A Dilemma of the Heart

Bolstered by his friend’s support, Jiang Yan grew even more resolute in his decision.

He called his father, Jiang Shengyun, cutting straight to the chase: “Dad, I’m going to acquire a private hospital in the south of the city—Hongbo Hospital.”

“Mm, acquire it,” Jiang Shengyun replied crisply, his voice resonating with vitality.

Wang Jian gave a thumbs-up. ‘That’s the confidence of the wealthy,’ he thought.

“Dad?” Jiang Yan countered, “Aren’t you going to ask why I want to acquire it?”

“If you want to acquire it, then acquire it. What’s wrong? Have you run into trouble? Do you want your old man to pull some strings?” His father was refreshingly direct. “In that case, I’ll make time this afternoon to have my secretary look into it.”

“No, Dad,” Jiang Yan said.

Glancing at Wang Jian’s envious expression, Jiang Yan felt a strange heaviness settle in his heart.

He continued, “Dad, from childhood until now, you and Mom have never once refused me anything I wanted to do.”

“Well, you’ve never made any unreasonable demands, have you? Acquiring a private hospital isn’t a huge deal; why wouldn’t I agree to that?” Jiang Shengyun was in the middle of approving an engineering document. Hearing his son’s unusually somber tone today, he put the file down, a flicker of concern crossing his face.

“Son, what’s wrong?” Jiang Yan had always excelled in his studies, collecting countless awards, never giving his father a moment’s worry.

“I’m fine, Dad. It’s just that, ever since I was little, everyone around me has pampered and spoiled me. No matter what I do, they never offer any dissenting opinions. Sometimes, I just want to be an ordinary person.”

Jiang Yan expressed his true feelings.

Around him, apart from Wang Jian, who treated him with genuine candor, unconcerned by his status and speaking his mind freely, everyone else fawned over him as if he were an emperor. Jiang Yan genuinely disliked such an environment.

‘It’s all so fake.’

Especially after meeting Lin Yu, he realized that his two previous “acts of concern,” though well-intentioned, had inadvertently reopened old wounds for Lin Yu. He felt a strong need to change his personality.

“Dad,” he requested, “I need you to give me a reality check.”

Jiang Shengyun glanced at his phone, confirming it was indeed his son’s number. His expression shifted, and he rose from his office chair, concern etched on his face. “Jiang Yan, have you been kidnapped? How much do they want? I’ll prepare it immediately!”

Jiang Yan was speechless.

“Hahahaha! Uncle, he’s at my hospital!” Wang Jian burst out laughing.

“Phew…” Jiang Shengyun visibly relaxed. “What’s gotten into him?”

“He’s head over heels in love,” Wang Jian quipped.

“Ah?” Jiang Shengyun’s tone instantly transformed, brimming with delight. “My son has finally woken up? He’s dating someone? Oh, what wonderful news! Bring them over this afternoon; we’ll all go out for a meal. You come too, my dear nephew.”

Wang Jian erupted into another fit of laughter, only to be shoved hard by Jiang Yan. He struggled to stifle his giggles as he explained to Jiang Shengyun, “It’s unrequited love, Uncle. The other person doesn’t even know Jiang Yan has fallen for them yet. Can’t bring them over. You’ll have to be patient for now, hahahaha.”

“So it’s not even a sure thing yet,” Jiang Shengyun’s voice clearly fell with disappointment.

“Wang Jian!” Jiang Yan exclaimed, his face etched with helplessness. “Don’t go spouting nonsense to my dad. I just feel a lot of sympathy for that kid.”

“Tsk,” Wang Jian scoffed, shouting into the phone, “Uncle, he’s buying that hospital just to get revenge for the kid he ‘sympathizes’ with! Listen to him, look at him, I’m saying nothing more.”

‘You be the judge.’

Jiang Shengyun chuckled on the other end of the line. “You young people, it’s fine to be a little impulsive, but when it comes to matters of the heart, you truly need to think things through, understand?”

“I know, Dad, don’t worry,” Jiang Yan replied. “I’m going to acquire the hospital now.”

In truth, he didn’t need to tell his father about the acquisition. Although he held a position at Jiang Corporation, he also owned his own film and television company and was a popular movie star. His capabilities and financial resources meant he didn’t need to rely on Jiang Shengyun at all.

The true purpose of this call, as Wang Jian had hinted, was for something else entirely.

