The good man who is always a "special case"
The morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains onto the guest bedroom floor. When Gu Yansheng woke up, the seat beside him was empty, but the pillow still lingered with Jiang Lin's clean, crisp soapberry scent, mixed with a faint whiff of disinfectant, strangely soothing the lingering uneasiness from last night's startling dream.
When he opened the window and looked at the wet ground, he realized that it had rained last night... During his restless sleep, Jiang Lin was probably taking care of him. The medicine and the soothing body temperature dragged him into an uneasy sleep.
A slight noise came from the living room. Gu Yansheng stood up and found Jiang Lin already dressed. His dark gray quick-drying sportswear outlined his tall, lean figure. He was stuffing things into a professional mountaineering backpack. On the table were two cups of warm milk and a simple sandwich.
"Are you awake? Wash up, have breakfast, and leave in half an hour." Jiang Lin didn't even raise his head. His tone was his usual commanding tone, but it lacked the coldness of last night and was more like a daily rhythm.
His movements were swift, and Gu Yansheng's sharp eyes watched as he expertly tucked a small box of allergy medication, a small bottle of topical spray, individually wrapped wipes, and even a small bag of candy—Gu Yansheng's emergency supplies for hypoglycemia—into the various compartments of his backpack. His focused expression was as if he were preparing a meticulous surgical plan.
Gu Yansheng felt a slight warmth in his heart. The guilt and shock that had surged last night settled, transforming into a heavy, yet helpless, reliance on her. He washed up silently, then sat at the table, nibbling on a sandwich.
"The weather forecast says it'll be cloudy turning sunny today. It'll be windy on the top of the mountain, so wear a windproof and water-resistant jacket." Jiang Lin zipped up his backpack and walked over, his eyes glancing at Gu Yansheng's exposed arm. The rash had mostly faded, leaving only a faint pink mark. "Does your hand still hurt?"
Gu Yansheng subconsciously curled his medicated right hand. The palm where he'd been whipped with the ruler was still swollen and hard, and a dull pain tingled when he touched it. "Not bad," he whispered, not daring to meet Jiang Lin's eyes.
Jiang Lin didn't ask any more questions. He just picked up the cup of milk in front of him, made sure it was the right temperature, and put it back next to him. "Eat quickly."
The car drove toward Yunqi Mountain on the outskirts of the city. The mountain road wasn't steep, but it was long and winding, making it a popular weekend exercise destination for locals. The summer forests were lush and green, the air fresh and fragrant with the sweet scent of grass and trees, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled spots of light. Gu Yansheng took a deep breath, trying to expel the pent-up anger in his chest.
At first, Gu Yansheng could barely keep up with Jiang Lin's pace. Jiang Lin was a veteran of outdoor sports, his steps were steady, his breathing was even, and the rhythm of his trekking pole tapping the ground was full of undeniable power.
Gu Yansheng, on the other hand, was different. The combination of long hours of desk work and the physical weakness brought on by emotional exhaustion soon left him breathless, with beads of sweat oozing from his forehead. The injury on his right palm ached even more when he gripped the hiking pole tightly.
"Slow...slow down..." Gu Yansheng couldn't help but speak, his breathing a little uneven.
Jiang Lin paused and turned. The sunlight fell on his sharply defined profile, diminishing his usual sternness and imbued with the tranquility of the mountains. He said nothing, simply reaching out and naturally taking Gu Yansheng's trekking pole, along with his own, and holding it in one hand.
"Follow me, look at the road, don't look at your feet." His voice was clear and steady in the mountain breeze.
Without the support of his trekking pole, Gu Yansheng subconsciously reached for something. While he was hesitating, Jiang Lin had already reached back with his free hand, palm up, and waited quietly without urging him.
Gu Yansheng's heart skipped a beat. He looked at the bony hand that had once held a scalpel and a ruler. He hesitated for a moment, then gently placed his left hand on it. Jiang Lin's hand was dry and warm, covered with thin calluses. It firmly wrapped around his, and a gentle yet firm strength instantly passed through him.
This simple physical contact conveyed a silent support more directly than any words—last night's storm did not seem to have left an insurmountable crack, and he was still the anchor he could hold on to.
Just like that, one steadily led the way, the other staggered behind, their hands tightly clasped as they climbed up the mountain path. Gu Yansheng no longer felt the heaviness of his steps was unbearable; that hand conveyed not only strength but also a strange sense of security. He could even sense Jiang Lin occasionally adjusting his pace subtly to accommodate his speed.
"Oh! Doctor Jiang! What a coincidence!"
