After that day, Gu Qingyan didn't see Xiao Wanrou again for a long time.
Midway through, Bai Xin even made a fake phone call, asking if Gu Qingyan had drunk too much that night and how he was afterwards.
Gu Qingyan gripped his phone tightly and replied calmly, "It's nothing. Wanrou helped me back to my room and then left." He wasn't sure how Xiao Wanrou had described the events of that night to Bai Xin, but he chose to lie.
"That's good, it's good that you're alright." Bai Xin chuckled awkwardly and coughed a few times in a mock manner.
"Auntie, are you alright? I heard you haven't been feeling well lately. If you need to recuperate, I know a very good health center in the suburbs. I'll arrange for someone to pick you and Uncle up and take you there for a short stay."
"Oh, we can't possibly trouble you like that, Qingyan. Your uncle and I are both practically on our deathbeds, too old and useless. After I'm discharged from the hospital, I'm planning to go back to Country A soon, so I won't trouble you any more here." Bai Xin used a feigned retreat to advance.
When Gu Qingyan heard that Bai Xin was still in the hospital, his suspicions lessened somewhat. That day, he immediately had someone check Bai Xin's whereabouts and found that she really was in the hospital. At the time, he thought she was just putting on an act.
But now, almost half a month has passed, and Bai Xin's health doesn't seem to be improving. It doesn't seem like she's faking it.
Thinking of this, Gu Qingyan spoke up, "Auntie, I've been too busy lately and haven't had a chance to visit you. I feel really guilty. I'll go to the hospital to see you after I finish my work today."
After hanging up the phone, Gu Qingyan fell into deep thought. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind, but the doubts in his heart lingered.
He knew that Bai Xin had always held some kind of expectation for him, perhaps because of his status and position, or perhaps for other reasons. But in any case, he didn't want to be used by others.
But this person just happened to be Xiao Wanqing's mother. Even though Gu Qingyan had doubts, he decided to go to the hospital to visit Bai Xin in person.
That afternoon, after finishing his work, Gu Qingyan drove to the hospital. He arrived at Bai Xin's ward and gently knocked on the door.
Xiao Chun opened the door.
She was clearly taken aback when she saw Gu Qingyan. "Qingyan, what brings you here?"
"Uncle Xiao, Aunt Bai called me, didn't she tell you?" Gu Qingyan subtly observed Xiao Chun's expression and, finding that he didn't seem to be lying, pushed open the door and went in. She saw Bai Xin lying on the hospital bed reading a book. She looked somewhat haggard than the last time they met.
"Auntie, how are you feeling?" Gu Qingyan walked to the bedside and asked with concern.
"I'm much better. Qingyan, thank you for coming so early." Bai Xin put down the book in her hand and said with a smile, her tone full of elder's loving kindness.
Gu Qingyan sat down beside the hospital bed and looked at Bai Xin tentatively: "Auntie, you called and said you wanted to go back to Country A, is that true?"
Bai Xin nodded and said, "Yes, we're getting old and have nothing to worry about anymore. Going back to Country A to enjoy our retirement is a good choice."
Gu Qingyan was silent for a moment, unsure whether she was telling the truth, so she said, "Auntie, if you go back, what will happen to Xiao Wanrou? I heard that her parents passed away a long time ago. If you leave again, will she go with you?"
Bai Xin sighed upon hearing this and continued the conversation, saying, "Yes, I've already discussed it with Wanrou. After all, the child is grown up, and we can't make decisions for her."
She agreed and will come back to Country A with us.
Gu Qingyan stared intently at Bai Xin's expression and found that she was truly calm. Suddenly, she felt a little uneasy. Was she being too sensitive? Perhaps that night really was an accident and not someone's arrangement?
Thinking of this, Gu Qingyan spoke up: "Auntie, you and Uncle are getting older. If you go to Country A, I can take care of you, but it won't be as convenient as staying in Nancheng. Besides, most of your friends are in Nancheng, so why don't you stay?"
“Actually, I’m also very reluctant to leave everything here. But we’re getting old and our health isn’t what it used to be. Going back to Country A would be a more comfortable place to retire, and it would be easier to take care of each other. That would be simpler.” Bai Xin’s voice gradually lowered, each word sounding like it was squeezed out of her heart with great difficulty. Her fingers gently caressed the edge of the bed sheet, the action revealing an indescribable helplessness and sorrow.
Her words carried a bitter smile. As she spoke, Bai Xin wiped away a tear, feeling a pang of sadness. "Wanqing is no longer here. It would be too much for us, the old couple, to rely on you to take care of us forever."
Hearing this, Gu Qingyan felt a pang of pity. He reached out and took Bai Xin's hand, saying softly, "Auntie, don't worry. Although Wanqing is no longer here, I told her that her parents are my parents, and I won't abandon you."
Just then, Xiao Wanrou, who had just paid the bill and returned to the ward door, overheard Gu Qingyan's words. She unconsciously clenched the receipt in her hand, as if trying to crush the sudden surge of emotion within her. A strong feeling of envy and jealousy welled up inside her, a feeling like a kitten gently scratching at her heart, both itchy and painful.
But the moment she stepped inside, a polite smile appeared on her face. She gently closed the door and walked lightly to the hospital bed.
Hearing the noise, Gu Qingyan turned around. He saw Xiao Wanrou walk in, and his gaze lingered on her for a moment.
Xiao Wanrou's outfit today was very simple: a plain white T-shirt paired with classic light blue jeans, and her hair was simply styled in a high ponytail, making her look very refreshing.
She smiled faintly, looked at Gu Qingyan and nodded gently, as if the events of that night had never happened.
"Brother Qingyan." Xiao Wanrou slowly walked over and called out to him sweetly. There was a hint of detachment in her voice, as if nothing had ever happened between them.
Gu Qingyan looked at her, a strange feeling welling up inside him. He didn't know how to face this girl; he didn't want to hurt her, yet he couldn't give her anything besides money.
The atmosphere between the two was somewhat subtle.
Bai Xin keenly noticed this and understood a bit. She coughed lightly, breaking the silence: "Wanrou, you're back. Come and sit down. Qingyan is here, chat with him too."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanrou obediently walked to the bedside and sat down. She began chatting with Bai Xin about everyday things, as if everything that had just happened was merely Gu Qingyan's illusion. Gu Qingyan, on the other hand, stood quietly to the side, silently watching them. His gaze was deep and complex, as if concealing endless thoughts.
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