Chapter 10 and Chapter 90: Back to Modern Times (1)
In the ward, the sounds of various medical instruments rose and fell.
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a clear shadow in the ward. In the quiet atmosphere, Zhou She's body, which had been dormant for many years, suddenly stirred. Almost simultaneously, the medical equipment sounded an alarm, and footsteps echoed outside the ward.
When Zhou's parents rushed to the hospital, several doctors were just coming out of the ward.
They closed the door and nodded slightly: "The patient has woken up. After a few more days of observation, the discharge procedures can be completed."
Zhou She only remembered falling asleep on a snowy night, his soul gradually drifting away.
He thought he would be reunited with his wife, but after a long period of emptiness, he ended up here.
He lay quietly on the bed, his gaze shifting. Just moments ago, the doctors had surrounded him as if they were observing a rare species; though they hadn't said anything, their eyes clearly said: "He actually woke up?"
Even so, his thoughts were still fragmented.
Compared to the high-tech world before him and the environment of the past few decades, he felt more like an ancient person who had suddenly stumbled into it.
These sentiments were interrupted by the voices of his parents.
Mr. Zhou was tall with graying hair, wearing a suit with a slightly wrinkled hem. Mrs. Zhou stood beside him, her large overcoat concealing a bathrobe, her long hair casually draped behind her ears.
Zhou She's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice hoarse: "Dad... Mom."
Zhou She had almost forgotten his parents' faces. He died of illness and came to Ning Dynasty after death, never expecting to be able to return to his former home.
With tears welling in her eyes, Zhou's mother bent down, her gaze gentle, and murmured, "Son, I almost thought you wouldn't wake up."
"Yes, yes, Xiao She is awake, and the checkup said there's nothing wrong. Yeah, let's have a get-together after he's discharged!"
"Dad? Your grandson is awake. Yes, yes, this is the hospital. Are you coming now? Okay, we'll wait for you here."
After the announcement was successfully made to the world, Zhou's father looked over, casually tugged at his clothes, and asked with a serious expression, "How do you feel?"
Zhou She was not in a position to speak, so he simply nodded.
After a period of observation, the doctor agreed to discharge him. Because he hadn't moved for so long, Zhou's father got him a wheelchair, and his older brother pushed him from behind. The group of them boarded the car to go home in a grand procession.
Brother Zhou kept his lips pursed. When Zhou She first saw him, the guy was still wearing sunglasses, and Zhou's mother slapped him away, saying, "What are you pretending for?"
Noticing his younger brother's gaze, he hesitated for a moment: "Do you want some water?"
Zhou She shook his head: "Big brother."
Zhou Huai's gaze softened, and he reached out to pat Zhou She's head, but then, remembering that Zhou She was already an adult, he pulled his hand back: "What's wrong?"
Zhou She turned his head and saw the roadside trees rushing by and people coming and going on the street. He said softly, "I miss you all."
Loving parents, harmonious siblings—my family in this life.
A loving couple, harmonious children, and relatives from a previous life.
At the same time, it appeared in my mind.
Zhou Huai's eyes also welled up with tears.
This younger brother has been in poor health since childhood. Before he turned eighteen, he was sent to the hospital and quietly fell into a coma. Two years have passed in the blink of an eye.
“You woke up at just the right time.” In the silence, Zhou’s father spoke from the front, “School starts next month. You’ve been on leave for so long, it’s a good time to go back to school.”
Zhou's mother readily agreed: "This time is perfect. We'll take you there then. If you need anything, just ask your brother."
With just a few words, they arranged everything perfectly for Zhou She.
Zhou She raised his head and met Zhou Huai's gaze, seeing helplessness in the other's eyes.
*
On the first day of school at A University, the dormitory building was packed with people.
Zhou She was surrounded by a group of people as he squeezed into the dormitory.
Several young people were already standing in the dormitory, adding each other as WeChat friends. Zhou She's parents rushed in first, with Zhou Huai carrying their bags behind them.
Zhuang Shi blinked: "Such a big show?"
Another male classmate turned around and said, "He was spoiled at home."
After saying that, he and his roommate exchanged a knowing glance and smiled knowingly at each other.
Standing by the bed, Zhou's mother said with a sigh, "This room is too small. Why don't we go back to our original room?"
Zhou She had already refused too many times, so he simply pretended not to hear and started making the bed with his older brother.
Zhou Huai immediately chased him away, leaving him to stand in a row with his parents, staring blankly at his elder brother's figure.
Zhou Huai made the bed and wiped his hands: "Mom."
Zhou's mother said impatiently, "I know."
They're going to lecture her again, but I can't be bothered to listen.
Zhou Huai casually arranged the various items, and straightened up calmly under everyone's gaze: "Here are a few phone numbers for you. Remember to see the school doctor if you're not feeling well. Call me if you have any other questions."
Zhou She nodded, watching his reluctant parents leave. He heard his older brother's voice at the end of the corridor; he had already answered a work call and was just waving goodbye with his back to him.
As soon as the elders left, the few people who had been sitting silently immediately jumped up: "Dude, is your family celebrating like this?"
He wasn't even allowed to clean up himself; his older brother did everything for him. I'm so envious.
