She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 11:

Chapter 11:

Maybe I should give it a try.

Given how close they had been standing earlier, it was perfectly normal for Jiang Chen to have noticed. Chen Guo didn’t pretend to be unaware and instead proactively explained: That person is Hao Xinyi’s cousin. Their Great Cat had two Kittens, and they gave one to Hao Xinyi. I met him yesterday when I went with Hao Xinyi to pick up the Kitten, so he recognizes me.

Jiang Chen didn’t seem particularly interested, placing the cooking wine and light soy sauce into the shopping cart. Mm, let’s keep moving forward.

Chen Guo complied. Okay.

After checking out and leaving, Jiang Chen remained silent the entire way back, and Chen Guo similarly kept quiet.

They returned home before 9 PM. Jiang Chen felt somewhat tired and went to her bedroom to catch up on sleep after telling Chen Guo. When she woke up, Dai Xiaoqin and Jiang Yun had already arrived.

First seeing one with a swollen face, then another with a hoarse voice—both members of the household had become patients. Dai Xiaoqin felt both distressed and annoyed, scolding them: You’re all grown adults now, how come you still can’t take proper care of yourselves? You really don’t let anyone rest easy.

Chen Guo set down her chopsticks and said, Grandma, my inflammation is from eating the wrong things. It’ll be fine after some medicine. Aunt’s hoarseness is because she’s been too exhausted—she pulled several all-nighters filming.

After hearing this, Dai Xiaoqin paused and looked at Jiang Chen. Is that true?

Jiang Chen pressed her lips together. It’s nothing serious. It’ll be fine after a couple days of rest.

Dai Xiaoqin sighed. That film crew—making people work overnight every day. How can artists’ bodies handle that?

She turned to ask Jiang Chen, When does this movie wrap up?

Jiang Chen said, End of next month.

Jiang Yun said with concern, Maybe you should go to the hospital this afternoon.

Dai Xiaoqin agreed, Yes, otherwise it might get worse. What would we do then?

Jiang Chen shot a reproachful look at Chen Guo. She usually spoke very little during meals, but today she’d become a big mouth.

Sensing Jiang Chen’s gaze, Chen Guo looked up and asked, What’s wrong, Aunt?

Jiang Chen coughed and said, Mom, I’ve already taken medicine. You and Sis don’t need to worry about me. If it gets really bad, I’ll go to the hospital.

Dai Xiaoqin thought for a moment, then nodded. After you finish this busy period, you really need to rest properly for a while. If you can’t bring it up yourself, I’ll talk to Jingjing about reducing your workload before the new year.

Faced with her family’s concern, Jiang Chen always felt awkward and instinctively somewhat resistant. She wanted this topic to end quickly.

Okay, let’s eat first.

With two patients who had difficulty speaking, the meal proceeded relatively quietly. As it was nearing the end, Dai Xiaoqin suddenly remembered something and glanced at Chen Guo. How’s work been lately, Guoguo? Are you adjusting well to being a teacher?

Chen Guo looked up. Quite well.

Dai Xiaoqin nodded, considered her words for a moment, then asked: How are you getting along with your colleagues? Are there any male or female teachers around your age?

Chen Guo said, There are, but not many.

Dai Xiaoqin chuckled. With few peers around you, finding a partner will be a real Boss-level problem later.

Jiang Yun understood what Dai Xiaoqin meant and gave her a helpless look. Mom, here you go again.

Dai Xiaoqin said somewhat displeased, Guoguo is already not young anymore. She should be considering marriage. Don’t always say she’s young. By the time you realize you’re not young anymore, all the good ones will have been picked by others.

Jiang Yun glanced at Chen Guo, hesitating to speak further.

Jiang Chen suddenly spoke up: Mom, Chen Guo has plenty of suitors. You don’t need to worry about her marriage prospects. Just this morning at the supermarket, someone asked for her WeChat.

Dai Xiaoqin seemed surprised. Really?

Being asked for WeChat contact was different from arranged matchmaking. Jiang Yun immediately looked at Chen Guo with anticipation.

Chen Guo smiled without avoiding the topic. I’ve dated before, but nothing worked out.

Dai Xiaoqin continued: You have such a good personality, stable job, and you’re beautiful. It’s only a matter of time before you meet the right person if you keep putting yourself out there. How about this – should Grandma introduce someone to you?

Jiang Yun, who had always said Chen Guo was still young and shouldn’t rush into marriage, remained silent this time, watching Chen Guo as if waiting for her response.

Dai Xiaoqin added: Young people nowadays prefer dating freely, but ultimately, introductions through family are more reliable since everyone knows each other’s backgrounds.

