She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 13:

Chapter 13:

Falling in love again.

After visiting Gao Yuliang’s grave, Chen Guo returned to Shanghai with Jiang Yun.

The family driver picked up Jiang Yun and loaded her luggage into the car first. Leaning on her cane beside the vehicle, Jiang Yun tried to persuade Chen Guo to stay at home for the night.

Having been away for two days, Chen Guo was worried about the kitten and politely declined Jiang Yun’s offer.

Jiang Yun didn’t press further, expressed some concern, and said, There will be a big temperature drop in the coming days. Dress warmly and don’t catch a cold.

Chen Guo nodded, Aunt Yun, please take care of yourself too.

Alright. Jiang Yun smiled wryly before turning to get in the car.

Shortly after Jiang Yun left, Chen Guo’s ride arrived. By the time she reached her residential complex gate, it was almost eight o’clock.

She stopped by the supermarket to buy some vegetables and eggs, planning to make noodles for dinner when she got home.

The air purifier had been running continuously at home. When Chen Guo opened the door and didn’t detect any unusual smells, she breathed a sigh of relief. Setting down her purchases, she called out, Mimi.

The kitten hadn’t been with her long and often hid in corners, typically unresponsive when called. Not thinking this strange, Chen Guo changed her shoes and searched room by room, even getting on the floor to check under the bed and sofa.

She finally found the kitten under the carpet in Jiang Chen’s room. Chen Guo picked it up and stroked its back.

Why didn’t you answer me when I called you for so long?

The kitten seemed listless, resting its head on Chen Guo’s arm and remaining unresponsive to any attempts to play.

Chen Guo lifted it slightly, looking at it asked, What’s wrong? Are you unhappy?

The kitten blinked slowly, appearing almost asleep.

Sensing something amiss, Chen Guo went to the living room and picked up her phone to find the nearest veterinary clinic.

When she glanced up casually, she noticed something dirty on the balcony. Upon closer inspection, it looked more like vomit.

After searching around the house, Chen Guo found similar vomit in other spots too.

Worried it might be feline panleukopenia, Chen Guo immediately contacted the veterinary clinic. The staff informed her that the veterinarians had already left for the day but suggested she take photos of the vomit to send to a doctor.

Chen Guo complied.

Soon after, the doctor replied: With the recent temperature fluctuations, we can’t rule out that the kitten might have caught a cold. I recommend withholding food and water for now. If possible, buy some omeprazole from a nearby pharmacy. After administering it, observe through the night. If the kitten remains lethargic tomorrow or continues vomiting, I suggest bringing it in for a comprehensive examination.

Chen Guo: Okay, thank you, Doctor.

Without delay, Chen Guo went downstairs immediately after replying to purchase the medication. Returning home, she administered it to the kitten and removed all food from its bowl.

After taking the medicine, the kitten curled up on the sofa to sleep, not moving at all. Chen Guo crouched nearby, gently patting its head.

It’s alright, don’t be afraid.

Seeing the kitten sleeping soundly, Chen Guo stood up to clean the vomit when she suddenly thought of something. Turning back, she took a photo of the kitten and sent it to Jiang Chen.

Auntie, the kitten is sick and very lethargic.

After sending the message, Chen Guo put down her phone and mopped the floor clean. Just as she was about to start cooking, her phone rang.

Picking it up for a look, Chen Guo answered, Hello, Auntie.

Jiang Chen asked over the phone, Have you taken it to the vet?

Chen Guo replied, No, the clinic was closed. The doctor advised giving some medicine first and observing through the night.

Jiang Chen gave an affirmative hum and said, During the last check-up, the doctor said it was very healthy. It shouldn’t be anything serious.

Chen Guo glanced toward the living room. Mm.

The other end of the line fell silent, as if waiting for Chen Guo to speak first, and Chen Guo did the same.

An awkward silence suddenly fell between them.

Time ticked by, and just as Chen Guo thought the other person was about to hang up,

Jiang Chen asked her, Have you eaten?

Chen Guo leaned lightly against the kitchen counter. Not yet.

Jiang Chen frowned. Not hungry?

Chen Guo: No, I was just giving the Kitten medicine and didn’t have time to cook.

Jiang Chen made an understanding sound and asked, Haven’t you given it a name yet?

Chen Guo paused for a moment, realizing Jiang Chen was referring to the cat. No, I haven’t decided what to call it.

Jiang Chen: No wonder you keep calling it ‘Kitten’ all the time.

Chen Guo said, Sometimes I call it Mimi too.

Especially when looking for the cat—it was like a subconscious habit, calling any cat Mimi.

Jiang Chen was silent for a moment before saying, How about just naming it Mimi? It’s catchy and easy to remember.

Chen Guo had no objections. Okay.

