Chapter 31

As the car entered the city, the spring sunshine shone through the clouds, casting a gentle glow on the streets. Song Linchuan leaned on Song Mingye's shoulder, his fingers unconsciously stroking the seashell in his pocket—it was a seashell Song Mingye had picked up for him on the last day at the beach, its edges worn smooth, carrying the scent of the sea.

“Brother, let’s go home and rest for the night, and go to the hospital to complete the admission procedures tomorrow, okay?” Song Linchuan asked softly, his eyes full of concern. Song Mingye nodded and reached out to rub his hair: “Okay, whatever you say.” After relaxing at the beach, the pain in his back had lessened a bit, but the lesions in his body were still there, like a temporarily dormant pebble, reminding him of the treatment he was about to face.

Chu Xiaoche, Qi Zihao, Mu Nanjin, and Jiang Ziyu escorted them to their doorstep. "Mingye, get some rest. Call us anytime if you need any help," Chu Xiaoche said, patting his shoulder with a steady tone. Qi Zihao, carrying a bag of freshly bought strawberries, handed one to Song Linchuan: "Achuan, give these to Mingye, they'll help him get some vitamins!" Song Mingye smiled and nodded: "Thank you, take care on the road."

Back home, Song Linchuan immediately tidied up a sunny bedroom for Song Mingye and then went to the kitchen to cook a bowl of hot yam porridge. Song Mingye leaned against the headboard, watching Song Linchuan's busy figure, his heart filled with warmth. "Linchuan, don't overwork yourself, come and rest for a while," Song Mingye said softly. Song Linchuan carried the porridge over, sat on the edge of the bed, and carefully fed him: "Brother, drink more. Yam is good for the stomach. The doctor said you need to eat a light diet before your surgery."

The next morning, Song Mingye and Song Linchuan arrived at the hospital. Chu Xiaoche had already contacted the attending physician in advance, and the admission procedures went smoothly. The ward was a single room, sunny, with a small garden outside the window; a gentle breeze carried the faint fragrance of flowers. Song Linchuan helped Song Mingye make the bed and hung the seashell wind chimes he had brought by the window; the seashells clattered together in the wind, making a crisp sound. "Brother, this way you won't be too bored in the hospital," Song Linchuan said with a smile, but his eyes betrayed his worry.

Chu Xiaoche and Qi Zihao arrived early. Qi Zihao carried a large teddy bear and placed it on the bedside table: "Mingye-ge, this is for you to keep you company!" Chu Xiaoche sat on the edge of the bed and checked the surgical plan with Song Mingye: "The doctor said the surgery is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. We'll do the pre-operative examinations today. If all the indicators are within the normal range, there won't be any problems." Song Mingye nodded, his fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the bed: "I know, don't worry."

At noon, Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin arrived. Jiang Ziyu held a small sketch in his hand, depicting a sunset at the seaside, with six little figures holding hands in the corner. "Brother Mingye, I wish you a successful surgery," he said softly, handing the sketch over. Mu Nanjin carried a food box containing carefully stewed pigeon soup: "This is to replenish your qi and blood; drink more before your surgery."

For the next two days, everyone took turns caring for Song Mingye at the hospital. Chu Xiaoche would set aside half a day each day to help Song Mingye handle urgent matters at the company, allowing him to completely let go of his work worries. Qi Zihao would bring different fresh fruits and interesting magazines every day, sitting by Song Mingye's bedside and telling him interesting stories from the outside world to cheer him up. Jiang Ziyu would sit quietly beside him, sketching Song Mingye, occasionally glancing up at him with encouraging eyes.

Song Linchuan stayed by Song Mingye's side constantly, wiping his body and massaging him every day to relieve his back pain. At night, he would rest by the hospital bed, waking up immediately if Song Mingye moved even slightly: "Brother, does it hurt? Let me massage it for you." Song Mingye would hold his hand and pat it gently: "It's okay, you go to sleep, it doesn't hurt." But only he knew that the throbbing pain in the middle of the night often made it difficult for him to fall asleep.