Chen Guo nodded without objection. That’s true.

Thinking Chen Guo had agreed, Dai Xiaoqin began describing the young man. He’s three years older than you, works at the power bureau as a junior manager, quite handsome with good character. His family used to be our neighbors – your Aunt Yun and I watched him grow up. We know his family well. His parents are reasonable people too. If you two hit it off, you’d never be mistreated in that family.

After listening quietly, Chen Guo seemed interested. How tall is he? What’s his weight?

Dai Xiaoqin didn’t have those details and turned to Jiang Yun for help. Jiang Yun quickly said: I haven’t seen him in two years, but he was already over 180cm when he was in school. He must be quite tall now. As for weight, if you’re interested, I can ask later.

Chen Guo nodded but said nothing.

Seeing her hesitation, Jiang Yun gently explained: If you’re not ready yet, there’s no rush. I’m not pressuring you to marry, Guo Guo. I just happened to meet his parents recently and we discussed our children’s futures. He really seems like a good match, so I thought you might want to meet.

Her peripheral glance shifted toward Jiang Chen, hoping she’d contribute to the conversation as fellow elders.

But when she looked over, Jiang Yun paused slightly – Jiang Chen’s expression seemed somewhat odd, though she couldn’t pinpoint why.

Thinking Jiang Chen might not remember who they were discussing, Jiang Yun prompted: It’s Zhang Dongming. Remember? He came to our house for dinner once and helped with washing dishes and mopping the floor afterward.

Jiang Chen responded with a quiet Oh, her face expressionless. Him.

Jiang Yun nodded. He’s always been very sensible since childhood.

Chen Guo glanced at Jiang Chen. Is that true, Auntie?

Jiang Chen pressed her lips together and responded softly: Mm.

Chen Guo smiled. Then he must be quite good. But I’ve been very busy lately and don’t have time for matchmaking. Maybe later? I’ll meet him when I have some free time.

Dai Xiaoqin wasn’t pushy. No problem. You can start by chatting on WeChat. Don’t feel pressured, Guo Guo. If it works out, it’s meant to be. If not, that’s fine too.

Chen Guo said: Okay.

After dinner, Dai Xiaoqin went to the kitchen to simmer a pot of Pear Soup for Jiang Chen before leaving with Jiang Yun.

Chen Guo sat at the dining table preparing her lecture materials. Noticing Jiang Chen hadn’t come to drink the soup, she set aside her work, got up, ladled the soup into a bowl, and brought it to the bedroom door.

Auntie, are you asleep?

Intuition told Chen Guo that Jiang Chen wasn’t sleeping. After waiting half a minute, she spoke again, Have the soup before you sleep.

There was no response from inside. Hesitating briefly, Chen Guo pushed the door open.

The bed was empty. The sliding door to the balcony stood open, and Jiang Chen lounged lazily on the recliner, having just finished a cigarette. With all the windows wide open, the smell of smoke in the room was faint.

Chen Guo walked over and set the bowl on the small table beside the chair. Auntie, your throat is already in this state—you shouldn’t smoke.

Jiang Chen glanced up at her, her gaze unusually calm. What are you thinking?

It was hard to tell whether it was a question or an accusation, but Chen Guo didn’t care. She urged Jiang Chen, Drink the soup first.

Jiang Chen chuckled softly. Sometimes I really don’t understand you.

Chen Guo asked, Are you blaming me?

Jiang Chen thought she probably should blame her—but for what reason, and why?

She didn’t even have the courage to speak openly, so she had no right to blame anyone.

Chen Guo held onto the armrest of the chair, slowly crouched down beside Jiang Chen, and looked up at her.

Auntie, what’s making you unhappy?

Jiang Chen’s expression remained neutral as she watched a bird flit past the balcony. You’re overthinking it. I’m not unhappy that you’ve found happiness.

Mm, I’ll do my best. Chen Guo picked up the cigarette box from the table and said, I’ll take this for now. You can smoke again when your throat is better.

Jiang Chen tilted her head. You don’t smoke?

Chen Guo replied, No.

Jiang Chen asked, Then what do you do when you’re bored?

Chen Guo looked at her and said, Think of something beautiful.

Like what?

Chen Guo paused briefly. Think… if only you weren’t my aunt, maybe you’d be happier.

Jiang Chen froze, then murmured distractedly, I was never really your aunt. You just got used to calling me that and never changed.

Chen Guo said, Of course I know you’re not my aunt. It’s just that you don’t seem to realize it.

Jiang Chen fell silent at once.

