Qiu’s mother, unable to lift her, looked at the leftover money in her wallet and at her daughter’s flushed face. Gritting her teeth, she made a call she thought she would never make.
Dignity and pride are a luxury for those who can’t guarantee their survival.
Soon someone arrived. Qiu’s mother never expected Qiu Chi would come personally.
Qiu Chi’s face was dark, his brow showing impatience. People who catch a cold and get a fever in this weather are definitely foolish! But why did he know this idiotic woman? Despite his frustration, he felt soft-hearted.
He could just ignore her and be done with it, but kindness compelled him. After a brief internal struggle, he came to help. Seeing her unconscious with brilliant red cheeks made his heart tremble. He quickly picked her up and rushed outside, worried she might suffer further.
As she lay delirious, she mumbled a few words. Qiu Chi leaned in closer but couldn’t catch them clearly. He thought he heard a name, but it remained just out of reach, as if it were a taboo in her heart. A tear slid down her cheek; perhaps this vulnerability was allowed in her unconscious state.
When Rufeng woke up, she was confused by the white surroundings.
“You didn’t really burn your brain out, did you?” a voice said.
Rufeng turned her head; Qiu Chi stood by the bed, brow furrowed. “Do you know who I am?”
Rufeng managed a hoarse reply. Qiu Chi leaned closer, “What did you say?”
She coughed a few times and said, “Smug King!”
His face shifted between blue and white. After a moment, he suppressed his anger, declaring her ungrateful.
He turned and walked out, telling Qiu’s mother, who was bringing a kettle of hot water, “She won’t die for now. I’m leaving.”
“Okay, thank you,” Qiu’s mother bowed deeply, her gratitude genuine.
Qiu Chi made no comment and strode away.
“How much are the medical expenses at the hospital?” Ru Feng asked, looking around the room. It seemed quite costly.
“It’s already been paid, by Qiu Chi,” Qiu’s mother replied, lowering her head.
Ru Feng smiled, “It’s okay, we’ll pay him back.”
“Mm!” Qiu’s mother responded, her expression looking better.
