Hai Kuan was the first to get up. After almost five minutes, he left the sitting room. Lee rose and went straight to Lan Yi's room. Looking at her, he shook his head.
"Honestly, I can't do this, Mama. That's the truth… What has Zhan done to deserve us cutting him off? He's the boy we grew up with, the one you taught us to treat like our little brother. Why didn't you tell us from the start that you weren't his biological mother, instead of suddenly telling us in broad daylight? And as if that's not enough, now you're saying we should stop caring for him? How is that even possible?"
Lan Yi turned to him with a hard stare. "You already know I was against you coming back for this holiday, right? Well, you're going back to where you came from. And if you have some other mother who can tell you what to do, go and find her. Get out, Lee."
He turned and left her room, slamming the door on his way out of the sitting room entirely. Yibo glanced at him as he walked away, then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, unable to bring himself to move.
When Lee returned to his room, he picked up his bag and packed everything he needed, then walked out of the house without saying goodbye to anyone. Hai Kuan didn't even notice because he had already prepared his own bag earlier. He just picked it up and left, checking his phone to see if there was any flight to Guangzhou that evening.
It wasn't until around 6:30 p.m. that Yibo finally left Lan Yi's sitting room, got into his car, and drove home.
That night, Zhan could hardly sleep. The house felt unbearably heavy. Only just before dawn did sleep finally overtake him. The next morning, before eight o'clock, he got dressed. He just wanted to go to school and find a quiet place to sit, hoping it might ease the tightness in his chest. But he didn't even know who to tell that he was leaving for school. Deep down, he was afraid of Lan Yi or running into her, and he had no desire to see her too.
He picked up his school bag despite feeling light-headed and quietly opened the door. As he stepped downstairs, Xuxui came out of the kitchen, eyeing him curiously.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"I haven't finished my project," Zhan said politely. "I'm going to school, to the café."
"You haven't had breakfast," she said. "It's ready.....go and get some."
Only then did Zhan remember that yesterday he'd barely eaten anything, just drank water. That was probably why he felt so dizzy now.
"Alright," he said softly.
He went into the kitchen, made some tea, and sat at the dining table, sipping it slowly. From the sitting room, Xuxui called, "Zhan, go get some food. If you won't have the Irish potatoes, there's golden yam and eggs....serve yourself."
Without looking at her, Zhan shook his head. "I can't eat breakfast this early. I'll eat when I get to school."
"Alright then," she replied.
When he finished his tea, he washed the cup and returned to the sitting room.
"Does your father know you're going to school today?" Xuxui asked.
Zhan nodded without looking up.
"And your transport?" she asked.
"He sent me the money," he replied.
"Alright, take care then," she said.
Zhan simply nodded and left.
By the time he reached school, he was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the journey passing. It wasn't until the rickshaw driver turned to look at him....having been telling him they'd arrived for a while...that Zhan snapped back to reality. He quickly paid the fare and entered the campus.
Instead of going straight to his department, he sat in a quiet spot until around ten o'clock, when he finally made his way to the café to print copies of his project. He didn't leave the café until nearly noon, and by then, he knew his temperature was rising. His body felt weak, and his head was pounding.
Dragging himself to his department, he spotted Dr. Kexing's car in the parking lot. He went upstairs first to the project coordinator's office, submitted the two required copies, then took the remaining copy toward Dr. Kexing's office.
He stood outside the door for a few seconds before knocking. When Dr. Kexing called him in, Zhan entered without meeting his eyes, placed the project on his desk, and said quietly, "Good afternoon, sir. I came to submit my project."
Dr. Kexing looked at him for a full minute before speaking. "When did I tell you to submit it?"
Zhan stayed silent.
"I'm asking you, Mister," Dr. Kexing said in a sharper tone.
Still looking at the floor, Zhan replied, "I can't remember, sir."
"I see," Dr. Kexing said. "Go and come back at 5:40 p.m."
Only then did Zhan lift his head, meeting his eyes briefly before turning toward the door. Dr. Kexing watched him leave and locked the door behind him.
