Don't Reconcile Too Quickly - Chapter 43

From afternoon to evening, Chen Jiazhi was counting down the minutes. As soon as eight o’clock arrived, he lay on the bed, speaking with difficulty, clutching his stomach and asking for his medication.

This time, Shen Shixu agreed and gave him the medicine, staying by his side. However, the effectiveness of the painkiller was diminishing, lasting only about four hours now, compared to the eight hours it managed before. Around midnight, Chen Jiazhi was in too much pain to sleep.

So, Shen Shixu held him again, walking around the room, trying to soothe him with comforting words, though they seemed to have little effect.

This gave the night-shift nurse a sense of security, as there was always a figure walking back and forth in the corridor, holding someone.

It was not until three in the morning that Chen Jiazhi finally fell asleep, only to wake up a few hours later for chemotherapy, groaning on the bed. While his mental state was improving day by day, his physical condition was deteriorating.

He began to feel drowsy, unable to speak a word all morning, and vomited after lunch.

There was no choice but to keep eating for nutrition, even if it meant vomiting afterward.

Food was continuously delivered to the ward, and the trash bin was changed four or five times throughout the morning.

Taking care of such a patient was exhausting. Occasionally, Shen Shixu would hold his hand and lie down for a short nap, then get up to check on his condition.

Today’s chemotherapy ended in the evening, by which time Chen Jiazhi was unable to speak, responding only through gestures.

Fortunately, Shen Shixu understood him well. He asked, “Do you still feel like vomiting?”

The hand under the blanket slowly squeezed his thumb in response.

“Do you feel any obstruction in your esophagus when swallowing?”

The thumb was squeezed again.

Gently brushing his forehead, Shen Shixu leaned in and kissed his brow. “I understand. Sleep now, you’ll feel better soon.”

“Are you tired…” After a long pause, Chen Jiazhi asked haltingly, “You seem very tired… You should rest.”

With his fingertips brushing over the slowly closing eyelids, Shen Shixu whispered, “I’m not tired. Sleep now, don’t talk. I’m always here.”

Before a single nasal sound was finished, Chen Jiazhi fell asleep.

After confirming he was asleep and checking his temperature, Shen Shixu opened the balcony door and took out his phone to make a call.

“Brother Shixu?” Mingyang answered quickly.

“Sorry to bother you so late,” Shen Shixu spoke softly. “Are you free now? Let’s meet.”

They arranged to meet at a 24-hour café, not far from the Municipal Hospital.

Before leaving, Shen Shixu called the caregiver in, instructing him to monitor Chen Jiazhi and call immediately if there was any discomfort, then he left.

The café was quite busy at night, with groups of young people chatting over coffee, and some perhaps genuinely working late, typing away on their laptops.

Shen Shixu arrived quickly, and Mingyang wasn’t far behind, arriving just as the waiter brought the coffee.

The doorbell chimed crisply, and Shen Shixu looked up to see a young boy approaching.

Judging by his appearance, he seemed about the same age as Chen Jiazhi. Shen Shixu stood up out of respect, having stood him up twice before. It was only right to apologize, especially since he had reached out to help.

“Sorry for asking you to come so late,” he gestured to the seat opposite. “Please, have a seat.”

Mingyang smiled, “It’s okay, Brother Shixu.”

“The previous times were due to miscommunication with the elders, and I didn’t explain myself clearly. You should understand my intentions today,” Shen Shixu said. “But regardless, I apologize for before.”

“It’s alright, my Aunt was just anxious. I was just following arrangements,” Mingyang said after ordering coffee, handing the menu back to the waiter with a smile. “Seems like we weren’t meant to be, but we can be friends.”

Shen Shixu took a sip of coffee and nodded slightly.

“Brother Shixu, I’m curious, how much do you love him? The events of the past few days…”

The recent events had caused quite a stir, and those who should know and shouldn’t know had found out. When the Municipal Hospital’s chessboard was up for bid, the winning bidder was the Ming Family’s company, which was the dominant importer of marble in C City.

So Mingyang didn’t need to inquire much to understand the situation.

Faced with this question, Shen Shixu frowned, “Is there something you want?”

