ucated. No matter how much they despised Lin Meng in their hearts, it was impossible for them to sell her on the spot. Therefore, there was a fake smile on their faces as they introduced Lin Meng out....Chapter Name: 058

On one side, Jiang Chēngfēng also slowly squinted his eyes as the wind blew. Instinctively, he could feel that there was something between Róng Lǐng and Lín Mèng, something he did not want to see.

There, Miao Qing was so surprised that she couldn't speak. According to Rong Ling's instructions this morning, Miao Qing thought that Rong Ling would definitely not come. After all these years with Rong Ling, Miao Qing believed that what Rong Ling said earlier should have meant that. Unexpectedly, Rong Ling came! What does this mean! This means that Rong Ling has changed his mind! You know, once Rong Ling makes a decision, he rarely changes his mind.

Now is the time.

This dream…

Miao Qing narrowed her eyes, a silent smile playing on her lips. She felt as if something had become more interesting. Then she would just wait and see. She immediately straightened up, stood up, and respectfully addressed Rong Ling. "Young Master Rong!"

Rong Ling glanced at her, nodded slightly. "You worked hard!"

Miao Qing smiled.

Rong Ling retracted his hand from resting on Lin Meng's forehead, feeling a slight warmth. He frowned slightly, then quickly scanned the room's arrangement with displeasure. "How come she wasn't given a single room!" His tone held a faint reproach.

He and Miao Qing are indeed a "master and servant," their thoughts are very much alike!

Miao Qing explained calmly, "I originally planned to arrange Lin Meng in the intensive care unit, but Lin Meng didn't like it, and I couldn't force her, so..."

"Let's go arrange it now!"

With a sweep of her brows, Rong Lingmei spoke with an undeniable resolve!

Miao Qing responded with a "yes" and stepped out of the ward briskly. She had said that she should be in intensive care! She couldn't handle Lin Meng, but she firmly believed that Rong Ling could definitely handle it!

Lin Meng was a little flustered, her face tinged with a slight blush. She called out in a hurry, "Miao Qing, wait!"

Miao Qing didn't care where she went, and left the ward by herself. The rest was up to her boss to handle.

Lin Meng could only turn her head to look at Rong Ling and shake her head. "I don't want to stay in the intensive care unit, I'm quite comfortable here!"

Rong Ling frowned, her deep black eyes revealing a hint of ferocity. "Those who are sick shouldn't have so many demands, just follow the arrangements!"

Lin Meng was angered, feeling he was too domineering.

“No!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with anger. Yet, those black and white orbs, set within their elongated sockets, only seemed to heighten her allure. Even in her silence, this woman held an undeniable magnetism. In this interplay of stillness and motion, her delicate features were even more striking, vibrant and unique.

Originally, Rong Ling had a stoic expression. Being compared to an ice mountain handsome guy by those college students, his face suddenly relaxed, revealing a hint of a smile.

"Then tell me, why not!"

This man's smile is downright dangerous. He's already irresistibly handsome, but when he smiles like that, it's as if your heart stops beating for a second, and you might even suffocate from the intensity!

I didn't know, I thought he was going to use his charm!

Lin Meng's heartbeat quickened a few times, as if involuntarily. She quickly averted her gaze and mumbled, "I'm living quite well now!"

This excuse is so flimsy, it's pathetic!

Rong Ling's lips curled up. "But you can live better in the intensive care unit!"

Lin Meng was speechless. She admitted that when she argued with Rong Ling, she truly couldn't win. This man's eloquence was simply infuriating!

Anyway, I'm not going. I... I just want to stay here!" There was no point arguing with him; he was going to do whatever he wanted.

Rong Ling tightened her lips and looked at Lin Meng's side face, which was as transparent as white porcelain. A cold light flashed in her eyes. He also liked to see the stubbornness and temper that occasionally appeared on this well-behaved girl, but it shouldn't be at this time!

"Don't be willful!" The cool lips moved slightly, a faint reprimand. "The intensive care unit is quiet, which is good for your condition. Anyone who is sick hopes that they will recover quickly and be discharged as soon as possible. You don't want to stay in the hospital forever, do you And you've been absent from school for so long, don't you need to catch up on your studies Can you study peacefully in this environment"

As soon as these words were spoken, the few students who were playing poker there immediately felt embarrassed and mumbled as they put down their cards.

