She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Are you coming?

After moving into Waterside Cloud Villa, Jiang Chen settled down to carefully read through the several scripts Tang Jing had brought her. Perhaps it was the cold weather making her drowsy, but she found herself uninterested in all of them.

There was an interview program scheduled for the end of the month. Tang Jing sent Jiang Chen the interview outline two days in advance and casually asked how she was progressing with the scripts and if any had caught her interest.

Jiang Chen answered truthfully: None.

Tang Jing chuckled, You’re really determined to star in a romance film for your next project.

Jiang Chen remained silent for a long while.

She knew she wasn’t necessarily set on acting in romance films. Rather, she realized she was gradually losing what could be called creative drive. Every time she looked at these scripts, her heart remained too calm.

When one becomes overly fixated on what value and meaning something can bring to oneself, it’s time for a change.

She didn’t want to corner herself into a dead end.

Jiang Chen had never acted in a proper romance film before, and she didn’t know if she could still perform well at her current age. But at least in her subconscious, she was willing to try.

She needed a character through which she could freely express love, to release some of what was suppressed deep in her heart.

Jiang Chen said, If there are any suitable scripts, bring them to me to look at.

Don’t worry, I’ve been keeping an eye out. Tang Jing glanced at the upcoming schedule. I’ve kept your workload light before the New Year. Rest peacefully for a while, and I’ll contact you if there are any changes.

Okay.

The recording time for the interview program conflicted with the planned family dinner. After her afternoon nap, Jiang Chen called Jiang Yun to say she had last-minute work that day and wouldn’t be able to make it.

Since Jiang Chen’s work schedule was irregular, Jiang Yun understood completely. No problem, we can have dinner anytime. It’s just that this is Guo Guo’s first time bringing her boyfriend home, and it feels like a bit of a shame you won’t be there.

Jiang Chen lay back in her chair, watching the falling leaves outside the window. Chen Guo really likes Zhang Dongming. There will be plenty of opportunities to eat together in the future.

That’s true. Jiang Yun laughed. These two kids didn’t even tell the family when they started seeing each other. Mom and I thought they weren’t interested in each other.

Who can predict matters of the heart? Jiang Chen put her phone on speaker and placed it on the table beside her. I ran into them at a restaurant the other day. They seem very happy together and look quite well-matched.Jiang Yun sighed softly, expressing: Time flies so fast. Guo Guo is already in a relationship. Yu Liang would be so happy if he knew.

Yes.

After chatting a bit more, they hung up. Jiang Chen got up, went to her room to change into a swimsuit, and headed to the indoor pool for a swim.

Her phone remained on the table by the poolside, its sounds muffled by the water. It wasn’t until Jiang Chen finished several laps and got out that she noticed Chen Guo had called her multiple times, all unanswered.

Drying herself with a towel, Jiang Chen returned the call.

The phone was answered after just one ring. Chen Guo asked, Auntie, are you busy?

Not busy. Jiang Chen asked, What’s up? Is something wrong?

Chen Guo paused before saying, Aunt Yun just texted me saying you’re not coming to dinner this Saturday.

Jiang Chen wiped water from her face. Yeah, I have work that day.

What bad timing.

Jiang Chen chuckled, My mom and sister will take good care of your boyfriend. What are you worried about?

Chen Guo asked, Are you really not coming back?

Jiang Chen said, Zhang Dongming is just coming over for a meal, not a wedding. Is it really that important whether I come back or not?

It is, Chen Guo said. I’d feel regret if you weren’t there.

Jiang Chen chuckled softly, Really?

Mhm, though it’s not a wedding, it’s still an important day, Chen Guo said. Such occasions should be spent with the whole family together.

Jiang Chen curled her lip, let there be some regret.
Chen Guo fell silent.Then

Jiang Chen felt the call should end and was about to hang up.

Chen Guo suddenly asked her, Auntie, are you at home?

Jiang Chen paused, then said, Yes.

What are you doing?

… Jiang Chen glanced at the swimming pool and, almost involuntarily, asked, Why, are you coming over?

There was a long silence on the other end.

Jiang Chen found it pointless. I’m hanging up.

I’ll come over now.

Jiang Chen: …

By the time Chen Guo arrived, half an hour had passed. Jiang Chen had changed and went to open the door for her.

Outside, Chen Guo was wearing a down jacket and a knitted scarf—the two of them looked like they were in completely different seasons.

Jiang Chen glanced at her, Cold?

Chen Guo nodded, Cold.

Jiang Chen went inside and poured her a cup of hot water. Chen Guo took it, looking at her, Thank you.

Jiang Chen sat on the nearby sofa, glancing at Chen Guo, No classes today?

Chen Guo held the cup to warm her hands, taking small sips, Mhm, I came over after class.

Jiang Chen nodded. When Chen Guo had finished about half the water, she stood up, intending to change out of her swimsuit.

Chen Guo stopped her, Auntie, can you teach me how to swim?

Jiang Chen turned to look at her, Haven’t I taught you before?

Chen Guo said, It’s been too long. I don’t dare to go alone.

Jiang Chen thought for a moment, then asked, Did you bring a swimsuit?

No.

Jiang Chen frowned, No swimsuit, and you want to swim?

Chen Guo said, I can wear yours.

Jiang Chen was taken aback.

Seeing her reaction, Chen Guo asked, Is it inconvenient?

It was just a piece of clothing. Jiang Chen shook her head generously, I’ll go get it for you.

Alright.

The swimsuit was a simple design, exposing the back and legs. Chen Guo’s skin was very fair, and even the slightest bump or scratch would leave a noticeable red mark.

The cold had the same effect.

Jiang Chen swam ahead first, then turned back to ask the person still standing by the edge, Aren’t you cold standing there? Come down to the shallow end.