He didn’t want outsiders to know about his relationship with Chen Jiazhi, as Chen Jiazhi was a patient now. Seeing too many lively people might make him feel down about his own condition.

He might become unhappy, even sad.

“No, no, I was just asking casually,” Mingyang said, observing Shen Shixu’s reaction. “I heard you were looking for marble recently, and since I handle overseas business, I reached out.”

“Thank you.”

“If it were earlier, the warehouse would have had stock. But pure natural marble isn’t in high demand, so the company hasn’t ordered much. The only stock was bought by a hotel renovation company from another province last month, and only a new batch was ordered.”

“There was an issue with the cargo ship during transport, and it’s currently stuck at the port.”

Shen Shixu asked, “How long would it take to order a new batch?”

“Considering the time for procurement, customs clearance, and shipping from the Italian port, it would take at least three months. Do you need that much? Isn’t a single piece enough? Ordering a batch would be quite costly.”

The shipping time, along with polishing and hanging on the chess wall, would take at least four to five months, which was too long.

“Whether it’s a batch or a piece doesn’t matter, I just need it as soon as possible,” Shen Shixu said, eyeing Mingyang. “Your family should have internal approval channels, right?”

Mingyang smiled knowingly, “No wonder you wanted to meet. You really know everything.” He said, “The company has good relations with customs and shipping. I’m here to bring good news.”

“I’ll make sure they expedite the procurement of a new batch, and customs will process it quickly, reducing the time by about a month.”

If the earlier question about “how much do you love him” made Shen Shixu uncomfortable, the willingness to help eased his mind considerably. He thanked Mingyang, picked up his coffee cup to refresh himself, but his arm trembled slightly, so he put it down and said, “Someone will contact you to sign the contract tomorrow.”

“Brother Shixu, are you feeling unwell?” Mingyang asked curiously, noticing his arms resting on the sofa’s armrest. “Have you been doing too many surgeries?”

There was no need to explain that it was due to holding Chen Jiazhi day and night. If Arivn asked, he would casually explain the reason, but it wasn’t necessary for others.

“I’m fine.”

“That’s good.” Mingyang smiled and asked, “How are Uncle Shen and Aunt Ye? The last time I saw them was on the second day of the New Year. Time flies.”

On the second day of the New Year, his Aunt brought him to the Shen family to pay respects, but they didn’t meet anyone.

“They’re doing well.” Since they were exchanging pleasantries, Shen Shixu reciprocated, “How are your parents?”

As for who Mingyang’s parents were, he only had a vague impression.

“They’re doing well too.” After saying this, Mingyang glanced at him a few times, tentatively asking, “Brother Shixu, haven’t you been resting well?”

“You seem… quite tired. Is it because you’re taking care of Mr. Chen?”

Frowning deeper, Shen Shixu said, “No, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving.” He asked politely, “Did you drive here?”

“I’m not very good at driving,” Mingyang said, scratching his head sheepishly. “So I took a taxi.”

“Oh, let me call a car for you.”

Mingyang was momentarily surprised, “Ah, okay.”

Just as Shen Shixu stood up, his phone vibrated.

Jia Bao was calling, a call he hadn’t received in a long time!!

Mingyang saw him hesitate for a moment, then answer the call, slightly turning his face and asking softly, “Why are you awake?” Unable to hear the conversation, he saw Shen Shixu smile, his expression gentle as he spoke.

“I’ll be back soon, ten minutes. If you can’t wait, go ahead and sleep.”

After hanging up, Mingyang stood up as well, offering, “Brother Shixu, don’t worry about it. You should go back. I’ll call a taxi myself.”

Shen Shixu nodded but didn’t leave the café. Instead, he went to the bar to pack two soufflés.

Mingyang followed, somewhat enviously asking, “Does Mr. Chen like this?”

Not sure if he likes it, but he loves sweets, so he should enjoy it.

“Yes.” Standing at the counter waiting for the waiter to pack, Shen Shixu glanced at him, “Do you want one?”

Mingyang smiled sheepishly, “Then I’ll have one too, thank you, Brother Shixu.” He added, “By the way, Brother Shixu, let’s add each other on WeChat. I’ll message you when the marble arrives.”

