Xiuying shook her head and clapped her hands. "Clap… clap…"
"Everyone, talk among yourselves and choose any room you like," Xiuying said while looking at the female gym trainers.
All the female trainers shouted excitedly when they heard her words and immediately began discussing which guest room they preferred.
Meanwhile, at the old apartment…
Yu Qianqi pushed the old creaking door with great effort while Chaithanya stood behind her, waiting for her to finish opening it, looking around curiously.
When Yu Qianqi finally opened the door, she turned back and said, "Let's go inside."
"Hm." Chaithanya nodded and followed her in.
"Qianqi, is that you?" a trembling voice came from inside the bedroom.
"Yes, Mother, it's me," Yu Qianqi replied loudly and walked toward the bedroom.
Chaithanya looked around with curiosity. It was rare for him to see such a place—cracks and faded patches covered the walls, cobwebs clung to the corners. The sight reminded him of his old rented house and made him feel stifled for a moment, but energy coursed through him and calmed his heart and mind. He took a deep breath and followed her inside.
In the bedroom, a frail middle-aged woman with crow's feet at the corners of her eyes slowly turned her head toward her daughter and the man who had entered.
"Mother, how are you feeling?" Yu Qianqi asked, bending slightly toward her with concern all over her face.
"Qian, I'm fine. Don't worry," the woman said with a forced smile.
"Hm." Yu Qianqi nodded, her eyes reddening. "Mother, I'll treat your illness. I'll take you to a good hospital in the city."
The woman frowned and coughed a few times before speaking in a stern yet shaky voice. "Qian, stop wasting money on me. Save it and marry a good husband in the future. My only regret is that I won't be able to see your wedding."
Hearing her mother's words, the dam finally broke. Tears streamed down Qianqi's face as she turned away, trying to suppress her sobs.
Chaithanya was moved by the pure bond between mother and daughter. His nose stung and his eyes grew sour; it took him a few seconds to calm himself and steady his emotions.
"Qian, who is he?" the woman asked, staring at him curiously.
After hesitating for a moment, Yu Qianqi stammered, "H-He… he is my boyfriend."
Chaithanya was taken aback, his eyes widening in shock. He leaned toward her ear and whispered, "Hey, when did I become your boyfriend? I told you to introduce me as your colleague."
"I… I'm sorry, okay? Please, I beg you. I don't know if she'll survive the treatment. Just let her think her daughter has a boyfriend and will settle down soon," she pleaded, eyes trembling.
"Hm, fine. But don't you think you owe me something since I'm acting as your boyfriend?" Chaithanya said with a mischievous grin.
"What do you want? I don't have much money or anything valuable to give," she said with a frown.
"Come closer. I'll tell you what I want," he said while eyeing her pink lips.
Without thinking much, she leaned in. He seized the chance and sealed her lips with his. Her body stiffened as if struck by electricity, her mind going blank while he continued kissing her.
"Really? You're not lying to me, right?" the middle-aged woman asked in an ecstatic voice, slowly sitting up.
"Damn, how long do you want to kiss me?" Yu Qianqi pushed him gently, their lips parting as her cheeks flushed. She moved closer to her mother and helped her sit up.
"Why would I lie? We just haven't planned to marry yet. We need more time to understand each other and plan properly," Yu Qianqi said, kneeling on the floor and holding her mother's cold, trembling hands.
"Good… no hurry… take your time," the woman said with a wide smile.
"Sigh, parents are the same everywhere in Asia," Chaithanya thought helplessly.
Junhao had contacts with top celebrities in the city, including the owners of major hospitals. He took out his phone and dialed Shanghai People's Hospital. The call connected instantly.
"Hello, Mister Junhao. I finally got the chance to speak with you," a middle-aged man joked in a respectful tone.
"Uncle Ming, you flatter me. How have you been?" Chaithanya asked politely.
Hearing him call him "uncle," the man's smile widened. "You didn't just call to ask that, did you? What do you need, kid?"
"My aunty has serious health issues and needs immediate treatment. I'm bringing her to the hospital," Chaithanya said.
"Alright, give me the address. I'll send an ambulance. Don't worry—leave everything to me," Uncle Ming said.
"Room 502, Building 3, Lane 128, East Beijing Road, Laoximen Subdistrict, Huangpu District, Thank you, Uncle Ming," Chaithanya replied respectfully.
"Haha, don't mention it, kid," the man said.
After the call ended, Chaithanya turned to Yu Qianqi. "I've arranged admission at the top hospital in Shanghai. Your mother will be treated by the best doctors in the city."
Qianqi's eyes reddened. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," she choked out, tears welling up again.
Hearing his words, the middle-aged woman shook her head. "A top hospital in the city? Don't waste money on me. Save it for your future."
"Aunty…" Chaithanya looked at Yu Qianqi.
"Ting," Yu Qianqi said.
"Aunty Ting, money is the last thing I'm lacking right now. Don't worry about expenses. As long as you're healthy and happy, she'll be happy—and that's all I want," he said gently.
Aunty Ting's eyes reddened and tears flowed down her cheeks. She looked at her daughter and said, "Come, help me thank the boy."
Understanding her mother's intention, Yu Qianqi helped her kneel on the floor. Both mother and daughter bowed deeply to show their gratitude.
"No, no… stop, please," Chaithanya said softly as he lifted them effortlessly and helped them sit back on the bed.
A high-end ambulance equipped with advanced features stopped in front of the old apartment, and the residents in the surrounding buildings peeked out of their windows curiously. It was the first time they had ever seen such an ambulance in their area.
Two paramedics stepped out of the vehicle and carried a folded wheelchair into the old apartment.
