Chapter 152: An Extra Chapter Has Been Added

Dr. Ye: "Feeling a lot of pressure?"

"Not really, I just started the job, still in the probation period, haven’t been officially confirmed yet. I’m a bit unsettled, with too many thoughts swirling around, which naturally leads to insomnia."

Dr. Ye worried that her insomnia might be a relapse of her illness. Ever since she fell ill, her sleep had been poor; there was a time when she had to rely on medication just to fall asleep. The overuse of medicine had also caused her to gain weight.

Later, after Cheng Hui's condition stabilized, she began to lose weight, enduring considerable hardship. The side effects of the medication were quite severe.

Dr. Ye said, "I’ve resigned from my doctor’s position. If you trust me and need someone to talk to, I can offer some basic psychological counseling. But if you feel your condition is worsening, you should definitely see a hospital doctor."

Having left the hospital, Dr. Ye was no longer registered there and couldn’t prescribe medication, so he advised Cheng Hui to seek hospital treatment when necessary.

Finding a job in the country wasn’t difficult for Dr. Ye; his resume was impressive, and employment wouldn’t be a problem. However, the pay would certainly be less than what he earned in London.

Currently, he needed time to care for his sister and couldn’t look for work right away—he was worried about her. He was also concerned about Cheng Hui’s condition, fearing her illness might relapse someday.

Depression is never completely curable; many cases relapse. Cheng Hui’s situation was a prime example.

Dr. Ye was very responsible toward his patients, especially Cheng Hui.

Ye Ruoruo guessed correctly—Dr. Ye harbored special feelings for Cheng Hui.

Cheng Hui shrugged. "Don’t worry, I’m not a child, Dr. Ye. Thank you for everything over the years."

"You’re welcome. It’s my duty." Dr. Ye smiled.

He was about the same age as Xin Gan, just a few years older than Cheng Hui. Perhaps because he was more mature and steady, Cheng Hui always felt he was the same age as Cheng Jiu. She used to joke about him being old and naggy.

Cheng Hui was naturally cheerful; her change was due to everything she had been through. She could joke with Dr. Ye because she regarded him as a friend.

Cheng Hui stayed with Ye Ruoruo a while longer. She knew Ye Ruoruo’s greatest wish was to climb a mountain to watch the sunrise, but her health didn’t permit strenuous activities; she needed rest.

Ye Ruoruo understood this too and smiled faintly. "I’ll climb the mountain when I’m better. Right now, my body can’t handle it."

Cheng Hui couldn’t even manage a comforting smile. She felt it was such a pity—Ye Ruoruo was so young, yet had this disease, and it was terminal. Treatment wouldn’t cure her, only delay progression and extend her life.

Cheng Hui couldn’t find words of comfort, so she gently patted Ye Ruoruo’s hand.

Ye Ruoruo said, "Don’t be sad. I’m not really that upset, and I’m not afraid of dying. It’s just that my death feels meaningless, and I’m dragging my brother down. He quit such a good job to come back with me for treatment, spending all his savings, but I won’t get better. If I go, he’ll be all alone."

Cheng Hui replied, "You’ll get better. Don’t lose heart."

Ye Ruoruo shook her head. "No need to comfort me. I know my condition well. I just feel sorry for my brother—that I’m a burden to him. I always have been, and I still am. I can’t help him. Cheng Hui, if one day I’m gone, you have to tell him not to be too sad."

At that moment, Dr. Ye was not around. Ye Ruoruo feared time was running out, so she confided this to Cheng Hui.

She knew her brother had feelings for Cheng Hui but had never said anything, seemingly unwilling to let Cheng Hui know. Ye Ruoruo thought that after she was gone, her brother would never tell Cheng Hui, so she wanted to help bring them together.

After a few words, Ye Ruoruo grew tired and lay down to rest. Cheng Hui stayed with her a while longer before leaving the hospital.