After exchanging contact information, Shen Shixu hurriedly took the bag, not noticing a small photo falling out when he pulled out his card. He didn’t even say goodbye to Mingyang, immediately pushing the door open and leaving the café.

Watching his figure disappear into the night, Mingyang crouched down and picked up the photo.

He examined it for a long time, then put it in his pocket before heading out.

As soon as he pushed open the ward door, the caregiver came out from the suite, whispering, “Mr. Chen woke up just now and hasn’t slept since.”

The suite door was half-open, the lights off, making it dim. Shen Shixu glanced around, standing at the dim ward entrance and asking, “Is he uncomfortable?”

“No, he just asked where you went and then called you.”

“Is he angry?”

“Not really…” The caregiver cautiously observed Shen Shixu’s expression and said, “He muttered something about being annoying…”

With a helpless smile, Shen Shixu whispered, “Got it, you can rest now.”

After the caregiver left, he pushed open the suite door, standing at the dim entrance, and blew a long whistle. The person leaning against the headboard turned around, sniffing the sweet aroma in the air, leaning forward slightly, “There’s cake, smells good.”

With a click, he turned on the light, quickly walked over, placed the soufflé on the bedside table, and sat on the bed, pinching his cheek, “Dog nose, you can smell it from so far away.”

Perhaps he had slept enough, or maybe it was the painkiller he took at night, but Chen Jiazhi was in good spirits now. He pushed his hand away, staring directly at the soufflé, “I want to eat it, hurry up and open it.”

Since he got sick, he hadn’t expressed a desire to eat anything. This trip was truly worth it. Shen Shixu opened it for him, holding it in front of him, “Eat, Little Pig.”

The bread was fluffy, the cream smooth and soft. Chen Jiazhi ate slowly, taking small bites for quite a while before asking, “Did you go out late at night just to buy this for me?”

Shen Shixu hesitated but still nodded.

No need to mention things that weren’t accomplished, to avoid disappointment.

“Do you want some?” Chen Jiazhi held up the spoon. Shen Shixu looked at the pale, clean hand in front of him, weighing between taking a bite and kissing it, and said, “Feed me.”

The spoon’s concave bottom had some white cream left. Chen Jiazhi turned to the bedside table to change spoons, but Shen Shixu grabbed his wrist, “Just use this one.”

Using the same spoon, Chen Jiazhi scooped up a piece and whispered, “You don’t mind, do you?”

“Mind what? Haven’t I been finishing your meals and drinking your leftover milk all this time?” Shen Shixu couldn’t help but feel restless whenever he was close, a fiery sensation coursing through him. Gazing into Chen’s eyes, he said with a teasing tone, “There’s not a part of you I haven’t kissed, and I’ve swallowed your saliva countless times.”

“You’re disgusting…”

“Disgusting? Remember New Year’s Eve when you were seventeen? I even tasted your…” His eyes drifted downward, savoring the memory, “Though it’s not as sweet as your saliva…”

Then, with shameless audacity, he asked, “Do you like it?”

“Oh my gosh, shut up.” Embarrassed, Chen Jiazhi burrowed into the covers, losing interest in the dessert.

“Get up, you haven’t brushed your teeth yet.” Shen Shixu pulled the blanket away, planting a quick kiss on his flushed cheek, “No need to be shy, you kissed me the other night too, didn’t you?”

Being cheeky was his forte, Shen Shixu continued, “Remember the taste?”

“Go away!” Finally, they were bickering, finally causing a ruckus. Chen Jiazhi kicked him through the blanket, “Stop talking.”

“I’ll keep talking. You were the one who kissed me first. Why act like you don’t know me once your pants are on?” Shen Shixu pressed the sides of the blanket tight, immobilizing Chen Jiazhi, “You said you felt it.” He paused, then leaned down, embracing Chen through the blanket, lips meeting lips, tongue teasingly probing as he murmured, “Do you feel it now?”

“My head’s spinning, don’t mess with me.” Chen Jiazhi looked pitiful, “Get off me, you’re crushing me.”

Though his heart was racing, his body showed no reaction.

He was scared, more afraid that Shen Shixu would notice.

“Such a baby, I barely touched you.” Despite his words, Shen Shixu backed off, his gaze lingering before lying beside him, voice husky, “I’d love to touch you, but you can’t handle much right now.”