He wanted to know his father’s reaction if he were to do something like this for someone else.

As it turned out, his father didn’t question any of his decisions.

Jiang Yan felt a touch of disappointment. From childhood, he had never encountered a single setback; his path had always been a golden, unobstructed highway.

Only through acting could he witness the honors he earned through his own hard work; the adoration of fans and tangible box office success provided him with a sense of satisfaction derived from his efforts.

He had sometimes wondered if a direct refusal from his parents might have given his life a different hue.

Wang Jian saw that Jiang Yan’s father had already hung up, yet Jiang Yan still held his phone, lost in thought. He nudged him. “What are you thinking about?”

Jiang Yan snapped back to reality, casting a glance at him before speaking with sudden sincerity, “Wang Jian, thank you.”

Wang Jian was briefly stunned, then asked with an exaggerated expression, “What’s going on? You’re really not acting normal today.”

“With a mouth like that, it’s no wonder you can’t find a partner,” Jiang Yan said earnestly. “You made me realize that my personality has flaws. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have understood the harm my actions caused Lin Yu.”

“Oh…” Wang Jian waved a dismissive hand. “No, you just have a high level of self-awareness and know how to reflect. Otherwise, even if I brought it up, you could choose not to accept it or change, right?”

In truth, it had been a trivial matter back then. Wang Jian had merely joked a couple of sentences, yet Jiang Yan had taken it to heart and reflected profoundly.

While a personality that always considered others wasn’t inherently bad, Jiang Yan had never been called out for his well-intentioned actions causing trouble for others.

Thus, he had grown up believing that as long as he helped someone, he was doing the right thing.

A few years ago, when Jiang Yan and Wang Jian had just met and went for hotpot, Jiang Yan, with good intentions, had prepared a brimming bowl of dipping sauce for Wang Jian.

However, Wang Jian had an extremely light palate; he never ate dipping sauces, finding the flavor of the hotpot broth perfectly sufficient on its own.

So, he had jokingly remarked, “CEO Jiang, you’re not very understanding. I’d find it hard to fall in love with you.”

He then subtly explained that he was a very independent person, didn’t need CEO Jiang’s care, and didn’t eat dipping sauces.

It was during that very meal that Jiang Yan first realized his so-called kindness might not be what others needed.

It was simply that the broader environment he lived in had never allowed anyone to tell him such a thing.

Afterward, he tried his best to restrain himself, yet he still couldn’t help but look after those around him.

For instance, when filming, he would bring drinks for the entire crew. He’d ask what everyone wanted beforehand, but they’d all say “anything,” so he’d simply order according to his own preferences.

No one ever pointed out issues with his good intentions; even those who didn’t like the drinks would take a couple of sips to express their gratitude.

At Jiang Corporation, if he occasionally went to work, he would bring afternoon tea for the senior executives he saw frequently. Even when asked, no one would tell him what they liked.

Consequently, Jiang Yan could only bring them things based on his own tastes, and when these items were delivered, the feedback he received was always gratitude. For so many years, he had implicitly believed that all his well-intentioned actions were beneficial to others.

Had Wang Jian not brought it up, he would never have realized the inappropriateness of his actions within his constantly fawned-over environment.

“It’s so hard to change a personality,” Jiang Yan lamented, blaming himself. “Because every time I ask, no one gives me feedback. They all politely and flattered say, ‘CEO Jiang, whatever you arrange is fine.’ So I genuinely arrange things according to my own preferences. In my world, interpersonal relationships don’t need maintenance at all. I have everything, so I’m utterly useless.”

Wang Jian waved his hand dismissively. “What are you talking about? A hugely successful movie star like you, why are you putting yourself down?”

Jiang Yan’s tone was filled with helplessness. “I asked Lin Yu, and he said he didn’t need me to spend money on him. If I asked again, it would be the same answer, right? So I took it upon myself to buy him red bean porridge, and the result… it triggered him.”

“Why are you so hard on yourself?” Wang Jian tried to reassure him. “You meant well. No one would hate good intentions. Lin Yu seems like a sensible person; he won’t blame you for taking the initiative.”

“I truly lack your social skills. I’ve been spoiled by my family, and you’re already used to how my dad lets me squander things.” Jiang Yan couldn’t get past his own mental hurdle.

“Oh, come on, will you stop already? Who are you trying to make jealous to death? Ugh, I’m going to tell my dad you’re showing off your father,” Wang Jian exaggerated.

