She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 12:

Chapter 12:

Taking you home.

After speaking, Chen Guo kept staring at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen’s face remained calm. When they encountered a red light ahead, she casually tilted her head, wearing a smile as she generously said, Alright then.

Chen Guo wasn’t surprised. She curved her lips and said, Good.

Jiang Chen spoke like an open-minded parent: You’re not young anymore. You can make these decisions yourself from now on.

Chen Guo nodded. I understand.

After that, neither spoke again.

It was already eight o’clock when they got home. Worried that Kitten might relieve itself randomly in a new environment, Chen Guo first settled it in her bedroom. As she was about to start cooking,

Jiang Chen stopped her: It’s too late. I’ll order takeout. No need to cook.

Chen Guo glanced at the wall clock and responded, Okay.

Jiang Chen carried a water glass to the sofa and sat down, lazily propping her elbow on the armrest while drinking water and casually scrolling through her phone.

Tang Jing was coordinating tomorrow’s work schedule with her. When Jiang Chen reached important sections, her gaze paused slightly as she considered the feasibility.

Lost in thought, she forgot she was holding a water glass. When she moved her arm abruptly, water spilled onto her skirt and the top of her foot.

Jiang Chen quickly set the glass on the coffee table, grabbed two tissues, bent over, lifted a corner of her skirt, and wiped the water stain.

Chen Guo turned to look at Jiang Chen.

She was wearing a black mermaid skirt today. As she leaned forward and bent at the waist, the fabric clung tightly to her hips, revealing a tantalizing curve that was both visible and hidden.

Chen Guo had seen many of Jiang Chen’s red carpet photos. She looked best in these body-hugging dresses – even more sensual than when she wasn’t wearing clothes.

Jiang Chen sensed someone watching her and looked up, meeting Chen Guo’s blatant, completely unconcealed gaze.

Chen Guo showed no reaction to being discovered, her gaze remaining calm as she continued looking at her.

……

Jiang Chen tossed the tissues into the trash can, her expression composed as she lowered her head to continue checking her phone. Tang Jing was confirming tomorrow’s departure time with her. Finding no issues, Jiang Chen simply replied, Okay.

When she looked up again, Chen Guo had sat down beside her, turned sideways as if searching for something.

Jiang Chen glanced over, studied her for a few seconds, then pointed at the coffee table. The remote is there.

Spotting it, Chen Guo stood up to retrieve it and turned on the TV. Auntie, do you want to watch some TV?

Since the takeout would still take a while, Jiang Chen figured she might as well sit and watch, so she nodded. Sure.

Jiang Chen didn’t often watch TV, only turning it on occasionally when the house felt too quiet. But Chen Guo watched frequently and could quickly find what she wanted to watch with the remote.

As the opening theme played, it was Fox Fate again.

Though Jiang Chen had starred in numerous film and television works, this particular movie ranked neither highly in production quality nor box office performance. Yet Chen Guo had a special fondness for it.

She asked, Don’t you get tired of watching it every day?

Chen Guo said, Haven’t watched it in a long time.

Jiang Chen leaned back and gazed at the television screen.

When she filmed Fox Fate, she had just debuted. Looking back now, some aspects weren’t handled perfectly, but her youth at the time compensated for it – she appeared lively, charmingly naive, and alluring in the film.

She had portrayed a young fox spirit newly descended to the mortal world with remarkable vividness.

The first ten minutes of the film were cheerful. Neither of them spoke, but the corners of their mouths would occasionally curl up slightly. Then the scene suddenly shifted, and the background music changed, hinting to the audience what was about to happen.

Chen Guo had watched this part many times, so it was no longer fresh to her. Yet her expression remained focused, especially when she noticed some unexpectedly bold scenes.

Her brows furrowed lightly, as if she were pondering something seriously, but ultimately, she couldn’t figure it out. She turned to Jiang Chen and asked, Auntie, are scenes like this difficult to act in?

Just then, Tang Jing sent another message. Jiang Chen was looking down at her phone when she heard Chen Guo’s question. She glanced up at the screen and said, Once you get into character, it’s not that hard.

Chen Guo asked, Do you actually have to touch for real?

Jiang Chen paused, finding it strange. Haven’t you been to the set before?

Chen Guo hummed in agreement. I thought some scenes might be different.