"Rong Ling continued, "The conditions here are harsh. You have a bed to sleep in if you get sick, but think about your parents, who take care of you here. Where will they sleep at night! Even if they lie on the floor, can you bear to do this to them!"

This remark made the patient's family beside her lower their heads in shame. They muttered to themselves, "Well... it's not that bad, is it It'll save some money after all! After all, intensive care isn't something ordinary people can afford!"

Lin Meng was speechless, choked by Rong Ling's words. While he seemed to be doing it for her own good, she felt stifled inside. She didn't want to go along with Rong Ling's wishes, nor did she want him to tell her what to do and expect her to comply!

Aren't they already done with each other Why does he still come around to bother her and lecture her!

She lowered her head, biting on her lips nervously, unconsciously tormenting the tender flesh with her teeth. She remained silent, this being a passive form of resistance!

Rong Ling stood with his arms crossed, slightly narrowed his eyes. His long and sharp eyes were fixed on her, radiating intelligence. He exerted an invisible authority over her, calm and steady like a mountain. Like a black panther stalking its prey in the jungle, he was methodical and patient. He stared at his target for a long time, regardless of whether it darted around like a rabbit or remained still as a statue. For the prey was already his, and once he made his move, it would be captured effortlessly!

"Young Rong, everything is arranged!" Miao Qing returned and shouted at the door.

Lin Meng quietly clenched her fists under the blanket, deciding to passively resist this way. Anyway, she didn't want to go, and no one else should force her!

Seeing her like this, a childlike figure, Rong Ling's lips twitched into a smile that held a hint of mischief. "What Do I have to carry you there myself"

"You—" Lin Meng looked up, blushing with indignation. She hadn't expected him to say such things in front of so many people.

"I said I wouldn't go!" She really went against Rong Ling, shouting loudly, her annoyance evident in every word.

Such a challenge instantly made Lin Bao panic! Daughter, do you know who's in front of you at all!

"Mengmeng, just listen to Rong Shao!"

"Dad--"

Lin Meng turned her head to look at Lin Bao, letting out a hurried low whimper, her eyes filled with tears. She felt that Lin Bao wasn't on her side, but rather agreeing with Rong Ling, which made her feel very wronged and on the verge of tears.

Rong Ling's response was even simpler, directly lifting the blanket from Lin Meng's body. In her muffled cries, he remained silent, reaching out with one long arm and effortlessly scooping her up.

"The stubborn girl!"

He muttered softly, his voice tinged with a faint sigh, as if entangled in a wisp of tender affection!

Lin Meng thought that before Rong Ling said those words, it was just a means of coercion. But she never expected that Rong Ling would actually hold her. With his status, he values face very much, doesn't he In broad daylight, he wouldn't be afraid to do something disrespectful, would he! How could he do this!

She had misjudged Rong Ling. His usual silence and occasional gentle smile were just his facade. This man, when he was young, was flamboyant and unrestrained, doing whatever he pleased to an alarming degree, arrogant to the point of ignoring everyone else's expressions. But as time passed, all those former flamboyances, wildness, and arrogance gradually subsided, transforming into a kind of deep-seated restraint that inspired awe and made him seem unfathomable. But those ingrained recklessness and pride within him were something that could never be erased.

Lin Meng thought Rong Ling wouldn't dare, that was truly underestimating him!

Embracing Lin Meng, Rong Ling strode away with an air of self-satisfaction. That aura of disregard for others, as if the land belonged to him, was like that of a king who owns everything. Once he left the ward, it drew sighs of awe and near frenzy from those female college students.

"Cool!"

Lin Meng really wanted to bite Rong Ling hard, and she also wished she could immediately find a hole to hide in. This man was simply too domineering.

"Let me down, I can walk myself!" she mumbled, too ashamed to let anyone else hear her.

Rong Ling lowered her head, a faint smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. "Are you sure!"

Her obsidian eyes were so deep, like a vast universe, that Lin Meng didn't dare to look directly at them. She bit her lip and struggled to get down. She wasn't crippled, why did she need him to hold her!

Unbeknownst to her, the next moment, Rong Ling's big hand squeezed her raised butt gently. With a volume only she could hear, he murmured, "Be good!"

Warning! This is definitely a warning!

