Chapter 52 (Chapter 52) - Cutting a Finger
Chen Jiashu, leaning on his white cane, went out to greet Yang Shuhua, and the two chatted for a few words at the door.
Yang Shuhua's tone remained gentle and polite throughout.
Yang Shu entered the ward, her eyes brimming with tears, and asked, "How could you be so careless..."
This is not a question, but simply a mother's heartfelt concern and worry.
Qin Qiao looked up at her mother and comforted her, "They're just minor injuries. You can go home in a few days."
Yang Shuhua had already arrived in Jiang City at noon, but upon hearing that she was injured, she immediately asked her cousin to buy the earliest flight back to take care of her.
After chatting for a few minutes, Yang Shuhua wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with her palm, and then held her hand: "Mom, go back first and get a few changes of clothes."
Chen Jiashu offered to have his driver take her, but Yang Shuhua politely declined with a gentle smile.
Chen Jiashu saw Yang Shuhua off, escorted her to the door, and then turned back.
After leaning against the wall for a while, Qin Qiao's back started to hurt a little. She turned slightly to the side and said, "Jia Shu, now that my mother is here, you should go back."
Since his mother had come, there was no reason for Chen Jiashu to be worried. He didn't insist any further and nodded slightly: "I'll come see you again tomorrow."
Because of her headache, she still couldn't sleep well that night.
She woke up early in the morning to find female leaders and female colleagues representing other staff members visiting her with gifts.
Qin Qiao simply said that she had accidentally fallen, without mentioning that Yao Man had accidentally pushed her.
While Yao Man's actions were certainly despicable, ultimately, it stemmed from a lack of personal morality. Her injury was an accident, but also a consequence she had to bear for choosing to step forward and dissuade him.
Providing adequate medical compensation is certainly necessary, that's a matter of principle. But if this opportunity is used to amplify the harm and ruin another person's future... punishment should not exceed its proper limits.
She understood and felt sorry for Tao Ting; what kind of pressure would drive a woman to such a shameless madness? Chen Jiashu's words made it clear: Zhu Ao was no longer the boy she once was; it wasn't worth hurting herself for a man who had changed his heart.
Tao Ting is such a smart person; she must have already understood Chen Jiashu's words. Because of one man, it's become a battlefield between two women. Every slap she throws first tears away her own last shred of dignity and self-respect—it's truly not worth it.
Chen Jiashu came to see her again at noon and bought her some fruit. Qin Qiao suddenly wanted to eat pomegranates, so he dug one out from a pile of apples.
Yes, there really is.
Chen Jiashu took the newly purchased antibacterial cutting board into the bathroom.
The sound of rushing water came from inside. Qin Qiao looked away. After a night, she felt much better and pressed the button to raise the headboard a little higher.
Yang Shuhua, who had gone outside to answer a phone call, returned. Her gaze lingered for a few seconds on the white cane leaning against the wall before shifting to the bag of fruit on the coffee table. She then pursed her lips, walked silently to the sofa, sat down, picked up an orange, peeled it slowly, and put a segment in her mouth.
"Your aunt and the others will arrive in Lanchuan this afternoon," she informed them.
As expected, the relatives were alerted. Qin Qiao felt bad, but also hoped: "It's rare for Auntie to come, so let them stay a few more days. I'll book rooms for them."
She picked up her phone, turned on the screen, and heard Chen Jiashu say, "I'll arrange it."
He lowered his eyes and walked towards the bedside table. Yang Shuhua immediately chimed in, "They have to rush back to prepare for the wedding. They'll only be staying one night. I'll go out and pick them up right away, and book the hotel while I'm at it."
Yang Shuhua politely declined Chen Jiashu's offer.
This is actually quite normal. She and Chen Jiashu have long been divorced; there's no reason for him to spend money or handle those matters...
Qin Qiao caught a glimpse of Chen Jiashu's figure pausing almost imperceptibly out of the corner of her eye, before he stood still as usual.
He casually picked up the folding fruit knife that had been placed on the table, flicked it with his thumb, and the blade popped out.
A sharp, cold glint flashed in her eyes. For a moment, Qin Qiao worried that he might hurt his hand, but then she thought that Chen Jiashu never did anything he wasn't sure of.
With a cool gaze fixed on the pomegranate, Yang Shuhua quietly watched as Chen Jiashu perfectly extracted the flesh from it with a single cut and peel.
Back then, every winter, Chen Jiashu would bring a bag of pomegranates whenever he came to visit them. At first, his grandmother grew them, but after she passed away, he would bring pomegranates from relatives' homes each time.