Jiang Chen replied, It depends on the situation.

Chen Guo nodded and fell silent.

Jiang Chen glanced at her and reminded, The takeout is here. Go get it.

Okay. Chen Guo set the pillow aside, got up, and left.

After replying to Tang Jing’s message, Jiang Chen looked up at the TV screen and suddenly found the noise irritating. She reached for the remote and turned it off.

When Chen Guo returned with the takeout, she didn’t question why Jiang Chen had turned off the TV. They sat at the dining table and ate quietly.

The food was light and liquid-based, so they finished quickly. Chen Guo put down her chopsticks and watched Jiang Chen eat.

Only after Jiang Chen had finished did Chen Guo speak up. Auntie, when you’re in Chongqing, can I call you?

Jiang Chen was taken aback and looked at her across the table.

Chen Guo explained, If you’re busy, I won’t bother you with things at home. We can talk about them when you return.

Jiang Chen blinked slowly and said earnestly, I’m going for work, not to prison. When I’m not busy, I can check my phone.

Chen Guo nodded. Okay, I’ll contact you if anything comes up.

Jiang Chen gave a soft hum of acknowledgment.

Then both fell silent, yet neither made a move to leave. One was on her phone, the other staring blankly at the table, lost in thought.

When the clock struck ten, Chen Guo broke the silence. She looked up and said, Auntie, it’s getting late. I’ll clean up. You should rest—you have a flight to catch tomorrow.

Jiang Chen nodded. Alright, you should sleep early too. Tomorrow is Monday.

Mm, goodnight.

Goodnight.

Early the next morning, Chen Guo was woken by faint noises outside. It was Tang Jing picking Jiang Chen up for the airport. Chen Guo picked up her phone from the bedside table and glanced at it.

It was only six o’clock.

She put the phone back, turned over with her back to the bedroom door, and closed her eyes lightly, making no move to say goodbye.

But she listened intently to the sounds outside. The front door closed. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she started feeling drowsy. She didn’t fight it and drifted in and out of sleep for about ten minutes before opening her eyes again.

Chen Guo sat up, dazed for a moment, then threw on her jacket and went out. Standing in the living room, she surveyed every corner of the room as if it were her first time there. Then, like a ghost, she entered Jiang Chen’s bedroom without hesitation and climbed into her bed.

The blanket seemed to still carry her scent and warmth. Chen Guo curled up, burying herself deeply in it, and surprisingly, she fell asleep this time.

At 7:30, the alarm went off.

After getting up, washing up, and changing clothes, Chen Guo added cat food and water to Kitten’s bowl before leaving. Worried that it hadn’t yet learned to use the litter box in such a short time, she decided to keep it confined to her bedroom for the time being.

When she returned from school in the evening, Chen Guo opened the bedroom door and noticed a foul smell inside. Walking over to the litter box, she found that Kitten was clever—it had learned to use the litter box after being taught just once.

Chen Guo crouched down, smiled, and stroked Kitten, then sent a WeChat message to Jiang Chen.

[Auntie, Kitten knows how to use the litter box now. I want to let it out of the bedroom.]

At 2 a.m., her phone vibrated with a reply: [Okay.]

Seeing the response, Chen Guo yawned, closed her phone, turned over, and went to sleep.

.

On the day of First Frost, which was Gao Yuliang’s death anniversary, Chen Guo went back to Tianjin. After having breakfast at the hotel, she bought a bouquet of flowers and went to the cemetery to pay her respects.

When she arrived, she saw a familiar figure—Jiang Yun, sitting in a wheelchair, silently gazing at the man’s photo on the tombstone.

Chen Guo crouched down and gently placed the flowers in front of the tombstone. “Dad, I’ve come to see you.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she heard an unexpected sob.

Jiang Yun quickly covered her mouth with her hand, trying hard to hold back, but the more she suppressed it, the harder it became to control. Her body trembled slightly.

Chen Guo stood up and hugged her shoulders, comforting her softly, “Aunt Yun, Dad would be sad to see you crying.”

As if she could no longer hold back, Jiang Yun burst into tears. Gripping Chen Guo’s arm tightly, she asked in a choked voice, “Do you think your father and I were truly not meant to be in this life? Otherwise, why were we always separated?”