This man! Lin Meng is so angry!

Helpless and outnumbered, there was nothing to be done. She gritted her teeth and stubbornly turned her little face away.

Rong Ling's eyes flashed slightly, and he didn't speak again.

When he arrived at the intensive care unit, he simply kicked the door shut with his foot. He closed it easily, and even, while holding Lin Meng in one hand, reached out with the other to lock it!

The sound of the lock clicking was very clear, a crisp “click,” causing Lin Meng’s heart to jump violently. This sound of the lock held a hint of evil, making Lin Meng's body stiffen instantly. His head pounded with a dull roar. What the heck Why would he lock it And there were still people behind him! Wasn't this blocking them all outside What did he want to do!

A private room, a closed space, him and her...

"Róng Líng!" Lin Meng called out softly, her little face almost completely revealing the panic in her heart.

"Hmm." Rong Ling hummed softly, gently placing Lin Meng on the hospital bed.

Lin Meng hurriedly pulled the blanket over herself.

"Knowing this, you're in a hurry!" Rong Ling snorted. Judging from his tone, he didn't seem very happy. It made people feel even more inexplicable. Lin Meng felt like she hadn't done anything to him, so why was he acting this way From beginning to end, it was him forcing her, wasn't it From beginning to end, he acted like a tyrant, doing whatever he wanted, and now he was unhappy!

Rong Ling reached out and gently stopped Lin Meng's little arm from pulling the blanket.

Lin Meng was startled, her little face flushing one moment and paling the next. That week, the normally flamboyant, quick-witted, and free-spirited him became almost tyrannical and domineering in matters of intimacy. He was brutal, wild, and intense, often testing her fragile nerves with his straightforwardness and disregard for boundaries. Every time, she found herself being pushed towards his climax in a state of fear and apprehension!

His actions brought back the memories of those seven days vividly. A familiar warmth began to surge within Lin Meng's body, flushing her cheeks a delicate shade of pink. Then, she started to feel remorse. This had already happened, how could she still be so easily swayed by this man They had already ended their transaction, how could she...still let him...

Rong Ling's large hand landed on her waist, instantly sliding under the hem of her t-shirt and into her smooth, tender abdomen. The warm touch, simply unmatched even by the finest jade!

“No――” Lin Meng bit her lip, shaking her head repeatedly. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably. The hand pressed against her abdomen was colder, deeper even than before, but she felt as if the place his palm touched burned, hot and scorching.

Rong Ling walked straight ahead, lips pursed and her long, sweeping brows furrowed. Her palm moved as if through an empty space, directly towards its target. On the smooth expanse of the field, that high bulge, soft sponge-like thing, was gently touched by her. The sensation of softness and tenderness, just like before, was intoxicating!

"" Let me know if you have any other text you'd like translated!

Lin Meng bit her lip and hummed softly, her eyes widening. She jumped up like a startled rabbit, but was pressed down by Rong Ling with a palm strike.

His body felt branded by his touch, as if it were no longer his own. She trembled slightly, her eyes like black grapes soaked in water, gazing at him with panic and despair, silently pleading for his departure.

The unruly hand started to rapidly pull away, she was about to let out a breath of relief, but the hand didn't leave her waist. Instead, it plunged into her shorts like a snake, slithering downward!

"Oh!"

Lin Meng gasped and hurriedly reached out to grab Rong Ling's arm, her little butt darting away nervously.

She was fast, but Rong Ling was even faster. Before she could dodge, Rong Ling's large palm had gently touched that black forest area.

"Hmm..."

She let out a soft moan, her body, which had been pampered by him, trembled like leaves in the wind. Her slender legs were pressed together tightly, instinctively making a defensive move. Her fair face was now as red as just-cooked shrimp. Her petite frame lay on its side, curled up, and she looked like a little shrimp!

It's truly that I look at Yu Lian, making my heart flutter with affection.

Rong Ling's hand, which had been about to pull out from her shorts, paused. His long and narrow eyes narrowed slowly, and a dark desire began to flow in them.

This little woman is simply a wicked opium, addictive!

In my memory, there was that soft and boneless little body, skin smoother than silk. When touched by emotion, her whole body flushed red, and the fragrant sweat trickled down slowly, wetting her entire body. It felt unbelievably smooth to the touch. Her face, like smoke and mist, with raven-black hair cascading like a waterfall, seemed like a demoness from the night.

