Mi Zhiguo slowly opened his eyes that morning. Apart from a slight headache and the inability to move his body, he felt no other discomfort. Mi Zhiguo gradually opened his eyes, drowsily gazing at the ceiling of the hospital room.

Slowly, his memories began to resurface. He recalled leading a contingent of people from the education department he oversaw for a study trip to Changjing. Their vehicle had reached Changjing, and they were joking and chatting about amusing things as they headed toward the hotel they were staying at.

As the leader, he listened while others spoke, occasionally glancing at his expression. While driving, it seemed a car next to them was in an accident, followed by a bus crashing into their vehicle, after which their car tumbled to the roadside. He remembered hitting his head, feeling dizzy and numb, unable to utter a word. Foggily, he heard someone shout, heard someone call for 120, and then consciousness slipped away.

After taking a careful look at the room and then at his own body, he finally understood everything completely. He was in a hospital room; he had been rescued. It was just that the feeling in his body was strange. It wasn't as if he had never suffered a severe injury. When he was young, he had fallen from the second floor—a nasty fall. He had also lost consciousness then, but when he woke up, he was in excruciating pain for several days. This time, aside from a slight dizziness and mild numbness in his head, he felt absolutely nothing else.

“You’re awake!” A voice suddenly called out to him. Mi Zhiguo immediately saw a young, energetic face looking at him—a face that seemed quite familiar.

“Zhang Yang, how is it you?” He paused to think before recalling who it was, letting out an involuntary gasp.

“Dad, you’re awake, that’s wonderful!” Mi Xue, who had been dozing nearby, heard her father’s voice and quickly sat up. It was just dawning outside; Wu Fenglan and Mi An had not yet arrived at the hospital.

Zhang Yang smiled faintly and moved aside. Mi Zhiguo waking up was within his expectations. Thanks to the acupuncture treatment he administered, Mi Zhiguo would not experience the usual post-operative pain. As for his slight headache, that was entirely normal, considering he had experienced intracranial bleeding. Zhang Yang had already alleviated most of his suffering; normally, he would be nauseous and vomiting for several days.

Zhang Yang left the room, yielding the space to Mi Xue and her father. Walking outside, Zhang Yang couldn't help but begin cultivating, as was his habit, though this was a hospital, and he couldn't fully let loose.

After more than two hours, Zhang Yang returned to the room. Wu Fenglan and Mi An were already there, bringing breakfast along with them. Both of their faces held smiles; it was a relief that Mi Zhiguo was awake. They had inquired about his condition and felt much calmer after learning there were no other issues. Mi Zhiguo, having just undergone surgery, could not eat yet, but his condition was excellent; at least his spirits seemed exceptionally high.

When Zhang Yang returned, Mi Zhiguo was already propped up halfway in bed, watching Zhang Yang with a complicated expression.

“Zhang Yang, thank you for this time!” Mi Zhiguo said softly. He didn't know as much as Zhang De did; he had only agreed to Mi Xue and Zhang Yang being together out of necessity back then. By that time, the turmoil surrounding Zhang Yang had spread throughout the city, and he couldn't possibly oppose it anymore; opposing it might have caused further trouble. Moreover, the news of Mi Xue being with Zhang Yang had already gotten out, known to everyone. Even if he disagreed, it would be difficult for Mi Xue to find another partner at home in the short term.

“Uncle, saying that shortens my lifespan. This is what I should do; besides, we are family!” Zhang Yang smiled lightly, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers which he placed by the head of the bed. These were flowers he had just bought. Mi Xue was assisting him nearby, a happy smile gracing her face.

“Family!” Mi Zhiguo nodded, his eyes carrying a hint of complexity again. In the time Zhang Yang had been away, he had not only learned that Zhang Yang had saved him but also that Zhang Yang had bought a large hotel for Mi Xue, which she was now managing. Furthermore, Zhang Yang had bought a house for himself, in addition to the one near the school, and a villa as well. Most importantly, all of this was earned by himself, without relying on family, and Mi Xue was the witness to all of it. These facts demonstrated that Zhang Yang was a very outstanding young man. Recalling the Mercedes Zhang Yang used to drive, coupled with his mysterious medical skills, Mi Zhiguo’s convictions began to genuinely waver. Having such a son-in-law wasn't bad; at least his daughter wouldn't have to worry about hardship. As for a political marriage, Mi Zhiguo wasn't entirely keen on it; after all, he was a father and wanted his daughter to be well. From what he saw now, Mi Xue was at least living a life of contentment and happiness. He also noticed that his daughter had changed significantly, carrying a different air in her demeanor—a noble yet indescribable aura. He knew clearly that only Zhang Yang could have brought about these changes in his daughter; he couldn't. Added to the fact that Zhang Yang had indeed saved him this time, his attitude toward Zhang Yang had completely shifted without him realizing it.

“Zhang Yang, where are your parents?” Mi Zhiguo suddenly asked, making Mi Xue, Wu Fenglan, and Zhang Yang all pause in surprise.