In the past, Chen Guo hadn’t felt much about Gao Yuliang and Jiang Yun’s marriage. In her eyes, they were just a man and a woman who had formed a family and lived their lives together.

But now, listening to Jiang Yun’s sobs, she suddenly felt deeply sad. If Gao Yuliang had had a choice, he would never have willingly left his beloved.

Lovers who are in love but cannot be together are always tragic and sorrowful.

Chen Guo didn’t know what to say to ease Jiang Yun’s grief at that moment. She simply held her, and Jiang Yun seemed to regard her as her only support, clinging tightly and unwilling to let go.

The two comforted each other in silence. After a while, Jiang Yun finally calmed down and was able to speak properly.

“Actually, every time I came to visit Yu Liang before, I would happily share with him what I had done, what I had seen, and what had happened during that time. I don’t know why it was different this time—maybe seeing you made me miss him so intensely, wishing he could be by my side right now. At the same time, I feel terribly guilty. After Yu Liang passed, I didn’t take good care of you.”

Chen Guo said, “Aunt Yun, you’ve been more than good to me.”

Jiang Yun shook her head and replied, “Deep down, I know very well that my concern for you has always stayed at the level of words—I haven’t taken much real action. All along, it’s been Xiao Chen who has been the one doing things. She’s the one who truly cares about you and treats you well.”

Chen Guo pressed her lips together and said, “I know. Auntie is good to me.”

Jiang Yun wiped the corner of her eye and said, I’m a very self-centered person. When Yu Liang first left, I was so absorbed in my own grief that I completely forgot about you. If Xiao Chen hadn’t reminded me, I might never have thought to bring you back to live with us. When you first returned, I resented you for not contacting the family all these years. But upon reflection, I’ve always fallen short as a mother, so it’s understandable you didn’t want to stay in touch.

Jiang Yun spoke intermittently about the past, unraveling her own emotional knots and guilt, while also stirring Chen Guo’s memories of that time.

.

Gao Yuliang died in a car accident—a sudden departure.

He had an evening self-study session that day. Just after leaving the school gate, he was hit by a speeding car and thrown over ten meters away, dying instantly.

Chen Guo was in her last evening self-study class when the homeroom teacher suddenly called her out. In the office, she saw a woman with red-rimmed eyes who called her by her childhood nickname.

Chen Guo had moved back to Anqing with Chen Jiangyue at age four. Chen Jiangyue rarely spoke about Gao Yuliang’s side of the family, so Chen Guo had little impression of her father’s relatives. But the woman’s face bore some resemblance to Gao Yuliang, carrying an indescribable warmth.

Staring for a moment, Chen Guo suddenly remembered—during last year’s Spring Festival, when she returned to their hometown with Gao Yuliang, she had met this woman. Gao Yuliang had happily introduced her as Auntie. Unfortunately, they hadn’t interacted much since, so the memory remained faint.

Auntie?

Gao Yuhong’s face lit up with joy, but then she broke down sobbing. It was only during the car ride away from school that Chen Guo learned Gao Yuhong was crying because Gao Yuliang was gone.

At first, she couldn’t quite believe it. Turning to the woman beside her, she asked bluntly, Are you saying my dad is dead?

Gao Yuhong nodded through her tears. Brother was hit by a car on his way home from work. He was gone before the ambulance even arrived.

Chen Guo’s mind went blank. She remained dazed for a long time before recalling that her last meeting with Gao Yuliang had been during National Day. She hadn’t gone home then—Gao Yuliang had come directly to Yongjin Garden to pick her up.

Chen Guo remembered that her first glimpse of Gao Yuliang had brought not only shock but also an inexplicable sense of fulfillment.

Later, after much reflection, she finally pinpointed where that feeling came from.

In elementary school, there was a period when Chen Jiangyue was extremely busy with work. Chen Guo always wore a conspicuous key around her neck, going to school and returning home alone every day.

Many parents gathered at the school gate to pick up their children. Chen Guo knew her mother wasn’t among them, so she would leave without a second glance, face stern. Afterwards, she’d secretly scorn those classmates who needed their parents to escort them—thinking they weren’t as capable as she was, able to go home alone.