Unlike Qin Lang, who genuinely enjoyed pomegranates, Chen Jiashu simply didn't want to disappoint the child's kindness. Chen Jiashu was skilled at peeling pomegranates, ensuring the red juice wouldn't get everywhere. Even the eldest sister, who was most skilled at handicrafts, praised the child for his meticulousness.
"Your pomegranate-peeling skills are worthy of a Guinness World Record," Qin Qiao praised.
His long, slender fingers partially covered the green pomegranate peel, like a snowflake falling from a green leaf. Watching him peel a pomegranate was always a pleasure.
Upon hearing this, Chen Jiashu seemed unable to contain himself and chuckled softly.
Unexpectedly, in his moment of triumph, he made a careless mistake. When he was sheathing the knife, his index finger knuckle brushed against the blade, and with a very light touch, he made a small cut.
Blood beads instantly seeped out.
Qin Qiao hurriedly sat up and was about to reach out when Yang Shuhua's voice rang out first:
"Qiaoqiao! Don't move!"
Yang Shuhua quickly stepped forward, swiftly grabbing the closed fruit knife and moving it away. Then she pulled out two tissues and pressed them directly onto Chen Jiashu's bleeding fingers.
"Hold it down." Her tone was stern yet concerned. "You child, you're always so careless. Wait, I'll go to the nurses' station and get a band-aid."
After saying that, Yang Shuhua turned and walked out, her speed creating a gust of wind.
Chen Jiashu pressed his fingers together, but a slight smile appeared on his lips as he recalled how worried Yang Shuhua was when he injured his leg.
“Jia Shu…” Qin Qiao saw that he was injured but still grinning foolishly.
For Chen Jiashu, Yang Shuhua was not only his mother-in-law, but also his mother who always cared for him. She worked tirelessly and took meticulous care of them for those two years, and Chen Jiashu remembered it all.
Halfway through the conversation, Yang Shuhua returned. She brought not only band-aids, but also a small bottle of iodine and a cotton swab.
The iodine solution was placed on the table with the lid off and set aside. Yang Shuhua tore open the cotton swab packaging, dipped it in the iodine solution, and then took away the blood-stained tissue that Chen Jiashu was pressing against the wound and threw it into the trash can.
The whole process was orderly and patient: "Jiashu, put your hand over here, let's disinfect it first."
Chen Jiashu did as she was told and extended his hand. She carefully disinfected the wound with a cotton swab, the yellow liquid covering it evenly.
After disinfection, Yang Shuhua tore off a band-aid and stuck it on his fingertip, pressing around the edges to ensure it was firmly attached.
After finishing all this, she cleaned up the trash, let out a soft sigh, glanced at her daughter who was also looking at her, and looked back at Chen Jiashu, whose eyes were filled with gratitude. She said gently, "Jiashu, I know you meant well and wanted to make food for Qiaoqiao. But your eyesight isn't good right now. Knives don't discriminate. This time you cut yourself, but what if you accidentally bump into Qiaoqiao next time? That would be even worse, wouldn't it?"
Chen Jiashu's pupils flickered slightly, and Yang Shuhua immediately turned to her daughter and said, "Mom is going to pick up Auntie and the others now... Don't eat the pomegranate. Take advantage of the quiet now and sleep a little longer. When Auntie and the others arrive, you won't be able to sleep even if you want to."
Yang Shuhua went to the sofa, grabbed her purse, and went straight out the door.
"Qiaoqiao...you should take a nap."
Chen Jiashu bent down to tidy up the pomegranates on the bedside table. He tucked his fingers together, forgetting that the outer shell was gone, and the red juice squeezed out from his fingertips wet and stained his white sleeve.
Seeing him turn to leave, Qin Qiao asked anxiously, "Are you going back?"
Chen Jiashu gave a faint smile: "I broke it, so I took it out and threw it away."
But Qin Qiao could clearly see the gloom in his eyes; he was very bothered that Yang Shuhua treated him differently because of his poor eyesight.
"Jiashu...my mother was just concerned..."
She suddenly didn't know what to say. The same concern that Chen Jiashu could accept back then, but now... he clearly didn't need it.
Chen Jiashu still had a faint smile on his face. He reached out and fumbled on the wall for a few moments before picking up his white cane. His fingers tightened, and the veins on the back of his hand were clearly visible. "It's my problem... it's been too long."
