Toddler

Spring has firmly established itself in the northern part of the city. Sunlight generously spills across the lawns and corridors of the Kangfu Hospital on the outskirts of the city, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of new leaves and earth.

For the three people in ward 703, this spring also brought a touch of vitality unlike any other.

After a long and arduous rehabilitation program, with the patient guidance of physical therapists and the alternating companionship of Xiao Jue and Qi Shuo, Qing Ran's leg strength has significantly recovered. From initially only being able to do flexion and extension exercises in bed with assistance, to being able to stand with the help of a walker and therapists, and now, finally being able to take a few shaky steps independently without the walker and with the support of others.

Although the pace was extremely slow and unsteady, requiring him to stop and catch his breath every few steps, and his legs would tremble slightly from weakness and even ache faintly, it was already a remarkable improvement.

Every time she relied on her own strength, even if it was just to move from the bedside to the door, a faint, imperceptible light, a mixture of novelty and exhaustion, would flash in her eyes, which were always filled with confusion and timidity.

In the afternoon, the sunlight bathed the third-floor corridor in a bright and warm glow. This was Qingran's daily "walk" time. Usually, Xiao Jue and Qi Shuo would take turns accompanying her.

Today it's Qi Shuo's turn.

He was dressed in dark casual clothes and wore his usual blue mask. He stood a few steps away from Qingran, his arms slightly outstretched in a protective stance, his gaze fixed on her. Qingran, holding onto the wall, slowly and very carefully lifted her right foot, took a small step forward, steadied herself, and then lifted her left foot to follow.

Her body leaned slightly forward, her center of gravity unsteady, each step unsteady, like a baby learning to walk, yet with a touch more weakness and caution from illness. Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and her lips were slightly pursed, showing her effort.

Qi Shuo's heart pounded with every step she took. He stared intently at her feet, her legs, and every slight sway of her body, his body tense, ready to rush over and catch her the moment she fell.

He breathed very softly, afraid of disturbing her.

After walking about seven or eight steps, Qingran stopped, panting slightly, her brows furrowed, and her hand unconsciously rubbed above her right knee. This was a lingering ailment she had developed before, which would ache after walking for a while.

"Tired?" Qi Shuo immediately stepped forward, his voice muffled through his mask, but he tried to be as gentle as possible.

Qingran looked up at him, her bangs damp with sweat and clinging to her smooth forehead.

She didn't speak, but blinked, and then, without warning, leaned forward, stretched out her arms, and softly hung them around Qi Shuo's neck, putting most of her weight on him.

Qi Shuo froze. A warm, soft body, carrying a faint milky scent and the smell of sweat, pounced into his arms, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

He instinctively reached out and gently wrapped his arms around her, supporting her, his movements carrying an almost imperceptible stiffness and caution. Qingran seemed quite satisfied with this "human support," burying her face in the crook of his neck, nuzzling against him, letting out a muffled, coquettish hum, and then remaining completely still.

The meaning of "playing dirty" couldn't be clearer.

Qi Shuo stood frozen in place, his arms still wrapped around himself, not daring to move an inch.

He could feel the warmth and weight of the small body in his arms, and smell the faint, unscented scent of hospital shampoo in her hair. A strange yet overwhelming emotion struck him instantly, making his throat tighten and his eyes burn. This was Shanshan… his sister.

She was leaning against him, clinging to him. This realization, filled with sharp pain and boundless soreness, almost overwhelmed him.

He lowered his head, looking at the fluffy hair on the top of her head and the tips of her little ears that were red from walking. For a moment, he forgot to move and forgot to speak.

The corridor was quiet, with only the faint sounds of voices and machinery in the distance. Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the two people embracing in a warm glow.

Just then, footsteps came from the other end of the corridor. Xiao Jue finished his work and came over to check the situation, just in time to see this scene.

He stopped in his tracks, looking at Qing Ran who was clinging to Qi Shuo's arms and clearly didn't want to leave, and then at Qi Shuo's stiff body and unsure of what to do. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, a helpless yet amused look flashing in his eyes.

He walked over, squatted down in front of Qingran, looked her in the eye, and said in a gentle but firm tone, "Ranran, didn't we agree that we'd be at the window in five more steps and see the birds outside? Why are you being lazy again? Come on, walk a few more steps, and I'll take you to see them."

Qingran lifted her head slightly from Qi Shuo's neck, glanced at Xiao Jue, pouted, then buried her face back down, tightening her arms around Qi Shuo's neck, silently expressing her resistance.

Xiao Jue: "..."

He looked at Qi Shuo, his eyes saying, "Look how you've spoiled her."

Qi Shuo caught his gaze, feeling somewhat embarrassed and at a loss. Of course, he knew that Kang Fu's training required perseverance and he couldn't be soft-hearted. But how could he bring himself to push away this soft little bundle in his arms, this complete dependence and trust?

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he just held Qingran tighter and more carefully, and whispered, "Her...leg hurts."

Xiao Jue sighed, softening his tone even more, coaxing, "Ranran is the best! Didn't you walk very well just now? Let's persevere a little longer, just five more steps, okay? After we finish, we'll rest, and I'll tell you a story about how the little rabbit jumped so high and so far, okay?"

Qingran remained still, pretending not to hear.

Xiao Jue tried to coax her a few more times, but Qing Ran just whimpered and clung to Qi Shuo, refusing to let go.

Qi Shuo stood there, letting her hug him, his arms supporting her steadily, like a silent tree offering her support. His eyes above his mask looked at Xiao Jue, his gaze carrying a hint of...innocence.

There was also a barely perceptible hint of disapproval of Xiao Jue's "coercive" behavior.

Xiao Jue was almost amused by the brother and sister.