Don’t agree so quickly. Do you like the name? After all, it’s your cat.

Chen Guo replied promptly, I like it.

Jiang Chen’s hand, holding a cup, paused briefly. Alright then, as long as you like it.

She took a sip of water to moisten her throat and, turning her head, saw Tang Jing walking toward the trailer.

She was probably coming to call her for filming.

Jiang Chen set down the cup. If there’s nothing else, I’ll—

Have you been busy lately? Chen Guo interrupted.

Jiang Chen was taken aback and said, Not busy.

Her speech was slow, giving off a somewhat indifferent vibe. Haven’t I replied to every message you sent?

Chen Guo felt her heart tighten at those words. When do you wrap up filming?

Jiang Chen watched the person approaching the trailer door. The plan is the tenth of next month, but it’s not certain. If things go smoothly, it might be earlier.

Chen Guo hummed in acknowledgment and asked, Will you come home after wrapping up?

Jiang Chen averted her gaze and answered evasively, How have things been going with that blind date of yours lately?

Chen Guo said, Nothing’s going on.

Jiang Chen let out a meaningful oh and then said, I’ll probably come back.

As soon as she finished responding, Tang Jing pushed the door open and entered. Seeing Jiang Chen on the phone, she remained silent and gestured to her instead.

Jiang Chen nodded at her. I have to get to work. Let’s talk later.

Okay.

The next morning, the Kitten seemed a bit more energetic.

Before leaving for work, Chen Guo gave it another dose of medicine, but once she arrived at the school, she couldn’t stop worrying, regretting not having brought it along.

During lunch, Hao Xinyi noticed Chen Guo seemed distracted and asked with concern, What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?

No. Chen Guo looked up and said, The cat threw up several times yesterday. I’m a bit worried leaving it alone at home.

Hao Xinyi also owned a cat, so upon hearing it was sick, she couldn’t help but ask a few more questions: What happened? Is it serious?

Chen Guo: It might have caught a chill. I’ve given it medicine twice already. The doctor said to keep observing it, but I don’t know how it’s doing now.

Hao Xinyi asked, Any diarrhea?

No.

Hao Xinyi reassured her, If it’s just vomiting, then it’s probably just a chill. The weather lately has been awful—even humans can hardly handle it, let alone cats.

Chen Guo nodded and said, I have fewer classes tomorrow. I’ll take it to the hospital for a check-up then.

Are you going to the hospital?

Chen Guo: Yes, I’ll feel more reassured after getting it checked.

Hao Xinyi glanced at Chen Guo with a thoughtful expression.

After finishing classes in the afternoon, Chen Guo couldn’t stop worrying about her cat at home and decided to take her teaching materials home to complete.

Just as she finished packing, she received a WeChat message from a stranger.

I heard your cat is sick. I know a very famous veterinarian at a pet hospital – you could take your kitten there for a checkup.

Chen Guo stared at the message for half a minute before belatedly realizing who it was from.

She glanced across the room, and Hao Xinyi quickly averted her eyes.

Chen Guo kept staring at her until Hao Xinyi grew visibly uncomfortable. After stealing a tentative glance, Hao Xinyi finally surrendered under the persistent gaze.

Sorry, I was the one who told him.

Chen Guo put down her phone and asked, Does your cousin know any authoritative veterinarians?

Hao Xinyi’s eyes lit up. Of course! One of his friends runs a cattery and knows many veterinarians.

After some thought, Chen Guo asked, Is he available tomorrow?

Hao Xinyi said meaningfully, I don’t know about his schedule, but if it’s you asking, he’ll definitely make time.

Both being adults, they understood the subtext immediately. Chen Guo looked directly at Hao Xinyi and stated plainly, I’ve met your cousin before. He’s not my type.

Taken aback by Chen Guo’s directness, Hao Xinyi’s expression soured. She sat down, scratched her head, and attempted to save face by saying, Feelings need time to develop. You might not like him now, but you could grow to like him after spending time together.

Chen Guo replied flatly, Impossible.

Hao Xinyi: ……

After checking her belongings, Chen Guo looked up and said, I’m leaving now. See you tomorrow.

Hao Xinyi pressed her lips together. Okay.

Chen Guo shouldered her bag and left.

Not being interested, Chen Guo didn’t want to trouble others. While walking toward the school gate, she replied to Hao Xinyi’s cousin: No need, but thank you for your kindness.

When she arrived home, Chen Guo found another puddle of vomit in the living room. Without delay, she took a taxi to the nearest pet hospital with her kitten for a blood test.

The veterinarian diagnosed it not as feline panleukopenia but as gastroenteritis.

Chen Guo breathed a sigh of relief and asked whether medication would lead to recovery.

Seeing how anxious Chen Guo was, the veterinarian suggested giving the kitten an IV drip.

