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The director's office of this private hospital is decorated in a calm and elegant style, with a spotless walnut desk and several incomprehensible but obviously valuable modern paintings on the wall, all of which silently indicate the top level and professionalism of this place.
Dean Fang, who was in his early fifties and wearing black-framed glasses, had sharp eyes but gentle facial muscles. He pointed to the two brain scans side by side on the X-ray imaging screen beside him and explained to Jin Cang, who had a frown on his face, and Xiang Yang, who had a serious expression.
"This is Mr. Jin's medical records before he was transferred to another hospital. This one is the latest scan we just completed."
Dean Fang's voice was calm and clear. "It can be seen that the brain atrophy has worsened compared to before. Medical treatment at this stage is crucial."
On the screen, one of the two brain images that symbolize memory and thinking is obviously more empty than the other.
Jin Cang's breathing almost stopped. He stared at the picture that announced that his father's condition had worsened, and his tall and strong body trembled slightly.
"The last time... the last time he came back for a checkup, the doctor said it was in the early stages..."
His throat was dry and sour. Although he was precocious and calm, his 22-year-old shoulders seemed unable to bear the continuous changes.
Dean Fang nodded, his tone soothing. "Based on current observations, Mr. Jin's sense of orientation to people, events, time, and places has significantly decreased, and his ability to comprehend things has also weakened. Comprehensive assessment suggests his condition has entered the middle stage."
"Dean..." Jin Cang said with difficulty, "Does this...does this have anything to do with the recent events in my family?"
He was referring to his brother's sudden death, as he had just explained to Dean Fang.
"Severe mood swings or major changes in the environment can indeed be factors that trigger or aggravate the condition."
Dean Fang replied cautiously, "But don't worry too much. We will immediately arrange for a more detailed screening assessment. Once the results are in, we will further discuss the follow-up treatment plan."
Xiangyang had been listening in silence until he finally spoke, his tone as calm as ever: "Uncle Fang, thank you for taking care of everything."
Dean Fang turned to Xiang Yang and said, "Our medical equipment and care system are quite unique. We are an institution that combines professional medical care with long-term rehabilitation. Don't worry, leave Mr. Jin's condition to me."
Jin Cang raised his head at this moment, his eyes filled with hesitation and struggle. "But... I looked up data online, and many experts say that for this type of patient, it's best to give them a familiar environment... Is... wouldn't it be better for them to live in their own home?"
He thought of the old but cozy little living room in his home, and the rattan chair his father used to sit on.
Director Fang understood his concerns. "For patients with early symptoms, home care is indeed a good option. However, considering Mr. Jin's current condition, the urgency of controlling the severity of his condition, the necessity of further examinations, and the subsequent brain activation training courses, I would recommend that Mr. Jin be hospitalized. We can provide a private, quiet room and a comprehensive treatment plan."
"I'm worried..." Jin Cang's voice dropped, his cheeks flushed. "I'm worried about my family's financial situation. We might not be able to afford this..."
He knew that such a high-end medical institution would charge an exorbitant fee.
Xiang Yang reached out and gently pressed Jin Cang's tense shoulders, saying calmly, "Don't worry about the expenses. Let's listen to what Dean Fang has to say first."
Dean Fang continued, "Most importantly, there are several recently approved new drugs, such as aducanumab, lecanemab, and donanemab, which was developed only last year. Clinical data have confirmed their significant effectiveness in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. We can try these drugs based on Mr. Jin's specific condition."
Xiang Yang nodded decisively. "Okay, Uncle Fang. Then let Uncle Jin stay here first. I'll leave the complete plan you just mentioned, as well as the subsequent treatment, to you."
"But..." Jin Cang wanted to say something, but confusion was clearly visible on his face.
Xiang Yang didn't give him another chance to say "but..." He pulled his arm and said firmly, "Let's go see Uncle Jin first."
The two men stood up, and Dean Fang also stood up to see them to the door. "That's it for now, Xiangyang," he smiled and patted Xiangyang's shoulder, "Remember to give my regards to your father."
Xiangyang bowed slightly: "Of course, thank you Uncle Fang."
Jin Changan's single ward was just as Dean Fang had said, with bright windows and clean desks, and a sense of low-key luxury.