On the way home, Cheng Hui was distracted, thinking of Ye Ruoruo’s pale face and frail body. Ye Ruoruo struggled for breath after speaking a few words. She was undergoing chemotherapy, a painful process that made her want to cry each time, but she endured it to avoid worrying Dr. Ye, holding back with great effort.

Lost in thought, Cheng Hui nearly ran a red light but braked just in time.

She felt a headache coming on, so she stopped by a pharmacy and bought headache medicine. The pharmacist warned her not to drink alcohol or eat spicy food after taking the medicine. Cheng Hui nodded, paid, and left.

Just outside the pharmacy, as she opened the box and was about to take a pill, a car stopped by the roadside. The driver rolled down the window and called her name. Cheng Hui looked up to see a high school classmate—the same girl who had told her years ago about Tang Que’s illness.

The classmate immediately recognized Cheng Hui, but Cheng Hui hesitated before recalling who she was.

"Cheng Hui, is that really you? When did you come back to Yongcheng? Why didn’t you tell me? How long have you been back?"

"Not long," Cheng Hui replied.

"What are you doing here?"

The classmate hadn’t expected to run into Cheng Hui on the street and thought she might have mistaken her at first, confirming several times before realizing she was right.

"Got a headache, just buying some medicine," Cheng Hui smiled politely. "What a coincidence to meet you here."

"Yongcheng’s really small; it’s no wonder we bumped into each other. Come on, get in the car. Where are you going? I’ll give you a ride."

"No thanks, I drove myself."

"Then give me your number. Let’s meet up for a meal sometime."

"Okay," Cheng Hui couldn’t refuse and gave her number.

After the classmate left, Cheng Hui sighed and got back in her car, then swallowed the pill in her palm.

The headache was severe, probably from a few sleepless nights.

Back at her place, she showered but the headache persisted. She didn’t feel like moving and lay on the sofa, scrolling through her phone.

She had changed her WeChat ID and had few contacts—just a few groups from her time studying in London, mostly international student groups and school-related ones. That night, one of the groups was unusually active, discussing something. Curious, she opened the chat and saw Liang Yang speaking.

Liang Yang had graduated and stayed in London, living with his new girlfriend. The girlfriend’s family was quite wealthy and liked him a lot; they seemed to get along well.

Cheng Hui smiled wryly but said nothing.

After breaking up with Liang Yang, he had dated several others, including a classmate of hers. She had no reaction to this, but that girl, upon learning Cheng Hui was Liang Yang’s ex, was disdainful and mocking, probably fearing Cheng Hui would interfere with her relationship.

In fact, Liang Yang had been trying to reconcile with Cheng Hui, but she ignored him.

Now she realized her feelings when she wanted to reconcile with He Chuan had been similar.

She suddenly understood why He Chuan could cut ties so decisively—it was because he no longer liked her, just as she didn’t like Liang Yang. That’s why their breakups were so clean, without any lingering feelings.

If you truly love someone, you wouldn’t end things so abruptly.

It seems that in love, the first to bow down is the most humble and the least valued in the other’s heart.

While lying there, a cat appeared from some corner, tentatively sniffed her hand, then suddenly licked it and meowed once.

Cheng Hui was brought back to reality by the sound. Their eyes met. She reached out to pet it, but it darted away.

"You little ungrateful thing. I’ve taken care of you all this time, and none of you show me any affection."

Cheng Hui sighed, shifted position, and continued lying down.

Her headache lasted through the night. The next day at work, she felt dizzy and barely managed to get through the day.

She hadn’t eaten breakfast, but a young woman sitting next to her chatted briefly and, upon learning Cheng Hui hadn’t eaten, offered her some soy milk.

After drinking it, Cheng Hui fainted.

The young woman was terrified.

Cheng Hui woke up in the hospital, her supervisor having sent her there. Upon seeing her awake, the supervisor said, "You scared me. How do you feel now?"

