Gu Xiuyi’s evaluation was right – Ji Ruan had not solely misplaced his voice but in addition his energy. 

That night time, Ji Ruan skilled a fitful sleep. Exhaustion had weighed him down all through the day, inflicting him to rapidly go to sleep as soon as he lay in mattress. Nonetheless, his slumber was stressed. Discomfort continually lingered inside him, abruptly jolting him awake in the midst of the night time. 

When he opened his eyes, darkness surrounded him. He may now not make out the streetlights past the window or the nightlight on the desk. Previous to going to mattress, he had eliminated his exterior system, and now he perceived a faint ringing in his ears. 

Ji Ruan briefly succumbed to the suffocating feeling that paralyzed his senses, experiencing a couple of seconds of detachment from actuality. But, the sharp cramps in his abdomen pressured him again to the current, dispersing the darkish fog in entrance of his eyes and intensifying his tinnitus. 

In anguish, Ji Ruan shuddered, instinctively curling up and clutching his stomach. The realm felt frigid, akin to a heavy block of ice. 

Sweat dripped profusely, saturating his pajamas, dampening his hair, and inflicting his eyelashes to stay from sweat. Even his imaginative and prescient blurred. 

Unable to completely awaken, Ji Ruan gasped for air, nonetheless ensnared within the haze of ache. 

Within the subsequent second, a extra extreme wave of cramps wracked his abdomen, tightening his chest and stomach. Ji Ruan, pushed by intuition, rose from his mattress, stumbling in direction of the toilet. 

As quickly as he reached the sink, Ji Ruan vomited. 

Tears welled up in his eyes, and he could not decide how lengthy he had been heaving. All he knew was that the abdomen cramps step by step morphed right into a sensation of prickling needles. Chilly sweat drenched the again of his neck and collar. 

Maybe attributable to acid reflux disorder, a searing burn now plagued his chest and throat. Ji Ruan’s face flushed, coughing and collapsing to the bottom. The room spun round him, and his ears rang with a deafening screech. 

Overwhelmed by discomfort, Ji Ruan lastly regained consciousness. 

His fingertips tingled, and he leaned towards the wall for assist earlier than lastly straightening up, solely to be instantly bent over by one other wave of abdomen ache. 

Gu Xiuyi’s room was adjoining, whereas Aunt Zhao resided on the primary ground. Merely strolling from his room to the one subsequent door, left Ji Ruan dizzy from the agony, feeling an unprecedented aversion in direction of the scale of the rooms. 

The doorknob of Gu Xiuyi’s room despatched a chilling sensation via Ji Ruan’s hand. He knocked twice, but obtained no response. The ache in his abdomen endured, the lingering ache by no means ceased. He leaned towards the door, drawing upon its energy, and closely patted towards it. 

“Click on—” 

The door opened from the within. Ji Ruan, dropping the assist of the door, stood surprised, solely to break down inward, caught firmly by somebody. 

His imaginative and prescient swayed, ears ringing, senses thrown off-balance. Amidst this disorientation, Ji Ruan’s olfactory nerves remained practical, detecting the acquainted scent of Gu Xiuyi. 

Woke up at midnight, Gu Xiuyi had not anticipated encountering Ji Ruan in such a state. Coated in chilly sweat, with a pale face and trembling physique, Ji Ruan was held securely by Gu Xiuyi. 

Gu Xiuyi patted Ji Ruan’s sweaty face, intending to talk however realizing that the person lacked a cochlea. Shifting to Ji Ruan’s left ear, he requested, “Ji Ruan?” 

“What’s occurring, Ji Ruan?” 

Ji Ruan suffered so intensely that he could not hear something. The air-con in Gu Xiuyi’s room emitted a low, cool breeze. Nonetheless, when it brushed towards Ji Ruan’s abdomen, it delivered a jolt of agonizing ache, inflicting him to scream in anguish. 

Observing Ji Ruan urgent his abdomen with white-knuckled palms, Gu Xiuyi rapidly surmised that it may be gastroenteritis. 

Ji Ruan felt a chilling coldness enveloping him. Gu Xiuyi wrapped a coat round him, lifted him, and headed in direction of the storage. Nonetheless, after taking two steps, Gu Xiuyi halted, rotated, and retrieved the small moveable system from Ji Ruan’s room. 

When Gu Xiuyi settled Ji Ruan into the passenger seat, he was in such excruciating ache that he lacked the energy to lock the exterior machine. Nonetheless, Gu Xiuyi appeared intent on conversing with him. 

Every time a muffled voice reached Ji Ruan’s ear, he managed to reply with a faint “um,” guaranteeing Gu Xiuyi that he had not misplaced consciousness simply but. 

There got here a second when the ache turned so insufferable that Ji Ruan curled up on the passenger seat, biting his decrease lip till it broke and the style of blood stuffed his mouth. 

In that prompt, he was engulfed by an incredible vortex, transported again to the time when his sickness was at its peak. He remembered the multitude of medicines he needed to take, and the abdomen pains that had been exacerbated by the negative effects of the medicine. These pains had been far worse than what he was experiencing now. 