A resounding voice shattered the tranquility of the forest. Halfway up the mountain, on a slightly flatter viewing platform, a slightly overweight, middle-aged man in a bright orange tracksuit was taking photos with his phone. Upon seeing them, he waved and greeted them with surprise.
Jiang Lin paused, but didn't let go of Gu Yansheng's hand. He just nodded slightly and said, "Director Zhang."
Gu Yansheng recognized Zhang Mingyuan, the deputy director of the hospital's cardiothoracic surgery department and Jiang Lin's colleague, a man known for his warmth, cheerfulness, and excellent interpersonal skills. He subconsciously tried to pull his hand away, but Jiang Lin tightened his grip, as if silently preventing him from escaping.
Zhang Mingyuan had already walked over with big strides, his eyes quickly swept across the two people's shaking hands, a hint of understanding and good-natured ridicule flashed in his eyes, and then he patted Jiang Lin's shoulder with a smile on his face.
"It's rare, King Jiang! Instead of spending the weekend in the operating room or the lab, you actually have the leisure to come here and climb the mountain? The sun is rising from the west?" He joked, then turned to Gu Yansheng with an even warmer smile, "Little Gu, it's been a long time since we last met. Jiang Lin, this iron tree, only blooms for you!"
Gu Yansheng nodded awkwardly and said hello, "Hello, Director Zhang."
"Okay, okay!" Zhang Mingyuan looked Gu Yansheng up and down, his eyes full of the loving kindness of an elder looking at a younger one. "Jiang Lin said that you were a little weak and needed more exercise. I guess he forced you to exercise today."
Once Zhang Mingyuan started talking, he couldn't stop, and the familiarity and teasing in his tone were not concealed at all.
Jiang Lin's face was expressionless. He simply said, "Mountain climbing is good for your heart and lungs."
"Tsk tsk, listen to this, what a solid excuse." Zhang Mingyuan winked at Gu Yansheng, "Little Gu, you must know that our Dr. Jiang is notorious in the hospital for being ruthless. Who wants to temporarily swap shifts with him? It's as difficult as climbing to the sky! Who wants to invite him to a party this weekend? No way! There is always only one excuse - 'something'.
Ask him what's going on? He keeps his mouth shut tighter than a safe! What's the result? "He pointed exaggeratedly at their still-holding hands, "So the biggest deal is just accompanying Xiao Gu climbing a mountain!"
Gu Yansheng's cheeks felt slightly hot. He could feel Jiang Lin's grip on his hand tightening, as if conveying a subtle... warning? Or perhaps embarrassment?
"Director Zhang, stop joking..." Gu Yansheng said in a low voice.
"This is no joke!" Zhang Mingyuan put away his jokes and spoke more sincerely. "Xiao Gu, don't be fooled by Jiang Lin's stern face all day long, as if everyone owes him money. He's very thoughtful. But for you, it's really different. One time, a critically ill patient was sent to the emergency room and needed him to go to the operation immediately. Coincidentally, there was a heavy rain forecast that day. Guess what? He was quickly changing into surgical gowns while making a phone call. His tone was so urgent. He wasn't urging anesthesia or a nurse, but urging a friend to come to your house quickly! He repeatedly reminded you, 'Close the doors and windows, the medicine is in the second drawer of the bedside table, call me immediately if anything happens, I'll be back as soon as the operation is over...'
Zhang Mingyuan mimicked Jiang Lin's hurried tone perfectly. "This matter has spread throughout the hospital. They say that the only person who can make Jiang Wuqing's face change is Gu Yansheng. Hahahaha."
Gu Yansheng was completely stunned. He had never heard of these details. He only knew that Jiang Lin was good to him, but he had no idea that this "good" was so specific, so unconventional, and even a little desperate in the eyes of others.
"There's one more thing," Zhang Mingyuan lowered his voice, as if sharing some big secret. "Last year's anniversary party was so lively. Everyone urged Jiang Lin to perform a piece. Guess what he said?"
He imitated Jiang Lin's cold and distant tone and said, "I'm busy. Gu Yansheng's lab data will be released tonight, and I need to help him check it." The whole place was in an uproar! We realized that our doctor Jiang can not only perform surgery, but also help people with scientific research data!"
Zhang Mingyuan couldn't help laughing as he spoke. "So, Xiao Gu, in Jiang Lin's opinion, you are definitely this—" He raised his thumb and shook it vigorously. "A one-of-a-kind special case! More effective than the face of any dean or director!"