Wrapped in the blanket, Chen Jiazhi turned over, blinking, “I can use my left hand, the right one’s inconvenient with the tube.”

A pang of pain tugged at Shen Shixu’s heart. He looked at Chen, softly reprimanding, “Silly, you’re not well, don’t think about such things.”

“I want you to be happy.” Chen Jiazhi whispered.

“What makes you think I’m not happy?”

“You’ve been tired lately, I can tell. There’s a faint shadow under your eyes, and last night after your shower, I saw your shoulder was bruised. Was it from my chin?”

“Don’t hold me anymore.”

“And every time I open my eyes, you’re awake. Have you been staying up all night?”

“I know.”

As he spoke, he reached out his left hand from under the blanket, fingertips touching Shen Shixu’s jaw, “You’ve lost weight.”

Shen Shixu tilted his head slightly, kissing the gaps between Chen’s fingers, “It’s been a while since you talked this much.”

He closed his eyes, sighing, “Say more, Lucas.”

“What do you want to hear?”

“Anything, as long as it’s from you.”

“Alright.” After a moment’s thought, Chen Jiazhi said, “Why drink coffee if you’re so tired? I tasted it when you kissed me earlier. Is taking care of me so exhausting that you need to go out at night to clear your head?”

“I’m not tired, and you’re not a burden. Don’t overthink. I went out to take care of something.”

“What kind of thing needs to be done at night?”

Shen Shixu chuckled softly, “Checking up on me?”

“You’re overthinking.”

“You’ll find out later.”

Chen Jiazhi said mournfully, “If it’s about cheating, don’t tell me.”

“…”

“What cheating? I went out to get you a gift. You’ll see later.” Even with closed eyes, Shen Shixu seemed to understand everything, “Are you pouting again?”

He was pouting, but now his lips curled into a smile.

“Then don’t tell me. I’ll look forward to it every day, and when I get the gift, I’ll explode with joy.”

“Stop talking nonsense.” Shen Shixu opened his eyes, slipping his arms under Chen’s legs and back, carrying him to the bathroom, “Brush your teeth gently, then we’ll rest. There’s chemotherapy tomorrow morning.”

He laid a towel on the sink, lifting Chen by the waist onto it. Chen swung his legs, taking the toothbrush with toothpaste, brushing lightly, turning to see Shen Shixu washing up beside him, “You really don’t find me annoying?”

With water splashed on his face, Shen Shixu looked up, “Have you been reading too many jokes online? If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll confiscate your phone!”

“It’s normal to say caring for a patient is tiring. Those years…”

Chen Jiazhi paused.

“Speak, I love hearing anything you say. Don’t worry, I want to know everything about you.” Shen Shixu raised an eyebrow, gently parting Chen’s legs with his knee, hands resting on his waist, patting his bottom, “And I want to hear it directly from you.”

He hooked a finger under Chen’s chin, lifting it, “Unburden yourself, no matter what you face later, you won’t be afraid.”

“Rely on me without hesitation, I’ll always be here, understand?”

Wiping his eyes, Chen Jiazhi removed the toothbrush, speaking slowly, “Those years, my aunt and grandmother took care of me. It was tough. I only remember parts of it, but every memory is either them worrying about me or crying.”

“Mm, what else?”

“They were exhausted. Grandmother seemed to age overnight, and my aunt stopped performing.”

“They stayed with me every day.”

“Once, I refused to eat, and grandmother got angry, scolding me.”

It must have been heartbreaking, otherwise, why mention such a small thing? Shen Shixu ruffled his hair, “She was worried, anxious, that’s why she scolded you.”

“I know, so if you ever feel that way, I understand. I won’t be upset.” Lips tightly pressed to prevent toothpaste foam from spilling, Chen Jiazhi briefly touched Shen Shixu’s hand with his cheek, then moved away, “I’ll understand you, and you should understand me. I can be annoying sometimes, but you can’t abandon me.”

Shen Shixu: “You’re annoying right now.”

“Huh?” Chen Jiazhi’s eyes widened, “You-”

Fingers pinched the flesh on his cheek, creating a peach-like curve, Shen Shixu said sinisterly, “Don’t think I didn’t see you secretly swallowing toothpaste!” He supported Chen’s waist, pushing his neck over the sink, holding a cup of water, “Spit it out quickly.”

