Chapter 157: Rescue

Ever since Qin Lin schemed against her family and Gao Feng revealed her true colors, Gao Ran had not uttered a single word.

She hadn't eaten for two days, taking only small sips of water. She spent her time either staring blankly or sleeping. Qin Lin was truly terrified. Had Zhang Tianfeng not rescued them, Qin Lin feared something irreparable might have happened to her.

On the way back to the hotel, Qin Lin recounted the sequence of events, leaving Zhang Tianfeng cursing his stupidity internally. You’ve been a ruthless power player for most of your life—how could you fail to grasp such a simple reality? Gao Ran’s heart was already shattered by her mother’s words; by maintaining that cold, calculating persona, you were essentially telling Gao Ran that she had always been an expendable pawn, and that you only "took her back" as a daughter out of a sense of obligation for her loyalty. If this is how you conduct your affairs, it’s no wonder you treat your family so poorly; you deserved to be betrayed.

Upon reaching the door, Zhang Tianfeng suppressed his anger and said, "Boss Qin, you should rest. Tell the people outside if you need anything; they will handle it for you."

"Zhang... Tianfeng." Seeming to realize his mistake, Qin Lin said, "I leave Ran-ran to you. I..."

"I will do my best." Given Gao Ran’s current state, Zhang Tianfeng wasn't sure if he could mend her broken spirit. However, one thing was certain: even if she did recover, she would no longer be the same Gao Ran she once was.

He opened the room door, settled Gao Ran on the sofa, and turned on the television to break the oppressive silence before getting to work. She hadn't eaten in two days and needed something gentle, like porridge. Not wanting to leave her side, Zhang Tianfeng had Xiang Chen and the others arrange for the hotel’s chef to bring something up.

He brought her warm water, prepared fresh clothes, and told her jokes, but Gao Ran remained unresponsive, staring blankly at the television like a doll. After a while, Zhang Tianfeng felt discouraged. Relying solely on himself seemed unrealistic, so he decided to bring out his trump card.

He opened the door and said, "Brother Chen, go bring Yun Qian over, and find the best psychologist you can." He needed to stabilize her; opening up her heart required professional help, and he dared not act rashly.

"Understood, I'll arrange it right away."

Just then, the millet porridge arrived. Zhang Tianfeng brought it inside. Due to the rush, there were no side dishes or even a tray, and the heat burned his hands, making him wince. Enduring the pain, he placed the bowl on the table and sent his bodyguard to fetch more food. He then picked up a book to use as a fan to cool the porridge.

"Crazy, stop fussing for a moment. I'm not hungry. Come here."

Zhang Tianfeng set the book down and sat beside her. He wanted to touch her face, but she stared at him so intensely that he lost his nerve.

"Are you... alright?"

"Do I look like I'm alright?" Gao Ran offered a pale smile, leaning back against the cushion. "I’ve been thinking about something for the past two days: what is the meaning of being alive?"

"Have you figured it out?"

"No. I think you are wise; you should be able to give me the answer."

"I can tell you, but let’s make a deal: you eat, and I’ll explain. How’s that?"

"So, the meaning of life is just a transaction?"

"It is a part of it, but not entirely." Zhang Tianfeng picked up the bowl, held it carefully, and handed the spoon to Gao Ran. "I believe the meaning of being alive is to challenge the unknown."

No one can know what will happen the next second, not even someone like Zhang Tianfeng, who had been reborn. Even now, he could only recall certain fixed events; he had no clear insight into his own future. Some say the unknown brings fear, but it is actually multifaceted. You might encounter things that make you ecstatic, or things that leave you frustrated and pained. Life is full of flavors and countless experiences—a philosophy of living that the ancients long ago taught us.

"I still don't quite understand."

Zhang Tianfeng scooped up a spoonful of porridge, blew on it until it was cool, and fed it to her. "Your current distress stems from what happened a few days ago—the things your mother and father said and did, right?" Seeing her nod, he continued, "Being deceived was the beginning of your doubt. Your mother’s actions represented her own demands and her dissatisfaction with her past life. Your father, likewise, was acting out of his own self-interest."

"Are you telling me that the meaning of life is selfishness?"

Zhang Tianfeng gave a dry laugh. This girl was really trying to be difficult, digging into every single word. What he meant was that in life, one shouldn't be entirely selfish; a fifty-fifty split was sufficient.

Half of that selfishness should be used to take care of yourself, develop yourself, and help yourself grow. The other half should be used to dedicate yourself to helping the friends, family, or even strangers you care about. Because, in the end, many things must be borne alone—like illness, the most critical moments of life, or death. Only after you take care of yourself can you have the time and energy to help others. If you aren't comfortable with how you are living, then change your way of life! No one is indispensable to your survival.

"I think I understand what you mean, Crazy." Gao Ran smiled. "I think I finally understand why you never accepted my pursuit—it’s because you hadn't figured things out yourself, hadn't completely settled on wanting to be with me."

"This was also a way of protecting me, wasn't it? Thank you. I know now."

"As long as you know. Eat something. Is there anything special you’d like to have?"

"I want to eat barbecue."

"Alright, I'll arrange it right away."

Regardless, at least she was willing to speak again. Still, Zhang Tianfeng dared not leave the room, nor did he want Gao Ran out of his sight. Thanks to his financial resources, the psychologist arrived quickly. It was a rare coincidence that a top-tier psychologist from Hong Kong happened to be on a business trip and was discovered by Xiang Chen.

The two women went into a private room for about half an hour before emerging.

"Sir, according to my professional assessment, your girlfriend is mentally very healthy."

"Doctor, are you sure? Could you test her a bit more?"

"There is no need. She is, in fact, even healthier than I am."

Healthier than you... No wonder there were rumors that all psychologists had a few quirks. Regardless, Zhang Tianfeng’s heart finally settled. After seeing the doctor off, he returned to the room to find Gao Ran playfully competing with Yun Qian over the barbecue.

For some reason, seeing the smile on Gao Ran’s face, a surge of accomplishment and pride filled his heart.