Outside, Zhan wiped away the tears that had gathered in his eyes. He went downstairs, feeling too weak to stay on campus until the time Dr. Kexing had said. The pain in his joints was spreading, and five hours felt impossible to endure. Where could he go?
Then he thought of Cho. Pulling out his phone, he sat down and dialed his number.
"Cho, are you at the hostel?" Zhan asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"No, I'm on campus," Cho replied. "We're taking our final paper today.....starts at four. Are you going to the hostel?"
"Yes," Zhan said. "I came to submit my project, but my supervisor told me to return at five. I'm too tired to wait here that long."
"I'll bring you my room key right now," Cho said.
"Thanks," Zhan murmured.
A short while later, Cho arrived with the key. Zhan thanked him, and they left together....Cho heading back to his department, and Zhan going to the hostel.
- - - - -
When Zhan reached the hostel, a fever hit him hard. He barely managed to get to bed, pulled Cho's blanket over himself, and quickly drifted into sleep.
After a while, Zhan slowly opened his eyes when he felt someone touch him. He sat up quickly and saw Cho looking at him with concern.
"You're not well," Cho said, pressing his palm lightly to Zhan's forehead. "You feel very hot."
Zhan blinked and asked, "What time is it, please?"
Cho checked his phone. "5:30."
"I have to submit my project," Zhan said, swinging his legs off the bed. The moment he stood, a wave of dizziness washed over him and he sat back down, holding his head.
"You look really sick," Cho told him. "Just call your supervisor and tell him you're unwell. Your temperature is too high."
Zhan shook his head. "No, I can manage."
He forced himself to stand and glanced at Cho's flask. "Do you have hot water? I'll wash my face."
"I'll heat it for you," Cho said, going to set it on the gas stove. Zhan's body ached all over, but he pushed through, washed his face, picked up his bag, and told Cho, "I'll go submit it now."
"You'll head home afterwards?" Cho asked.
Zhan nodded, thanked him, and left.
He wasn't even sure how he made it to the department....his body felt so heavy. Dr. Kexing's car was still in the parking lot, so Zhan knew he was around. The building was unusually quiet, with only a few lecturers lingering. Either the 4 o'clock exam had been canceled or everyone had already finished.
Climbing the stairs took him nearly seven minutes....he had to stop to rest more than once. Finally, he reached Dr. Kexing's office and knocked.
"Come in," came the reply.
Zhan stepped inside and shut the door. The air conditioning blasted cold air, making him shiver. He walked to the desk, set his project down, and said, "Good evening, sir," without meeting the doctor's eyes.
Dr. Kexing simply studied him, saying nothing. Zhan stood there swaying slightly, the cold making his shivers worse, until he gave up and sank into the chair opposite.
Dr. Kexing came around and sat facing him. "Are you okay?" he asked gently.
Zhan still didn't meet his gaze. Seeing the visible shivering, Dr. Kexing picked up the remote and switched off the AC. "Zhan," he said.
Zhan finally looked up, and Dr. Kexing noticed how pale he was. He stood quickly and touched Zhan's forehead. "You're burning up. How long have you been sick?" he asked, firing off questions without waiting for an answer.
Zhan brushed his hand away and stood, but dizziness made him stumble. Dr. Kexing caught him and guided him back into the chair. "Please, when did this start?"
Zhan rested his head on the desk without speaking. Concerned, Dr. Kexing opened his drawer, took out a blood pressure gauge, and crouched in front of him.
Zhan pulled his hand back, eyes welling with tears but still silent.
"Please, let me check," Dr. Kexing urged.
This time, Zhan let him. After a moment, Dr. Kexing's expression tightened. "Your blood pressure is extremely low. What's going on with you?"
Zhan didn't answer, tears slipping down his cheeks.
Dr. Kexing went to the corner, poured hot water into a mug, added coffee, diluted it slightly with bottled water, and returned. Tilting Zhan's chin up, he said, "Drink this. It's first aid....we're going to the hospital right away."
