She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Auntie, you’re more important than him.

Jiang Chen froze for a moment before saying meaningfully, That depends on who you’re comparing me to.

Chen Guo’s lips curved slightly, her expression calm. My boyfriend is just an ordinary person, of course he can’t compare to a big celebrity. But he’s not bad either. Oh, by the way, when he saw you today, he was worried you might have forgotten him. Seems like he worried for nothing.

The words my boyfriend made Jiang Chen’s eyelids twitch. She stood up and looked at Chen Guo, her expression turning serious. Chen Guo, if you genuinely like Zhang Dongming and want to date him, then I wish you both well. But if you have other motives, I advise you to end this immediately. Such behavior is extremely immature.

Chen Guo looked surprised after hearing this. Are you suspecting that I’m pretending to date Zhang Dongming?

Jiang Chen looked at her without confirming or denying it.

Because this was exactly the kind of thing Chen Guo would do.

How could that be? Chen Guo seemed to find it absurd. I don’t have time for such boring games.

Jiang Chen stared at her for a while before lowering her head and giving a slight, wry smile. Fine. Zhang Dongming is quite exceptional in many aspects. If you like him, then date him.

Chen Guo’s lips curved into a smile. Since he’s someone both you and Aunt Yun approve of, I’ll definitely make sure to hold onto him properly.

Mhm, do as you see fit. Jiang Chen responded dismissively before turning and heading back to her bedroom.

Okay.

Chen Guo glanced at the closed door before also returning to her room to sleep.

The next afternoon, Tang Jing came to deliver a script and noticed the Kitten in the house. Did you get it?

Jiang Chen glanced toward Chen Guo’s bedroom door. It’s Chen Guo’s.

Right, you wouldn’t have time to take care of a little thing like this. Tang Jing wanted to go play with it, but Mimi, recognizing a stranger, quickly hid in Chen Guo’s room.

Tang Jing had no choice but to give up, saying regretfully, It seems really scared of me.

Don’t mind it. Jiang Chen flipped through the script casually. Just like its owner.

Tang Jing pursed her lips and said honestly, You two can’t keep going on like this forever. There needs to be some resolution.

Jiang Chen remained silent.

Tang Jing glanced at her and asked, Was that guy we met at the restaurant yesterday really her boyfriend?

Jiang Chen gave a soft acknowledgment. Mhm.

Tang Jing frowned. What’s this all about now?

Jiang Chen stayed silent again.

Tang Jing reached out and took the script from Jiang Chen’s hands. Jiang Chen looked up at her. What are you doing?

Are you two just going to keep going on like this? Tang Jing asked.

Jiang Chen’s lips twitched slightly as she turned to look elsewhere. If she wants to date someone, I have nothing to say about it.

Tang Jing sighed softly. She understood Jiang Chen’s difficulties and knew how stubborn Chen Guo could be. These two were currently like they’d walked into a dead end, yet neither was willing to back down even slightly.

After a moment of silence, Tang Jing said with forced lightness, If that’s really the case, then it might be for the best. If she’s moved on, then you should look forward too. You can’t keep living in the past forever.

Mhm.

Jiang Chen’s response was flat. She took the script back from Tang Jing and continued flipping through it. Most were drama films with very few scenes involving romance between men and women, and even those that did exist glossed over emotions in the most primal and intense ways.

Jiang Chen asked, Aren’t there any romance films?

Tang Jing was taken aback.

Jiang Chen added, Preferably the kind with slow-burn romantic plots.

Tang Jing asked, Didn’t you hate filming this type of movie before? Why the sudden change of heart?

Jiang Chen curled her lips. Peng Yiyi said I’ve been in too many art films, which makes me look exhausted. She suggested I act in a few idol dramas to regain some youthful energy.

Tang Jing looked exasperated. She’s only nineteen. You’re actually taking her advice seriously?

Jiang Chen relaxed into the sofa and suddenly asked, How old am I this year?

Tang Jing: ……

Tang Jing said irritably, Eighteen.

Peng Yiyi always says I remind her of her mother. Jiang Chen smiled wryly. Sometimes it’s good to listen to young people’s suggestions.

Tang Jing fell silent, appearing thoughtful.

