Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
At the hospital’s VIP ward.
Shen Liangchuan’s eyes were closed and he was pale from the great blood loss.
The doctor instructed, “It’s fortunate that the patient didn’t suffer any internal organ injuries. But because the wound is quite deep, he’ll need to stay and be monitored to ensure there’s no internal bleeding. During this period, he is not to take part in strenuous exercise and needs to avoid getting his wound wet to prevent infections.”
Qiao Lian took in every word that the doctor said and nodded in silence.
After the doctor had given his instructions, the group of people filed out. Now it was only Qiao Lian and Shen Liangchuan in the ward.
She looked at Shen Liangchuan lying on the hospital bed and recalled the moment Song Yuanxi plunged the knife into him.
She remembered him saying to Song Yuanxi, “A life for a life, is that enough?”
Those words were solemn and moving, but also very decisive. There was an underlying tone of aggressiveness and impatience.
Qiao Lian took a deep breath and walked to his bed. She took his hand, placed on the blanket, and put her own face against it.
Shen Liangchuan, why are you this silly?
Did you do that because of me?
Qiao Lian could not define the emotions she was feeling.
Ever since she had found out Song Yuanxi’s sister was his first love, her feelings had been complex and complicated until now.
She took a deep breath, knowing that no matter what the future held, the journey had to continue.
It was not until noon that Shen Liangchuan woke up.
At this point, Xia Yehua had rushed over to the hospital.
Her eyes were bloodshot from having stayed up all night.
The moment she stepped into the ward, she talked endlessly, “Such big issues going on at home and all of you tried to keep me in the dark. I only just found out that Liangchuan was injured.”
Her eyes were swollen, and she obviously was unwell. Qiao Lian did not speak a word but glanced at Shen Liangchuan.
Shen Liangchuan smiled and said, “Mom, I’m fine. It’s just a minor injury.”
Xia Yehua would only be convinced that it was nothing too serious after she had read through his case notes and spoken to the doctor.
She sat on the ward sofa and frowned deeply. “This is all my fault. I watched Yuanxi grow up. She’s been kind-hearted since she was little. I’d never have imagined she could have such a cruel side…”
Qiao Lian glanced at Shen Liangchuan.
But she did not say a word.
Shen Liangchuan pursed his lips, however, he did not ask about Song Yuanxi.
Xia Yehua paused, obviously expecting the inquiry, but when neither of them showed any willingness to play along. She offered the information, “When I got home last night I realized that Yuanxi… she is… mentally ill. Even if we were to charge her for aggression, I don’t think the police could prosecute her. In the end I took her to the hospital. Following the diagnosis, I’ve now placed her in a rehab home.”
She sighed, feeling a tangle of emotions towards this girl she had looked after for eight years.
“I’ve given instructions to the people in the rehab home. They will watch over her and not let her out.”
Upon hearing this, Qiao Lian was stunned.
A rehab home was just a better-sounding term for a mental institution.
Because of her history of aggression now, she would certainly be put under close supervision at the rehab home. This would not be too different from being in jail.
Or it could be even worse.
But she had brought it upon herself.
The atmosphere in the ward was charged with gloom at this thought.
Qiao Lian glanced at Shen Liangchuan. He too couldn’t have imagined that Song Yuanxi would lose her sanity.
Was he now feeling partly responsible and bearing the weight of guilt?