Becoming a Scum A in an Old-School Melodramatic Novel - Chapter 46

By the time Shen Xian carried Lin Qinghan down the mountain, she was already on the verge of collapsing. If it hadn’t been for Han Rui supporting Lin Qinghan from the side, the two of them would have fallen together. Director Zhao hurried over to call the bus driver to bring the vehicle around.

Shen Xian and Han Rui helped Lin Qinghan onto the bus, settling her into the inside seat. Shen Xian dropped heavily into the outer seat, her hands trembling faintly. Even so, she endured the discomfort and let Lin Qinghan lean against her chest to rest.

Director Zhao urged the driver to leave quickly, and the bus slowly made its way back toward the city.

Shen Xian was so exhausted that her mind grew hazy. She rested her cheek lightly against Lin Qinghan’s forehead, unable to say even a word. Her nose and chest burned as though a fire raged inside, and her throat was painfully raw. Lin Qinghan in her arms wasn’t doing well either — cold sweat continuously dampened her brow. Shen Xian held her tightly, heart aching, fighting off drowsiness so she wouldn’t fall asleep.

Both of them were in a pitiful state, their clothes soaked and clinging together. Shen Xian wanted to get tissues from her bag to wipe Lin Qinghan’s sweat, but her hands trembled too badly.

At the side, Director Zhao asked, “How could something like this suddenly happen?” After all, the accident had occurred during a company-organized event. The unit would bear some responsibility.

After catching her breath, Shen Xian replied, “The water must’ve been tampered with. Otherwise, the susceptible period wouldn’t have come so early. On the way down I checked — the trash bag where I threw away my bottle was gone. But it’s too late to argue now. What matters most is that Qinghan is safe. The rest can wait.”

Director Zhao nodded. The water had all been arranged by Lu Jianbai, but there was no evidence to prove it was his doing. Considering Lu Jianbai’s good connections at the hospital, Director Zhao figured the matter would be hard to pursue.

Just speaking those few sentences made Shen Xian’s throat burn unbearably, so neither Director Zhao nor Han Rui pressed her further. They simply let the two of them lean together and rest.

After about an hour, the bus finally pulled into Linhai City Hospital. Despite her sore and aching body, Shen Xian forced herself to carry the unconscious Lin Qinghan on her back. Han Rui supported them from behind, but as soon as they stepped through the hospital doors, Shen Xian’s legs gave out and she collapsed in the lobby.

Director Zhao went to register for the emergency ward while Han Rui quickly called several doctors. They placed Lin Qinghan on a stretcher, and only after resting a moment and with Han Rui’s help did Shen Xian manage to stand again, slowly shuffling toward the emergency room.

Because Lin Qinghan’s condition was related to her susceptible period, the doctors worried about pheromone leakage and moved her into a private room. They seemed well-practiced in handling such cases — an IV was soon hooked up.

The doctor looked at the group and asked, “Who’s the family member? During an Omega’s susceptible period, it’s best if their partner stays with them.”

Shen Xian’s voice was already hoarse, her neck and forehead covered with a fine sheen of sweat. “I am. I’ll stay with her.”

“Doctor, she’s also completely drained,” Director Zhao added. “I just registered her as well. Could she be given something to ease her symptoms?”

“Alright. The rest of you wait outside,” the doctor, a beta, instructed. Han Rui and Director Zhao left, closing the door behind them.

Once they were gone, the doctor said to Shen Xian, “Take off your pheromone blocking patches — it’ll help her recover. An unconscious Omega lacks a sense of security. I suggest you receive your IV right beside her.”

“Alright.” Shen Xian painstakingly moved to sit by Lin Qinghan’s side. The doctor exchanged a few words with the nurse, who then drew Shen Xian’s blood to prepare her IV.

Leaning against the headboard, Shen Xian gently lifted Lin Qinghan onto her side, peeling off the blocking patch from the back of her neck. The fragrance of osmanthus Longjing tea soon spread through the room. Bite marks she had just made were still faintly visible. Shen Xian’s heart ached as she laid her back down, brushing damp strands of hair from her cheek before tearing off her own patch.

The sweet scent of oranges slowly filled the air, mingling with the osmanthus Longjing fragrance. Lin Qinghan’s furrowed brows gradually relaxed. Her nose twitched as she inhaled the air, instinctively seeking out the source of that familiar sweetness. She edged closer to Shen Xian. Worried she might disturb the IV line, Shen Xian simply lay down, gathering her into her arms.

Sensing the familiar pheromones, Lin Qinghan burrowed against Shen Xian’s neck, rubbing softly like a kitten.

A faint smile tugged at Shen Xian’s pale lips. In a low voice by her ear, she teased, “And you said I was the clingy one. Look who’s stuck to me now.”

Her gentle breath brushed Lin Qinghan’s ear, making her nuzzle against Shen Xian’s neck again.