After some fussing, Shen Shixu carried him back to bed, giving a firm slap on his bottom through the blanket, “It’s okay to be upset, but listen to me. If you go rummaging for painkillers again, be prepared for a spanking.”

Chen Jiazhi whispered, “Got it.”

“When I say eat, you eat properly. You must consume food orally, don’t mention IV nutrition again.”

“…”

“Say it quickly.”

Chen Jiazhi pouted, “Alright.”

“Pouting again?” Shen Shixu kissed his cheek hard, “No sulking, only smiles.”

“You’re so bossy!”

“Just realizing that today? From now on, I’ll manage everything about you.” Shen Shixu asked, “Do you know who I am?”

“…My Attending Physician?”

“Why not say neighbor?”

“The ‘Outline for the Implementation of the New Era Citizen Moral Construction’ requires family virtues like respecting the elderly, gender equality, marital harmony, frugality, and neighborly assistance.” Chen Jiazhi recited, “Neighborly assistance is fine, since we originally-”

“Who’s assisting you like a neighbor? Would neighborly assistance go below the belt?” Shen Shixu interrupted, squeezing the soft flesh on his bottom, warning with a blank expression, “I’ll give you another chance to say it right.”

“Helping others is every social member’s…” His voice grew quieter, Chen Jiazhi dared not meet Shen Shixu’s eyes, his gaze evasive as he continued, “Should be a social virtue… a sign of compassion-ah!” His voice suddenly changed pitch, a small cry escaping.

“It hurts, it hurts!” He clutched his bottom, eyes watering, “You’re pinching me!”

“Chen Jiazhi!”

“I’ll say it, I’ll say it, don’t pinch me…” After pleading, he squirmed like a cocoon, face flushed red, whispering softly, “We’re harmonious spouses…”

The hand that had been exerting force now gently rubbed, Shen Shixu’s gaze intense, “Remember that, don’t forget. Forget and I’ll make you cry.” With that, he straightened up, Chen Jiazhi looked at his back, “Aren’t you going to sleep?”

“Can’t sleep with you, what am I sleeping for?” The bathroom door slammed shut, Shen Shixu’s muffled, deep voice came from behind the door, “You sleep first, I’ll be out soon.”

In the bathroom, Shen Shixu had no intention of doing anything, standing under the exhaust fan, smoking one cigarette after another. Finally, he found the key to how they should interact.

It’s simple, just like before.

He also knew clearly that Chen Jiazhi needed him, would seek him out first upon waking.

He needed proper guidance to find his value.

After finishing his cigarettes, he washed off the smoke smell, and upon returning, found Chen Jiazhi still awake, eyes wide open.

He thought for a moment, the first thing he said upon lying down was, “You can eat, but no painkillers. No matter how you act, I won’t give them.”

“I’m not thinking about painkillers.” Chen Jiazhi obediently snuggled into his arms, whispering, “I was waiting for you.”

His heart was overjoyed, but he feigned ignorance.

Shen Shixu held him close, “I’m not going anywhere, just a wall away, what are you waiting for?”

“I feel safe with you.” Chen Jiazhi murmured, “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Don’t start with that, saying sweet things means you’re up to no good. Tell me, what are you planning?”

“Hehe, you know me so well.” Chen Jiazhi blinked quickly, not causing trouble, speaking earnestly, “You’re tired, I want to help you sleep.”

So obedient.

With his heart racing, Shen Shixu adjusted to a more fitting embrace, “Go ahead!”

Chen Jiazhi gently stroked his back, humming a lullaby softly.

“Is it German?”

“Yes, my dad sang it to me when I was little.” He laughed suddenly, “Now Dad sings it to…” His voice took a sudden turn, “Sings it to you.”

Knowing his mischief, but he was so obedient Shen Shixu couldn’t be bothered to argue, “No more talking, just sing.”

The night was deep, distant neon lights occasionally flickered through the curtain gaps onto the ceiling, the room filled with faint, intermittent humming.

Within just two minutes of singing, Chen Jiazhi had lulled himself to sleep…

Shen Shixu opened his eyes to watch him, observing the flutter of his eyelashes, and whispered, “If you’re this obedient today, can you be the same tomorrow, alright?”

