Chapter 27: Other Plans
What happens in Chapter 27 of "Suddenly, I Am Rich"? Chapter 27: Other PlansThe old man was breathing heavily, still visibly shaken from the close... Read on to find out!
Chapter 27: Other Plans
The old man was breathing heavily, still visibly shaken from the close call of his death. He looked at Gray with widened eyes. Reflecting on it was disbelief and gratitude.
"You..." the man rasped, his voice slightly trembling. "You saved me."
The old man gripped on Gray's arm tightly as if he was afraid to let it go.
Gray smiled lightly, brushing the dust off the man's sleeve. He let him hold his arms, knowing that the impact of the accident might still be on his mind.
"It's okay, sir. You're safe now," he said. "You really should be more careful, though. You nearly gave everyone here a heart attack."
The man gave a weak chuckle, still catching his breath.
"I suppose I did because I also, almost had one." The old man still had the chance to joke around, even if he was still visually anxious.
Gray let the man regain his composure for a few minutes. He just stayed there in silence, as the old man breathed in and out, each one was filled with heaviness.
The flock of crowd also slowly disappeared, each one going on with their lives as if nothing happened.
After a few minutes, the old man straightened his back slightly. He looked up at Gray, his expression softening for a moment.
"What's your name, young man?" he finally had the chance to ask the question.
"I'm Gray," Gray replied simply, offering his hand to help the man stood up properly. "Gray Adams."
The man nodded his head. He looked genuinely relieved and grateful.
"Thank you, Gray. Thank you. Truly. You didn't even hesitate to save me, not for a second."
"I didn't have much time to think." Gray let out a sigh. "I just did what I had to do, Sir."
"No---"
However, their brief conversation was interrupted when the worker from the food truck called out for Gray's name.
"Sweet Soy Chicken Rice for Gray!"
"Oh," Gray glanced at the back, remembering that he had just ordered from the food truck.
"Right... I forgot that" he turned his head back to the old man, who was still gripping his cane. He frowned, wincing in slight pain.
Gray just then noticed that the man was favoring one leg.
"Looks like your other leg was injured, Sir." He pointed out.
"It's nothing," the man replied, though the discomfort was obvious in his face.
Gray sighed and scratched the back of his head. He had become a little worried.
"Wait here for a second, Sir. I'll get my food first and come back. Alright? Can you stand alone for just 2 minutes?"
"Y-Yes... Sure, Gray." The old man nodded his head as he let go of his hold on his arm.
With it, Gray took that to moment to sprint back to the food truck. He quickly grabbed his takeout food before jogging back to the old man's side.
"Come on, Sir. I'll take you to the hospital. Just to be sure that your leg is fine."
"You don't have to go that far—"
"I do," Gray interrupted, as he put on a smile on his face. "You almost got hit by a truck. The least I can do is make sure your legs are fine, Sir. Just this one since you're also alone."
The old man gave a defeated laugh.
"Alright, alright." He can't seem to win against Gray.
Gray helped him into a nearby cab and rode with him to the closest hospital that they could find. When they arrived, a nurse immediately attended to them, making sure it was fine.
The nurse guided them into the emergency wing, helping the old man into a wheelchair despite his protests that he could walk.
Gray followed close behind, carrying the old man's cane in one hand and his own food bag in the other. His stomach was already grumbling, but he couldn't eat.
A doctor soon joined them and began a quick assessment.
After a few light questions and a bit of poking at the man's leg, the doctor finally spoke in a clear voice.
"It's just a mild sprain. Nothing broken, thankfully."
Gray let out a quiet breath of relief.
"We'll wrap it up and prescribe a mild pain reliever to be taken," the doctor added. "But I suggest you avoid walking long distances for a few days. Rest is much needed for it not to become worse."
The old man nodded, clearly embarrassed but grateful at it.
While the nurses wrapped up the old man's leg, Gray finally sat down on one of the chairs in the hallway, letting his body relax a bit.
He looked down at the food in his lap. It had already gone cold.
'My poor food...' he sighed in disappointment.
A few minutes later, the old man was wheeled back out, his ankle was already wrapped securely in bandages. He insisted on standing up and walking, but Gray just raised a brow and said no
"You've done too much already, Gray," the man said as Gray pushed his wheelchair down the hallway. "I can take it from here. Someone will get me sooner."
"Are you sure, Sir?" Gray frowned.
"Yes. I'm sure. One of my people will pick me up in a while. You've already done far more than I deserve." The old man gave a small, reassuring nod.
Gray stopped the wheelchair just right at the hospital lobby, where a row of waiting chairs stood beside a large glass window overlooking the outside.
The old man looked calm now. He was more composed than earlier. He was still slightly pale, but the fear in his eyes was already gone.
"Alright then, Sir" Gray finally said, adjusting the man's cane so it rested beside him. "Just don't try crossing roads solo anymore, okay?"
"You've made your point clear. I'll be more careful. Don't worry." The old man chuckled softly.
"Take care, sir." Gray stepped back and gave him a small wave.
"You too, Gray. I won't forget this."
The old man stood there, watching Gray disappear down the hallway. After a moment, he pulled out his phone.
He made a call.
"Hello, Sir?" a respectful voice from the other line sounded.
"Yes, it's me." The look on old man's expression shifted into a serious one.
"Ask someone to fetch me from the General Hospital as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir. Right away," the voice on the other end responded with immediate urgency. "I'll dispatch a car now. Is everything alright?"
"I'm fine," the old man replied calmly. "Just a small accident. Nothing serious."
"Should I inform Miss Celina about this?"
"No," the old man said quickly, voice low and firm. "Don't tell her anything."
"Understood, sir."
"Also, forget what I said earlier." The old man muttered, recalling their talk before he had almost crashed into the speeding truck.
"Your plan to donate half of your assets to the foundation, Sir?"
"Yes," The old man said quietly, a small smile appearing on his lips.
"I have another plan now."