WG - 84

The hospital was located in the suburbs. The direction remained unchanged as they continued driving, gradually moving away from the city center.

Chi Zhiyu sat in the passenger seat, watching the once bustling street scenery outside the window grow increasingly desolate.

“Wait for me outside later,” Chi Zhiyu murmured, glancing at Xie Ye. “I’ll go in and check on her. I’ll be out soon.”

Xie Ye gave a faint “Mm.”

Chi Zhiyu’s thoughts were somewhat scattered. She looked up at the hospital that was now almost in sight, feeling an inexplicable sense of oppression.

The car entered the parking garage. Xie Ye turned off the engine and parked.

Chi Zhiyu lowered her gaze slightly, opened the car door first, and got out, leading him inside.

Bai Li’s affairs at the hospital had been taken over by Chi Yan. Her room was arranged in the VIP section, seemingly providing her with the utmost care and the best medical services.

Unfortunately, it didn’t give Bai Li what she wanted most.

Chi Zhiyu held Xie Ye’s hand as they exited the elevator. Aunt Wang, who was waiting by the door of the ward, quickly came over to greet them.

After casually asking a few questions about Bai Li’s condition, Chi Zhiyu turned to Xie Ye, “I’m going in. You wait here for a bit.”

“Mm,” Xie Ye raised his hand and ruffled her hair forcefully, as if both serious and nonchalant, saying, “Don’t get hurt, come back quickly.”

Chi Zhiyu curved her lips slightly, “Alright, I’ll take you to celebrate your birthday later.”

Xie Ye tilted his chin, “Okay, then hurry back.”

“Got it.” Chi Zhiyu tugged his hand gently before letting go and followed Aunt Wang into the ward.

Inside the room, Bai Li was thin, sitting upright by the bedside, silently staring out the window, lost in thought or absent-minded.

Aunt Wang approached her first, gently calling out, “Madam, Xiaoyu is here.”

Bai Li’s eyelashes trembled slightly, as if snapping out of her daze. She turned her head and blankly looked at her for a moment, paused for half a second, then finally saw Chi Zhiyu behind her.

As if suddenly remembering something, she immediately stood up, took Chi Zhiyu’s hand, touched her face, and her expression became somewhat anxious, “Ayuu, are you okay? Does your head still hurt?”

Chi Zhiyu frowned, not yet speaking.

Bai Li pressed the back of her hand against Chi Zhiyu’s forehead, her voice filled with anxiety, “Are you still dizzy? Ayuu, we won’t celebrate your birthday. Mommy will take you to see the doctor right now.”

Chi Zhiyu’s expression froze for a few seconds. Lowering her eyes to look at her, her tone was devoid of emotion, “What birthday?”

“Today is your ninth birthday,” Bai Li stroked her face, frowning. “No, Ayuu, you have a fever. You’re burning up. Mommy will take you to see the doctor right now.”

“...”

Chi Zhiyu didn’t move, looking at the emaciated woman in front of her, suddenly feeling as if time had reversed. It was as if the events of that birthday party years ago were resurfacing before her eyes.

And now, the words Bai Li spoke to her.

It was like bringing back the Bai Li who had told her to endure earlier.

That mother who abandoned her daughter, becoming nothing more than a figment of her imagination.

On that ninth birthday.

Chi Zhiyu only knew that after collapsing, when she opened her eyes again, she was already in the hospital.

At the time, only Aunt Wang was there with her. Upon seeing her wake up, Aunt Wang hurriedly called for the nurse and doctor.

After a series of examinations, the doctor instructed Aunt Wang to bring her in promptly next time, scolding her for letting a child’s fever reach 40 degrees, risking infection.

After the doctor left, Chi Zhiyu’s mind was still slow. Instinctively searching for Bai Li, not finding her after looking around, she asked in a hoarse voice, “Aunt Wang, where’s Mommy?”

Upon hearing this, Aunt Wang hesitated visibly, “Madam...”

Chi Zhiyu stared at her, and then heard those few words.

“She’s with Master Chi.”

These words seemed to remind her, pulling all the cruel memories of the previous night into her consciousness.

Shattering her fragile nerves, that last remaining hope.

Back then, still young, lying in the hospital bed, helpless and confused, she had endured tears all night. In that moment, she could no longer hold back and cried uncontrollably.

She also realized that everything was shattered.

No one wanted her.

They didn’t want her.

...

Seeing Bai Li truly intending to take Chi Zhiyu out to find a doctor, Aunt Wang first stepped forward to hold her, consoling her, “Madam, Ayuu is fine now. Have you forgotten? Ayuu has already recovered from the fever and seen the doctor.”