Looking back, he was initially quite awkward when his mother applied medicine to his burned hand.
“Burns must be treated promptly. You always seem reluctant to trouble us, but Jia Shu… we’ve been family since the day you and Qiao Qiao got married, so what’s the trouble when we’re family?”
The burn on the back of his hand was from accidentally hitting the edge of the soldering board while soldering. He didn't think it was serious, so he ignored it. That evening, Yang Shuhua saw it and, without saying a word, took the first-aid kit and found burn ointment to apply to his hand.
It's been too long, so long that we've become strangers. The reason it's turned out like this... is all his fault.
At 3:30, her uncle's loud, high-pitched voice echoed down the corridor, instantly dispelling any drowsiness from Qin Qiao's head and making her feel refreshed.
The natural wood floor gleamed under the white light. In front of the bookshelf on the west-south wall was a yellow pearwood desk. In the upper left corner of the desk was a pen holder with two pens inside, which was probably just for decoration. Two solid wood chairs were against the east wall, next to which was a small, closed, light yellow door. Directly opposite the entrance they had just come in, another door suddenly opened from the inside, and Qin Qiao, wearing a hospital gown and slippers, walked out.
"uncle"
Qin Qiao spread her hands, walked forward, and gave Yang Jianguo a loving hug, just like when they were children, while also acting coquettishly.
I missed you so much.
Although her uncle was known for his loud voice, he was also praised by everyone in the surrounding area for his good temper. He was especially good to her, always thinking of her when there was something good to eat at home. That's why Qin Qiao liked her uncle the most.
"You have no manners," Yang Shuhua said with a laugh as she placed the fruit basket on the sideboard. "What's with all this talk about dying?"
The two aunts placed the things they were carrying next to the fruit basket.
Qin Qiao went over and hugged the two of them again.
But the dizziness returned, so she went back to Yang Shuhua's side, grabbed Yang Shuhua's arm and leaned on her. Looking at her loved one, she felt especially warm inside.
"Uncle, have you gained weight again?"
Fortunately, the black V-neck sweater was stretchy; otherwise, it probably wouldn't have been able to support this round, chubby belly.
Yang Jianguo scratched the back of his head, and his aunt Yang Shuyun answered for him with a smile: "Your uncle is so happy about Guangguang's upcoming marriage that he's been drinking a lot these past six months."
Everyone sat down chatting and laughing. When there weren't enough chairs, Yang Shuhua went outside and asked the nurse to bring three more. The room was as lively as if it were Chinese New Year.
We chatted for so long that we almost lost track of time, until there was a knock on the door.
Yang Shulan was sitting close to the door, so she went over and opened it.
However, when the door opened, she froze on the spot, her dilated pupils seeing Chen Jiashu's figure.
Yang Shulan: "Jiashu..."
Chen Jiashu smiled that familiar, gentle smile: "Third Aunt, it's been a long time."
Yang Shulan stared at the white cane in his hand. Although she had seen it in news videos, seeing it in person still gave her a violent shock.
What a spirited and radiant child he used to be, now he's almost gone. It's not just a pity, it's heartbreaking.
"Jiashu, come in and sit down." Yang Shulan's eyes were a little hot, so she stepped aside.
Chen Jiashu walked into the house waving his white cane, and Yang Shuyun immediately came up to him: "Jiashu, have you come to see Qiaoqiao?"
Chen Jiashu stamped his foot and nodded: "Auntie, how are you feeling?"
“It’s good.” Yang Shuyun’s eyes reddened. “Jiashu, when my uncle passed away last year, he told me that it was thanks to Jiashu that he found a good doctor, which allowed him to live for almost ten more years.”
Ten years ago, Yang Shuyun's husband was diagnosed with lung cancer. Local hospitals recommended conservative treatment, but Chen Jiashu helped him get an appointment with a top pulmonologist in Beijing, which saved his life.
“My uncle has passed away…” Chen Jiashu looked at her and said, “Aunt, please accept my condolences. It is most important for you to take care of yourself.”
Yang Jianguo couldn't sit still any longer. He stood up, somewhat excited: "Jiashu, it's been almost seven years since we last saw each other."
Chen Jiashu looked in the direction of the voice and said, "Uncle, I was rude."
"I...I didn't mean that." Chen Jiashu's rude remark left Yang Jianguo speechless; he really hadn't come to accuse him.
Qin Qiao walked over and hooked her arm around Chen Jiashu's. The man stiffened and turned his head. He heard Qin Qiao say with a smile, "Uncle, Jiashu didn't mean it that way. Don't overthink it."