“Mmm…”

“Then eat more meat tomorrow.”

“Mmm…”

“No talking about taking medicine when you wake up!”

“Mmm…”

“And the day after tomorrow, will you behave?”

“Oh, you’re so annoying…”

With a low chuckle, Shen Shixu pulled him closer, closing his eyes slowly, “Alright, sleep now, I won’t bother you.”

Despite the promises made before sleep, everything changed upon waking.

Chen Jiazhi ate breakfast slowly but managed to eat more than usual, even more than his normal state. Shen Shixu was contemplating how to praise him without inflating his ego too much when he heard Chen Jiazhi say, “I want medicine.”

“You promised last night,” Shen Shixu reminded him with a stern face, “A gentleman keeps his word.”

“I don’t want to be a gentleman; I’m a scoundrel.” Chen Jiazhi nudged him, rubbing his face against his forearm, “It hurts, it really hurts.”

A nurse pushed a medication cart into the room, stacked with several large bags of light-protected IV fluids.

Upon seeing this, Chen Jiazhi immediately shouted, “If you don’t give me medicine, I won’t take the IV!”

This really angered Shen Shixu, and although it wasn’t proper, he told the nurse, “Xiao Wang, just leave it there, I’ll handle it later.”

After the nurse left, unable to hit or pinch him, Shen Shixu lifted Chen Jiazhi onto the bed, his expression serious, “I can agree to anything else, but not this.”

“Then give me some medicine, it really hurts.” Unable to get painkillers, Chen Jiazhi rolled around on the bed, throwing a tantrum, sweat covering his forehead, “Just one pill, just one!”

“Chen Jiazhi!”

“Do you know that you’re already dependent on medication? This isn’t something that happened overnight. Before, when you secretly took them, it was my fault for not watching you closely. Now that you’re by my side, do you think I’ll still indulge you?”

“Now, stretch out your hand obediently. Once the IV is done, I’ll carry you around again, hurry up!”

“When it hurt before, I took medicine and it didn’t have any side effects!” Chen Jiazhi glared at him, “When you didn’t care about me, I took it and it didn’t hurt anymore!”

“I just want to take it, or I won’t eat, won’t stay with you, won’t talk to you, you leave!”

With no other choice, after a while, Shen Shixu sighed, took out paper and pen from the drawer, and wrote from 0 to 10, then placed it in front of him, “Do you remember this? Draw it again. If the number increases, I’ll adjust your medication and the timing.”

Chen Jiazhi immediately crawled over and marked a check on the 10.

“You-” Shen Shixu stopped himself, raising his voice slightly, “Draw it again!”

“This is the truth…”

“Hurry up, stop messing around.”

“Alright…” Reluctantly, Chen Jiazhi marked between 6 and 7, throwing the pen and paper back in frustration, “Now it’s real.”

This troublesome little rascal, barely eating one good meal, and now back to this nonsense.

Putting the paper and pen back in the drawer, Shen Shixu calmly said, “I understand, come over for the IV first, I’ll go downstairs to adjust your medication.”

That hesitant, doubtful look was truly infuriating. Shen Shixu emphasized, “Come on, quickly.”

“Will I be able to take it if you adjust it?”

“Mmm.”

Chen Jiazhi approached willingly, extending his arm.

After checking and flushing the IV line, the chemotherapy drugs slowly dripped into his arm. As he lay down, he kept asking, “Why aren’t you going yet?”

“You really are a…” Shen Shixu pinched his cheek, using no force, scolding him, “rascal.”

After scolding, he immediately went to the consultation room to write a prescription, then personally went to the pharmacy to get the medication, not daring to let the caregiver do it.

At around nine in the morning, the pharmacy window was crowded. Just as he queued up, a message popped up on his phone.

Taffy: “You’re so slow.”

With a blank expression, Shen Shixu typed back: “Soon, you won’t be able to handle it.”

Taffy: ? What do you mean?

What a fool.

S: Ten minutes.

When he reached the window, the pharmacist glanced at him, “Oh, Dr. Shen picking up meds?” Then looked at the prescription, “Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake?”