Chen Guo slowly descended the steps, the water gradually rising past her calves, knees, abdomen… until it reached her chest.

Jiang Chen watched her, momentarily distracted.

What’s wrong? Chen Guo asked.

Jiang Chen averted her gaze, Just seeing how long you’d take.

Hearing this, Chen Guo didn’t hesitate any longer and submerged herself completely in the water. It was indeed warmer than being outside.

Jiang Chen swam over to her and asked, Do you still remember how to hold your breath?

Chen Guo held onto the railing at the edge of the pool with both hands, I’ll try.

Jiang Chen moved closer to Chen Guo, Don’t inhale when you’re underwater. Exhale slowly and try to let yourself float.

…

Chen Guo plunged her face completely into the water, trying to let her legs float up behind her.

As her body gradually found its balance, she opened her eyes. Everything underwater was blurry, but she could vaguely make out a slender figure hovering around her.

Jiang Chen’s voice reached her ears, You can come up now.

Chen Guo turned her head slightly, her eyelashes fluttering slowly as she gazed at Jiang Chen through the water.

Her waist was slender, almost without a trace of excess fat. Her fair skin, separated by a layer of clear water, seemed to have a blurring filter applied to it.

It looked extraordinarily dreamy and beautiful.

Chen Guo, time to get up. Jiang Chen reached for her arm.

Chen Guo suddenly released her grip, opening her mouth to take a breath. Water immediately rushed into her nose, mouth, and ears.

Simultaneously, her entire body began sinking uncontrollably.

Jiang Chen’s expression shifted slightly as she frantically grabbed Chen Guo’s arm and waist, pulling her out of the water.

Chen Guo choked on several mouthfuls of water. After being able to breathe fresh air, she kept coughing, her cheeks flushing red, looking utterly disheveled.

… Seeing her like this, Jiang Chen felt both helpless and angry. I told you to get up. Why did you have to show off?

Chen Guo wiped the water from her face and finally managed to open her eyes. Only then did she realize she was still holding Jiang Chen tightly.

Meanwhile, Jiang Chen’s hand supporting her lower back hadn’t let go either. Their eyes met – Chen Guo’s eyelashes were covered in water droplets, the tip of her nose bright red, making her look pitiful and much less infuriating than usual.

Jiang Chen’s throat moved slightly, the palm resting on Chen Guo’s waist feeling unusually warm.

But remembering this was a woman with a boyfriend, her eyes dimmed as she moved her hand away.

After regaining her composure, Chen Guo discovered the water wasn’t deep at all. She stood up and took a step back.

Sorry, I was a bit distracted just now.

Jiang Chen averted her gaze and walked toward the pool edge. In that case, you should let your boyfriend teach you instead.

Chen Guo followed behind, wiping water from her face. He’s too busy lately, probably won’t have time.

This wasn’t the first time Jiang Chen had heard Chen Guo mention Zhang Dongming being busy with work.

The two sat by the poolside, and Jiang Chen casually asked, How does he treat you?

Chen Guo’s lips immediately curved into a smile. Zhang Dongming is a very responsible man – attentive and gentle. He treats me exceptionally well.

Jiang Chen licked her lips, wanting to say something but feeling it would be meaningless.

She stood up. Let’s go change clothes. Don’t catch a cold.

Chen Guo said, Okay.

The interview outline on the table had been knocked down by Jiang Chen’s towel. Chen Guo walked over to pick it up and froze for a moment when she saw the words on the white paper header.

So you really had work that day.

Jiang Chen turned back and saw the outline in Chen Guo’s hand. What did you think? That I deliberately didn’t go?

Chen Guo said, Yes, I thought you didn’t want to go. After all, we—

She stopped halfway through her sentence.

Jiang Chen looked at her: After all what?

Chen Guo lowered her eyes slightly, speaking without much emotion: We used to be together.

Jiang Chen froze, her face turning somewhat pale.

We used to be together…

These words pierced her chest like a sharp blade, bringing not only pain but endless bitterness.

Chen Guo’s lips curved slightly, as if the matter was already in the past. So it would be normal if you didn’t want to go. But I never expected you weren’t even thinking in that direction – you just couldn’t go because of work. I was being too petty.

Jiang Chen’s fingers curled slightly, momentarily unsure what expression to make, only able to hear her own voice say, Next time, when you get engaged, I’ll definitely attend.

Chen Guo nodded very compliantly: Okay, it’s a deal.

After changing clothes, it was already dark. Instead of saying she was leaving, Chen Guo asked Jiang Chen: Is there any food in the refrigerator?

Jiang Chen found cooking troublesome, especially when preparing meals for just one person, so she didn’t keep many ingredients in the refrigerator. There should be some, but not much.

I’ll take a look. Chen Guo opened the fridge and managed to scrape together enough ingredients to stir-fry two dishes—one meat and one vegetable—and also prepared millet congee.

After finishing, she picked up her overcoat draped over the sofa back and put it on. Auntie, you can eat. I’m heading back.

Jiang Chen glanced at her in surprise. Aren’t you going to eat before leaving?

The corners of Chen Guo’s lips lifted slightly as she tied her scarf. My boyfriend has the day off today. We made plans to have hot pot for dinner and then watch a movie.

In that instant, Jiang Chen had to admit that Chen Guo was truly someone who could easily stir her emotions and provoke her anger. Her face remained expressionless as she calmly looked at the person about to leave. You have a date tonight, yet you still had time to come learn swimming and cook for me?

Chen Guo checked the time. He gets off work late. I thought since I had nothing to do back home, it would be nice to visit you. It’s been a while since we last saw each other.

Her words were impeccably phrased, leaving no room for criticism or rebuttal.

Jiang Chen conceded defeat, lowering her head. Then hurry along. Don’t keep your boyfriend waiting.