Under everyone's gaze, Qin Qiao led Chen Jiashu to the chair. The man put away his white cane, sat down on the chair, and then placed it to the side.
"Aunt, Third Aunt, Uncle." Chen Jiashu's gaze slowly swept over their faces as he explained his purpose: "Since you've come to Lanchuan, I can't accompany you around to see the sights in my current condition. I've set up a table at the hotel across the street and would like to invite you to have a meal."
Chen Jiashu didn't mention the past at all, nor did he mean anything by it; he was simply trying to avoid making things awkward for everyone as the host.
The three exchanged glances, all impressed by Chen Jiashu's humble demeanor and thoughtful manners.
The oldest among them, Yang Shuyun, immediately put on a kind smile: "Jiashu, you're too kind."
Chen Jiashu turned to look at her. Yang Shuyun glanced at Yang Shuhua beside her out of the corner of her eye. Yang Shuhua's expression was calm. Yang Shuyun said directly, "You always think so carefully. Perfect, perfect. We were just wondering where to eat."
Afterwards, the three of them went out with Chen Jiashu. Qin Qiao went back to lie down, while Yang Shuhua went downstairs to eat in the cafeteria.
Qin Qiao felt that Yang Shuhua seemed even more unhappy. She didn't know if it was because Chen Jiashu hadn't invited her, or if her aunt and the others had run off with Chen Jiashu after a few words.
Since my mother fell ill, she has become increasingly preoccupied and difficult to understand.
Chen Jiashu was the same. Qin Qiao could sense that Yang Shuhua's words made him very angry. Qin Qiao understood him. It was because Yang Shuhua treated him sincerely at that time that Chen Jiashu regarded her as his mother.
He suffers from night blindness. Every day when he comes home from get off work, Yang Shuhua would charge his flashlight for him. She would give him carrots three times a week in different ways because she heard that carrots are good for night blindness. She would listen to the weather forecast early in the morning and always give them a few words of advice before they left home.
Chen Jiashu told her all of this. This man was thoughtful and sensitive, but he wasn't good at expressing himself, or rather, no one had taught him.
He was like a psychologically 'unbalanced' child. Which parent in the world would completely negate their child and nail them to the pillar of shame because of one mistake? For Chen Jiashu, it was impossible not to feel wronged and angry.
On the fourth day of her hospitalization, Chu Yutong came to visit her, and Qin Qiao told her about her inner turmoil.
The sun was shining brightly outside the window, and a large amount of sunlight streamed in, covering the two of them like a veil, warm and comfortable.
Chu Yutong frowned: "Qiao'er, there's something I've always wanted to say... about Aunt Yang..." She lowered her voice: "I always felt that Aunt Yang... has a bit of a double standard. She always emphasizes how much of your youth you sacrificed for Lao Chen and how much you suffered, but she never mentions how Lao Chen supported you through your postgraduate studies, how he took your place in showing filial piety when your father was hospitalized, and how he helped your family through the difficult times. Doesn't that count as a debt of gratitude?"
Qin Qiao recalled how, whenever the children mentioned Chen Jiashu, Yang Shuhua would either sullenly change the subject or ignore it.
“I think my mom is incredibly stubborn... Sometimes I also think she's a little afraid of Jia Shu…”
"Isn't this the crux of the problem?" Chu Yutong paused for a moment and said, "There's a saying that bystanders see things more clearly. Let me analyze my perspective for you. If I simply didn't like my son-in-law, and my daughter had already forgiven him, even suffered so much for him and still wanted to get back together, as a mother, I would at most sulk and not interfere. But I would never excessively intervene, force you to separate, or even lie to Old Chen to provoke him into thinking you were married and had children... That's more like treating a benefactor than a benefactor..."
"An enemy..." Qin Qiao added in her mind for Chu Yutong. She had the same feeling, and it had been getting stronger lately.
Chu Yutong paused for a long time: "Besides, Aunt Yang was genuinely good to Old Chen before; that kind of goodness can't be faked... Logically speaking, after knowing that Old Chen divorced to avoid burdening you, and even spent over a year in jail, shouldn't she at least feel a little heartache and guilt?"
"Qiao'er..." Chu Yutong remained silent for a long time before finally asking cautiously, "Aunt Yang, is there something you're hiding from me?"
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Author's Note: Chapters 36-51 have been revised. Although revised, the main plot remains unchanged, and the scenes described in the synopsis will still be included.
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