Chen Guo didn’t say more and handed her the bowl. Hurry up and drink it—it’s really going to get cold. You have filming tomorrow, and if your throat doesn’t get better, it’ll affect your work.

Jiang Chen took it. The temperature was just right. She took two sips in a row and set the bowl back down, reminding Chen Guo, Once you’re married, you don’t need to be so good to me anymore.

Chen Guo said, It’s only right for a junior to show filial respect. When I have a child someday, they’ll respect you too.

Jiang Chen knew she wouldn’t hear anything pleasant from Chen Guo. She closed her eyes briefly. Alright, go out now. I’m going to sleep.

Chen Guo glanced at the bowl. You haven’t finished it.

Jiang Chen couldn’t be bothered to listen to her nagging. She picked up the bowl and drained it in one go. Close the door on your way out.

Chen Guo hummed in acknowledgment and left with the bowl. At the doorway, she suddenly stopped and turned back. Auntie, will you be busy after you wake up?

No, I’m on vacation.

Chen Guo asked, Then could I trouble you to drive me back to my old place?

Jiang Chen said, What’s wrong? Are taxis and buses on vacation too?

Chen Guo answered frankly, No, but driving is more convenient—and it saves money.

Jiang Chen curled her lip. Trying to save money, aren’t you? Quite the accountant.

Chen Guo said frankly, Yeah, my income isn’t high right now. I save where I can.

Jiang Chen said, If you’re short on money later, just ask me. No need to live so frugally.

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, I’ll save.

Jiang Chen fell silent for a moment before turning her head. If I wake up early enough later, I’ll drive you.

Okay. Chen Guo closed the door and left.

Jiang Chen reclined the chair back and closed her eyes, but felt no sleepiness at all.

Strangely enough, on days when she didn’t have work, she usually did nothing but sleep at home.

Now with another person around, her sleepiness seemed to have been sucked away, leaving her unusually energetic.

Jiang Chen subconsciously reached for the cigarettes on the table, only to find empty space. She then remembered they’d been put away.

She clicked her tongue, recalling the match Dai Xiaoqin had tried to set up for Chen Guo during dinner.

They were completely mismatched. What could two quiet people even do together?

Jiang Chen closed her eyes, trying to nap. Just as she was finally drifting off, she was startled awake by a strange dream.

In the dream, Chen Guo was pregnant and asking her to name the baby.

Jiang Chen squeezed her eyes shut tightly, trying to erase the dream from her memory.

But failed
Her throat moved as she swallowed, then she stood up and walked out.

Chen Guo had just finished preparing her teaching materials and hadn’t even turned off her computer yet. Seeing Jiang Chen emerge, she looked surprised. Auntie, did you sleep well?

Jiang Chen deliberately glanced at Chen Guo’s abdomen, but quickly realized how foolish this was and hurriedly looked away.

Yeah. Are you still going out?

Chen Guo said, Yes, just a moment. Let me grab something.

She went into the bedroom and soon emerged carrying a cat carrier. Let’s go.

Jiang Chen looked at what she was holding. What’s that for?

Catching a cat.

Jiang Chen paused. What?

Chen Guo explained, There’s a stray cat in the neighborhood. I’ve seen her several times, and she’s getting thinner each time. Winter is coming, and I’m worried she won’t make it.

Jiang Chen pressed her lips together. I thought you’d buy a cat.

Chen Guo shook her head. Cats from catteries and pet stores will eventually find homes, but strays are different. If no one takes them in, they might die.

Jiang Chen offered a perfunctory compliment, Nice, very compassionate.

You taught me well.

Jiang Chen:
The neighborhood wasn’t large, but the stray cat was skittish. Chen Guo spent a long time making cat sounds without luring it out.

Jiang Chen walked behind her, casually observing the place where Chen Guo used to live while reminding her, When it comes out, remember to wear gloves to catch it.

Okay, I know.

After circling the neighborhood twice, they finally spotted the cat—a small orange tabby, terribly thin with hardly any flesh on its face, making its eyes appear hollow and round.

It hid in the shrubbery, cautiously watching the humans outside.

Chen Guo crouched down and pulled a Cat Stick from her pocket, tearing it open to entice the cat.

The little creature caught the scent and tentatively stretched its head out, but still afraid, accidentally brushed against leaves in the bushes and quickly retreated.

Chen Guo extended the Cat Stick further in. Don’t be afraid, come eat.

Jiang Chen stood behind her and chuckled. That won’t work.

Chen Guo looked up at her. Then what should I do?

Try coaxing it.

Chen Guo felt this method was useless. It doesn’t understand human language.