Jiang Chen’s career had started at such a high level that she’d already been criticized in recent years for resting on her laurels. If she were to star in a poorly produced romance film now, she would likely face more criticism, which could damage her commercial value as an artist.

As a friend, Tang Jing could understand Jiang Chen’s needs, but as her agent, she had to speak up. There was a romance script submitted last month, but the protagonist’s character design wasn’t suitable and doesn’t align with your current positioning. I don’t oppose you acting in idol dramas, but you must carefully select a script that fits you. This isn’t something to take lightly—it could impact your future acting career.

Jiang Chen had always trusted Tang Jing and nodded. Alright, I’ll cooperate.

Tang Jing said, Then leave this matter to me. You just focus on your vacation.

Since the weather had been cold lately, Tang Jing had brought lamb and some vegetables with her, planning to have hot pot for dinner. After they finished discussing work, she checked the time on her phone and asked, When will Chen Guo be back?

Jiang Chen collected the books from the table. Not sure. I didn’t ask.

Tang Jing pressed her lips together and prepared to call Chen Guo. Regardless of anything else, since the two were living together now, it wouldn’t be right to have hot pot behind her back.

But before she could dial the number, Jiang Chen’s phone rang first.

Tang Jing instinctively glanced over and saw the contact name was Chen Guo. She hung up her own call, stood up, and said, What a coincidence. You two talk then. I’ll go prepare the ingredients.

Jiang Chen looked at the contact name and answered, Hello?

Chen Guo asked her, Auntie, are you home?

Yes.

Chen Guo paused before continuing, Could you help me pick up a package?

Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned, not expecting this to be the reason for Chen Guo’s call.

Chen Guo added, The delivery station closes at eight. I have something to do tonight and won’t make it back in time. If we don’t pick it up today, Mimi won’t have any food tomorrow.

Jiang Chen glanced at the fresh lamb already laid out on the table. Between her, Tang Jing, and the two assistants who would be arriving later, four people couldn’t possibly finish it all.

She asked, Do you have evening self-study today?

No, Chen Guo said. I made plans with Zhang Dongming to have hot pot tonight. By the time we finish eating and I get back, it’ll be very late.

Jiang Chen’s heart sank momentarily, but she quickly collected herself. Alright, send me the pickup code.

Then she hung up.

After the assistants arrived, the four of them finished the hot pot meal around ten o’clock. The house had been cleaned up, but the faint scent of beef tallow still lingered in the air.

The bowl on the balcony was already empty, and Mimi was circling it, meowing persistently. Jiang Chen found the noise irritating and got up to refill the bowl with food and water.

As soon as Mimi saw her approach, it immediately ran toward Chen Guo’s room.

Jiang Chen didn’t mind. After filling the cat bowl, she returned to her room to shower. By the time she finished, it was already 10:40. She went to the living room to get water, and as soon as she opened the door, she was hit by a pungent, foul odor.

Jiang Chen frowned and turned to look at the litter box on the balcony.

Mimi remained unaware of what was happening, diligently burying her waste while scattering litter everywhere with her paws.

In that moment, Jiang Chen finally felt a surge of anger welling up in her chest. She returned to her room, picked up her phone, and dialed Chen Guo’s number.

The line connected after just two rings.

Before Chen Guo could speak, Jiang Chen asked in an eerily calm voice that carried unspoken pressure, Do you still want your cat?

After hanging up, Jiang Chen sat on the sofa. About five minutes later, the entrance door opened.

Chen Guo noticed the odor as soon as she entered. She hurriedly hung up her bag and changed her shoes. I’m sorry, the litter I bought doesn’t seem to control the smell well. I’ll take care of it right away.

Jiang Chen remained silent, simply watching her. Chen Guo wore a black coat today with a low ponytail, and with light makeup, she appeared brighter than usual.

Online sources described this as the glow of someone being loved.

Jiang Chen suddenly couldn’t recall what Chen Guo had looked like during those reckless days four years ago when they’d done all sorts of foolish things.

Had she looked as good as she did today?

Perhaps it had been too miserable—she couldn’t conjure a single memory.

After cleaning the litter box, Chen Guo turned and noticed Jiang Chen staring at her. This wasn’t the first time she’d seen that look, and Chen Guo knew well that Jiang Chen’s eyes were always more honest than her words.