Shen Xian tenderly wiped the damp sweat from her face, her smile fading into a whisper, “I’m sorry, Qinghan. I still didn’t protect you well.”

The thought filled her with dread. What would have happened if she hadn’t been here? If she hadn’t transmigrated into this story, how harsh would Lin Qinghan’s life have been? And their child — so young yet so sensible. She remembered clearly how wary both Qinghan and the child had been of her at first.

Ten minutes later, a nurse entered with a cart, inserting the IV into Shen Xian’s left hand. Time crawled by, and Shen Xian’s eyelids grew heavier and heavier. The next thing she knew, she was waking up to the nurse removing her needle, and as it turns out, she had slept for nearly four hours. The IV bottles for both of them had long since emptied, but the advanced equipment had stopped automatically when only half a tube of liquid remained.

The nurse first removed Lin Qinghan’s needle. Shen Xian pressed on the puncture site until she was sure it wouldn’t bleed, then let go of Lin Qinghan’s hand. Only then did the nurse take care of Shen Xian’s needle. After resting a while, Shen Xian’s mind cleared somewhat, though her arms and legs still ached and her sweat-soaked clothes clung uncomfortably to her.

Lin Qinghan was still sound asleep in her arms. Shen Xian pressed a hand to the gland at her nape — it no longer burned, just felt gently warm. She finally felt reassured.

As she shifted slightly to get up and wash her face, the person in her arms tightened her grip around her like an octopus. Shen Xian let out a helpless chuckle. “Messy or not, I can’t wake her up.”

She sent a FeiXin message to Fang Jinglan, saying she would pick up the child tomorrow, then lowered her gaze to the woman in her arms.

Lin Qinghan’s face had regained its color, the cold sweat gone, but she still clung to Shen Xian tightly. Like a cat craving catnip, she buried herself in Shen Xian’s embrace, greedily breathing in her scent.

Shen Xian simply closed her eyes again, and before long, she drifted back to sleep. The next time she woke, it was to the sound of knocking. Han Rui, worried about leaving Lin Qinghan and Shen Xian alone, had gone out to buy them food. By then, it was already past seven in the evening. Shen Xian hadn’t eaten all day and was indeed feeling hungry.

When Han Rui saw Lin Qinghan tightly clinging to Shen Xian, she immediately thought she should just drop off the food and leave — what kind of public display of affection was this supposed to be?

She set the food she’d bought on a stool to the side and said, “I bought some food for you and Qinghan. But judging by the situation now, it seems a bit inconvenient for me to stay. Just remember to eat when you get up later. I’ll head out first.”

Holding Lin Qinghan in her arms, Shen Xian didn’t dare move recklessly and could only lie there in bed, saying, “Alright, thank you, Dr. Han. You’ve worried over us both all day.”

“It’s nothing, we’re all colleagues. No need for thanks. Just take good care of Qinghan. I’ll be going now.”

After Han Rui left, Shen Xian felt it was about time to wake Lin Qinghan. She gently nudged the person in her arms. Lin Qinghan rubbed her cheek against Shen Xian’s neck with a hint of impatience, making Shen Xian’s skin itch.

While softly shaking her, Shen Xian coaxed by her ear, “Qinghan, wake up, alright? You’ve slept for so long. Let’s get up and eat a little something.”

Looking at Lin Qinghan’s fair cheeks, Shen Xian couldn’t help but reach out and poke them.

Lin Qinghan rubbed her eyes with one hand, slowly opening them. The moment her eyes opened, they met Shen Xian’s gaze. She was still lying on Shen Xian’s chest, their faces so close that the distance between them was almost nonexistent.

The instant Lin Qinghan realized she was sprawled against Shen Xian’s chest, a flush crept up from her ears and quickly spread across her entire face.

Her voice was still weak as she said, “Shen Xian, let me down.” Yet she didn’t dare meet Shen Xian’s eyes.

Shen Xian chuckled softly and replied gently, “But just now, it was Qinghan holding me so tightly. Alright, since you’re asking me to let go, I’ll let go.” As she spoke, she withdrew the arm wrapped around Lin Qinghan’s waist — but not completely. Noticing her shyness, Shen Xian kept one arm around her waist, propping up her pillow a little higher so Lin Qinghan could lean against it.

The scent of sweet orange in the ward had already mingled with the fragrance of osmanthus Longjing tea. Breathing in the faint aroma, Lin Qinghan felt a warmth in her chest.

Shen Xian got up to fetch the food Han Rui had brought. Thoughtful as always, Han Rui had bought porridge specifically for Lin Qinghan. Shen Xian lifted the bowl of plain porridge, sat by the bed, and asked softly, “Do you have the strength now? Do you need me to feed you?”

Lin Qinghan’s face, which had just regained some color, flushed red again at Shen Xian’s words. She hurriedly replied, “I can do it myself.”

Seeing her blushing face, Shen Xian found it amusing and handed her the bowl.

Starving herself, Shen Xian picked up the rice and dishes and began eating.