“You!” Jiang Yan’s mood was instantly lightened by Wang Jian’s humorous antics, and he broke into a smile.

However, his smile quickly faded, and he watched Wang Jian warily, a worried frown on his face. “If I really fall for Lin Yu, I’m sure I won’t be able to win him over.”

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Wang Jian feigned a chill down his spine, hugging himself and acting coyly. “Help! What are you going to do to me?”

“Settle down,” Jiang Yan said. “Next time I film, I’ll let you have a cameo to satisfy you. I’m worried you’ll compete with me. You’re better with words, and your emotional intelligence is higher. Lin Yu would definitely be attracted to someone like you.”

Wang Jian was speechless.

He suddenly put on a serious face, teasing, “Yes, I’m planning to pursue…”

“Wang Jian, Wang Jian, Wang Jian!” Jiang Yan, a tall man nearly 1.9 meters in height, suddenly launched into an impromptu act, portraying a weak, helpless, and heartbroken figure that made one look down with pity. “I’m already starting to miss Lin Yu…”

Wang Jian declared, “This scene, I exclusively own it, and I’m satisfied. So, I, the Emperor, will reluctantly give him up and grant you two the blessing of living happily ever after!”

He never shied away from playing along.

Jiang Yan, having received Wang Jian’s response, suddenly dropped the act and said with utmost seriousness, “Let me be sure for a while longer. I’ve always thought love at first sight was a joke. Once I’m certain, once I’ve confirmed my feelings…”

As he spoke, he looked at Wang Jian, who had been itching to tease him, and shrugged. “You can laugh all you want.”

Wang Jian tutted, “Sure, whatever! You men are so complicated! If you like them, just go for it, buddy!”

“Are you a woman now?” Jiang Yan shook his head. “Love is a lifelong matter. If I’m going to date someone, it’s with the intention of a lifetime together, getting married and never divorcing. I have to thoroughly consider my own feelings. Besides, my thoughts alone can’t decide a lifetime; there’s also Lin Yu’s side…”

“You make a lot of sense,” Wang Jian nodded, albeit with a hint of disdain. “But I still think you’re incredibly slow.”

“Then I’ll give you something quick and decisive,” Jiang Yan said.

He handed his phone to Wang Jian, whose face twisted into a grimace the moment he saw it. “Ugh, how sickening, I’m literally dying of jealousy!”

On the phone screen was a message from Jiang Shengyun: [The acquisition of Hongbo Hospital is no big deal. Your old man has arranged it for you; no need to worry. Just focus on dating for Dad.]

Jiang Yan smirked, “I’ll give Hongbo Hospital to you. Let your dad hold shares, and you can be the director. How about it?”

“Holy crap!” Wang Jian gasped, his heart blossoming with delight. He immediately promised, “I’ll make that trash Cai Xinyu’s life hell! You can count on me!”

Jiang Yan gave a thumbs-up, feeling exceptionally happy; Wang Jian truly understood his intentions.

He returned to Lin Yu’s ward, quietly opening the door, careful not to make a sound. The child’s fingers were tucked into the cage, stroking the white kitten as he slept, the kitten also sleeping soundly.

He checked the time; it was past seven in the evening.

He was starving.

His usually regular diet had been completely disrupted these past few days.

However, he chose not to leave for food, instead leaning against the doorframe, silently watching Lin Yu’s flawless sleeping face.

He asked himself.

‘Have I fallen for him?’

‘Because his face is too beautiful?’

‘Or haven’t I fallen for him?’

‘Is it just out of sympathy?’

‘No, I can’t choose a lifelong partner based on looks.’

‘I’ll try getting to know him first. If it feels right, I’ll definitely pursue him.’

‘But what if I pursue him and can’t win him over, yet find myself completely invested?’

‘They say heartbreak is agonizing.’

‘So, should I control myself now, or continue to follow my heart?’

‘Ugh, this is so difficult.’

“Cai Xinyu…” Lin Yu suddenly mumbled incoherently in his sleep.

Jiang Yan’s emotions were instantly stirred by Lin Yu’s tone, which conveyed both grievance and fear.

“Please… let me go…” By the light filtering in from outside the window, he saw Lin Yu’s eyes grow moist, glistening, and his entire body trembled slightly.

A wave of profound resistance and overwhelming sadness washed over Jiang Yan, instantly enveloping him in unbearable anguish.