Chen Guo lowered her eyelids and slowly approached Jiang Chen. I’m sorry, Auntie. I disturbed your rest.

Seeing her like this, Jiang Chen was reminded of Mimi hiding at the sight of her. Curiosity prompted her to ask, Do you act like this in front of Zhang Dongming too?

Chen Guo paused. What?

Apologizing meekly over trivial matters, pretending to be fragile and pitiful.

A slight smile touched Chen Guo’s lips. Do I act like that in front of you?

What do you think?

After a moment’s hesitation, Chen Guo said, I don’t know. Maybe it’s habit. Don’t you like me like this, Auntie?

Jiang Chen watched her with interest. What difference does it make whether I like it or not?

It does matter, Chen Guo met her gaze steadily. If you don’t like it, I can change to how you prefer.

Jiang Chen felt unexpectedly complicated, though her eyes remained calm. Wouldn’t your boyfriend mind?

Auntie, you’re more important than him. Chen Guo spoke slowly, explaining as if stating a fundamental truth. No matter how much I like Zhang Dongming, I know family is more important than romance.

Jiang Chen’s restless heart suddenly calmed. She chuckled softly. Good. Very good.

Goodnight, Auntie.

.

Uncertain when the cat might need the litter box, Chen Guo moved both the cat and litter box into her own room before leaving for school the next day to avoid disturbing Jiang Chen.

With only one morning class, Chen Guo stopped by the supermarket on her way home to buy groceries. Returning home, she found Jiang Chen had gone out.

After placing the groceries on the counter, she texted Jiang Chen: 【Auntie, will you be back for lunch?】

Shortly after sending the message, Jiang Chen returned wearing a face mask. She glanced at Chen Guo standing in the kitchen and asked, No date with your boyfriend today?

Chen Guo smiled, portraying the considerate girlfriend. He’s busy lately. Maybe another time.

Jiang Chen removed her mask and tossed it in the trash without another word.

Chen Guo took some pickled vegetables out of the refrigerator, weighed the portion, then turned to ask Jiang Chen: I just bought a fresh fish from the supermarket. How about pickled fish for lunch?

Jiang Chen never cooked herself nor was she picky about food. Fine.

Chen Guo cooked quickly, and soon the aroma of fish filled the air. Jiang Chen stood up to serve rice.

After stir-frying some seasonal vegetables, Chen Guo casually asked as Jiang Chen approached: What would you like to eat tomorrow? I’ll buy ingredients after work.

Jiang Chen replied while scooping rice: No need. I won’t be home tomorrow.

Chen Guo turned her head: What about the day after?

Not home either.

Alright, I understand.

During the meal, Chen Guo brought up conversationally: Auntie, didn’t you say you’d rest for a few days after finishing this film? Why are you working again?

Jiang Chen said: It’s not work. I plan to stay at Waterside Cloud Villa for some time.

Chen Guo paused her chopsticks and glanced at Jiang Chen: Is it because of the cat?

Jiang Chen replied: No. It’s too much trouble for you to cook for me while working full-time.

Chen Guo pursed her lips: Actually it’s fine. I need to cook for myself daily even when you’re not here.

Jiang Chen said: Never mind. It’s more comfortable living there.

Chen Guo nodded: That works too. Are you leaving tomorrow?

Yes.

After the meal, Chen Guo started clearing the table. Jiang Chen politely offered to wash the dishes.

I’ll wash them. You rest for a while.

Since Jiang Chen never enjoyed housework anyway, she let Chen Guo take over.

She sat at the table scrolling through her phone briefly before returning to her bedroom.

Chen Guo didn’t call after her, quietly going about her own tasks.

After washing the dishes and drying her hands, Chen Guo sat on the sofa and turned on the TV. Two new episodes of the drama she’d been watching had been released. She was curious about the plot development.

Jiang Chen never emerged during this time. After finishing the first episode, Chen Guo felt too drowsy to continue. She turned off the TV and retired to her room.

The next day when she returned home, the house was empty. Chen Guo let Mimi out, sat on the sofa for a while, then took out her phone to send Zhang Dongming a WeChat message:

If circumstances permit, hope to accelerate the progress.