The next morning, Chen Jin and I both got up at 6:30. After having a quick bite, we prepared to head to the hotel. This time, I drove. After starting the car, Chen Jin said to me, who was holding the steering wheel, "Did you forget something?"

"What is it?"

"Aren't you going to Sanbao's inn to pick up Lu Jia? ...Didn't we agree that she would go to buy the daily necessities that Dad needs for his hospital stay?"

How did you know about this?

"We've made contact, we've made contact... Let's hurry up and go. Lu Jia was waiting for us to pick her up outside the inn at seven o'clock, and it's already seven-tenths."

I glanced at Chen Jin, then turned around and drove towards the Sanbao Inn...

Actually, I haven't forgotten this matter, but I don't know how to face Lu Jia. The more she treats me with kindness and loyalty, the more guilty I feel... because I'm not prepared to repay her at all.

On the way, I couldn't help but think of what she said to me last night... I believe she was serious. Maybe after I leave the hospital today, she will really be out of my life... All of this is because I was too cold to her.

But from my perspective, how else can I treat her? I have my own inner demons, my own obstacles. Before I see through them, I can only be so cold-blooded and ruthless... If she wants to leave, I won't stop her, but I will sincerely wish her well and hope that she can find her own happiness.

As for me, I continue to accept the arrangements of fate, and whatever the final outcome, I will bear it all.

...

About ten minutes later, the car arrived at Sanbao's guesthouse; Lu Jia, wearing a sun hat, was waiting for us outside the guesthouse next to a flower stall...

When I went to see her, she had her hat brim pulled low, but because I was sitting in the car, in a low position, I could still see what she looked like... Her eyes were a little red and swollen, and it seemed that she had cried a lot after returning to the inn last night... That's why I didn't want to come and pick her up. Even if it's an escape, I really didn't want to see her like this after I hurt her. I would feel guilty!

Lu Jia avoided my gaze, then opened the back door and sat down in the back seat. She greeted Chen Jin first, then smiled at me, trying her best to act as if nothing had happened last night.

I paused for a moment before responding with a smile.

I let out a soft sigh, pressed the electronic parking brake, and prepared to leave.

Just then, Lu Jia's parents chased after her from the inn, carrying two boxes of skincare products that were frequently advertised on television.

My car window was open the whole time. After they got to my side, Lu Jia's mother spoke first, saying to me, "Lu Jia said your dad went to the hospital today for nasal surgery. If your car can fit everyone, we'd like to go and see him..."

I smiled and replied, "It's a minor surgery, you and your uncle don't need to worry."

Lu Jia's father then said to me, "Your aunt and I bought two boxes of nutritional supplements to replenish your father's qi and blood early this morning. Please take them over for us and give him your regards... We will definitely visit him at the hospital when we have time... If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask Lu Jia to let us know, and your aunt and I will also go to the hospital to help out."

Seeing that I wasn't good at handling such questions, Chen Jin chimed in with a smile, "Uncle, Aunt, don't worry. With such a thoughtful girl like Lu Jia helping out, there won't be any problems. You've come all this way to Dali, so you should definitely take in the sights. Put aside all these worries... With so many of us, we can definitely manage everything."

"Okay, okay... then these two boxes of nutritional supplements."

Lu Jia's father awkwardly lifted the box, then looked at me, who hadn't moved.

Chen Jin opened the car door and got out, then smiled and took the gift from them, saying, "Michael will definitely convey this sentiment... You should hurry back to the inn. If you hear anything, have Lu Jia inform you."

Lu Jia's mother ran to the back and gave Lu Jia a few more instructions, telling her to be more lenient with me. Then she and her father pulled each other back to the inn.

In the rearview mirror, I saw Lu Jia crying. I knew that my indifference towards her parents had hurt her.

I looked out the window again at the two figures supporting each other, and I felt a pang of unease... I was too cold-hearted, a coldness devoid of human warmth.

...

When we arrived at the hotel where Lao Mi and my mother were staying, they had already packed their things. Without much delay, the five of us arrived at the hospital before the agreed-upon 8:30 am.

I asked Bai Lu to help me with arranging the bed, so it didn't take much trouble. Lao Mi got the bed and then went to the examination room with the nurse for a routine check-up.

While waiting for Lao Mi's examination, my mother and Lu Jia helped him tidy up his bed and some clothes, while Chen Jin and I were basically unable to "help" and just stood idly by for a long time.

Chen Jin smiled, then whispered to me, "Your mom and Lu Jia get along really well!..." He paused for a moment, then added, "You're really lucky, to see this in the hospital. It's not easy to find so many daughters-in-law who would run away from their sick fathers-in-law, let alone care for them so wholeheartedly!"

I remained silent.

Chen Jin glanced at me, then lit a cigarette. Before he could even take a proper puff, a passing nurse berated him for being inconsiderate.

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