With trembling hands, Zhan accepted the mug, but Dr. Kexing ended up holding it and helping him sip until he'd nearly finished. Then the doctor set the cup aside, turned off the fridge and drew the curtains, grabbed his car keys, and paused....realizing Zhan might not be able to walk to the car alone.
He stepped out to look for someone to help and found Dr. Anshi in her office. After a quick explanation, she followed him back, greeted Zhan, and supported him as they walked to the parking lot. She opened the back seat for him, then asked Dr. Kexing, "Do you want me to lock up my office so we can go together?"
"That's fine," he said.
While she went back inside, Zhan leaned his head against the seat, silent. Dr. Anshi soon returned with her bag, climbed into the back beside him, and they drove off toward the hospital.
****
Ever since Zhan was given injections and put on a drip, he had been asleep. When Dr. Anshi arrived at the hospital and Zhan had already been admitted, she headed straight home.
Noticing it was already 8 p.m., Dr. Kexing decided to call Yibo....he knew that sooner or later, Zhan's family would be looking for him, and Zhan's bag was still in his office. He was even surprised Yibo hadn't called yet; by now, they would have realized Zhan hadn't returned home.
When Yibo answered and they exchanged greetings, Dr. Kexing said, "It's Zhan. He's sick and has been admitted to the hospital since about 6:30."
Yibo was silent for a moment before saying quietly, "I'm out of town, but I'll send you our father's number right away. I only just turned on my phone.... he might have tried to reach me earlier. Let me send you the contact now."
Dr. Kexing replied, "Alright, I'm waiting."
A moment later, Yibo sent the number. Dr. Kexing dialed it, and when Qiren answered, he introduced himself and quickly explained the reason for calling.
Qiren said, "We've been trying to reach him since 6, but his phone has been off…"
Dr. Kexing replied, "I think his school bag is still here."
"Which hospital?" Qiren asked.
After Dr. Kexing told him, Qiren said, "I'm on my way. Thank you," and hung up.
Meanwhile, Xuxui came out of her room after Qiren told her that Zhan was in the hospital. At that moment, Granny Ai came in from Lan Yi's part, holding the plate she had just eaten from to take to the kitchen.
Xuxui said, "Mama, Zhan's school lecturer called....he's in the hospital. Qiren just told me."
Granny Ai gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "The hospital? What happened to him? Where are you going now?"
"To the hospital. Qiren is waiting for me outside," Xuxui replied.
"I'll come with you," Granny Ai said quickly. "I won't be at ease if I don't go."
"Alright, I'll wait for you downstairs," Xuxui said.
Granny Ai hurried back to Lan Yi's part. Lan Yi was sitting in the sitting room when Granny Ai set the plate down in front of her, grabbed her shawl, and said, "Zhan is in the hospital. They just called. We're going with Qiren."
Lan Yi immediately looked up sharply, watching as Granny Ai rushed out.
By the time they arrived at the hospital, Zhan was still sleeping. Dr. Kexing stood from the plastic chair he had been sitting on, politely greeting Qiren. Qiren gave him a brief nod and went straight to Zhan's bedside, looking him over.
Dr. Kexing also greeted Xuxui and Granny Ai respectfully. Xuxui responded with a small nod, but Granny Ai, clutching her chest and speaking in a trembling voice, asked, "What happened to him? Was it an accident? He was fine when he left the house."
Qiren turned to Dr. Kexing and said, "I want to see his doctor."
"He's in his office, sir," Dr. Kexing replied.
Qiren followed him out toward the doctor's office.
By late night, Zhan still hadn't woken up. Xuxui had gone home to bring him a blanket, tea supplies, and a flask. No matter how much Qiren tried to convince Granny Ai to go home and let Xuxui stay instead, she refused.
Xuxui, looking at Qiren, said, "Just go home and leave us."
But Granny Ai interrupted quickly, "No, you go with him. I can take care of Zhan myself, and the nurses are here too. I've looked after my husband's children and grandchildren in the hospital plenty of times. I'm used to this...I'll be fine here."
In the end, they had no choice but to leave for the night, leaving Dr. Kexing behind despite Qiren insisting that he should also go home since it was late.
