She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I’m her boyfriend.

The video evidence was clear: Jiang Chen had entered a hotel with a young man and spent two nights together.

Since her debut, Jiang Chen had been constantly surrounded by dating rumors, but her solid acting skills meant fans rarely interfered with her private life. Besides, she had been in her thirties for years now – having a relationship was hardly surprising.

Most comments under the trending topic praised Jiang Chen’s improved taste, finally dating a tall, handsome man worthy of her.

Unlike before, when she always seemed to end up with greasy, overweight older men.

Chen Guo leaned against the headboard, staring calmly at the continuously updating comments.

After finishing her third cigarette, she closed Weibo and opened WeChat, scrolling to the bottom to find that person’s contact. She replied:

Sure, you pick the time.
Over ten minutes passed.

Zhang Dongming: ?
Chen Guo stared at the question mark for a while before slowly typing: If you don’t have time, forget it.
Zhang Dongming: Please check the timing – I sent that message last week. What do you mean replying only now?
Without changing expression, Chen Guo replied: Sorry, I’ve been busy with work recently.
When he didn’t respond for a while, Chen Guo threw off the covers and went to wash up. Just as she was preparing for bed, Zhang Dongming sent a restaurant location.

Are you free tomorrow evening?
Chen Guo: Yes.
Zhang Dongming: Let’s meet then. Is 7 PM okay?
Chen Guo: Okay.
Zhang Dongming: Good, see you tomorrow.
Chen Guo closed her phone, turned over, and fell asleep. She didn’t dwell on anything and actually slept quite soundly.

The next day after class, Hao Xinyi invited her to try a new bubble tea shop near campus.

Chen Guo said, Can’t today. I have plans.

Hao Xinyi looked at her, What plans?

Chen Guo didn’t avoid the topic, My family set me up on a blind date. Meeting tonight.

Hao Xinyi looked shocked: Blind date? You’re getting married this young?

Chen Guo smiled, maintaining a calm attitude about the arrangement, Just going for a meal to get to know someone. Not getting married that fast.

The thought of two strangers sitting together for a meal with marriage as the end goal made Hao Xinyi’s scalp tingle. She couldn’t help but admire Chen Guo.

Aren’t you afraid it’ll be awkward?

Chen Guo said frankly, No, our families know each other.

Hao Xinyi was momentarily speechless. Family connections sounded more reliable than her cousin’s setups. After a moment’s silence, she said, If you meet him and don’t like him, or can’t hold a conversation, just text me. I’ll call to help you escape.

Chen Guo smiled, Okay.

Hao Xinyi urged, You should go then. It’s getting late, and you still need to go home to do your makeup and change.

Nothing that dramatic.

Chen Guo left campus and took the subway directly to the agreed restaurant. She arrived at 6:30 – half an hour early.

Chen Guo took out her phone and sent Zhang Dongming a WeChat: I’m here. Did you make a reservation?
Zhang Dongming: Wait a moment, I’m parking.
Okay.
Chen Guo waited at the entrance for two minutes before a man appeared in her line of sight. He wore a black jacket, had a tall build and regular features – he looked exactly like someone who worked in the system.

He saw Chen Guo and strode over. Sorry, there was some traffic on the way.

Chen Guo shook her head. It’s fine, I arrived too early.

Zhang Dongming glanced at her and said, Shall we go in then?

Mm. Chen Guo followed behind him.

The two entered the restaurant and took their seats. Zhang Dongming poured Chen Guo a glass of water and got straight to the point. I have a girlfriend.

Chen Guo’s hand paused for a moment. She looked up at him without much emotion. It might have been more appropriate if you had said that last night.

You actually don’t want to be on this blind date either, right? Zhang Dongming took a sip of water and said, We added each other on WeChat before, but you weren’t very enthusiastic. Yet last night, you suddenly agreed to my dinner invitation from a week ago. I’m guessing you only agreed to meet because you had no other choice under family pressure.

Chen Guo didn’t deny it. That is indeed part of the reason.

Zhang Dongming said, Then why don’t we cooperate?

Chen Guo was taken aback. How do you mean cooperate?