His body warmed slightly, all because of the memory of her seductive posture in bed! Just that thought ignited a craving within him, making him want to tear off her clothes right now, spread her legs apart, and savagely thrust himself into her. He longed to experience the peak of pleasure through intense and repeated movements.

Thinking of her, on the day she left. And this day, it's only two days, to say deeply, it's just one night.

On the bed at night, without her tender body, I always feel like something is missing. My body, accustomed to pressing against her and venting its desires, feels a faint emptiness when it sleeps alone.

Habit, truly a terrifying thing. I've grown accustomed to her body heat, her soft sighs, the tear-streaked face she wears when moved, the awkward, uninterested coyness she offers in bed. And this habit, cultivated in just a single week, mere seven days!

How strange, as if under a spell!

He doesn't want to come, and he doesn't want to see her again!

He was born a king, and his nature was cold. Deep down, he had a rebellious spirit that refused to be bound by external things. Although he cared for this little woman, everything was still under his control. He could let himself forget her, just like the previous courtesans. Even when she fell ill, he didn't change his mind. He ordered Miao Qing to take care of her, following her every move, which was as much as he could do. He told himself that the reason he sent his trusted subordinate to take care of her was because after all, it was partly his fault that she caught a cold and had a fever, almost developing pneumonia. This time she was hospitalized again, and he bore some responsibility.

As night approached, he couldn't control his steps. Even though he had finished work and returned to the hotel, looking at the files on his computer, each black character jumping on the white background, all he could think about was that alluring little woman. In his mind, two voices were battling. One coldly told him: Don't go, she has nothing to do with you anymore. The other softly persuaded: Why don't you just take a look After all, the little girl used to be your woman, and she gave herself to you for the first time. She's sick, so go see her!

He just sat there, staring blankly at the glowing computer screen for most of an hour, his mind wandering with thoughts that had no practical use whatsoever. He hadn't done this in years!

Finally, he stood up with a mocking smile. The car had arrived! As he drove, he couldn't help but laugh at himself. Was it just to visit a sick little woman Did he have to hesitate so much! He was always decisive and ruthless, how could he be so indecisive in such a trivial matter!

Liu Jun said that she was under a lot of mental pressure and needed someone to talk to. Well, he would be kind and try to comfort her; what's wrong with that

But, how could this little woman still be so alluring! He meant no harm, not even a hint of flirting, just a simple check and she was shy and tender like a bud waiting to bloom, ready for his touch. His anger flared in an instant!

I really want to be with her, letting her blossom like a vibrant petal, then painting her delicate face with the fiery blush of passion, and allowing her dark eyes to slowly flow with crystal-clear, sweet tears.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she suddenly felt dry-mouthed! The hand lurking in her panties couldn't help but inch lower.

She curled up tighter, her face flushed and radiant, as if painted with crimson rouge.

His eyes darkened, his fingers poised to move again, when a series of insistent knocks, "du du," sounded at the door, one after another, like a woodpecker. Then, Lin Bao's voice, laced with some embarrassment, broke through.

"Mr. Jiang, shall we wait outside for a while longer"

Jiang Cheng's voice, carrying a sharp edge of disdain, cut through the air. "It seems rather rude to make everyone stand out here with all these things," he said. "If there's something to discuss in private, surely there's a more appropriate time and place for it"

He spoke very loudly, and even the soundproofing of the well-insulated ICU door couldn't muffle his intentionally raised voice. Both Rong Ling and Lin Meng inside the room could hear him!

Lin Meng suddenly felt a surge of inexplicable strength in her heart. She reached out and pulled away Rong Ling's large hand. As Rong Ling raised an eyebrow to look at her, his eyes darkened, she frowned on her own accord and rolled over to go under the bed, to open the door.

Rong Ling reached out and pulled her back, "Lie down for me properly!" His commanding tone actually concealed a subtle tenderness.

He turned and walked away, then opened the door.

As soon as the door opened, Jiang Cheng entered with a face that carried a hint of icy coldness. His jaw was clenched tight, his features sharp and angular, radiating an air of defiance. His clear eyes, piercing and cold, landed on Rong Ling's face with a chilling intensity.