When Chen Jiangyue returned from work in the evening, she’d find Chen Guo obediently watching TV after finishing her homework. She would hug her, kiss her cheeks, and praise Chen Guo for being such a capable little girl.

Chen Guo thought so too, even feeling proud—until one day when a female classmate invited her home for a birthday party to blow out candles.

Watching the girl’s parents waiting at the school gate to welcome their child, Chen Guo suddenly no longer wanted to be the capable little girl.

She shared this thought with Chen Jiangyue, but unfortunately, it never came to pass.

Although Gao Yuliang came to pick her up when she was already nineteen, the sense of fulfillment was no different from when she was a child just starting elementary school. It was as if a seed had been planted in her heart during a certain period, hidden for a long time, and finally fermented at this moment.

Due to the intense pressure of senior year studies, Chen Guo stayed at home for only one night before returning to Yongjin Garden.

Gao Yuliang saw her off at the entrance of her building, carrying fruits he bought at the neighborhood gate. Men are often reserved and don’t speak much.

He handed the fruits to Chen Guo and said, Next time you’re back on break, I’ll make you cola chicken wings again.

Chen Guo nodded and replied, Okay.

Unfortunately, before the next break arrived, he was gone.

Sitting in the taxi, Chen Guo remained silent, reminiscing about being brought to Shanghai by Gao Yuliang and their time together. Though sparse and mundane, these memories played in her mind like a movie, vividly clear.

When the car reached its destination, tears suddenly fell from Chen Guo’s eyes, followed by a delayed wave of pain.

Chen Guo and Gao Yuliang hadn’t lived together for long, but blood relations are peculiar—they silently foster habits and bonds between people.

Gao Yuliang’s hometown was in Tianjin. Without time to pack her things, Chen Guo went with a group of people to Tianjin. Among them were her uncle, grandmother, aunt, and uncle-in-law, whom she had briefly met during the New Year.

Back in Tianjin, Gao Yuliang’s funeral lasted three days, with many strangers coming to pay their respects. However, Chen Guo never saw any of the relatives from her father’s new family.

After a week in Tianjin, during dinner one evening, the elders at the table began discussing her future schooling.

Chen Guo stayed silent but understood clearly—that family didn’t want her.

She wasn’t surprised, as they were never truly a family to begin with.

The next day, Chen Guo was taken home by her aunt, Gao Yuhong. On the way, Gao Yuhong held her hand, tears welling in her eyes, and said, Your grandmother is old and has to take care of your uncle. She simply can’t manage. Come home with me. Life may not be wealthy, but you’ll never lack food or clothing.

Hearing this, Chen Guo suddenly thought of Jiang Chen. When Gao Yuliang married Jiang Yun, she had made a similar promise.

But it seemed useless—just empty words.

Chen Guo didn’t respond. Gao Yuhong assumed she was too grief-stricken to speak after losing her father and patted her head comfortingly, saying, It will all pass.

The transfer procedures were delayed, and Chen Guo didn’t attend school. She didn’t urge Gao Yuhong either, because on several nights when she went to the bathroom, she overheard Gao Yuhong arguing with her husband about her schooling.

Chen Guo knew her presence was a burden to the family and considered leaving. But the next morning, waking up to the unfamiliar surroundings, she suddenly felt calm again, going through her usual routine of washing up and eating.

Amid her inner conflict, she convinced herself to adapt sooner.

Gao Yuhong had two daughters—the older one in middle school and the younger one just starting elementary.

Not wanting to hear Gao Yuhong and her husband argue constantly, Chen Guo offered to take the younger daughter to and from school, easing the couple’s responsibilities.

During that period, Chen Guo conscientiously took on the responsibility of picking up the child from school, treating it as seriously as her own career. After bringing the child to the small noodle shop run by Gao Yuhong and her husband, she would even help with homework.

Occasionally, she would buy the child small snacks like spicy strips, grilled sausages, or lollipops at the school gate.

Children are easily won over, and gradually, the little one began telling Gao Yuhong and her husband how much she liked Sister Chen Guo.

Gao Yuhong glanced at her daughter with deep relief and asked with a smile, You like Sister Chen Guo? Then how about we let her stay with us forever?

The little girl clapped her hands excitedly, Yes, yes!

Perhaps because Chen Guo was no longer idle, Gao Yuhong’s husband’s attitude toward her began to change. During dinner one evening, he proactively asked if Chen Guo wanted to learn his skill of making hand-pulled noodles.