The sunlight pours in through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, making people feel warm.
At this moment, Jin Changan was lying peacefully on the hospital bed, sleeping soundly, his breathing steady, and his face was much rosier than when he was found on the mountain.
There was a small reception area on one side of the ward. Xiang Yang, Jin Cang, Yao Fengqin and Zhao Zhiling were sitting on the beige sofa, discussing in low voices.
Zhao Zhiling was the first to break the silence. "I think Dean Fang's explanation is very clear and considers all aspects very carefully. I vote for Big Brother."
The "Brother Xiang" she mentioned was of course Xiang Yang.
Yao Fengqin sat next to Jin Cang, sighed, and said earnestly, "Ah Cang, Aunt Yao knows that you are a very independent and responsible child, and you have been sensible since childhood. However, this is different from what you have encountered before. You can't handle it alone."
She looked at Jin Cang's young but tired face and felt distressed.
Zhao Zhiling eagerly chimed in, "You haven't graduated yet, you work at a soy milk shop after school, and at night you collect trash door-to-door for two ten-story buildings. I heard you've even started applying for extras on film sets lately... Honestly, how much time and energy do you have left to take care of your dad?"
Jin Cang was further irritated by their back-and-forth. He suddenly raised his head, his eyes as stubborn as a calf's. "I'll find a way to manage my time! Anyway, my dad has worked hard for this family his entire life, and now he's sick, and I'm leaving him alone in this cold nursing home, am I still considered a human being?"
He spoke louder and louder, his chest heaving violently.
Xiang Yang frowned, then reached out and gently patted his back, trying to calm him down. "A Cang, don't let your imagination run wild. Who said we were going to leave Uncle Jin here alone? Didn't Dean Fang make it very clear? This is a hospital, and it also has recuperation facilities. We can more effectively manage the condition, and the patient can be discharged home at any time. This isn't abandonment; it's for better care."
Zhao Zhiling quickly added, "Ah Cang, I just secretly checked online. This hospital is the most advanced and comprehensive nursing facility in Taipei..."
"Our family can't afford such a high-end place!"
Jin Cang almost roared out. This was the deepest feeling of powerlessness in his heart. He hated his youth and his limited abilities.
Xiang Yang looked at his red eyes and said in a more serious tone, "A Cang, listen to me. Your brother Jin Yu is more capable and far-sighted than you think. He submitted the soundtrack for a movie a while ago, and the royalties are quite substantial. This money, plus the royalties he has accumulated from his previous songs, has been handled by Teacher Tian Ming. Teacher Tian Ming will contact you soon with the details of the situation. So, you really don't have to worry about the medical expenses at all."
At this moment, Jin Changan on the hospital bed suddenly moved.
He sat up slowly, his eyes no longer confused and dazed as before, revealing a long-lost clarity and calmness.
"Dad! Are you awake?" Jin Cang exclaimed in surprise and rushed to the bedside.
Jin Changan glanced around at everyone, his gaze finally landing on Jin Cang. He said firmly, "That's the decision. I'm quitting that security job. I'm staying here."
"Dad..." Jin Cang was a little surprised.
Jin Changan glanced at him, a knowing smile on his face: "Why? I'm spending my eldest son's money, and you have a problem with that?"
Seeing this, Yao Fengqin gently patted Jin Changan on the back and said, "Alright, alright, we're glad we've come to a conclusion. Are you hungry? I'll call the nurse to check. You two boys, don't just stand here. Go back and get your dad some clean clothes."
"Dad...I..." Jin Cang wanted to say something, but was gently pushed away by Yao Fengqin.
"Let's go, let's go! Zhiling and I will be watching over here, so just go and come back quickly."
Jin Cang looked at his father's calm profile, then looked at Xiang Yang with complicated eyes.
A moment of tranquility returned to the ward. Jin Changan silently gazed out the window. The Four Beast Mountains, on the outskirts of the Taipei Basin, were clearly outlined and exceptionally beautiful in the warm sunlight.
A flock of egrets flew by leisurely with elegant postures.
"Can you still see egrets in Taipei these days?" a vague thought flashed through his mind. "Ayu... When Ayu was little, he loved to lie on the windowsill and watch the egrets in the sky..."
He muttered to himself vaguely, his eyes looking far away.
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