The night before the surgery, everyone came to the hospital. Chu Xiaoche brought Song Mingye a set of loose cotton pajamas, Qi Zihao gave him a lucky charm, Jiang Ziyu drew a small sunflower, and Mu Nanjin told him to relax and not think too much. Song Linchuan leaned against Song Mingye's chest, his voice trembling with tears, "Brother, the surgery must go smoothly tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you to come out." Song Mingye hugged him tightly, resting his chin on the top of his head, "Okay, I will definitely come out smoothly, and I will accompany you to see many, many beautiful sights."

As night deepened, everyone gradually left, leaving Song Linchuan in the ward to keep Song Mingye company. Song Mingye closed his eyes, but sleep eluded him. Song Linchuan gently took his hand and hummed a nursery rhyme he often heard as a child, his voice as gentle as a spring breeze. Song Mingye gradually relaxed in his song and slowly drifted off to sleep.

On the day of the surgery, Song Mingye was wheeled into the operating room. Song Linchuan, Chu Xiaoche, Qi Zihao, Mu Nanjin, and Jiang Ziyu waited outside. Song Linchuan clenched his fists tightly, his palms sweaty, glancing at the operating room door every now and then. Chu Xiaoche patted him on the shoulder: "Don't worry, Mingye will be fine." Qi Zihao nodded in agreement: "Yes, the doctor said the early cure rate is very high!"

Time ticked by, and the operating room light remained on. Mu Nanjin bought water and bread for everyone, but no one had an appetite. Jiang Ziyu sat in a corner, holding a paintbrush, repeatedly drawing sunflowers on paper, as if this would bring good luck to Song Mingye.

After what seemed like an eternity, the operating room lights finally went out. The doctor emerged, removed his mask, and wore a tired yet relieved smile: "The surgery was a success! The cancer cells have been completely removed. With proper rest and regular checkups, recurrence can be effectively prevented."

Song Linchuan's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, instantly relaxed, and tears welled up in his eyes: "That's great! Thank you, doctor!" Chu Xiaoche also breathed a sigh of relief and patted him on the back: "Okay, don't cry, Mingye is fine now."

Song Mingye was admitted to the intensive care unit and needed to be observed for two days. Everyone stayed outside the ICU for the entire day, only leaving gradually in the evening, agreeing to take turns staying the next day. Song Linchuan refused to leave, sitting on a chair outside the ICU, his eyes fixed on the inside, afraid of missing any movement.

Two days later, Song Mingye was transferred to a regular ward. He was still pale and weak, but his spirits had improved considerably. Seeing Song Linchuan, he managed a weak smile: "Achuan, I'm alright." Song Linchuan immediately rushed to his bedside and grasped his hand: "Brother, you're finally out!"

In the days that followed, everyone continued to take turns caring for Song Mingye at the hospital. Song Mingye's health gradually improved; he was able to sit up and eat on his own, and he could also walk slowly around the ward. Every day, Song Linchuan would help him walk in the corridor and tell him interesting things happening outside. Chu Xiaoche would bring him good news from the company, Qi Zihao would show him newly taken photos, and Jiang Ziyu would draw new sketches for him.

Sunlight streamed through the window into the ward, illuminating Song Mingye's face with warmth and brightness. He looked at everyone around him, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew the successful surgery was only the first step; the road to recovery was long, but with these people by his side, he had the courage to continue.

The weather was exceptionally fine on the day of discharge. Song Linchuan helped Song Mingye out of the hospital, where Chu Xiaoche, Qi Zihao, Mu Nanjin, and Jiang Ziyu were already waiting at the entrance. "Brother Mingye, welcome home!" Qi Zihao shouted excitedly. Chu Xiaoche opened the car door: "Let's go home and rest properly first. We'll go see the sea when you're feeling better."

Song Mingye nodded, a long-lost smile appearing on his face. He knew the battle against the illness was not yet over, but he was no longer afraid. He had his loved one by his side, and his friends supporting him; this warmth, like the spring sun, dispelled all the gloom and illuminated his path forward.