Hearing this, Bai Li’s expression became somewhat dazed, as if recalling, shaking her head, “No, my Ayuu hasn’t recovered from the fever. I’m taking her to see the doctor, yes, yes, to see the doctor.”

After saying this, she turned to look at Chi Zhiyu, reaching out to touch her face, softly comforting her, “It’s alright, Ayuu. Mommy will take you to the hospital right away, and you’ll be fine soon. Afterward, Mommy will eat cake with you, okay?”

Chi Zhiyu lowered her eyes, looking at her expression, tugging at the corner of her lips, slowly saying, “It’s too late. Didn’t you tell me to endure before?”

“...”

“So what’s the point of saying these things now? You’ve already chosen Chi Yan.” Chi Zhiyu’s tone was calm and slow, “Have you forgotten the love you wanted?”

Bai Li’s body stiffened, staring at her blankly.

“I don’t have any interest in knowing what you want to save. I also don’t know whether you’re clear-headed or confused now. But...” Chi Zhiyu paused for a few seconds, pressing her lips tightly together, “it’s all too late now.”

“...”

“From the moment you made that decision back then, you should have known—”

Chi Zhiyu stared at the woman who was no longer radiant as before, her throat tightening, her eyes reddening, uttering the cruelest words, “You were the one who didn’t want me first.”

You abandoned me.

Chose the love you wanted.

Instead of me, your daughter.

Chi Zhiyu had once thought.

If Bai Li hadn’t loved Chi Yan so much, would she have taken her to the hospital immediately that night instead of making her endure? Perhaps she wouldn’t have forced her to do everything.

Maybe she could have become like other mothers.

Like Jian Yazhi, gentle and considerate.

Like a normal mother.

Concerned about her interests, hobbies, school life, and chatting about trivial everyday matters.

But, none of it was possible.

“...” Bai Li listened to her words, tears falling uncontrollably. She grabbed Chi Zhiyu’s hand and immediately denied, shaking her head, “No, no, Ayuu, Mommy didn’t abandon you. It’s not like that! No!”

“I have no interest in knowing this.” Chi Zhiyu withdrew her hand, closed her eyes briefly, then lifted her gaze, calmly saying, “Please rest well. I’m leaving.”

“Ayuu, Ayuu.” Bai Li reached out through her tears, holding her hand, “Don’t go.”

Chi Zhiyu turned her head to look at her.

Bai Li pleaded, “Mommy doesn’t want to be here. Call Daddy to come pick me up, okay?”

Upon hearing this, Chi Zhiyu stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed, “You never expected me to visit, did you?”

Bai Li’s face turned pale.

Chi Zhiyu felt no pity for Bai Li anymore. Countless times, Bai Li had abandoned herself. Chi Zhiyu tugged at the corner of her lips, “I thought that if I really ignored you, I might not be able to get over it because you raised me. After all, you took care of me, and I can’t just neglect filial piety.”

Regardless of how it was done, Bai Li had at least raised her to adulthood, providing ample resources and a learning environment, contributing to her current achievements.

“But now it seems.” Chi Zhiyu self-deprecatingly chuckled, “You don’t need it, so I don’t have to force myself to come here and fulfill these so-called acts of filial piety.”

Chi Zhiyu glanced at the time, then lowered her eyes to look at her, her expression neutral, her tone slightly softened, “Chi Yan will at least take care of you until old age. If you want to see him, ask yourself. I have no reason to come here anymore, so—”

“Finally, I wish you good health and a good rest.”

After speaking, Chi Zhiyu showed no hesitation, turned around, walked out of the ward, and closed the door behind her.

Releasing the door handle, Chi Zhiyu turned to see Xie Ye sitting nearby. She walked up to him, extending her hand with a smile, “Let’s go, I’ll take you to celebrate your birthday.”

Xie Ye looked at her open palm in front of him, reached out to hold her hand, stood up, and scanned her, “Are you hurt anywhere?”

Chi Zhiyu smiled lightly, “No.”

Xie Ye didn’t notice anything amiss and simply nodded, “Let’s go.”

Chi Zhiyu nodded, holding his hand as they walked downstairs. Noticing patients wandering in the lobby, each accompanied by nurses who occasionally restrained their abnormal behavior and corrected their judgments.

The patients all wore expressions of confusion and innocence, like ignorant and helpless children, unwilling to face this clear world.

Content to become the person who abandoned themselves.

No one wants to wake up.

Even if it means being a fool.

...

The two returned to the car. Xie Ye skillfully fastened her seatbelt, then reached out to ruffle her hair, “Still going to the restaurant?”

Chi Zhiyu nodded, “I’ve already reserved a spot.”