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a flickering spot of light on Jiang Lin's profile. He remained expressionless, though his jawline seemed even more tense, and the palm of his hand, gripping Gu Yansheng, was slightly damp with sweat.
He did not refute Zhang Mingyuan's words, but just listened silently. That silence itself was the most powerful proof.
Gu Yansheng's heart felt like it was being soaked in warm spring water, aching yet tender. He looked up at Jiang Lin's stern profile, and the earth-shattering words "I can't stand it" he had said last night seemed to echo in his ears again.
It turned out that those everyday details he ignored were such clearly visible special marks in the eyes of others. Jiang Lin used his unique, almost clumsy way to firmly circle him at the center of his world, breaking all principles and taking all risks for him.
This heavy "special case" shocked and distressed him more than any empty words.
"Okay, Director Zhang, you continue taking pictures, we still have to go up." Jiang Lin finally spoke, interrupting Zhang Mingyuan's incessant chatter, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of helplessness.
"Okay, okay, I won't keep you two brothers away!" Zhang Mingyuan laughed heartily and waved tactfully, "Keep climbing, Xiao Gu! Jiang Lin, take good care of them! The view from the top of the mountain is amazing!"
After bidding farewell to the enthusiastic Director Zhang, the two continued their ascent. The mountain path grew steeper. Gu Yansheng's heart remained restless for a long time. Zhang Mingyuan's words were like a pebble dropped into a lake, stirring up ripples. He couldn't help but glance at Jiang Lin beside him.
Jiang Lin still looked straight ahead, his steps steady, and he never let go of his hand, his determination as before.
"Are you tired?" Jiang Lin noticed his gaze and asked with his head tilted to the side. His tone was calm, but there was a questioning look in his eyes.
"No." Gu Yansheng shook his head, his fingers subconsciously curled in Jiang Lin's palm, and whispered, "Director Zhang... is a good person."
"Yeah, old people just talk too much." Jiang Lin commented concisely, paused, and added, "But what he said... is basically the truth."
Gu Yansheng's heart skipped a beat. Was Jiang Lin... admitting? Admitting that he was the only exception?
A warm feeling mixed with a deeper sense of guilt surged into his heart. He held Jiang Lin's hand tightly, as if drawing strength from it. "Jiang Lin..."
"Um?"
"...Thank you." Thousands of words were finally reduced to these three words, carrying too many complicated emotions.
Jiang Lin's footsteps seemed to pause imperceptibly. Without looking at him, he simply tightened his grip on his hand. His deep voice mingled with the mountain breeze: "You're welcome. Walk steadily."
During the second half of the climb, Gu Yansheng felt his steps lighten. The sun grew increasingly blazing, and sweat soaked his forehead. Near the summit, he encountered a nearly vertical flight of stone steps. Gu Yansheng struggled to climb, his breathing rapid, and the trekking pole pierced the injured palm of his right hand, causing it to ache.
Jiang Lin stopped, let go of his hand, and squatted down in front of him.
"Come up."
Gu Yansheng stared at the broad back in front of him and was stunned. "No... no need, I can do it..."
"Does your hand hurt?" Jiang Lin didn't even turn his head, his tone unquestionable, "The last part, don't dawdle, or you'll miss the view."
Gu Yansheng looked at his "I have the final say" look, then looked at his aching right hand, and finally compromised.
He carefully climbed onto Jiang Lin's back, wrapping his arms around his neck. Jiang Lin held his knees firmly and stood up easily, as if he was carrying a feather instead of a big man.
His back was warm and firm, carrying the slight warmth from exercise and the familiar scent of soapberry. Gu Yansheng gently pressed her face against the crook of Jiang Lin's neck, feeling the powerful pulsation of his carotid artery.
The mountain breeze blew past, ruffling their hair. At that moment, all the noise and chaos faded away, leaving only the steady breathing in their ears and the steady steps under their feet.
He finally understood that Jiang Lin's world might be tightly guarded, but for him, the door had long been wide open. He wasn't a burden, but a unique existence that Jiang Lin guarded in his own clumsy but steadfast way.
This silent and unquestionable protection is all the words Jiang Lin uses to express that he cares.
When Jiang Lin carried him up the last stone step and the magnificent panorama of mountains and rivers unfolded before his eyes, Gu Yansheng looked at Jiang Lin's temples, which were slightly wet with sweat, and said softly:
"Jiang Lin, next time I climb a mountain, I will definitely walk up by myself."
Jiang Lin gently put him down, his eyes looking at the mountains in the distance, and the corners of his mouth seemed to curl up in a very faint arc.
"Well, I'll wait."
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