Cheng Hui licked her dry lips. "I fainted?"

"Yes, low blood sugar. The doctor said your sleep hasn’t been good recently, probably due to overwork. What’s going on? Haven’t you been resting?"

Since she had woken up, things seemed fine; a bit more rest would suffice.

Cheng Hui apologized for the trouble.

"No problem. But you’re young; you need to take care of yourself. Health is your capital. If you lose it, no amount of money can make up for it."

"Thank you, Sister Ling. Sorry for disturbing you at work."

"It’s nothing. We’re colleagues, and I quite like you. You’re hardworking, young, and well-educated—a promising talent. Don’t disappoint me, Cheng Hui."

Cheng Hui felt Sister Ling’s words had layers of meaning but couldn’t quite grasp them.

After resting for an hour, she felt better and was discharged.

At work, Sister Ling had already left. After leaving the hospital, Cheng Hui hailed a taxi. Shortly after, Mrs. Cheng called, her tone forceful.

"Cheng Hui, where are you now?"

"Mom, what’s the matter?"

"I have something for you. This weekend, make time to come with me to meet an old friend."

"I have plans this weekend."

"Reschedule. No matter what, you must come this weekend."

Cheng Hui pinched the bridge of her nose, not in the mood to argue with Mrs. Cheng.

"Alright, I got it."

As for who she was meeting, Cheng Hui was too distracted to care.

Ye Ruoruo’s condition neither improved nor worsened but was a source of immense suffering, especially during chemotherapy—a torment of both body and mind. She had often wanted to give up, to die, as the pain was unbearable and no cure was in sight—only a delay of the inevitable.

She dared not show this to others, but after chemotherapy, when everyone was out of the ward, she would bite her lip and cry silently.

Her whole body ached deep into the bones, driving uncontrollable thoughts of death.

Dr. Ye repeatedly consulted her attending doctor, who reiterated that chemotherapy could only extend her life, not cure her, especially since her cancer had reached its late stage.

They almost told Dr. Ye bluntly that Ye Ruoruo wouldn’t live long.

The exact timeline depended on her constitution—maybe a few years if she was lucky, or only months or less if not.

No doctor could give a precise answer.

Dr. Ye understood that all he could do was try his best to extend Ye Ruoruo’s life.

Ye Ruoruo had symptoms early on but hid them from Dr. Ye, who was busy and a workaholic, failing to notice her condition.

She wanted to keep it secret. After discovering she had late-stage bone cancer, she hid the test results from Dr. Ye. Later, by chance, they met at the hospital. Dr. Ye noticed something was wrong and pressed her until she revealed the truth.

By then, it was already too late.

Ye Ruoruo felt guilty. She hadn’t thought of herself first but worried about Dr. Ye being burdened.

From Dr. Ye’s perspective, he felt he had failed to care for her properly—he hadn’t noticed the changes in her body and let the illness progress to this stage.

He was full of remorse.

So he resigned and came back to care for her personally.

Ye Ruoruo accepted it calmly, but the repeated chemotherapy nearly crushed her will.

She thought long and hard and made a decision.

To better care for Ye Ruoruo, Dr. Ye rented a single room near the hospital. Rent was expensive, so he chose the cheapest room, which had poor soundproofing and a harsh environment. Luckily, he lived alone, so it wasn’t a problem.

When he arrived at the hospital, Ye Ruoruo saw his unshaven face and teased, "Brother, did you forget to shave again?"

Dr. Ye touched his chin. "I forgot. I’ll shave when I get home tonight."

Ye Ruoruo smiled. "No girl will like you like that—unhygienic and untidy. You need to learn to take care of yourself."

She was joking. Dr. Ye had only ignored his appearance recently because of his focus on caring for her. He used to be quite dashing.

He pinched her nose. "Right now, nothing is more important than you getting better."

Ye Ruoruo’s expression darkened. She tried to smile but said nothing.

She wasn’t going to get better.

