After standing in the ward for a while, He Zhilan and Jiang Biyun left the room. With the door closed, He Zhilan spoke, intentionally lowering her voice to a near whisper, even choked with emotion, "He’s still asleep now. Let’s go back to the university. I need to ask for a long leave from my teacher and the librarian to take care of him and also I need to gather some of his things."
Jiang Biyun nodded, although she was worried that He Zhilan might struggle with her lessons if she took a long vacation. But, as He’s wife, it was her duty to care for him. Besides, in the capital, only the two of them were present, with no one else to take care of He Teng. Despite the availability of hospital carers, they could never match a family member’s dedication and care.
Jiang Biyun was with He Zhilan every step of the way. Although getting a leave from their teacher was difficult, knowing that He Zhilan’s brother was hospitalized and that they had no other relatives or friends in the capital, the teacher eventually agreed. However, at the library, due to a staffing shortage that would occur if He Zhilan took a long leave, the librarian gently told her that if she went on leave, she would effectively be resigning, as they needed someone to take over her duties.
Despite the regret, He Zhilan had no choice. She was willing to put aside her studies for now, no matter how much she cherished this job, she had to let it go.
"He Zhilan, we’re good friends, right? I can’t help much in other ways. I don’t have any contacts in the capital, so the only thing I can help with is money. This is what I have now, take it for emergencies. Tell me if it’s not enough, I can ask my family to send me some money. It’s a shame to leave the library job. I don’t have much to do, so I can help cover for you for a while. Who knows, maybe I can immerse myself in books and ace all my finals!"
"I’m fine, I’ve given up on the library job" He Zhilan knew how much Jiang Biyun loved to have fun. She could not be selfish and keep her job by making Jiang Biyun fill in for her. At this time, being able to silently offer her money was already more than she could ask for. Indeed, she really needs money at this point.
He Teng didn’t tell his family because he was worried they would fret due to the distance. His father was the only one still around and was getting old, the long journey would be too exhausting, so He Teng didn’t want to trouble his family. She wanted to keep this a secret with He Teng, but to take care of him in the capital, she would need money.
"Okay, you can revisit the job situation once your brother gets better and you return to school. And don’t worry too much about it. If there’s anything I can help with, don’t hesitate to tell me, we’re good friends, alright?" Even though Jiang Biyun was usually playful, seeing that He Zhilan didn’t agree, she didn’t press further. She figured that He Zhilan must be exhausted from single-handedly taking care of He Teng in the hospital, so she decided to visit the hospital to accompany He Zhilan on free weekends.
The things that He Zhilan needed were not many, some toiletries, and a few changes of clothes. After she had packed, she headed alone to the hospital.
Upon returning to the hospital, she never expected to encounter Lan Li. His hand was wrapped in gauze and he was leaning on a crutch, it appeared he’d injured his hand and foot. However, he seemed in good spirits and was obviously only lightly injured compared to He Teng.