Wu Fenglan’s face showed a flicker of joy. Mi Zhiguo asking this was tantamount to completely accepting Zhang Yang. She knew her husband very well; when he asked this, it meant he intended to propose meeting the parents. After all, Zhang Yang and Mi Xue had been together for so long, and they were even living together now.

Mi Xue was also momentarily stunned. She certainly understood her father’s intentions, but she felt a little apprehensive deep down. She was now acutely aware of Zhang Yang’s family situation; his father held too high a position. She wondered what her father would think once he knew.

Zhang Yang only paused briefly before answering softly, “My mother passed away ten years ago. My father currently works in Changjing; he is… a civil servant!” Zhang Yang said it simply and easily. He had now overcome his inner demons and was free of negative emotions, though he wasn't sure how to face his father. At least when he mentioned it now, it didn't bother him as much as it used to.

“A civil servant, that’s fine too!” Mi Zhiguo nodded, then continued, “Zhang Yang, you and Xue’er have been together for a long time. Can you arrange a time for us to meet? We no longer oppose your relationship, but the parents should get to know each other, right?” Mi Zhiguo finally revealed his thoughts. Mi Xue’s face instantly flushed crimson, and she stood there silently with her head down.

Zhang Yang simply smiled. “That’s no problem, but let’s wait until you’ve fully recovered. You just had surgery; you shouldn’t be running around these few days!”

“That’s right, Zhang Yang is correct. You just had surgery; don't be so hasty. Since the in-laws are in Changjing, there will surely be opportunities to meet!” Wu Fenglan chimed in, still wearing a look of delight. She had been quite pleased with Zhang Yang from the start—young and capable—but her husband had been intent on finding Mi Xue a match from an official family back then. Now that Zhang Yang had saved Mi Zhiguo, she had absolutely no objections to him, and seeing her husband change his mind naturally brought her even greater joy. She perfectly exemplified the saying: the mother-in-law's opinion of her son-in-law gets better the more she looks at him.

“That’s right too. Let’s sit down together after I’m discharged. Your father is a civil servant; it wasn't easy raising you alone. When you’ve grown up and become successful, you must remember to be filial!” Mi Zhiguo said softly. Mi Xue’s eyes suddenly widened. She felt like laughing but didn't dare. Zhang Yang claimed his father was a civil servant. At that moment, she thought Zhang Yang was being quite roguish. If Zhang Keqin was a civil servant, he would be the highest-ranking civil servant in the entire province, far exceeding her own father's level. What frustrated her most was that her father seemed to have believed him, genuinely taking Zhang Yang's father for an ordinary civil servant.

“Don’t worry, I will,” Zhang Yang nodded with a smile. Mi Xue desperately wanted to remind her father, but she couldn't find the words.

“Mi Zhiguo!” A nurse came in from outside, knocked lightly at the doorframe, and then walked in. She was there to check on Mi Zhiguo’s condition. This nurse’s attitude wasn't particularly good. She took a brief look, and apart from being somewhat astonished by Mi Zhiguo’s condition, she left without saying a word. This was the Provincial Hospital; it was very large, and some staff members there had developed certain temperaments. In fact, it was the same at the Third Hospital; ordinary citizens would never receive special treatment. However, if Mi Zhiguo were at the Third Hospital, having the connection through Zhang Yang, he would absolutely receive the best service and care.

Not long after the nurse left, Zhang De rushed over. Zhang De was carrying gifts in his hands. Mi Zhiguo wasn’t the only one injured yesterday; there were other colleagues as well. As the highest-ranking official from the county currently in Changjing, he had to step in to coordinate these matters. Those individuals were temporarily staying at the Third Hospital.

“Old Mi, your recovery is looking great!” Zhang De set the items down and said cheerfully to Mi Zhiguo. Among the three seriously injured, Mi Zhiguo’s injury was the most severe, but in his view, Mi Zhiguo was recovering the best. While speaking, he glanced at Zhang Yang with some surprise. He had been at the Third Hospital all day yesterday, constantly inquiring about Zhang Yang. The more he asked, the more astonished he became. He had never imagined that Zhang Yang held such high regard at the Third Hospital—a specially appointed intern, the most skilled intern in the entire hospital, an intern capable of resolving critical illnesses that stumped countless experts. At the Third Hospital, Zhang Yang even held the title of Miracle Doctor. Only then did he understand why Zhang Yang was sought out for surgeries that others couldn't perform; it turned out Zhang Yang truly had genuine substance and was a remarkable doctor. But even that aside, he had also learned about the research project Zhang Yang was overseeing. He didn't understand medicine, but he knew precisely what a project approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences meant. If Zhang Yang succeeded in this research, it would bring immense, enduring benefits. Zhang Yang, in his eyes now, was becoming increasingly mysterious, fueling his curiosity even more.

“I’m fine. How are the other comrades?” Mi Zhiguo asked Zhang De. He now knew that the others were at the Third Hospital, and only he had been transferred to the Provincial Hospital. For this, he had even reprimanded Wu Fenglan a few times, saying she shouldn't seek special treatment, though it was just talk. He understood in his heart that his family was worried about him and wanted to secure the best possible treatment environment for him.