He realized that Qingran had quickly and accurately figured out her two older brothers' bottom lines.

Although Xiaojue's brother is gentle, he is very insistent on matters of principle. If he agrees on a training amount, he will definitely make her complete it. Acting cute or being unreasonable has very little effect on him.

And this masked guy... is simply an unprincipled "doting maniac." As long as she shows even the slightest expression of being tired or uncomfortable, and hangs herself on him, he immediately surrenders and does whatever she wants.

“Qi Shuo,” Xiao Jue stood up, hands on her hips, looking at him with a slight headache, “You can’t keep doing this. The doctor said that a moderate amount of pain and fatigue is normal, and she has to persevere to recover. If you always let her have her way, when will she be able to walk steadily on her own?”

Qi Shuo pursed his lips, not refuting, but tightened his arms around her again, looking down at Qing Ran, who was restless again, rubbing her little head against his chin, and said in a low voice, "She's tired."

"She's only taken a few steps!" Xiao Jue sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Her legs hurt." Qi Shuo insisted, his reason simple yet persistent.

Looking at his protective attitude, and then at Qing Ran's sly and smug look as she secretly peeked out from Qi Shuo's neck, giving him a mischievous glance, Xiao Jue suddenly felt a deep sense of powerlessness.

This girl has gone astray! She knows how to find a powerful backer now!

"Okay, okay, you're amazing." Xiao Jue gave up and waved his hand helplessly. "I'll rest for five minutes, just five minutes! Then I have to finish the remaining steps."

He emphasized that he was mainly speaking to Qi Shuo.

Qi Shuo nodded almost imperceptibly, which was taken as an agreement.

He carried Qingran and slowly walked to a bench by the corridor. He carefully sat down, adjusting his position so she could lean more comfortably against him. Qingran, pleased with her success, immediately relaxed, nestled comfortably, and even adjusted her position herself, pressing her face against Qi Shuo's chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, and comfortably squinting her eyes.

Xiao Jue stood aside, watching this harmonious (?) scene of "father and daughter" relationship, feeling both annoyed and amused.

He walked over, sat down at the other end of the bench, took out a thermos, poured a small cup of warm water, and held it to Qingran's lips: "Drink some water, drink slowly."

Qingran took small sips from Qi Shuo's hand, being incredibly obedient, a stark contrast to her earlier tantrum.

Five-minute break time is up.

Just as Xiao Jue was about to speak, Qing Ran immediately looked up alertly, glanced at Xiao Jue, then at Qi Shuo, and quickly buried her face back in Qi Shuo's arms, as if to say, "I'm asleep, don't wake me."

Qi Shuo: "..."

Xiao Jue: "..."

He glared at Qi Shuo, his eyes accusing him: Look what you've done to him!

Qi Shuo coughed lightly, avoiding Xiao Jue's gaze, raised his hand, and patted Qing Ran's back very, very lightly, his voice incredibly soft: "Ranran, let's walk a few more steps, just a few more steps, to the window, and see if there are any birds outside, okay? After you see them, your brother will... will read you a new story."

He wasn't very good at coaxing children, and his tone was somewhat harsh, but even Xiao Jue, who was standing next to him, could hear the indulgence and compromise in it.

Qingran remained motionless.

Qi Shuo thought for a moment and then added, "When we get to the window, we won't let Ranran walk the way back. Brother will carry you back, okay?"

This completely exceeded the original plan and was a concession of a "humiliating and detrimental" nature.

Sure enough, the little head in my arms moved.

Qingran slowly raised her head, blinked her big eyes, looked at Qi Shuo, and then at the window a few steps away, as if weighing whether it was more worthwhile to "stay here" or "be carried back".

Ultimately, the latter seems to be more appealing.

She pouted, reluctantly and slowly moved out of Qi Shuo's arms, stood firm, and then stretched out her two small hands towards Qi Shuo.

The meaning is clear: we need to hold hands.

Qi Shuo immediately grasped her small hand and supported her steadily. Xiao Jue could hardly bear to watch, but he knew this was the best outcome they could achieve, so he stepped forward and offered support from the other side.

Thus, the following scene unfolded in the corridor: Qingran was carefully supported by Qi Shuo and Xiao Jue on either side, as if she were a fragile piece of porcelain. With their help, she staggered and wobbled as she "trekked" toward the window not far away.

Qi Shuo bore almost all of her weight, patiently accommodating her speed and pace. Xiao Jue stood by, ready to take over at any moment, while also keeping an eye out for her potentially "falling down" again.

The short distance felt like a long march. Finally reaching the window, Qingran leaned against the windowsill, stood on tiptoe, and curiously peered outside.

Outside the window, the spring sunshine was bright, and birds were hopping in the trees. She watched, a small smile curving her lips.

Qi Shuo and Xiao Jue stood on either side of her behind her, looking at her profile and the glimmer of light reflected in her eyes. They both breathed a sigh of relief, and then a warm current mixed with exhaustion, relief, and an indescribable bittersweet feeling quietly washed over them.

“Look, little birds,” Xiao Jue said softly, pointing to the sparrows hopping on the branches outside the window.

Qingran watched without saying a word, but her eyes were bright.

Qi Shuo stood beside her, his gaze fixed on her focused profile, the sunlight casting a soft glow on her pale cheeks.

He quietly and very slowly reached out his hand, his fingertips stopping just before touching her soft hair. In the end, his hand just hovered there in a daze, then slowly closed up, clenched into a fist, and hung at his side.

Being able to watch over her and accompany her, even if it's just taking small, difficult steps forward, even if the process is full of indulgence, compromise, and helpless struggles... it doesn't seem so bad.

At least, spring has truly arrived.

His sister is learning to walk again, step by step, continuing to live.