Everyone knew her illness wouldn’t improve anytime soon.

Ye Ruoruo said, "Brother, I really like Cheng Hui. Maybe you should try harder, see what happens. I’m only worried about you. If I can’t hold on, what will you do?"

"Let’s not talk about that now. Everything waits until you get better."

Ye Ruoruo shook her head. "Sorry, I’m useless. I don’t want to lie to you. I asked the doctor, and doctors can’t lie to patients. He told me the truth. Don’t lie to me either. I understand my situation. It’s okay. I can bear it."

Dr. Ye’s eyes reddened, emotion welling up. He struggled to stay calm. "Don’t think too much. It’s okay. And you must believe me—I will find a way to keep you alive."

He meant to keep her alive, not to cure her.

He knew her illness was incurable.

Dr. Ye sought out classmates and searched everywhere for authoritative experts in bone cancer treatment. They existed, but after reviewing Ye Ruoruo’s case, their advice was the same as her attending doctor’s—no better treatment was available, only chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy was the only option.

Ye Ruoruo had lost hope. She held no illusions. But seeing Dr. Ye’s relentless effort and refusal to give up made her feel even more distressed.

...

That weekend, Cheng Hui went to the appointment. She arrived a few minutes after Mrs. Cheng, who was already there.

Mrs. Cheng, seeing Cheng Hui dressed in a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers, was angry.

"I told you to dress nicely today. Why are you still dressed like this?"

Cheng Hui was playing a game on her phone, not paying much attention.

"This is the best I’ve got. What more do you want?"

Mrs. Cheng said, "I don’t want to argue today. Can you please put down your phone and listen?"

Cheng Hui looked up, glanced at her, turned off her phone, and laid it on the table. "Go ahead. I’m listening."

"You’ve been back a while. You found a job on your own and don’t want to accept my arrangements. Fine, I won’t interfere. But today’s special. When you meet this person, don’t be rude."

"So who did you call me here to see?"

Mrs. Cheng didn’t answer directly. "You’ll know when they arrive. Also, mind your posture."

Hearing Mrs. Cheng’s tone, Cheng Hui guessed right.

Just like her father, Mrs. Cheng was setting her up with a man.

What surprised her was that this man was the same one her father had introduced before.

She had forgotten his name and blocked him on WeChat. How could Mrs. Cheng have invited him to meet her? How awkward!

The man seemed prepared and arrived with his mother.

Cheng Hui scratched her head, reluctant to look at him but unable to avoid it.

Mrs. Cheng chatted with the woman, mostly about their children, confirming Cheng Hui’s suspicion that they were matchmaking.

"I heard my son has met Cheng Hui already. I wondered why he was so obedient today—turns out it’s because of her."

Mrs. Cheng: "So they’ve met before?"

"Yes. Mrs. Cheng, you probably forgot, but Cheng Hui and my son used to play together as kids. They got along well. Then your family moved, and they lost touch."

"When was that? I really don’t remember."

The two women chatted happily while Cheng Hui and the man sat silently, each lost in their own thoughts.

Cheng Hui had already drunk three glasses of water, feeling awful. She regretted coming—who knew she’d have to see him again. She thought that chapter was closed.

The man was mentally prepared, obviously expecting Cheng Hui. He seemed quite open about it.

Throughout, Cheng Hui said nothing, either playing on her phone or drinking water, ignoring them.

Just as she was figuring out how to leave, a familiar voice spoke behind her, sending a shiver down her spine. Without turning, she recognized the speaker.

It was He Chuan.

What rotten luck.

How did she run into him here?

Biting her lip, she felt like sitting on pins and needles.

He Chuan wasn’t alone; Wen Liang was with him.

Wen Liang noticed Cheng Hui’s table but didn’t say anything, and Cheng Hui had nothing to say either.

They weren’t close, and their relationship was delicate—neither would greet the other in this setting.

