Chapter 7: My Godmother’s Last Words

“I hate it most when someone points their finger at me,” Lin Fan said coldly, a mocking smile curling at his lips. His hand shot out, seizing the other man’s wrist, and without hesitation, he slammed his fist straight into the man’s nose. The blow landed squarely, and with a miserable scream, Wei Liang flew backward like a kite whose string had snapped, crashing heavily to the ground.

Blood streamed from his nose through his fingers, the sting and numbness bringing tears to his eyes as he cried out wretchedly, “How dare you hit me, you actually dared to hit me!” Clutching his nose, Wei Liang stared at Lin Fan in utter disbelief.

“Young master Lin has decided to teach you a lesson about manners,” Lin Fan’s eyes were as sharp as blades. As he spoke, he was already at Wei Liang’s side and slapped him across the face. Wei Liang’s cheek instantly swelled and reddened, a golden tooth flying from his mouth. In truth, Lin Fan had held back his strength; otherwise, every tooth in Wei Liang’s mouth would have been gone.

“Get lost,” Lin Fan spat disdainfully.

Faced with Lin Fan’s piercing gaze, Wei Liang shuddered uncontrollably, a chill rising from deep within him. Still, unwilling to lose face in front of Zhao Ying, he mustered his courage and roared, “Punk, I won’t let you get away with this!”

With that, Wei Liang clutched his nose and hurried off toward the nearby hospital, glancing nervously over his shoulder every few steps, afraid Lin Fan might give chase.

“Thank you… for that,” Zhao Ying said awkwardly after Wei Liang left. After all, her trouble had dragged Lin Fan into the mess for no reason, and he’d been saddled with the reputation of being her “secret lover.” It was only right to thank him.

“As long as Officer Zhao doesn’t haul me off to the station, I’ll count my blessings,” Lin Fan replied with a playful grin.

“Just don’t break the law and you’ll have nothing to worry about.” Zhao Ying was renowned in the precinct as a fair and unyielding officer, earning the nickname “Lady Justice.” She had risen to the rank of second-class officer within a year of joining the force. Though her father’s influence played a part, her own abilities were the main reason.

By now, a crowd had gathered outside the police station. A few people came over to ask Zhao Ying if Lin Fan was her new boyfriend. To everyone’s surprise, Zhao Ying only smiled and didn’t deny it.

In truth, Zhao Ying herself found it strange. Why didn’t she mind people saying Lin Fan was her boyfriend? On the contrary, she even felt a hint of pride. Was it because he hadn’t taken advantage of her last night, or had she actually fallen for him at first sight? Had she already started to like him? The thought made Zhao Ying quickly shake off her jumbled feelings.

“Be careful. Wei Liang is the heir to the Pujiang Group, and their influence in T City is considerable. He won’t let this go,” Zhao Ying called out hastily as Lin Fan opened his car door to leave.

“What? Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’ve walked right into the lion’s den. No, no, I’d better hurry and clear this up with him,” Lin Fan replied, feigning terror.

“Coward,” Zhao Ying rolled her eyes in mock disdain, knowing full well Lin Fan was joking.

“Yes, I’m a coward—so cowardly I dared to punch the great Young Master Wei right in front of Officer Zhao herself,” Lin Fan shot back.

“Exactly. I’m a police officer—why didn’t I stop him just now?” Zhao Ying wondered to herself.

As Zhao Ying fell silent, Lin Fan shrugged and got into his car.

“Um, let me treat you to a meal sometime. What’s your phone number?” Zhao Ying called after him. Her impression of Lin Fan was quite favorable—even though he often teased her and his gaze could be a bit mischievous, he was never inappropriate like other men. There was an indescribable aura about him that drew people in.

Lin Fan recited a string of numbers, then drove away. Glancing at the time—it was already past nine—he picked up some fruit before heading straight to the hospital. Since he had returned, he wanted to spend more time with his godmother, especially since her days were numbered. Besides, Lin Fan was eager to learn the truth behind his parents’ deaths.

When he entered the hospital room, it was empty. An ominous feeling crept over him. After a quick word with a nurse, he rushed toward the emergency room. As he reached the door, he saw his sister and Feifei pacing anxiously, Feifei’s eyes red and swollen from crying.

Seeing Lin Fan, Lin Yan hurried over. “Where were you last night? Your phone’s been off all this time.”

It took Lin Fan a moment to remember—his phone had died last night, and he’d forgotten to charge it. Just as he was about to explain, Feifei rushed into his arms, sobbing, “Brother, Mom’s not going to make it, she’s not going to make it.” Her words hit Lin Fan like a blow. His face turned ashen. Despite knowing this day would come, he found himself unable to accept it now that it was here. Watching his loved ones leave one by one—how could his heart not ache? He gently patted Feifei’s back and helped her to a seat.

They waited outside for over an hour before the “In Surgery” light went dark. A doctor in his forties emerged, removed his mask, and addressed them gravely, “We’ve done all we can, but the cancer has spread too far. You should go in now—the patient has some final words.”

At those words, Su Fei collapsed onto Lin Fan, staring blankly ahead and whispering, “Mom… Mom…” Lin Yan’s eyes reddened and tears streamed down her face. Over the years, Lin Yan had visited Song Yashi every few days to keep her company. Age made people crave conversation. Though Lin Yan had never formally acknowledged Song Yashi as her godmother, in Song Yashi’s heart, she was already a daughter.

Fighting back his tears, Lin Fan supported Feifei as he and Lin Yan entered the operating room. Song Yashi lay on the table, bloodless and wan, staring blankly at the ceiling, clearly holding out for a final goodbye. Seeing her like this, Lin Fan’s nose stung and tears spilled down his cheeks. Feifei, crying out for her mother, threw herself into her arms.

“Silly child, everyone must die eventually. I’m just going to see your father a little earlier, that’s all… Xiaofan.” Hearing his godmother call him, Lin Fan gripped her hand tightly.

“I know—with your temperament, you’ll be determined to investigate your godfather’s and your parents’ deaths. I don’t know what you’ve been doing all these years, but you must, must take care of yourself. And… cough, cough…” Song Yashi’s time was running out; she forced herself to speak quickly.

“And I heard your godfather mention once—your Lin family has an ancestral dagger, said to be quite extraordinary. I suspect your parents’ deaths are linked to that sword. Lastly, you must take good care of Feifei for me. The Blood Jade—Feifei knows where it is. You must protect it. Zhen Nan died without ever revealing its whereabouts. Promise me, promise me you’ll keep it safe.”

“Mom, don’t leave me, Mom…”

As he watched his godmother slowly close her eyes for the last time, Lin Fan’s thoughts were pulled back nine years. He was fifteen then. On a stormy night, several men in black had broken into their home. His mother, panicked, had hidden him and Lin Yan under the bed, telling them not to come out no matter what happened. He had no idea how much time passed before he broke free of Lin Yan’s arms and crawled out, only to find his mother lying in the living room, covered in blood. Seeing that her children were safe, she’d smiled and closed her eyes forever. That same night, Lin Fan’s father, Lin Zhentian, was killed in a car accident and declared dead at the scene.