Xie Ye raised his eyebrows, “There’s really a surprise?”

“How can you ask like that?” Chi Zhiyu pressed her lips together, “If I say it, wouldn’t that ruin the surprise?”

“Alright.” Xie Ye hooked her finger, “I won’t ask. I’ll wait.”

“...” Chi Zhiyu looked at him, “How are you so sure there will be a surprise? What if there isn’t one?”

Xie Ye casually replied, “If there isn’t one, I’ll make it up to you next time.”

“Is there anyone who asks for surprises like that?” Chi Zhiyu found it amusing, “I won’t make it up to you.”

“Oh.” Xie Ye started the car, nonchalantly saying, “Then I’ll give you one.”

Chi Zhiyu nodded, “That works.”

Xie Ye raised an eyebrow, “You’re quite greedy.”

Hearing this, Chi Zhiyu looked at the hospital gradually receding in the rearview mirror, softly murmuring, “Yeah, I am quite greedy.”

That tiny bit of maternal love.

But.

In the end, it’s gone.

Xie Ye heard her tone, his eyes slightly dimmed, softly saying, “Then be greedy.”

After two seconds.

Xie Ye added, “Anyway, your boyfriend will help fulfill it for you.”

I’ll help you fill all the regrets.

If not, I’ll add my heart.

This way.

All your pain will be compensated by me.

Chi Zhiyu immediately looked at him, quietly for a moment, then turned to look at the road ahead. The low mood from questioning Bai Li in the ward resurfaced with his words.

Chi Zhiyu realized that she still longed for Bai Li to turn around and look at her, to see the child she abandoned.

But reality shattered that faint hope. She wasn’t as strong as she appeared.

She pretended in front of them, but in front of Xie Ye, she fell apart completely.

Chi Zhiyu’s nose began to sting, her eyes felt moist, and she lowered her head, silently enduring.

Xie Ye casually steered the wheel, parking by the roadside. He unbuckled his seatbelt, leaned over to look at her, reaching out to touch her face, “What’s wrong? Moved to tears?”

Hearing his words, Chi Zhiyu’s barely contained tears immediately fell.

“Chi Zhiyu, you’re such a crybaby.” Xie Ye’s eyes slightly narrowed, raising his hand to wipe away her tears, “Do tears cost nothing?”

Chi Zhiyu lowered her head, choking back sobs, “Xie Ye... why are you so good to me?”

Even though I have nothing.

Yet in my humble life, I met you.

Such a wonderful you.

“Perhaps,” Xie Ye pinched her fingertips, casually chuckling, “I regretted being too mean to you in the past.”

“...” Hearing this, Chi Zhiyu immediately looked up at him, tears still hanging on her lashes.

“You said it yourself.” Xie Ye wiped away her tears, slowly saying, “When we were little, I always bullied and made you angry.”

Chi Zhiyu looked at him, her eyes still red.

“So I regret it.” Xie Ye’s eyes darkened as he gazed at her tears, gently wiping them away, “Now I’m here to repay my debt, to be good to you.”

The immature self back then.

Only thinking of hiding my feelings for you, always using playful words to mask my inner affection, while secretly enjoying being able to interact with you like this.

But.

I failed to notice that you were enduring those painful memories alone, silently shedding tears in the dark of night.

So I regret not noticing your pain in time, not being more attentive in taking care of you, and not being able to tell you—

—Don’t be afraid, I’ll protect you.

Chi Zhiyu’s tears fell even harder. Unable to resist, she moved closer and hugged him, lowering her head into the crook of his neck. Tears slid down, soaking his collar.

Xie Ye embraced her back, gently patting her back, his actions soothing. Teasing her in a drawn-out tone, “Cry all you want, but don’t wipe your snot on me.”

Upon hearing this, Chi Zhiyu immediately lifted her head to refute, tearfully saying, “...I’m not.”

Xie Ye wasn’t good at comforting people. Every time he saw her cry, his heart ached, but he could only tease her to distract her attention. Gently, he wiped away her tears, “Alright, alright, you’re not. I was just talking nonsense, okay.”

Chi Zhiyu wiped her own tears, tearfully cursing him, “So annoying, it’s all your fault. I didn’t want to cry in the first place.”

As she spoke, tears welled up again.

Xie Ye stared at her red-rimmed eyes, leaned down to kiss the corner of her eye, softly consoling her, “Alright, it’s my fault. Don’t cry.”

The soothing seemed to work.

Chi Zhiyu wiped her tears, sniffled, and said, “I won’t cry anymore,” urging him to continue driving.

Hearing this, Xie Ye complied and started the car. Chi Zhiyu managed to stop her tears, pulled out a few tissues to wipe her face, and casually glanced out the window. They had already left the suburbs and entered the city.