Shen Shixu confirmed, “No mistake.”

A bottle of Vitamin B2, three yuan.

After getting the medication, Shen Shixu returned to the ward, first putting the B2 into a pill organizer in the outer room. When he entered the suite, Chen Jiazhi was already looking at him expectantly, not as lethargic as the previous days.

Approaching the bed, Shen Shixu cautiously warned, “You’re not supposed to take this kind of painkiller now. Don’t tell anyone I gave it to you. Besides me, don’t take it in front of others.”

“Huh? Will it affect you if I take it?” Chen Jiazhi said hesitantly, “Then I won’t take it.”

“Are you pouting again? Just lie down.” Going to the storage room, Shen Shixu poured some warm water, returned, and handed over the pill and cup, “Take it, otherwise it will hurt.”

Chen Jiazhi glanced at it a few times, then pushed the cup away, “I won’t take it.”

“It’s already prescribed, can’t return it now. Take it, and no more fussing, understand?”

After hesitating for a while, Chen Jiazhi took the pill and said, “I won’t fuss anymore, won’t make things difficult for you.”

Those words were truly comforting, but Shen Shixu tightened the cap on the bottle, saying even more theatrically, “You just took two pills, there are 28 left. I’ll count them every day, if you sneak any, don’t expect to get more.”

“Got it.” Chen Jiazhi nodded obediently, “I won’t sneak any.”

“Alright, lie down and rest for a bit.”

He hadn’t been lying down long before Chen Jiazhi weakened. Shen Shixu knew he wasn’t asleep, so he stayed by his side.

Calculating the time, it was about to kick in.

Sure enough, within half an hour, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Chen Jiazhi curled up on the bed, “Why does it hurt more and more…”

Wiping the sweat off with a cloth, Shen Shixu said, “You used to secretly take too many painkillers, so now they don’t work as well.”

“It’s not just pain, right? The chemotherapy discomfort too, isn’t it?”

After a long pause, Chen Jiazhi nodded painfully.

“It’s okay, it’ll get better. Just three more bags, and once it’s done, I’ll hold you, alright?”

He expected Chen Jiazhi to whine, to demand to be held immediately, or to cry a bit, but was surprised by his maturity, “No holding… your shoulder… it’s bruised.”

At that moment, Shen Shixu truly regretted it, regretted using vitamins to deceive him, regretted being careless enough to let him see the bruise on his shoulder.

He cupped Chen Jiazhi’s cheeks, kissed his nose, “Once it’s done, I’ll hold you. For now, let me rub it for you, alright?” With that, he slipped his hand under the blanket. Today, Chen Jiazhi was wearing pajamas. Lifting the hem, he gently massaged the area around his stomach, feeling the ribs under his hand, he couldn’t help but soothe, “Don’t think about anything, just sleep. When you wake up, you can take more painkillers. Close your eyes, it’ll be over soon.”

Following his words, Chen Jiazhi slowly closed his eyes. The entire day, he didn’t make a sound, nor did he ask for painkillers.

Dinner was eaten in bed. Previously, Shen Shixu had to coax him for a long time to eat, but today, without needing to be called, Chen Jiazhi got up on his own. Though he ate slowly, it was clear he was trying.

This made Shen Shixu’s heart ache, holding him and praising him continuously.

By the time dusk fell, the chemotherapy drugs had just finished infusing.

It was still early, many patients hadn’t rested yet. Shen Shixu carried him to a wheelchair, pushing him downstairs to the lawn to play.

The warm night breeze, mixed with the scent of magnolia flowers, blew gently as they strolled around the path many times. Only when the sky was completely dark did Shen Shixu take him back to the ward, then lifted him up, holding him as they walked around the ward as usual.

Chen Jiazhi leaned on his shoulder, weakly saying, “Your shoulder is bruised.”

“I don’t mind.”

There seemed to be laughter in his ear, or maybe he misheard. Shen Shixu asked him, “Are you laughing?”

“Mmm.” The voice was soft, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

“Shen Shixu,” Chen Jiazhi called his name.

“Mmm?” Shen Shixu stopped walking, listening carefully, hearing Chen Jiazhi say, “I’m not afraid of dying, I’ll live well… I’ll definitely try my best.”

