Hearing Zhou Yi's immediate response, Chu Han was overwhelmed with regret and guilt. Despite all the terrible things she'd done to him, he hadn't refused her plea.
[Chu Han's remorse value +20, affection value +20.]
Her tears fell even harder as she managed to choke out, "City Hospital Number One..."
Zhou Yi flagged down a taxi, and the two headed toward the hospital.
Inside the car, Zhou Yi handed her the pancake again.
"Eat. Otherwise, your mom will worry when she sees how weak you look."
Though Zhou Yi didn't know much about Chu Han's family, he recalled that her mother—a petite, gentle-looking woman—had often visited the school to bring meals for Chu Han. Sometimes, she even brought extra portions for Zhou Yi himself.
Just for that kindness alone, he couldn't stand idly by.
Besides, he needed Chu Han's remorse points.
Zhou Yi was pragmatic, but not devoid of warmth—a touch of humanity kept him from becoming a cold, calculating machine.
Chu Han accepted the pancake, her tears streaming down her face as she cried. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have treated you the way I did before..."
This apology was sincere.
But the original Zhou Yi would never hear it.
Zhou Yi added softly, "This is your favorite egg pancake place. I thought eating it might cheer you up."
[Chu Han's remorse value +10.]
Chu Han broke down again. She had always known there was a stall that made delicious egg pancakes, and Zhou Yi had always bought them for her. She hadn't realized it was the same one they'd just visited.
Her chest tightened until she could barely breathe. She couldn't bring herself to take a bite, her tears falling uncontrollably.
Zhou Yi handed her a tissue. "Wipe your tears. I'll help you, so stop crying."
Chu Han grabbed his hand, clutching it tightly, unwilling to let go.
In the past, she had only cared about material comforts, dismissing Zhou Yi's love and trampling on his pride without a shred of guilt. The more she reflected on her actions, the more monstrous she felt. Overcome with self-loathing, she slapped herself.
Zhou Yi caught her wrist. "What are you doing?"
Chu Han sobbed, her voice filled with remorse. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry. I was terrible to you. I shouldn't have treated you that way..."
Zhou Yi's expression remained calm. "What's done is done. You were my first love, after all. I won't let your mother suffer. You don't need to do this."
Chu Han pleaded through her tears, "Yi-Gege, I know I was wrong. Please, can we get back together?"
Even if Chu Han wanted to reconcile now, Zhou Yi couldn't go back.
"Chu Han, it's over between us."
His words cut through her heart like a knife. By the time she had fallen for Zhou Yi, he was no longer the boy who had waited for her.
Her lashes trembled as large tears fell onto Zhou Yi's hand. "Just one more chance, please? I've really changed..."
"Some things can't be undone," he said quietly. "Once broken, mirrors cannot be mended."
Chu Han let go of Zhou Yi's hand, collapsing into sobs. Her cries were pitiful, the kind that would soften anyone's heart.
But Zhou Yi didn't comfort her.
The car pulled up slowly in front of the hospital.
"We're here. Let's go."
Zhou Yi helped Chu Han out of the car. The girl was still sniffling, her eyes red and swollen.
"Do you want your mom to see you like this?"
Chu Han froze, then wiped her tears and took a few deep breaths to steady herself.
Now wasn't the time to wallow in her heartbreak. Her mother was waiting for her in the hospital bed.
Once everything settled, she would try to win Zhou Yi back.