Chapter 4: She's My Fiancée?

Benjamin was well aware of his own condition, more so than anyone else. He knew exactly how much time he had left. Numerous so-called skilled and experienced doctors had come and gone, all shaking their heads in defeat. This illness had essentially been deemed terminal; even God couldn't save him. But this young man standing before him, about the same age as his granddaughter Natalie, didn't look like a doctor at all. Moreover, Natalie seemed to be quite taken with him, doting on him constantly. It felt like the precious cabbage had been snatched by a pig. Benjamin, known for his straightforward temper, grew angrier the more he thought about it. Naturally, he didn't show Danny any kindness. Danny could sense the old man's displeasure. Being stared at by an elder like that was quite uncomfortable. "Mr. Benjamin, your condition is quite severe and requires immediate treatment. However, there are too many people here. Could they perhaps...?" Danny hinted that he needed to speak with Benjamin privately. "Natalie, you can go out first. I want to hear what he has to say." Benjamin wore a cold smile and shot Danny a disdainful glance. Although hesitant, Natalie saw Danny nod reassuringly and decided to leave the room. "Alright, it's just us now. Who are you, and why are you close to Natalie?" Benjamin asked bluntly, his eyes filled with suspicion. Whenever it came to his granddaughter, the old man seemed to perk up significantly. Danny scratched his head awkwardly. Despite Natalie's beauty, he wasn't interested in her. If not for Benjamin's illness, he wouldn't have come to the hospital at all. Taking a deep breath, Danny smiled at Benjamin. "My name is Danny, representing the Astor Group. I'm here to visit Mr. Benjamin on behalf of my family." With that, Danny bowed respectfully, a sign of deference from a junior to a senior. Benjamin was stunned, thinking he must have misheard. After pondering for a moment, his expression shifted. "You're from the Astor Group?" "That's right. My brother is Carl, and my father is Robert, your friend." Danny spoke while pulling out a photo from his pocket and handing it to Benjamin. Benjamin took the photo and his eyes widened in recognition. He burst into laughter. "Haha, indeed, it's Robert! So you're Robert's son!" "Danny, I was too harsh earlier. It's wonderful that we can meet here. Come, let me take a look at you. I can't believe Robert's son has grown so much." Danny scratched his head and approached with a silly grin. Benjamin, disregarding the tubes attached to him, sat up with effort. He beamed at Danny, his heart swelling with joy. Up close, Danny did indeed resemble his father, Robert. "Haha, just like Robert, even the same gaze. Such nostalgia." Benjamin's eyes glowed with warmth, as if he had reunited with a long-lost family member. Benjamin and Robert had been the best of friends, having gone through countless experiences together. He had thought he would die soon without seeing any of Robert's family again. Seeing Danny was like a miracle. Overwhelmed, the monitor by Benjamin's bed started beeping, alerting to an abnormality. "Don't get too excited. We have plenty of time to talk. Mr. Benjamin, let's start your treatment immediately." Danny, worried, tried to calm him. If Benjamin died right in front of him, Danny would be in serious trouble. "Rest assured, I've traveled far and wide, learning many skills. A priest even taught me medical techniques. I can definitely cure you." Before Danny could start, the door swung open. It was Natalie, rushing in after hearing the alarm. "Grandpa, are you okay?" "I'm fine, fine. Just a bit too excited, causing a spike in blood pressure." Benjamin waved dismissively at her, indicating he was okay. "Danny, don't worry about the treatment for now. Let me ask you something. How old are you? Are you married? Any kids? Boys or girls?" Danny's mouth twitched. Was the old man really sick or just pretending? At this time, why was he asking such questions? And the topic change was way too fast... Danny chuckled awkwardly. "No, I'm not married. Being single is quite nice—free and unrestrained." "Really?" Benjamin's eyes widened. He seemed so energetic, he could probably climb five flights of stairs without breaking a sweat. "Looks like fate has smiled upon me. God hasn't abandoned me!" Benjamin suddenly glanced at Natalie. "Since that's the case, why not today? You two should get married right now to bring me good luck." "If you think it's too rushed, we can have the wedding after I'm out of the hospital. My granddaughter's wedding will surely be the event of the city." Danny thought he must have misheard. Natalie, however, couldn't stay silent any longer. "Grandpa! What are you talking about?" Natalie's delicate face froze in shock, a blush creeping up her cheeks. One couldn't deny, she was indeed beautiful. Just one look at her was refreshing. Danny, standing by, could only smile bitterly. He bit his lip, thinking to himself: The old man isn't confused at all. He might forget other things, but he remembered those drunken words from years ago perfectly. Seeing Natalie's bewildered, shy expression, Benjamin quickly explained. "I'm not confused. Natalie, remember I told you about the arranged marriage from when you were little? Funny enough, Danny is that boy. I thought I'd never see him in my lifetime." "This..." Natalie couldn't believe her ears. She glared at Danny as if she wanted to eat him alive. She had heard Benjamin mention this before, but she thought he was joking. Now that he brought it up again with Danny standing right there, she couldn't help but believe it. "Grandpa, this matter..." Natalie started to speak, but Benjamin interrupted, straightening his back with deliberate seriousness. "Since it was arranged, and Danny is here, it's settled. My decision is final, and no one can oppose it." Natalie pursed her lips, fuming. "Grandpa, no! I disagree!" Benjamin knew his granddaughter well but was equally determined. "If you don't agree, I'll die right here. I don't have long to live. If I can't see you settled with a good man, what's the point of living?" Benjamin sighed dramatically, giving them a stern look that seemed to say, "Disagree, and I'll die right now." Natalie was at a loss for words. Suddenly, Benjamin's expression changed. He looked like he was in immense pain, collapsing back onto the bed, drenched in sweat. Seeing this, Natalie frowned. "Grandpa, don't joke like that. Fine, I agree." However, Benjamin's agony seemed real this time. Danny, noticing the severity, said gravely, "Miss Natalie, your grandfather's condition is serious. He's had a severe emotional shock. We don't have much time. Please step back; I need to start treatment immediately." With that, Danny removed his coat and approached Benjamin with a serious expression.