The restaurant wasn’t far. By the time Chi Zhiyu adjusted her emotions, they had arrived.

Xie Ye led her out of the car. Seeing that her eyes were still a bit red, he pinched the soft flesh of her palm, lazily asking, “Didn’t I say you weren’t delicate? How many times have you cried now?”

Chi Zhiyu followed him inside, her voice still nasal, “How many times have I cried? I only cried today.”

“Oh.” Xie Ye looked at her meaningfully, “What about last night?”

“...” Chi Zhiyu pinched his hand back, glaring at him, “Can you shut up?”

As they finished speaking, they happened to walk into the restaurant. The waiter, recognizing Chi Zhiyu, led them upstairs to the best window-side seat with the best view.

After sitting down, Chi Zhiyu looked at the person across from her, suddenly feeling strange, “Us like this, it really feels like I’m keeping you.”

The high-end restaurant was her choice, the dishes were her selection, and the bill was paid by her.

“What about keeping me?” Xie Ye lazily responded, “You’re not losing out.”

Chi Zhiyu blinked, “I am losing out. I spent so much money today, and the surprise is also mine.”

Xie Ye raised his eyebrows.

Chi Zhiyu mimicked him, haggling, “For my next birthday, you have to give me a surprise too.”

Xie Ye was silent for a few seconds, then smirked teasingly, “Are you asking for a surprise, or are you hinting at something?”

“Hmm?” Chi Zhiyu didn’t understand, “Hinting at what?”

“Alright.” Xie Ye looked at her meaningfully, nodding slowly, “I’ll give you a surprise on your next birthday.”

“...?”

Chi Zhiyu didn’t know what he was thinking. Before long, the small cake and dishes she had prepared were brought up.

The cake design was simple, decorated with gardenia petals on top, with a few large words written on it.

—[Happy Birthday, Xie Ye]

Seeing this, Xie Ye raised an eyebrow at her, “Did you make this?”

Chi Zhiyu coughed lightly and nodded, “I made it while you were in class this afternoon. I tried it, it’s pretty tasty. Try it later.”

As she spoke, she took out a candle and asked him, “How many candles do you want? Twenty-three?”

“Whatever.”

“Then just one.”

Chi Zhiyu inserted and lit the candle, “Here, make a wish.”

Xie Ye raised his eyes to look at her, “What’s your wish?”

Chi Zhiyu blinked, “It’s not my birthday today, so it’s obviously yours to make.”

“I don’t have any wishes.” Xie Ye looked at her, seemingly in a good mood, smirking, “After all, I’ve already gotten everything I wished for.”

Before being with you.

This wish, I’ve made every year.

Chi Zhiyu met his gaze, suddenly understanding his meaning, and smiled to herself, “Oh, your wish is pretty nice.”

Xie Ye raised his eyebrows, “Who are you complimenting?”

Chi Zhiyu complimented herself, seeing that he wasn’t blowing out the candle, she casually handed him the gift from her bag, “Here, birthday present.”

He didn’t expect there to be a gift. Xie Ye hesitated slightly, taking the wrapped present, scanning it and asking her, “Open it now?”

Chi Zhiyu nodded, “Sure.”

Xie Ye leisurely unwrapped the package, and upon seeing the exposed corner, he suddenly understood, chuckled softly, looked up at her, and teased in a light tone, “Chi Zhiyu, can’t you be a bit more original?”

Inside the wrapping paper was the collection of Yu Xiuhua’s poetry, the same book he had given her when she was eighteen.

Chi Zhiyu stifled a laugh, “It’s a gift for you.”

Xie Ye took out the poetry collection, tapping it lightly with his fingers, “What’s the difference between this and the one I gave you?”

“Hmm.” Chi Zhiyu thought for a moment, musing aloud, “Seems like there’s no difference, so let’s change it to—”

Chi Zhiyu looked at him across the table, the flickering candlelight accompanying her words, swaying gently.

“I love you.”

“...”

Xie Ye raised his eyes, meeting her gaze through the warm yellow light.

His clear-cut features were somewhat obscured in the interplay of light and shadow, but his eyes stared directly at her, appearing especially dark under the light.

“Chi Zhiyu.”

“Mm.”

Xie Ye lowered his eyes to the candle on the table, quiet for a few seconds, then lifted his gaze to look at her, speaking softly and slowly, “I will always love you.”

The next moment.

Chi Zhiyu watched him blow out the candle.

I made a wish.

To love you.

Starting from our first meeting at nine years old, following the confession at eighteen, and continuing into the future forever.

It’s all about loving you.