It was a torment that made one keenly conscious of the physique being corroded by the illness, the spirit being devoured alongside it. 

At 5 o’clock within the morning, Gu Xiuyi rushed via the emergency room, tightly clutching Ji Ruan, who cried out in ache, earlier than lastly getting him admitted to a personal ward. 

By that point, Ji Ruan had already misplaced consciousness. Gu Xiuyi felt a dizzying sensation from the misery, however the physician reassured him that it was simply fatigue from the depth of the pain-causing Ji Ruan to go to sleep. 

Gu Xiuyi sat by Ji Ruan’s bedside, watching because the nurse administered an injection. After ready for a while to make sure that Ji Ruan confirmed no indicators of awakening, he stood up and made his method to the physician’s workplace. 

“It is nothing critical,” the physician stated nonchalantly. After seeing numerous circumstances, his response was quite peculiar. “It is only a case of acute gastroenteritis. After receiving intravenous fluids for a few days, he will be discharged with none points.” 

“However he bit his lip in ache,” Gu Xiuyi’s face darkened. 

The physician chuckled upon listening to this. “Does gastroenteritis not trigger ache? What did the child eat?” 

The corners of Gu Xiuyi’s lips twitched. “Barbecued meals, chilly beer… and ice cream.” 

“Completely regular, completely regular,” the physician replied with an detached expression. “Latest commencement season coupled with the summer season trip, we have been seeing an inflow of circumstances within the emergency division each night time. These kids are reckless, consuming till their stomachs bleed…” 

As Gu Xiuyi listened, his brows furrowed increasingly. He could not assist however really feel the technology hole between himself and the younger folks of at this time. He had by no means been so wild throughout his personal commencement. 

Observing Gu Xiuyi’s expression, the physician shook his head with a smile. “It is alright. Your little one is well-behaved. It is primarily attributable to his bodily situation and delicate abdomen. He simply must keep away from spicy meals sooner or later.” 

Gu Xiuyi nodded and twitched the nook of his mouth. “I perceive. Thanks, physician.” 

Earlier than leaving, a nurse entered the room with a report card. The physician glanced at it, then beckoned Gu Xiuyi to attend for a second. 

Curious, Gu Xiuyi rotated. 

The physician scrutinized the report card, then glanced up at Gu Xiuyi, as if in search of affirmation. “Ji Ruan, blood kind A with RH destructive?” 

Gu Xiuyi was shocked. 

He didn’t know Ji Ruan’s blood kind, however he was nicely conscious that RH-negative blood was extremely uncommon. 

Gu Xiuyi closed the door and returned to the physician’s desk, his expression solemn. “Is there a difficulty?” 

The physician’s demeanor shifted, his laughter subsiding as he turned critical. “Sure, there’s a concern.” 

Pushing up his glasses, the physician defined, “The affected person has a uncommon blood kind, however his blood clotting perform isn’t very environment friendly.” 

Gu Xiuyi furrowed his brows. 

“Let me make clear,” the physician continued, pointing on the report sheet. “He has a low platelet depend, which suggests his wound therapeutic course of can be slower in comparison with the typical particular person. Initially, this would not be a serious downside, however with a uncommon blood kind, it poses a major threat.” 

The physician tapped the desk, emphasizing his level. “Members of the family have to be cautious of minimizing any bumps or avoiding any extreme accidents. If an accident had been to happen and blood transfusion is required, it might be life-threatening…” 

As Gu Xiuyi left the workplace, his brows remained tightly furrowed. The hospital’s vibrant, incandescent lights dazzled his eyes, leaving him with an inexplicable unease. 

It immediately struck him — Ji Ruan’s persistent bruise from a fall, the slow-healing wound on his ankle — all of it was related to his compromised blood clotting perform. 

Gu Xiuyi returned to the ward with the report in hand, glancing at Ji Ruan who nonetheless hadn’t woke up. It was already morning, and he determined to name Aunt Zhao and quietly await her arrival. With out uttering a phrase, Gu Xiuyi left the ward and headed again to the villa. 

Again on the villa, he had breakfast, took a refreshing bathe, and altered his garments. Nonetheless, he could not shake off the uneasiness that had taken root in his coronary heart. It lingered, persisting regardless of his efforts. 

When he reentered the ward, Ji Ruan had already woken up. He lay obediently, related to the IV drip, gazing silently on the swaying leaves exterior via the hole within the curtain. 

Ji Ruan’s complexion remained pale, his eyes weary, lips devoid of shade. The hand that wasn’t punctured by needles rested on his abdomen, baring skinny finger bones. 

Whispering some phrases to Aunt Zhao, Gu Xiuyi requested her to return dwelling first. After closing the door, he calmly settled into the chair beside Ji Ruan’s mattress. 

The distinction between Ji Ruan’s present look and the joyful state he was within the earlier night time, after consuming alcohol, introduced Gu Xiuyi again to the day they first met. Ji Ruan had laid there on the mattress, seeming very like this. 

They sat in quietude, a wave of uncertainty washing over Gu Xiuyi, leaving him uncertain of what to say. Ji Ruan, too, remained silent. 