“I know, I know.” He gently patted the back under his hand, “I know, you’re amazing.”

“You’ll definitely live, even at 90, you’ll still be causing trouble, still getting scolded, and I’ll always be by your side.”

“By then, you’ll probably be more mature.” At this, Shen Shixu laughed, “Or maybe not, maybe even more annoying.”

After speaking, he didn’t hear a response, knowing Chen Jiazhi had fallen asleep. He didn’t put him back on the bed, just stood on the balcony, gazing into the distance.

Watching the bustling crowds, the flowing traffic, the distant neon lights, quietly feeling the breath on his shoulder.

He stood like this for a long time, until his phone vibrated in his pocket. He freed one hand to answer.

It was Ye Zi calling.

“Are you busy, son? How is he doing, any better?”

Lowering the phone volume to the minimum, Shen Shixu whispered, “No, he just fell asleep, what’s up?”

“Oh, oh.” Ye Zi also lowered her voice, “It’s like this, Aunt Hu’s mother had a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and was sent to your hospital. They want a special care ward, and asked me to ask you.”

“When admitting, they can ask themselves. If there’s none, there’s none.” Holding him with one arm was tiring, Shen Shixu wanted to end the call quickly, “Let them sort it out themselves.”

“Sigh, that’s what I said at first, but I heard from that kid Mingyang, you two have been in touch lately, right?”

No need to say more, he understood.

Clearly, Mingyang had his contact information but didn’t mention the special care ward, instead going through elders, which could be interpreted in two ways.

One, he genuinely didn’t want to trouble him.

Two, making it hard to refuse.

But regardless of which, Shen Shixu was already displeased. He never played favorites, who wasn’t a patient?

Though he had postponed twice, that was family arrangements, and he had explained and apologized clearly last night.

But after all, asking for help, making calls to Customs would cost money and effort.

Mingyang didn’t mention it, but he remembered. When the marble arrived, he’d pay double.

Now, involving the special care ward, this kind of maneuver was distasteful.

Chen Jiazhi’s special care was reserved in advance, he hadn’t even gone to such lengths for him, why should he do such a favor for an outsider?

Didn’t the Ming Family have their own connections?

He thought it through, refraining from speaking to avoid waking Chen Jiazhi on his shoulder. On the call, Ye Zi sighed, probably worried that not agreeing would strain her relationship with Aunt Hu. Ultimately, he spoke, “I’ll see what I can do, it might not work.”

“I understand, do what you can. They’re usually good people, why even call for such a small matter.” Ye Zi grumbled, “If you can’t help, it’s fine. Your priority is… Chen Jiazhi, don’t delay him.”

“How’s his health, is he okay? I want to visit him sometime.”

“No need for now, he’s still undergoing chemotherapy. Next month his aunt will return, when he’s better, we’ll have a meal together.”

“That’s what I meant. If you’re getting married, plan ahead, set a date early. Even if it’s not a big affair, at least let everyone meet. Just let me know in advance, for now, take good care of him.” Ye Zi paused, “Don’t worry about anything else, take care of yourself too, don’t overwork. If you can’t manage, call me.”

“Thanks, Mom, you take care too.” Shen Shixu said, “It’s cold outside, I’ll hang up and take him in.”

Ending the call, pondering for a moment, Shen Shixu called the Deputy Dean.

The Deputy Dean asked who was admitted, Shen Shixu paused, “No relation, just happened to reach me, don’t trouble yourself, I don’t want to handle it either.”

“Got it.” The Deputy Dean chuckled, “It’ll be arranged.”

After replying to Ye Zi, Shen Shixu found Chen Jiazhi awake, looking at him with a hint of fear. Shen Shixu touched his face, “Did I wake you?”

Chen Jiazhi stared at him for a moment, then nestled back on his shoulder, “Dreamed you didn’t want me…”

Shen Shixu’s response was a firm slap on the butt.

The sound was particularly loud in the quiet night.

Chen Jiazhi whimpered, “It hurts.”

“Alright, close your eyes.” Returning to the suite, placing him on the bed, Shen Shixu softly said, “Sleep, you’ll have sweet dreams soon.”

Chen Jiazhi giggled foolishly, his tone low but cheerful.

He said, “Okay.”