Chapter 5

When Ji Shu woke, someone was holding her hand tightly.

Jiang Zhixu.

He seemed to have sat beside her all night. Her hand had gone numb in his grip.

Her back still throbbed. At her faint groan, he woke at once.

“Shushu, you're awake? Does it still hurt?”

She pulled her hand away. “Leave.”

“I'm sorry. I didn't know you were actually injured.”

He frowned, his eyes full of guilt.

“If I'd known, I wouldn't have left you like that.”

“Yes, you would.”

She exposed the lie without hesitation.

“Because all you could see was Wen Ran.”

“You're still upset about me and Ranran, aren't you?”

He sighed.

“I know I was wrong to lie. I really didn't mean to. It wasn't until after the entrance exams that I found out she'd been secretly in love with me all along. The silly girl. You know I've always been softhearted. She said she didn't want anything else. Just being with me for four years at university would be enough.”

“She promised she wouldn't make trouble in front of you. She'd keep it from you. You wouldn't get hurt. She was crying so hard, I agreed. But only for four years. If you don't like it, I'll break up with her when she's better. From then on, it'll just be you.”

Ji Shu looked at the young man in front of her. He felt like a stranger.

In high school, he had had a firm sense of right and wrong. He had been handsome, untainted. How had he become so disgusting in only four years?

“Do what you like.”

“So you agree?”

Delighted, he hugged her.

“I knew my Shushu was the best. I promise I'll come to your university for graduation. Then we'll go to Beicheng together. You wanted to apply for postgraduate study at Peking University, didn't you? We'll apply together. Then we can be together forever.”

He pictured their future.

She wanted only to get away.

Five days remained of the National Day holiday. She needed four more days in the hospital. Once she was discharged, she would leave this place for good.

“Zhixu, Ranran's awake. She's asking for you.”

Lin Yanan appeared in the doorway, still looking at Ji Shu with a trace of resentment.

Jiang Zhixu let go.

“Wait for me, Shushu. I'll come back in a bit. Give me a little time. I'll sort everything out.”

He left.

Lin Yanan glanced at Ji Shu as if she wanted to say something. Then she thought better of it and followed him.

He did come back to visit. His care was meticulous. He blew on spoonfuls of congee before feeding her, cooled her water before holding it to her lips. When the wind rose, he shut the window; when it softened, he opened it for fresh air. If even a little sunlight fell on her, he immediately drew the curtains.

But one call from Wen Ran was still enough to make him abandon her.

On the day Ji Shu was to be discharged, another call summoned him away.

“Ranran's craving watermelon. I'll buy her one. Wait till I get back. I'll bring your favorite milk tea. I asked the doctor—you can have it now.”

He left smiling.

Watching his retreating back, Ji Shu said quietly, “Goodbye, Jiang Zhixu.”

This time, it really was goodbye.

They would never meet again.

She left the hospital alone and took a high-speed train back to Jiangcheng. Once everything was arranged, she went to the airport with her professor.

He still seemed reluctant to see her go.

“Ji Shu, you're a good girl. Work hard over there. I'll be waiting for you to come back as the finest cardiac surgeon!”

“Thank you, Professor.”

She turned toward security.

As she boarded, Jiang Zhixu called.

She didn't answer. He called, hung up, called again. After dozens of attempts, he sent messages.

[Shushu, why did you leave the hospital on your own? Where have you gone? Back to Jiangcheng?]

[Be careful traveling alone. Only three months till graduation. I'll come and take you to Beicheng then.]

She replied:

[Let's break up, Jiang Zhixu. I wish you and Wen Ran happiness.]

Then she switched off her phone and boarded without looking back.

Don't come for me, Jiang Zhixu.

I don't need you anymore.

## Chapter 8

At the hospital, Jiang Zhixu was still holding Ji Shu's favorite milk tea when her message arrived.

It had gone cold. The warmth in his palm ebbed with it.

Break up?

Did she mean it?

They had been together for five years. Could she really bear to leave him?

Then he remembered the way she had looked at him these past few days. So cold. So disappointed.

Unease stirred in his chest.

He was with Wen Ran, yes, but Ji Shu had always been the one he loved most.

Wen Ran was simply someone he couldn't bear to hurt.