Chen Guo agreed: Okay.

By the time the IV drip finished, it was already seven o’clock. Following the veterinarian’s instructions, Chen Guo took the kitten home for observation. If it vomited again that night, they would need to continue IV treatment the next day; otherwise, some amoxicillin would suffice to reduce inflammation.

Chen Guo kept the cat in her room and woke up several times during the night to check on it.

Fortunately, the cat didn’t vomit again until she left for school in the morning.

Chen Guo refilled the cat bowl with warm water and kibble. Before leaving home, she stroked Mimi’s back.

Rest well at home and wait for me to return.

At the office entrance, Chen Guo ran into Hao Xinyi returning from morning self-study and proactively approached to greet her: I took my cat to the hospital for an IV drip yesterday. It’s much more energetic today.

Hao Xinyi’s reaction was much slower than usual. Only after a long pause did she nod and respond indifferently, Oh.

Seeing the other’s lack of enthusiasm, Chen Guo didn’t say more and returned to her seat to review the day’s lesson materials.

Hao Xinyi also returned to her seat, pretending to flip through a few pages of her book while secretly glancing at Chen Guo several times.

The other party remained occupied with her own tasks, maintaining a rather indifferent attitude.

This made Hao Xinyi even more upset. She felt that as good friends, even if Chen Guo wasn’t interested in her cousin, she shouldn’t have spoken so harshly yesterday—it really hurt her pride.

At lunchtime, Hao Xinyi didn’t wait for Chen Guo. When Chen Guo returned after class, Hao Xinyi’s seat was already empty.

Chen Guo glanced toward the opposite desk, drank some water, set down her cup, and went to the cafeteria alone. When they encountered each other in the cafeteria, Chen Guo nodded and smiled at her, but Hao Xinyi deliberately avoided her and didn’t return the greeting.

For several days afterward, they continued like this—barely speaking when they met, their relationship becoming quite delicate.

Several other young female teachers in the office noticed the tension between them. The math teacher who shared their class quietly asked Chen Guo after lessons: What’s going on between you and Teacher Hao?

Chen Guo smiled. We’re perfectly fine.

The teacher said, But I noticed you haven’t been eating together recently.

Chen Guo replied with a smile, My cat has been sick lately, so I need to go home at noon to take care of it. I told Teacher Hao not to wait for me during meals.

The teacher nodded understandingly. Oh, I see. I thought you two had argued.

Chen Guo said, No.

That’s good then. The teacher picked up her books and left for class.

After finishing her lesson plans, Chen Guo looked up and noticed Hao Xinyi had returned from class at some point.

Their desks faced each other, making eye contact inevitable when they looked up. Chen Guo didn’t avoid her gaze and smiled at her, asking, Do you have evening self-study today?

Hao Xinyi responded, Mm.

Chen Guo chatted with her as usual: Teacher Hao, you’re working hard.

Hao Xinyi felt a complex mix of emotions. These days of cold war with Chen Guo had been difficult for her too.

She just wanted Chen Guo to say something gentle to soothe her wounded pride, but the other party seemed to treat the incident as nothing significant, always greeting her with a smile as if nothing had happened.

This made Hao Xinyi doubt whether Chen Guo truly considered her a friend, because close friends would care more about such matters.

In Chen Guo’s eyes, perhaps they were just casual colleagues.

As Hao Xinyi remained silent, Chen Guo lowered her head to pack her things and was about to leave when—

Hao Xinyi suddenly asked her, Do you consider me a good friend?

Chen Guo stopped and turned to look at her.

Hao Xinyi’s cheeks immediately felt warm, regretting that she’d asked such a childish question in her twenties.

Never mind, you can go. Goodbye.

Chen Guo paused for a moment before saying, Yes.

Hao Xinyi was taken aback, then said somewhat dejectedly, But our understanding of good friends seems different. I treat you as my best friend, while you—

Hao Xinyi didn’t know how to describe that sense of defeat. Chen Guo always spoke and smiled when they met, and their conversations during meals were always harmonious, yet Hao Xinyi always felt a certain distance between them.

It was as if Chen Guo’s approachability and easygoing nature were just what she wanted you to see, while the side she didn’t want you to know remained forever inaccessible.

Is it just because I talk a lot that you’re willing to engage with me? If I spoke less, perhaps we’d just be ordinary colleagues.

Chen Guo remained silent. She had very few friends and was encountering this situation for the first time.

Someone was actually upset because she didn’t consider them friends.

No, you’re overthinking it. You’re my first friend in Shanghai.

Chen Guo didn’t know if saying this would make Hao Xinyi feel better, but it was the most sincere thing she could think of at the moment.

