianliang put down the water cup, lying in bed and covering himself with the quilt. “I can’t leave the ward; only you can go.”

Qiao Xi snapped back. “Important meeting at the company tomorrow; also signing a contract.”

“Then go at night when free.” Qiao Jianliang said, closing his eyes, seemingly not wanting to speak anymore, settling it in one breath, allowing no refusal.

Qiao Xi looked down, lips moving, ultimately remaining silent, unknown if willing or not.

Later, Zhao Shihuan called, chatting casually first, then turning to Fu Bei’s car accident, asking, “Did you know?”

Fu Bei had an accident; everyone was concerned. It seemed Qiao Xi was the one who cared least. Even running to the Second Hospital that day and seeing the person with her own eyes, she didn’t show much care, leaving without a word in the end.

Her lips touched. After a long while, she replied in a low voice, “I know.”

Zhao Shihuan said, “I went to the hospital to see her today. Estimated to recuperate for a while.”

Qiao Xi froze, asking involuntarily, “Very serious?”

Maybe her voice carried too obvious tension and concern, a trace of looming ambiguity, and a bit of unfathomable flavor, appearing too meaningful. The other end of the phone suddenly fell silent. After a long time, Zhao Shihuan replied, “Not serious; no major problems.”

Reacting too slowly, realizing her tension belatedly.

Zhao Shihuan changed the subject, but at the end of the call, still asked, “Want to find a time to visit her together? I’m free these few days.”

Qiao Xi refused without hesitation, subconsciously unwilling to appear in front of that person together.

After hanging up, hesitating for a long time, she called Secretary Fang, who had wide connections and capabilities, asking him for a favor.

Secretary Fang worked efficiently, getting things done by noon the next day. Not gossiping at all, not even asking the reason, he submitted what was needed. Qiao Jianliang had a knack for recruiting talents; the two secretaries around him were capable, good at everything, even understanding the rules for such things, handling them very properly and thoughtfully.

Qiao Xi asked Secretary Fang to check Liu Hao’s background. When free, she flipped through the file.

Liu Hao was nearly forty this year. Married once, but divorced two years ago. After divorce, the child went to the ex-wife. This person was quite a scoundrel, often defaulting on child support, deliberately not giving money to his ex-wife. Professional ethics were also practically non-existent. During his tenure at the newspaper, not only did he do many wicked things, but he also secretly photographed celebrities’ private matters for blackmail. Later, things came to light and he was retaliated against, becoming so destitute that no newspaper dared to hire him. A while ago, this person seemed to suddenly strike it rich, getting money from somewhere, telling his family he was going on a self-driving tour to the neighboring city. The day of departure coincided with Fu Bei’s business trip, and the return also coincided—truly destined for this calamity.

Besides being wicked, this person had nothing peculiar. Maybe having done too much evil, heaven wanted to take his life. Qiao Xi flipped through randomly, finding nothing special, focusing on the family column. Liu Hao had a biological brother and an elderly mother.

Chinese people believe the dead are the greatest. With such an incident, regardless of right or wrong, the family was guaranteed to make a scene; probably couldn’t be resolved simply.

Qiao Xi frowned, pondering for a long time.

**

To keep a low profile, after staying in the hospital for two days, Fu Bei returned to the compound home to recuperate, treated by the Fu family’s private doctor.

Liability judgment came down quickly: Liu Hao’s full responsibility. Sure enough, as Qiao Xi expected, Liu Hao’s family went directly to the hospital to make a scene. Unable to find the Fu family, they sought life and death in the service hall. The Fu family’s legal team handled this matter. Under the witness of relevant personnel, out of care and sympathy, they gave the Liu family a certain amount of money. The Liu family was satisfied with this, no longer making noise or pursuing it.

The Fu family could have given nothing; not paying a cent would be fine. But Grandpa Fu didn’t want to blow things up too big. After all, the Liu family had nothing to lose. If they fought to the death, it would be a headache. He didn’t want Fu Bei to be implicated in the slightest because of this. Besides giving money, he also did some other things. The Liu family never mentioned this again.

When Qiao Xi went to the Fu house, only Fu Bei and the doctor were there.

She went alone, not talking about easing tension or reconciling, just obeying Qiao Jianliang’s words to visit.

Fu Bei wore loose loungewear, lying in bed on a drip. Seeing someone, she turned her head to look.

The doctor finished his work and went out, giving the two space alone.

Qiao Xi was holding a bouquet of flowers, though not bought by her, but by Secretary Chen on Qiao Jianliang’s orders. Seeing the other party looking at her, she pursed her lips, putting the flowers on the table. “How do you feel now?”

Tone lukewarm, indistinguishable whether caring or not.

Fu Bei’s clothes were loose. Moving her body revealed the right collarbone and a patch of fair skin. There were wounds on her upper chest, bandaged, the severity unseen. She looked up at Qiao Xi, suddenly pulling the person, thin lips moving. “Sit down and talk.”

Qiao Xi stood still. Seeing this person still on a drip with one hand, she hesitated, not sitting on the edge of the bed but on a chair to the side.