Rong Ling shifted sideways, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Miao Qing.

Miao Qing received a hint and immediately took a large basin, a small basin, and other things, leading the way into the ward. The others, carrying different items, followed suit and placed their belongings accordingly.

"Rong Ling!" Jiang Chengfeng leaned against the door of the ward, raising his lips into a smirk that wasn't quite a smile.

Rong Ling also smiled along, smiling just as coldly. "Jiang Chengfeng!"

Each other's confirmation, is quite a bit like the atmosphere before a duel on Huashan Mountain!

These two powerful men, each with a strong network of connections, knew of each other's existence. When Rong Ling entered City J, he needed to get to know the major players in the city, which naturally included Jiang Yancheng, the deputy director of the Provincial Public Security Bureau, and his son, Jiang Chengfeng, who worked in the court system. Jiang Chengfeng had influence within the police system, and Rong Ling, a man renowned in Kyoto, naturally required special attention and understanding from him upon entering City J.

But this time, it was the first meeting of these two people. They didn't expect that it would be in such a situation, under such a seemingly... somewhat... tense atmosphere!

“Nice to meet you!” Rong Ling extended his right hand gracefully. Jiang Chengfeng followed suit and shook it. Their large palms clasped together, seeming friendly on the surface, but in reality, a silent battle of strength had already begun. Both men wore smiles on their faces, but secretly, they were both applying pressure to their hands. If you looked closely enough, you would see that the intertwined palms, with the passage of time, increasingly revealed the blue veins on their back, showing no sign of letting go until one clearly emerged as the victor!

This is the first time these two men have faced off!

Their eyes met, both radiating a chill. It was the look of masters meeting masters, kings facing kings in a battle to the death. It seemed these two men would never become friends!

"Hmm..."

Lin Bao coughed awkwardly beside them. Both of them were powerful figures, and Lin Bao couldn't afford to offend either. Seeing the strangeness between the two, he could only bite the bullet and come forward to break the silence.

"Come in, both of you!" Lin Bao carefully considered his words.

Rong Ling loosened his grip, Jiang Chengfeng also did! For a moment, it was impossible to tell who was superior. But Rong Ling was still Rong Ling after all; he could never allow anyone to get above him; even if they were evenly matched, it depended on his mood! His mood wasn't good right now, and it was all because Jiang Chengfeng had ruined it!

"You probably know something!" Rong Ling spoke coldly, his sharp eyes holding a hint of pressure. "But there are some things you can't touch. I hope you know your limits!"

Jiang Cheng stopped smiling and turned cold. "Is this a warning!"

He remained silent, unfazed. If he dared to play the game, then he naturally had the means and courage to do so, and he certainly wasn't afraid of anyone pointing out his flaws! He raised an eyebrow slightly, an unflinching brow with a sharp edge like a blade, and said: "Give my regards to your father!"

Turning to Lin Bao, she said softly, "I want to be alone with Lin Meng for a while. Please go out first."

Although this statement was directed at Lin Bao, the underlying meaning was actually for everyone!

Lin Bao wouldn't dare to disobey, and immediately called out to Madam Lin to go outside. Miao Qing also went out, along with the young nurse.

The door slammed shut, locking again right in front of Jiang Chengfeng!

In the first match, Rong Ling defeated Jiang Chengfeng, winning a decisive victory!

Inside the room, once again, there was only him and her. This time, he had made it very clear, not afraid of any rude people coming to disrupt things!

Rong Ling approached Lin Meng step by step, his every move seeming to brew something, like a predator about to seize its prey. Lin Meng frowned, uncomfortable under his oppressive gaze, and averted her eyes faintly. As Rong Ling drew closer, he clamped his hand over her chin, forcing her face to meet his. She frowned slightly, wincing in pain. He then leaned down directly and kissed her fiercely.

A passionate kiss, burning with intense heat, threatened to scorch Lin Meng's lips. She trembled slightly, stumbling as she followed his frenzied movements. His actions were heavy and reckless, like a whirlwind sweeping everything in its path. She sensed his anger, the kind that felt like retribution, and uncomfortably furrowed her slender brows, resembling delicate willow branches. His fury always left her utterly bewildered!

He bit her hard, then let go. He narrowed his eyes, a sinister look on his face, and through her clothes, his large hand moved over her breasts, kneading them roughly.