Cheng Hui didn’t want to stay but couldn’t leave. Mrs. Cheng wouldn’t allow it.

Mrs. Cheng and the other woman even began discussing their children’s hobbies—clearly a matchmaking setup.

This was a café packed with people. By chance, He Chuan sat just one seat away behind Cheng Hui.

Wen Liang ordered a hot milk coffee and asked He Chuan what he wanted.

"I’ll have whatever you order."

"I’ll just try the new flavor, then."

Cheng Hui’s distraction was obvious, even anxious. She couldn’t calm down and just wanted to leave.

But the two ladies showed no sign of leaving, still chatting.

Cheng Hui suddenly stood up. "I’m going to the restroom."

Mrs. Cheng said, "You scared me! I thought something happened."

Cheng Hui left without looking back.

Wen Liang saw Cheng Hui rush off toward the restroom and casually said, "He Chuan, I think I just saw Cheng Jiu’s sister."

He Chuan, looking at his phone, didn’t reply.

Wen Liang said no more.

Cheng Hui’s restroom break lasted unusually long. Mrs. Cheng, worried she might sneak away, stood up to check. Turning around, she saw the people sitting at the next table. Her face immediately changed. He Chuan also looked over but was less agitated.

Mrs. Cheng still hated He Chuan. She blamed him entirely for Cheng Hui’s and the family’s downfall. If not for him corrupting Cheng Hui, their relationship wouldn’t have soured, and Cheng Hui wouldn’t have been sent abroad.

He Chuan looked at Mrs. Cheng calmly.

Mrs. Cheng controlled her emotions, not wanting to cause a scene as she was there to arrange a match for Cheng Hui.

She blocked Cheng Hui in front of the restroom.

Before Cheng Hui could speak, Mrs. Cheng said, "Why is He Chuan here? Are you two involved?"

Mrs. Cheng was already fragile. He Chuan’s appearance was salt in the wound.

The word “involved” stung Cheng Hui. She sneered, "Is that what you think?"

"If not, why else would he be here? Such a coincidence?"

"Mom, you’re the one who called me here. I didn’t book this place, and why would I invite him? Remember, you forced me abroad three years ago, and I cut ties with him completely, just as you wanted."

Cheng Hui’s cold smile was uncontrollable. She hadn’t expected Mrs. Cheng to see her this way.

People kept coming and going in the restroom area. The mother and daughter stood by the door, attracting curious glances.

Cheng Hui said, "I don’t want to argue. If you think that way, fine. Believe whatever you want."

Mrs. Cheng, flushed with anger, said, "Where are you going? Are you doing this on purpose? Are you deliberately opposing me? Do you still have feelings for him?"

"I don’t," Cheng Hui said as she was pulled back. She couldn’t leave and didn’t want to.

"Then what’s your attitude? How dare you speak to your mother like that?"

Cheng Hui felt powerless. "What attitude do you want? How do you want me to talk to you? Should I obey everything and be your puppet to make you happy?"

Her strained relationship with Mrs. Cheng wasn’t new. She hadn’t come home or contacted her for three years, showing how bad things were. They had only maintained a superficial calm, which Cheng Hui had endured.

But today, Mrs. Cheng broke through that thin veil.

Cheng Hui couldn’t swallow her anger or accept Mrs. Cheng’s words.

Mrs. Cheng furiously shouted, "Now you think you’re grown and dare talk back. Do you still have feelings for He Chuan? Want to get back with him? Let me tell you, forget it. He’s engaged. If you keep associating with him, I’ll send you abroad again."

Cheng Hui’s smile grew wider. "Then I hope you do send me away quickly. Otherwise, I might not be able to resist and go to him. Even if he’s married, if I want, I can be his mistress. I’ll do whatever it takes to seduce him. Mom, if you push me any further, the things you fear will come true."

"Have you no shame?!"