Zhang Dongming smiled wryly and confessed, To be honest, my girlfriend and I are already at the stage of discussing marriage. But our families have had some disagreements over the bride price, which has deepened my parents’ prejudice against her. I need someone to appear who can help eliminate that prejudice.

Chen Guo understood. You want me to play the villain?

Zhang Dongming was startled, surprised by how directly Chen Guo had put it, but that was indeed the case.

He needed someone to highlight that his girlfriend’s family’s bride price request wasn’t unreasonable.

People always understand what’s better through comparison.

This method might not be very effective, but it was better than doing nothing. Besides, agreeing to the blind date could temporarily ease tensions with his parents.

Zhang Dongming promised, If you agree, I will do my best to cooperate with you afterward and help you get what you want.

The waiter came to serve the dishes, and both of them fell silent simultaneously. After the dishes were all served, Chen Guo looked across the table and said, I agree.

Zhang Dongming’s expression relaxed slightly. What do you need me to do?

Chen Guo said, I haven’t thought about it yet. I’ll let you know when I do. Don’t worry, it won’t be anything too excessive.

Zhang Dongming glanced at Chen Guo, smiled, and said, Alright. Cheers to our cooperation.

Mm. Chen Guo lowered her head and glanced at her phone.

Zhang Dongming asked her, Do you have other plans later?

There were no unread messages on WeChat. Chen Guo closed her phone, averted her gaze, and said, No.

Then stay for the meal. I’ve already ordered, and it would be a waste not to eat.

Chen Guo glanced at the dishes on the table and said, Okay.

At first, the atmosphere at the table was somewhat awkward. Neither spoke, and they ate in silence. Later, Zhang Dongming took the initiative to ask about Chen Guo’s work.

Chen Guo briefly chatted with him and, in return, asked about his work.

Once the conversation started, the atmosphere gradually became less awkward.

Chen Guo didn’t eat much in the evening and was full quickly. She put down her chopsticks and was about to say she was leaving when an uncertain voice came from behind her. Chen Guo?

Chen Guo instinctively turned her head and unexpectedly saw Tang Jing—and Jiang Chen standing not far from her.

Jiang Chen was wearing a mask, making it hard to see his expression, but his entire demeanor was cold, quiet, and distant.

So it really is you. I thought I was mistaken. Tang Jing approached with a faint smile, discreetly glancing at the man at the table.

Auntie Tang. Chen Guo stood up to greet her.

Tang Jing looked at Zhang Dongming. And this is?

Zhang Dongming reacted quickly, immediately standing up and stepping forward to introduce himself. Hello, I’m Chen Guo’s boyfriend.

Tang Jing froze, staring at him in shock.

Chen Guo also turned to look at him.

Zhang Dongming smiled politely and inquired, It’s quite hard to get a table here. Did you make a reservation before coming? If not, I can go ask the front desk if they can add your name to the waitlist.

Tang Jing hadn’t yet recovered from the shock of him being Chen Guo’s boyfriend. It wasn’t until Zhang Dongming repeated his question that she snapped out of it.

Uh—no need. We have a reservation.

Zhang Dongming nodded with a smile. That’s good then.

He then followed Chen Guo’s gaze and asked, And who is that?

My aunt.

Chen Guo curled her lips slightly and introduced him casually before moving closer to greet Jiang Chen. Auntie—

Jiang Chen turned her face away, heading straight upstairs to the private room. Her voice was icy cold. Tang Jing, let’s go.

Tang Jing hurried after her, casting a complicated glance at Chen Guo as she passed by.

After the two left, Chen Guo’s smile slowly faded as she returned to her seat.

Zhang Dongming glanced at her uncertainly. Was that Auntie Jiang Chen just now? I met her when I was a child. She probably doesn’t remember me anymore.

Yes, it was her. Chen Guo gave a slight smile and explained, As you know, my aunt’s job is special. She might have been worried about being recognized by fans and couldn’t stay long, which is why she didn’t greet you.

It’s fine. I just wanted to confirm if it was Auntie Jiang. She still looks as young and beautiful as ever.

Chen Guo nodded in agreement. Yes.