Jiang Chen crouched down, took the cat stick from Chen Guo’s hand, slowly extended it into the greenery, tilted her head, and softly coaxed: Good kitty, don’t be afraid, we won’t hurt you. Have something to eat, look how thin you are.

The kitten tentatively stepped forward a bit. Chen Guo suddenly grabbed Jiang Chen’s wrist and pulled her arm back.

…… The kitten, frightened by this, immediately retreated back inside.

Jiang Chen turned her head to look at Chen Guo. Why did you grab me? She was already coming out.

Chen Guo said, You weren’t wearing gloves.Jiang Chen understood but still harbored some luck-based thinking. She seems quite gentle, probably fine.

Even if gentle, she’s still a stray cat. What if it’s just an act? Chen Guo took the cat stick back. Let me do it.

Jiang Chen said quietly, She doesn’t seem to like you very much.

Chen Guo didn’t mind. She extended the cat stick back in. It’s fine. She likes you more.

Jiang Chen was taken aback for a moment. Having crouched for too long, her legs were numb. She slowly stood up and sat on a nearby chair to rest, watching Chen Guo lure the kitten out.

She’s a lot like you.

Chen Guo didn’t hear clearly and turned her head to ask, What?

Jiang Chen pointed at the little thing hiding inside, unwilling to show itself. She’s just like you when you first arrived – skinny, eyes full of wariness and caution.

Chen Guo:
Before she could say anything, the orange cat suddenly emerged from inside and cautiously licked the cat stick.

Jiang Chen smiled and said, Looks like she can feel your kindness.

But the kitten was ultimately timid. At the slightest hint of movement, it would immediately retreat. Fortunately, it didn’t run around wildly but stayed in one spot, observing any activity outside.

Chen Guo wasn’t in a hurry either. She crouched nearby waiting for it. When her legs got numb from crouching, she would go sit next to Jiang Chen to rest for a while, then continue using the cat stick to lure it out.

By the time it was almost dark, the orange cat finally came out, cautiously approaching Chen Guo and circling around her legs.

Chen Guo smiled slightly, bent down to feed it the cat stick, and only after it finished eating did she pick it up and put it in the carrier bag.

Jiang Chen said, Let’s go straight to the animal hospital. In this condition, she can’t come home with us.

Chen Guo said, Okay.

At the hospital, after a series of checks, the kitten was confirmed healthy with no serious diseases, just some malnutrition from long-term stray life. The doctor said it wasn’t a major issue and would improve with some proper care.

Then they dewormed the kitten, gave it a cleaning, and instructed them to come back regularly for vaccinations.

When they left the hospital, it was completely dark outside. Chen Guo asked Jiang Chen, Auntie, are you hungry? Should we get something to eat?

Jiang Chen said, Let’s eat when we get back.

Alright.

Chen Guo got into the car, had just put the cat carrier down when her phone chimed. After fastening her seatbelt, she took it out to check.

Dai Xiaoqin must have really thought highly of that guy. She mentioned it at noon, and by evening, she already had him adding her on WeChat.

Chen Guo clicked ‘Accept’. Just as she was about to lock her phone screen, the other party greeted her.

Hello, I’m Zhang Dongming. Grandma Dai introduced us.

Chen Guo replied: I’m Chen Guo. Hello.

The other party replied: Okay.

Chen Guo glanced at it, locked her phone screen, and put it back in her pocket.

Jiang Chen glanced at her through the rearview mirror and asked, Zhang Dongming added you?

Chen Guo responded, Yeah.

Do you want to see what he looks like?

Chen Guo said, No.

Jiang Chen curled her lips, unsure what prompted her to start rambling about irrelevant things. What if you two hit it off? He might become your husband someday.

Chen Guo nodded, True, but it’s still too early for that.

She pressed her lips together slightly, expressing concern: I’ve never been with a man before. I don’t even know if I can accept that.

Jiang Chen’s expression suddenly changed, turning silent.

Chen Guo turned to look at her and asked: Auntie, what do you think I should do?

Jiang Chen kept her eyes on the road ahead, saying nothing.

When Chen Guo’s mother introduced her to a potential match at noon, Jiang Chen still thought it seemed somewhat unrealistic. But Chen Guo’s recent question had completely brought her back to reality.

Chen Guo was seriously considering this matter.

A sudden heaviness settled in Jiang Chen’s chest as she tried to sort through the implications of every aspect. Just as she began to gather her thoughts, she heard Chen Guo say:

Maybe I should give it a try. Who knows? When it comes to fate, you really can’t say for sure.