Once you master it, we can open a branch in the city later.

Gao Yuhong shot her husband a glare, Learn noodles? Once the transfer procedures are settled, Guoguo still needs to go back to school!

The man’s face darkened, and he said discontentedly, Do you think the Education Bureau is your family business? You can’t just transfer as you please. Nowadays, college graduates are everywhere—what’s the use of studying? She’ll get married sooner or later anyway. Better to start earning early.

Gao Yuhong put down her chopsticks, her eyes red as she scolded her husband, Do you not realize she’s my brother’s only daughter? How could you have the heart to let Guoguo learn to make noodles?

The man retorted sarcastically, It’s only you who treats him as a brother. Does he even see you as a sister? He stays in Shanghai all year round—how often does he visit you?

Just as Gao Yuhong was about to become hysterical, Chen Guo suddenly asked, Uncle, is it hard to learn how to make hand-pulled noodles?

Gao Yuhong was taken aback.

The man was also surprised that the girl was willing. He turned to look at Chen Guo and said, Not hard at all. Even those who never went to school can learn it. For you, it should be easy.

Chen Guo said, Then I’ll give it a try.

Gao Yuhong stood up, pulled Chen Guo outside the shop, and immediately began lecturing her, You’re still in school! You should focus on your studies, not on learning how to make noodles.

Chen Guo explained, The transfer hasn’t been finalized yet. It wouldn’t hurt to pick up a skill in the meantime.

But Gao Yuhong refused to hear it and spent a long time explaining the benefits of education.

Chen Guo listened attentively, but still didn’t know what she ought to do.

Because every time she resolved to commit to something, unexpected changes would always occur.

Gradually, she stopped making plans and lost interest in having goals.

Perhaps Gao Yuhong had spoken to her husband again that night, as the man never brought up Chen Guo learning noodles again.

Chen Guo kept herself busy every day, continuing to take care of picking up and dropping off Gao Yuhong’s younger daughter.

She could live without life ideals or goals, but she still needed to eat.

Every night before bed, Chen Guo’s mind would wander: if one day she no longer even had the desire to eat, then she would truly be free.

Time flew by, and Chen Guo had already been living in Tianjin for nearly half a month. Adaptable by nature, she gradually stopped overthinking profound questions—like whether she liked her current life, what meaning it held, or whether it was worth continuing.

Day after day, she mechanically repeated the same routine: eat, sleep, take care of the child.

As usual, she went to pick up the child at 5:30 PM that day. When she arrived, the little girl said she wanted to eat a hamburger. Chen Guo searched for the nearest fast food restaurant on her phone and told the girl on the way, You have to finish eating within half an hour, or you won’t have enough time to finish your homework.

The little girl looked upset and complained to Chen Guo, But it’s Friday today. Can’t I do my homework tomorrow?

Chen Guo was taken aback, only then realizing that another week had passed.

She relented and said, You can have an hour to eat.

The little girl jumped around Chen Guo excitedly, Sister Chen Guo, you’re really the best. I wish you could stay at my house forever.

Chen Guo smiled but didn’t respond.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Chen Guo picked up their order and placed the food in front of the little girl.

Go ahead and eat.

The girl picked up a chicken leg and handed it to Chen Guo, You have some too.

Chen Guo smiled and shook her head, You eat it. I don’t really like it.

The little girl looked skeptical, How could that be?

During the argument, Chen Guo’s phone on the table vibrated. Thinking it was Gao Yuhong summoning her home, Chen Guo gave the little girl a meaningful look, signaling her to eat quickly, then picked up her phone and unlocked it.

Her expression froze instantly upon reading the message.

Aunt: Are you free to meet?

Chen Guo stared at the message for a full minute before remembering to verify its authenticity. She opened Jiang Chen’s social media feed and scrolled back to posts from a month earlier.

It was her.

Chen Guo exited the app and replied: Aunt.

The response came immediately: I’m in Tianjin. Can we meet?

Chen Guo glanced at the little girl happily devouring a chicken drumstick across the table. Right now?

Aunt: Yes. Where are you? I can pick you up.

A ripple of unease stirred in Chen Guo’s recently calm heart. She sent her current location.