But she seemed upset with you, Zhang Dongming remarked. Was it because I spoke too directly earlier?

Chen Guo chuckled. No, you did well.

After a moment, she added, My aunt doesn’t interfere with my relationships.

Zhang Dongming felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint what, so he didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he discussed with Chen Guo, Since you agree as well, I’ll find an opportunity to tell my parents about our relationship. Is that okay with you?

Chen Guo had no objections. Sure. Let me know if you need me to cooperate in any way.

By the time they finished dinner and left the restaurant, it was completely dark outside. The wind whipped harshly against their faces, making it quite unpleasant.

Zhang Dongming turned to Chen Guo and asked, How are you getting back?

Chen Guo, with her hands in her pockets, tilted her chin up and said, I’ll take the subway.

Zhang Dongming hesitated before saying, Let me give you a ride.

No need. Chen Guo looked up at him. When I need a ride, I won’t hesitate to ask.

Zhang Dongming understood and smiled. Alright, then be careful on your way home.

It was almost nine o’clock when Chen Guo arrived home. As soon as she opened the door, she was hit by a foul odor. She turned on the living room light and found that Mimi hadn’t buried her waste after using the litter box.

Chen Guo sighed softly, scolding the little creature crouching beside her as she changed her shoes. You need to bury it after you’re done. Keep things clean—that’s how you stay likable, understand?

Mimi rubbed her head against Chen Guo’s pant leg.

Chen Guo smiled slightly and walked to the balcony to clean the litter box, then opened the window to let the indoor odor dissipate.

After confirming the smell had faded, Chen Guo picked up Mimi and sat on the sofa to watch TV. By the time a movie ended, it was exactly 11 p.m.

Chen Guo stood up to take a shower, startling the cat sleeping beside her. It opened its eyes, stared at Chen Guo’s retreating back, meowed twice, then jumped off the sofa and crouched by the bathroom door to wait.

When Chen Guo came out and saw Mimi, she smiled genuinely, crouched down and stroked its back: Do you like me?

Mimi lifted its head for her to pet, soon purring loudly.

Chen Guo scooped it up, holding it in her arms, and murmured to herself: She probably won’t come back tonight.

Mimi rubbed its head against the back of her hand.

Chen Guo smiled, It’s okay. Haven’t you long gotten used to being alone at home?

Mimi meowed in response.

Chen Guo turned off the living room lights and returned to the bedroom to rest.

Her sleep schedule had always been regular, and drowsiness quickly overcame her as she lay in bed.

But she hadn’t been asleep long before being awakened. Chen Guo opened her eyes, taking two seconds to process – it was Jiang Chen returning home.

She put on clothes and got up. Mimi slipped out after her but, seeing a stranger, timidly hid back in the bedroom.

Tang Jing had entered with Jiang Chen. She placed Jiang Chen’s luggage in the bedroom and, coming out to see Chen Guo, looked momentarily stunned.

Did I wake you?

Chen Guo approached: It’s fine, I’d just fallen asleep.

Tang Jing nodded, glanced at the person sitting on the sofa. Since Jiang Chen remained silent, she felt awkward caught between them. Hesitating briefly, she said: It’s getting late, I should head back. Rest well at home for a few days.

Jiang Chen said: Drive carefully.

Okay, I will.

Worried about what might happen with these two under one roof, Tang Jing added at the doorway: Go to sleep after washing up. We can discuss anything tomorrow.

Jiang Chen didn’t respond.

Tang Jing opened the door and gave Chen Guo a meaningful look, Your aunt has been working away for so long, she rarely gets breaks. Keep her company at home.

Chen Guo said: Okay.

Tang Jing closed the door and left.

Chen Guo walked over to Jiang Chen but didn’t smell alcohol, Aunt, when did you wrap filming?

Jiang Chen’s eyelids twitched as she looked up at Chen Guo, Weren’t you unattached?

Chen Guo stayed silent.

Jiang Chen laughed mockingly, her eyes fixed on Chen Guo, Tried it and decided you can accept men after all?

Chen Guo showed no anger at these words, calmly watching Jiang Chen as if they were on different wavelengths, each speaking their own truth, Aunt has good taste this time.