Lin Qinghan took a few sips of the porridge, and her mind wandered back to the mountain. When her susceptible period had come, Shen Xian had taken her to a remote, secluded place. After that, she remembered nothing clearly — only a vague sense, while half-conscious, of being carried on someone’s back. The back wasn’t broad, but it made her feel very safe. It felt like it could’ve been Shen Xian’s, but she couldn’t believe Shen Xian had managed to carry her down from such a tall mountain all by herself.

“Shen Xian, who carried me down the mountain that time?”

Shen Xian took a sip of soup before answering, “I carried you down. There were a few of your male colleagues who offered to help, but I thought it wasn’t right, so I refused. I’ve got plenty of strength, and look — we’re both safe and sound now, aren’t we?” She smiled as she said this.

As Shen Xian smiled, Lin Qinghan’s eyes grew red, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

Shen Xian quickly set down her food and comforted her, “Why are you crying? I’m really fine. Besides, with me around, of course I’d be the one to carry you. How could I let anyone else do it?”

Seeing her cry made Shen Xian’s heart ache as well. She gently wiped away Lin Qinghan’s tears, coaxing her softly, “Don’t cry, okay? If you keep crying, I’ll start crying too. I’m really fine.” She reached out and tenderly rubbed the top of her head.

Lin Qinghan set the porridge bowl aside, moved closer, and buried her head in Shen Xian’s chest. Shen Xian froze — this was the first time Qinghan had leaned on her like this while fully conscious.

After a moment’s hesitation, Shen Xian wrapped her arms around Lin Qinghan’s back and waist, holding the weeping woman in her embrace. She stroked her back gently, comforting her, “You’re so light — I can carry you. Be good, don’t cry anymore, alright?”

Still hiding in Shen Xian’s arms, Lin Qinghan murmured in a muffled voice, “Are you stupid? Carrying me down such a tall mountain on your own — what if something had happened to you?”

“There wasn’t time to think about that then. All I knew was that I didn’t want anyone else carrying you,” Shen Xian answered honestly. Back then, Lin Qinghan’s clothes had been soaked through. Shen Xian could trust herself not to take advantage of her, but she couldn’t guarantee others wouldn’t harbor inappropriate thoughts.

Hearing this, Lin Qinghan tightened her arms around Shen Xian’s waist, sobbing softly, “So stupid.”

She hadn’t expected she would ever cry like this in Shen Xian’s arms. In the past, whenever she felt sad, she had always hidden away and cried alone. No one had ever understood her, no one had ever shown her compassion. She still had to take care of her daughter, so she had long since built up a thick armor around her heart. But now, that armor suddenly didn’t feel so strong. Crying into Shen Xian’s shoulder actually made her feel a little better.

Shen Xian didn’t argue. She only held her tighter and coaxed, “Alright, whatever Qinghan says goes. If you say I’m clingy, then I’m clingy. If you say I’m stupid, then I’m stupid.”

Lin Qinghan freed one hand to lightly pat Shen Xian, then leaned against Shen Xian’s embrace. After a while, her tears finally stopped.

Shen Xian held Lin Qinghan with one arm while gently wiping her face with a tissue in the other. “You barely ate earlier. Have a few more bites,” Shen Xian said softly.

After crying, Lin Qinghan felt a little embarrassed and nodded. Shen Xian handed her the porridge again, and Lin Qinghan finally began to sip the plain porridge, stealing glances at Shen Xian from time to time.

Shen Xian didn’t feel the slightest discomfort under her gaze. Sometimes, when Lin Qinghan’s eyes happened to meet Shen Xian’s, Shen Xian would return a bright smile, which eventually made Lin Qinghan shyly look away.

“When are we getting discharged?” Lin Qinghan asked, leaning back against the pillow after finishing the porridge.

“Let’s stay one more night. If everything looks fine, we’ll be discharged tomorrow morning.”

Lin Qinghan nodded. The room grew quiet. Though she looked a bit better, she still seemed drowsy. Shen Xian thought about sleeping on the spare bed nearby and even sat down on it, but then recalled what the doctor had said. She figured Qinghan probably wanted her close by, though with Qinghan’s personality, she would never admit it.

So Shen Xian stood up again and sat back beside Lin Qinghan, asking a little awkwardly, “Qinghan, should we sleep together tonight?”

Lin Qinghan’s ears flushed red at the question. She didn’t say anything, just flattened her pillow, turned onto her side toward the left edge of the bed, and left her back to Shen Xian, creating space on the bed.

Shen Xian understood she was just shy. Even though Qinghan had left her plenty of room, she refused to say a word.

The corners of Shen Xian’s lips curved into a faint smile as she lay down in the space Qinghan had left.

But the hospital bed was narrow, and with both of them lying on it, their bodies naturally pressed close together. At first, they both felt a little stiff and self-conscious, but exhaustion soon overcame them, and before long, they were fast asleep.