Twenty minutes later, a black van stopped outside the fast-food restaurant.

The square was crowded, so Jiang Chen remained in the vehicle. When the door slid open, she said to Chen Guo,Get in first.

The van contained more than just Jiang Chen. Besides the driver, three stern-faced individuals scrutinized Chen Guo with assessing gazes. The little girl hid behind Chen Guo in fright, whimpering about going home.

Chen Guo stroked her hair.Don’t be afraid.

She then lifted the child into her arms and entered the vehicle.

As the door closed, Chen Guo scanned the interior and asked Jiang Chen,Where are we going?

Jiang Chen had been watching Chen Guo intently, never imagining their reunion would unfold like this. Chen Guo held a young girl in her arms—a backpack-clad child who clung to her neck with timid eyes. Meanwhile, Chen Guo had grown noticeably thinner, her gaze toward Jiang Chen as placid as still water, devoid of either resentment or joy.

Jiang Chen pressed her lips together, struggling for words. After a pause, she asked,Have you eaten?

Chen Guo responded flatly,Yes.

The little girl immediately widened her eyes and whispered in Chen Guo’s ear,You’re lying! You didn’t eat just now.

Though spoken softly, Jiang Chen heard every word from their close proximity. She turned to Tang Jing and said,Let’s find somewhere to eat first.

Tang Jing’s expression tightened slightly, as if wanting to remind her to prioritize business.

I know. Let’s eat first, Jiang Chen insisted.

Tang Jing compressed her lips and reserved a private room at a nearby hotel, though only Jiang Chen entered with them.

Noticing the absence of others, Chen Guo asked,Aren’t they joining us?

Jiang Chen said,They’re in the next room.

Chen Guo nodded without further comment, though she checked her phone every five minutes.

Noticing this, Jiang Chen asked,Is something wrong? Do you have other plans?

Chen Guo shook her head.No.

The little girl beside her urgently reminded,Chen Guo, Mom said we have to be home before dark!—so flustered she forgot to call hersister.

Jiang Chen chuckled at the child’s earnest tone. She glanced at Chen Guo and asked,Who is she?

Chen Guo looked at the frowning child glaring at her and replied after a moment’s thought,My sister.

How adorable.

Jiang Chen smiled coaxingly at the girl.We’ll definitely get you back before dark. Let’s eat now, alright?

The girl pursed her lips. Though reluctant, she ultimately couldn’t resist the tempting dishes on the table. She nodded,Okay, but hurry up.

Jiang Chen laughed again, assuring her,Of course, we will.

She then turned and placed a piece of fish in Chen Guo’s bowl.Eat more. You’ve lost too much weight.

Chen Guo’s lips twitched slightly.Thank you, Auntie.

Jiang Chen looked at her, feeling an indescribable emotion in her heart. She lowered her head and remained silent for a moment before asking,What have you been doing lately?

Chen Guo paused her chopsticks.Raising the child.

Jiang Chen froze, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward the little girl beside Chen Guo.

After finishing the fish in her bowl, Chen Guo guessed that Jiang Chen must have come all this way for a reason. Without beating around the bush, she asked directly,Auntie, did you come because of my schooling?

Jiang Chen looked at her.Do you want to return to Shanghai to continue your studies?

Chen Guo fell silent.

She didn’t know the answer herself.

I don’t know.

Jiang Chen frowned, feeling surprised.You don’t know?

Chen Guo hummed in acknowledgment and said calmly,Both my parents are gone. I don’t know what to do—it seems like anything would be fine.

Jiang Chen felt an inexplicable tightness in her chest. Looking at Chen Guo, she explained,I’m sorry, I was filming abroad recently and couldn’t help when your father passed away.

It’s alright. Chen Guo asked,How have Aunt Yun and Grandma Dai been lately? Are they doing well?

Jiang Chen licked her lips.There’s something you might have misunderstood—we never abandoned you.

Chen Guo didn’t seem to care much.It’s fine. With Dad gone, you have no responsibility or obligation to keep taking care of me.

Jiang Chen realized that Chen Guo had deep misunderstandings about them and her attitude wasn’t right. She couldn’t just stand by, so she cut straight to the point:

The three people in the car earlier—one is my agent, the other two are lawyers. I came today to take you home.