Once they were gone, Granny Ai turned to Dr. Kexing and said, "Well, thank you for everything, but you should head home now. Unless there's something you want or need, there's no reason to stay."
Dr. Kexing glanced at her, offered a polite farewell, and turned to leave the ward.
Granny Ai muttered, "Come on now, you weren't the one admitted. All you did was bring the boy to the hospital, and now you're glued to us, refusing to leave. If you wanted something from Qiren, you could have just asked earlier....he could have given you even a little cash and sent you on your way."
Dr. Kexing went back to sit in the reception area. He didn't feel right going home and leaving Zhan behind.
As soon as Dr. Kexing stepped out, Granny Ai pulled out the brand-new blanket that Xuxui had brought for Zhan....still wrapped in its packaging....spread it out on the floor, lay down, and was soon snoring loudly.
Around 12:30 a.m., Zhan woke up. His head felt unbearably heavy, and he couldn't fully open his eyes. Slowly, he sat up and looked around the room, but the pain in his head made it impossible to bend down and see who was snoring on the floor.
The door opened quietly, and Dr. Kexing stepped inside, closing it gently behind him. He glanced at Granny Ai sleeping soundly as if she were in her own home, then walked over to the bed, concern in his eyes.
"Baby, you're awake? How are you feeling now?" he asked softly.
Zhan said nothing. Dr. Kexing opened the flask, poured a thick cup of tea, and handed it over. "Can you hold it?"
Zhan took the cup. Dr. Kexing sat in the plastic chair beside the bed, watching him. Zhan slowly sipped the tea, drinking more than half before handing the rest back.
Dr. Kexing then picked up the medication the doctor had left for when Zhan woke up, handed it over with a bottle of water, and watched as Zhan swallowed it. When he noticed Zhan disconnecting the IV line, he asked, "Why are you taking that out?"
"I need to use the bathroom," Zhan replied firmly.
"Oh, alright," Dr. Kexing said. He removed the IV properly and helped Zhan off the bed, holding his arm for support. Throughout all this, Granny Ai kept snoring like nothing was happening.
When Zhan was done, Dr. Kexing reattached the drip and quietly said, "I'm sorry, Zhan. I'm sorry for everything."
Zhan remained silent.
"You know I love you so much," Dr. Kexing murmured.
Zhan lay back down and closed his eyes. Dr. Kexing didn't say anything more....he just watched him until he saw signs of sleep returning.
He stayed in the ward until dawn. Before leaving, he gently took Zhan's hand and kissed it, then stepped out, locking the door behind him.
***
The next morning at seven, Granny Ai was sitting cross-legged on the blanket she'd slept on, drinking tea from a cup. Zhan was still lying down with his eyes closed, though he wasn't actually asleep.
The door opened, and Xuxui came in carrying a breakfast basket. She greeted Granny Ai politely.
"How was the night?" Xuxui asked.
Granny Ai shrugged. "What night? They left me in charge of this boy, and I barely slept. But he's had a good rest."
"You should go home now, wash up, eat something, and get some real rest," Xuxui suggested.
Granny Ai waved her off. "No need. I'm used to this kind of thing. I could easily stay another night if I had to."
"Alright then, let me just serve you breakfast," Xuxui said.
"Yes, please. I was starting to feel hungry," Granny Ai replied.
At eight o'clock, Dr. Kexing came back, freshly washed and changed. Granny Ai eyed him.
"Oh, you again? I thought I told you to go home. We already thanked you," she said.
Xuxui cut in, "Granny, Qiren told me he's one of Zhan's teachers. He's the one who brought him here."
"Oh, really? I thought he was just one of those idle types hanging around, waiting for a reward," Granny Ai said, squinting at him. "Turns out you're a teacher. Well then, thank you, young man."
Dr. Kexing just smiled and walked closer.
"You know, since you left us around midnight, I haven't moved from here," Granny Ai added. "Just a little nap here and there."
Dr. Kexing stared at her without blinking, almost in disbelief.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