A way of discomfort welled up inside him. His abdomen nonetheless pained faintly, and he felt a lump in his throat. 

Recalling the argument and subsequent hospitalization from final night time, the gastroenteritis, and the knocking on his door, Gu Xiuyi wished to flee this picturesque world. 

Finally, Ji Ruan broke the silence. 

His voice got here out raspy, delivered with unhurried precision as if he had contemplated over every phrase: “I promise… I will not drink anymore.” 

Ignoring your complete strategy of their argument from the earlier night time, Gu Xiuyi immediately understood Ji Ruan’s intention and calmly responded, following alongside: “Alright. Along with your delicate abdomen, it is best to keep away from consuming extremely stimulating meals.” 

Ignoring your complete strategy of their argument and the second he virtually misplaced management of his composure. 

The 2 locked eyes, reaching an unstated consensus. They seemingly agreed to protect silence relating to the occasions of the earlier night time. 

The physician’s phrases echoed in Gu Xiuyi’s thoughts. After a quick hesitation, he felt compelled to remind Ji Ruan, “Your blood kind is uncommon, and your clotting is not best. Try to be extra cautious.” 

“What?” Startled, Ji Ruan shifted, his head turning barely as if a timid creature had been startled. 

Perplexed by his response, Gu Xiuyi hesitated earlier than asking, “What is the matter?” 

In Ji Ruan’s thoughts, a flash ignited, triggering one other reminiscence. 

It was a long-forgotten reminiscence — a hospital, surgical procedure, cochlear implant, RH destructive blood kind… 

“Oh, nothing…” Ji Ruan swallowed onerous, forcing himself to regain composure. “I’ve no points with blood clotting…” 

He stared at Gu Xiuyi, his delicate brows furrowing barely as he pointed to his ear. “I had a cochlear implant, and the surgeon by no means talked about something about blood clotting on the time…” 

Ji Ruan’s coronary heart sank step by step. He knew his physique was vulnerable to sickness, however he by no means imagined it could be this dire. Uncommon blood kind and clotting difficulties — was this case higher or worse than his earlier terminal sickness? 

Perhaps he may stay longer, however would he must stay in fixed warning? 

“Ji Ruan,” Gu Xiuyi positioned his palms on Ji Ruan’s shoulders, trying to supply consolation and assist. “Do not be anxious. I spoke with the physician, and your clotting situation is said to your setting and bodily situation. With remedy, dietary changes, and monitoring, your situation could step by step enhance.” 

“Actually?” Ji Ruan pressed a hand to his abdomen, the fluctuations in his feelings inflicting a twinge of ache. 

Buzz – the sound of the decision bell interrupted their dialog. 

The telephone on the bedside desk vibrated twice earlier than Gu Xiuyi picked it up and handed it to Ji Ruan, providing phrases of consolation. “Simply be extra cautious and check out to not overthink issues.” 

“Um…” 

Ji Ruan did his greatest to calm himself down and took the telephone. It was a message from Han Xiaolin, stating that he wished to offer him one thing. 

Struggling to kind as a result of IV infusion, Ji Ruan opted to make use of the voice command as a substitute. “I am on the Second Affiliated Hospital. Can you come over?” 

Half an hour later, Han Xiaolin hurriedly entered the ward. When he noticed Gu Xiuyi sitting there, he promptly composed himself. 

“Hi there, Mr. Gu,” Han Xiaolin greeted politely, conscious of Gu Xiuyi’s presence. 

Gu Xiuyi nodded cordially, selecting to not interrupt their dialog. 

Taking a discreet look at Gu Xiuyi, Han Xiaolin cautiously perched on the sting of the mattress, talking softly to Ji Ruan. “What is going on on with you?” 

“It is nothing,” Ji Ruan replied with a hoarse voice. He coughed a few occasions, inflicting his complexion to pale. “…What did you need to give me?” 

“Oh, it is this notification letter,” Han Xiaolin retrieved an envelope from his bag. “There is a freshman mobilization rally at Peking College subsequent Saturday, and it is also an open day on campus. We have now to attend and report on it.” 

Ji Ruan adjusted the hospital mattress, elevating it barely as he sat up midway. He accepted the envelope and opened it to learn. 

Observing Ji Ruan’s frail look, Han Xiaolin expressed concern. “Are you able to… go?” 

Ji Ruan nodded barely. “I will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow or the day after, so Saturday needs to be high-quality.” 

“Additionally,” Han Xiaolin lowered his voice, “households are invited to the open day as nicely, and most mother and father of recent college students can be there…” 

Ji Ruan’s grip on the letter stiffened as if he had no mother and father. 

“I will go,” Gu Xiuyi’s voice immediately interjected. 

Each Ji Ruan and Han Xiaolin turned to take a look at him concurrently. 

Gu Xiuyi handed Ji Ruan a cup of heat water with a relaxed demeanor. “Many alumni can be attending the open day, and I’ve additionally obtained an invite.” 

—– 

The writer has one thing to say: 

Ji Ruan: Sure, you are additionally an alumnus. 

Mr. Gu: Saturday is designated for folks.