Hao Xinyi pursed her lips, lowered her head and said, Actually, I was also at fault. If you don’t like something, you just don’t like it. I shouldn’t have forced you. But you were so direct that day, and it made me feel uncomfortable. Also, even when I was clearly upset, you seemed not to care much.

After listening carefully, Chen Guo also felt she had been somewhat wrong. At least when dealing with friends, she should be more tactful.

I apologize for being so blunt.

Hao Xinyi immediately felt much better and couldn’t help laughing. Oh, forget it, forget it. This is so embarrassing. We’re acting like elementary school students.

Chen Guo curved her lips slightly. If anything makes you uncomfortable in the future, you can speak up. I’ll pay more attention too.

Hao Xinyi gave a soft mm and said sheepishly, You too. If you find me annoying, you can tell me.

Chen Guo shook her head. I won’t.

Hao Xinyi exhaled. I feel so much better now. By the way, next Saturday is my birthday. Would you like to come to my place for dinner?

Chen Guo didn’t immediately agree, instead calculating when Jiang Chen would return home.

She was wrapping up filming on Saturday, but hadn’t mentioned exactly when she’d be back.

Seeing Chen Guo remain silent, Hao Xinyi thought she was worried about feeling awkward meeting her cousin and quickly explained, My cousin is on a business trip out of town. He won’t be coming for my birthday.

Chen Guo smiled and said, I was just checking if I’m free that day.

So are you free?

Yes.

Even if Jiang Chen rushed back immediately after wrapping up filming, the earliest she’d arrive would be in the evening.

Chen Guo didn’t want to spend the whole day waiting at home. Going out might make time pass faster.

Hao Xinyi was thrilled. Great! When you come, you have to tell my parents how awesome it is to live alone outside. Make them stop worrying so much about my safety and grant me freedom sooner.

Chen Guo hadn’t told Hao Xinyi about moving and didn’t plan to. After listening, she smiled and said, Okay.

On Saturday morning, Chen Guo went to the mall to buy Hao Xinyi a gift. After returning home, she opened her phone and clicked into her chat with Jiang Chen.

Their last contact was five days ago, when Jiang Chen had sent her a photo of Chongqing’s night view at 2 a.m.

When Chen Guo woke up and received it, she repeatedly viewed the photo, zooming in and out many times.

Auntie, wear more when filming at night. Don’t catch a cold.

Jiang Chen had been too busy to reply until now.

Chen Guo completely understood that the final days before wrapping up were hectic, so she didn’t disturb her. She scrolled through their fragmented, disconnected chat history from beginning to end before closing her phone.

After having lunch at Hao Xinyi’s place that afternoon, some friends invited the birthday girl to karaoke, saying they’d already booked a room.

Hao Xinyi dragged Chen Guo along. Since you’ve got nothing to do at home anyway, come have some fun. I’ll introduce you to a few friends too.

Chen Guo glanced at her silent phone and agreed. Okay.

When they arrived, there were five people in the room—three girls and two boys. Hao Xinyi introduced them to Chen Guo one by one, pointing out who was her middle school classmate and who was from high school.

Though they weren’t classmates from the same period, their outgoing personalities helped them quickly become familiar and have fun together.

Chen Guo didn’t particularly enjoy such a noisy environment, but she didn’t want to leave either, so she sat quietly in the private room watching others play.

Noticing that Chen Guo had been sitting silently the whole time, Hao Xinyi deliberately called her to join the game later, assuring her that it wouldn’t matter if she lost – she could just drink water instead of alcohol.

Not wanting to spoil the fun, Chen Guo agreed.

During the fifth round, Chen Guo’s phone rang in her hand, and everyone looked at her teasingly, asking Truth or Dare?

Hao Xinyi frantically signaled to her with her eyes, Don’t choose dare!

Chen Guo followed her advice and chose truth.

Someone warned, Hao Xinyi! No tipping off!

Hao Xinyi stuck out her tongue, Teacher Chen is new here, don’t bully her.

Since the birthday girl had spoken, the questioner couldn’t be too harsh and asked a simple question.

What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done?

Everyone turned to look at Chen Guo in unison. Chen Guo pursed her lips and said without changing her expression, Nothing so far.

Knowing that Chen Guo was Hao Xinyi’s new friend, everyone went easy on her and started the next round.

Just as they had set the time and were about to pass the phone, someone exclaimed, Damn! Hao Xinyi, your goddess is dating again!

Hao Xinyi has so many goddesses, which one are you talking about? someone asked.

Jiang Chen, of course. Teacher Hao saw her at school not long ago and has even changed her WeChat profile picture to Jiang Chen now.

Hao Xinyi looked skeptical, hardly believing it, Really? That can’t be right.

The person held up their phone, It’s true, the video shows it clearly. This time it’s with a young handsome guy too.