Chapter 228

"Please calm down first and tell me about your father's condition in detail," Luna White reassured, sensing the family member's urgency that suggested the patient might be critically ill.

Jiang Zhijie composed himself, wiping his face. "My apologies, I'm just overwhelmed. Three months ago, my mother passed away. My father was deeply devoted to her, and two months ago, he suddenly fell into a coma. The hospital diagnosed him with hypertension exacerbated by emotional distress, leading to cardiac overload and organ failure."

Luna nodded—this case seemed less severe than Nathaniel Smith's. "I'll need to request leave from the hospital first."

"No need to worry!" Jiang interjected hastily. "Dean Zhang and I are old friends. The plane is ready—we can depart immediately."

"Now?" Luna glanced outside at the heavy snowfall.

"All necessities are prepared. The aircraft is on standby," Jiang replied, clearly having planned ahead.

Andrew Smith frowned at Nathaniel. "Is it safe to fly in this weather?"

Nathaniel offered an awkward smile. "Don't worry, Andrew. President Jiang is the vice chancellor of an aviation university. Safety is guaranteed. I'll accompany them the entire way."

Only then did Luna realize this man was the same Vice President Jiang who had nearly become her university's leader. Fate worked in strange ways.

"I'll pack my things," she said, turning away—only for Andrew to pull Nathaniel aside.

"She's in your hands," Andrew muttered under his breath. "If a single hair on her head is harmed, I'm holding you accountable."

Nathaniel gave a wry smile. "Understood. If anything happens to her, I'll answer with my life."

Meanwhile, President Jiang was on the phone. "Dean Zhang, it's Jiang... I need to borrow Dr. White for a few days... My father's been comatose for two months..."

Luna quickly packed a few essentials before adding, "President Jiang, I’d like to bring an assistant—Dr. Li from our department."

Jiang nodded eagerly, continuing his plea into the phone. "And a resident doctor... Please, my father doesn’t have much time..."

Hanging up, a shadow of despair crossed Jiang’s eyes. Over the past two months, he’d consulted every renowned specialist in the country—all to no avail. Seeking out Luna was his last desperate hope.

After his mother’s passing, he’d truly understood the agony of "filial piety delayed until it’s too late." His five sons were all accomplished, yet none had managed the simplest act of companionship. Now, with their father’s life hanging by a thread, the brothers had become frantic in their search for a cure.

Gazing at the snowstorm outside, Jiang recalled his father’s favorite saying: While parents live, life still has roots; once they’re gone, only the journey home remains.

How he wished time could flow backward.