Zhou She, holding his thermos, sipped his tea and calmly said, "My brother is a worrier."
Zhuang Shi circled around him, clicking his tongue and saying, "You're decked out in designer brands from head to toe. Your family must be really well-off. Why don't you go home? The dorms at A University are notoriously... mediocre."
Another roommate, munching on bread, nodded repeatedly: "Yeah, this dorm building is the best in A University. I heard it was donated by some kind person who couldn't stand it anymore, so it's almost on par with other schools. Other dorms can't even dream of it, it's unbelievable."
"Besides, your brother doesn't know anything about school doctors, so it's no wonder they're useless."
A series of complaints arose from the surrounding area.
Zhou She listened with a smile, and in these youthful voices, he felt much younger himself.
Although I'm not actually that old, am I?
Zhou She thought uncertainly, "Isn't my mental age only in my seventies... cough!"
Zhou Huai sneezed while sitting in the car.
The kind-hearted person who donated the building two years ago has kept his merits and fame hidden.
After exchanging names, Zhou She was momentarily dazed when he heard Zhuang Shi's name.
However, Zhuang Shi did not react, so he knew it was just a coincidence.
I wasn't disappointed, just a little nostalgic.
After a quick wash, Zhou She found himself surrounded by several young men who had already gotten to know each other and were chatting excitedly. Zhou She climbed into bed and began studying the phone number his older brother had given him.
They were all people I didn't know before, supposedly upperclassmen from the same school. If he doesn't wake up soon, they'll all be graduating.
But the school doctor… He stared at the three words “Dr. Liang” with a rare hint of doubt.
Has the Liang family's business been carried over to the modern era?
Zhou Huai had told him a few times not long ago that this new school doctor was a rare master of traditional Chinese medicine. He was only recruited to work here because he owed him a favor, and he was only allowed to appear three times a week. His apprentice filled in for him the rest of the time.
But he quickly convinced himself.
Liang Xiao came from a family with a long and distinguished academic tradition. Although he is said to have no sons, it seems that a nephew inherited seven-tenths of his mantle.
Besides, Liang is a common surname, so it must be a coincidence.
Zhou She put down his phone and, following his usual routine as an elderly person, prepared to go to sleep.
The entertainment scene in Ningchao was quite vibrant at night, but that was irrelevant to Zhou She. His daily routine consisted of diligently reviewing memorials, often so tired he nearly fainted. Now that he didn't have to go to work, he practically fell asleep the moment his head hit the bed.
The passionate voices around him gradually faded into the distance. Zhou She heard someone shush and say in a low voice, "He's asleep."
Some people grumbled in dissatisfaction, "Isn't it only nine o'clock?"
Let's talk about it tomorrow.
When the first rays of dawn peeked through the sky, Zhou She was already awake.
Without disturbing his roommates, he organized his books for the 8 AM course. Now that he didn't have to attend court, he had some free time, so he decided to read for a while.
At 7:30, several roommates woke up one after another, yawning and rushing to the classroom, throwing their backpacks on their backs.
Zhou She's legs had improved significantly through exercise, allowing him to walk much faster. However, Zhuang Shi was even faster; he shoved Zhou She into the wheelchair and ran as if a dog were chasing him.
Zhou She, holding onto the handrail, asked in surprise, "Twenty minutes should be enough time to get to the teaching building, right?"
Zhuang Shi was even more surprised: "Dude, what are you talking about? Don't you know the teacher in this class is notoriously strict? Did you arrive on time just to wait for him to ask you a question?"
Zhou She then distributed the breakfast he was holding to everyone and sighed, "It's alright if we're on time. As long as we're not late, it's not a big deal."
Zhuang Shi: "...Are you a young man with a classical Chinese style?"
Zhou She chose to remain silent.
Not only did his roommate share the same name as his best friend from his past life, but his temper was also remarkably similar. Zhou She looked at him, feeling a pang of nostalgia for Zhuang Shi, and pondered that he should visit his best friend's grave and bring some souvenirs.
Since we've already paid respects at our brother's grave, we can also visit our own. After seeing our own grave, we can bring some modern gifts for Zhaoniang, and then we can stop by Zhou Yi's grave on the way...
Their thoughts raced, and the group had already rushed to the classroom door.
In the spacious lecture hall, a young man stood on the podium. Another woman, with her back to him, was fiddling with the projector.
The man held the roster, his watch ticking with one hand. Just as Zhuang Shi pushed Zhou She through the door, he put down his watch and said calmly, "Alright, let's take attendance now."
When Zhuang Shi entered the room, he almost fainted.
The large classroom was packed with people, leaving only seats in the front row for them. Zhuang Shi's hopes of hiding in the back were dashed, so he had no choice but to walk in with a long face.
He quickly went to the corner of the first row and tried to push Zhou She in, but the wheelchair was blocked by the seat.
Zhou She: "..."
He stood up silently amidst the mixed emotions of pity, sympathy, and admiration in the gazes of the crowd.
He's just not in good health, but his leg isn't broken yet.
"Alright," the teacher on the stage said after they were all seated. "Let's take attendance."
The girl, who had her back to the students, finally turned around and took the roster.
The moment Zhou She saw her face, his mind went blank.
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