With a slap, Mrs. Cheng struck her hard across the face, nearly using all her strength. She was breathing heavily and still felt it wasn’t enough. "My daughter is not as low as you!"

Cheng Hui took the slap without flinching. It wasn’t the first time Mrs. Cheng had hit her. She only spoke harsh words, which made Mrs. Cheng so angry she hit her. If Cheng Hui actually acted on her threats, she’d really be sent abroad.

Going abroad was no big deal.

She wasn’t afraid anymore. She was financially independent now and wouldn’t be manipulated like before.

She had the right to say no.

"I don’t want you to acknowledge me anymore. Being your daughter is exhausting. If I had a choice, I wouldn’t be your daughter."

Mrs. Cheng’s eyes reddened with rage, raising her hand again. Cheng Hui closed her eyes instinctively, ready for another slap. But after a moment, no pain came. Opening her eyes slowly, she saw the young man standing in front of her, blocking the blow.

"Ma’am, if you have something to say, don’t hit people with so many watching."

Cheng Hui felt a subtle, unnoticeable pang of disappointment. She looked up and saw He Chuan standing among the crowd, expression cold and indifferent, his gaze no different from that of a stranger.

She realized where that disappointment came from.

If it were before, He Chuan wouldn’t have let her be bullied.

By anyone.

It seemed the most unreliable thing in the world was the human heart.

Part of her also felt she was truly despicable—so much time had passed, yet she still thought fondly of He Chuan.

He was so bad.

He pulled her out of the abyss and then let go.

Cheng Hui took a deep breath and turned to leave.

She didn’t want to stay any longer—just like before, she fled in panic.

Fortunately, this time she had the power to choose to escape.

She drove for a long time, not knowing where she was going. She ended up at a deserted seaside and finally stopped.

Covering her face with her hands, she cried silently.

Why was she so useless?

She smoked hard until she calmed down, then drove back.

She called Cheng Jiu and told him how Mrs. Cheng had nearly lost her mind that afternoon because of her.

After hearing the story, Cheng Jiu said, "I’ll call and check. Are you okay?"

"I’m fine. What’s wrong with me? Don’t worry. I’m not a child anymore. I won’t do anything stupid."

"Even if you’re not a child, I still worry. I’m your brother. If I don’t care about you, who will?"

Cheng Hui sniffled. "You’re so good, you and Sister Xin Xin."

"If she ever bothers you again, tell me. I’ll handle it. Don’t be alone with her. Dad said her moods are unstable. Being alone with her, you’ll inevitably get hurt."

"I know. I’ve learned my lesson. Won’t happen again."

"Good."

Feeling better, Cheng Hui returned home.

Now calm, she thought about what was said at the café earlier. It was harsh, but when emotions flare, harsh words slip out. She was too anxious and irritable then, unable to control herself.

But she wouldn’t apologize or bow to Mrs. Cheng.

Not long after returning, her phone rang—colleagues invited her out for drinks.

The colleague was the same young woman who had shared soy milk with her. Cheng Hui was in a bad mood and wanted to drink, so she agreed.

The colleague was already quite drunk, mumbling about relationship problems.

Cheng Hui drank quietly, saying little—there was no point talking to a drunk person.

The bar offered companionship services. A young, pale-faced man approached, asking if she wanted a drinking companion.

Cheng Hui nodded on impulse. The man sat next to her, a bit shy, asking trivial questions.

She propped her chin on her hand and asked, "How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

"That young? Still in school?"

"No, dropped out."

"What a pity."

The young man asked, "Want to drink something?"

"Yes, but nothing too expensive—I can’t afford it."

When the drinks arrived, Cheng Hui asked the price.

The man gave a figure.

She smiled. "You’re overestimating me. I can’t afford that."

"No need to pay. I’m buying."

"Why? You like me?"

Before he could answer, He Chuan suddenly appeared and interrupted.

He had been following her all day, thinking she would stay home after returning, but she had gone out again, even coming to a bar.