"Why not wear a bra! Hmm"

A deep grunt escaped from his nostrils, venting his displeasure. When he held her to come to the intensive care unit, in order to warn her for being naughty, he squeezed her buttocks. At that time, he felt something was wrong with the touch. So he locked the door of the intensive care unit immediately after entering and wanted to check on her. Not only did she not wear a bra, but she didn't even wear underwear! This fact made him furious. The ward had people coming in and out all the time. He remembered that there were several young guys among those people in the ward just now. Wasn't she worried about being seen Even through a layer of fabric, how could that slight bulge on her chest be concealed without a bra!

"Who are you trying to seduce!" he questioned coldly, his grip on her chest malicious. The softness there had a point of hardness, proud and erect, that made his scalp tingle.

"I didn't!" Lin Meng shouted angrily, reaching out to pull away his hand!

He coldly snorted. “Is it really not, or just pretending it’s not!”

"No means no!"

"Aren't you trying to seduce Jiang Chengfeng! He seems to be falling for it. You're amazing, you just left my arms and immediately found someone else. Your immature body is already this insatiable!"

"You bastard!" The humiliating words, like a knife dripping with blood, pierced Lin Meng's heart. How dare he insult her like that, how dare he slander her!

"Get out!" She gritted her teeth, the eyes that always seemed to be on the verge of saying something but held back now glistened with an icy frost. "Get out, I don't want to see you!"

He is no longer her someone, he has no right to say such things; and she has no obligation to listen to his ramblings!

"You've gotten bolder," Rong Ling's face darkened, his unamused eyes scrutinized the familiar small face before him. "Because you were called out, so you're getting angry"

Lin Meng blushed, her whole body trembling with anger!

"Get out!" she spat, her voice laced with an unprecedented determination. This delicate woman had always been the weaker party in front of Rong Ling, never once so assertive! What gave her such confidence!

He thought of Jiang Chengfeng, that rich, powerful, and handsome young master. He suddenly flew into a rage. With vicious intent, he reached out and fiercely embraced her slender waist, squeezing with no mercy whatsoever. He lowered his head and heavily kissed her lips. Raising his head, his eyes were cold as ice, yet his thin lips paradoxically curled into a smile. "Your body doesn't speak like that!"

He clearly didn't intend to entangle with her anymore. Visiting her was just a way for him to avoid putting too much effort into her. But Jiang Chengfeng's intervention threw everything off course. He forgot his original intention for coming here. His large hand kneaded her slender waist, pressing against her back, reminding her of what they had done! Those seven days and nights of unrestrained revelry couldn't be so easily let go!

The familiar male physique, the familiar build, the familiar masculine scent, under this despicable man's control, directly impacted Lin Meng's heart. This naive girl, who had only experienced a taste of romance, could not possibly be his opponent! Held tightly in his arms, their waists and chests pressed against each other, the ambiguity collided, causing Lin Meng to lose her defenses instantly. Her body softened like a heap of mud, almost turning into a puddle of water.

It's just that fact, it makes things even more pitiful! How could she be so easily swayed by him! He wants to let her go, he lets her go; he wants her, he plays with her. What does this mean! Who is she!

"You don't know anything!" Lin Meng roared, her fragile tears streaming down uncontrollably.

"You know nothing. You have no right to talk about me. You know nothing…"

She almost got humiliated by her own brother, does he even know!

She almost got dragged into a dark alley by those drunk men to be assaulted, don't you know!

She was rescued by Jiang Chengfeng, and the kind person took her in for the night. Does he know that!

She almost fainted, it was Jiang Chengfeng who sent her to the hospital, he must know!

He didn't know anything, not a thing!

She desperately tried to hold back her tears, unwilling to cry in front of him. She had promised herself she wouldn't cry for him anymore, but the overwhelming emotions were impossible to contain. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, like a faucet that had been turned on full blast!

Rong Ling's eyebrows formed a big "川" character! Unexpectedly, he had made her cry. Suddenly, he thought of this little woman, she was a tearful delicate flower, or perhaps, her heart was like a child who hadn't grown up, feeling wronged and then crying.gnificant!Apparently, chasing after this man is still so tiring and painful!She can do it without getting tired!She can't feel pain!It was just greed. She put herself in this embarrassing situation by...