She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Happy engagement.

After Zhang Dongming had visited her home, following the principle of reciprocity, Chen Guo also paid a visit to his house.

Chen Guo, with her delicate appearance and quiet temperament, appeared very dependent on Zhang Dongming during the meal, adopting a demure posture that greatly pleased Zhang Dongming’s parents. They were particularly fond of this gentle girl and couldn’t stop praising Chen Guo.

After dinner, while chatting, Zhang’s mother mentioned the recent weather in Shanghai—dry and cold—and subtly suggested that Zhang Dongming take Chen Guo to somewhere warmer for a change of scenery.

Zhang Dongming understood his mother’s intention: she wanted them to use the trip as an opportunity to build their relationship. He glanced at Chen Guo and vaguely replied, Things have been quite busy lately. I’ll discuss it with Chen Guo when I have some free time.

Zhang’s mother didn’t press the issue then, but before they left, she pulled Zhang Dongming aside for a private word. When he rejoined Chen Guo, his expression was slightly awkward.

Once downstairs, Zhang Dongming explained to her, Sorry about that. My mother can’t keep things to herself and sometimes gets overly enthusiastic. I hope you don’t mind.

Chen Guo smiled. It’s fine.

Zhang Dongming said, Let me walk you home then.

Okay. Walking side by side with him, Chen Guo asked, Have you been very busy lately?

Zhang Dongming gave a wry smile and answered truthfully, Not particularly busy recently. I was just making an excuse to deflect my mother.

Chen Guo nodded and, after a moment of silence, asked, How about Beihai? It’s warm there.

Zhang Dongming was taken aback. You really don’t have to accommodate me so much.

Since we’re putting on a show, we might as well go all the way. Chen Guo glanced at him, smiling as she added, Didn’t we agree to help each other out?

After a few seconds of silence, Zhang Dongming finally caught on. He chuckled dryly and said, Alright. When would you like to go?

Chen Guo replied, This Friday. Are you free?

Zhang Dongming said, Yes.

Chen Guo: Good. I’ll book the tickets. Once we’re there, you just need to join me for a meal with my aunt. You can decide when to return.

Aunt Jiang Chen?

Chen Guo hummed in confirmation.

Zhang Dongming furrowed his brow slightly, giving Chen Guo a puzzled look. He couldn’t understand why she would go to such lengths just to have a meal with Jiang Chen.

Noticing his gaze, Chen Guo turned to him with a gentle smile. I hope you can make a good impression on my aunt as well.

Zhang Dongming was momentarily stunned before quickly responding, Of course. You’ve already helped me so much.

Chen Guo nodded without further comment.

After landing in Beihai, the climate there was indeed much more pleasant. Chen Guo left her luggage at the hotel, changed clothes, and walked to the beach, where she found a spot to sit.

November was the off-season for tourism, so the beach wasn’t crowded, and the temperature was just right. Chen Guo stayed by the shore until almost dusk before heading back to the hotel.

The beach wasn’t far from the hotel. With her hands in her pockets, she walked slowly.

As she approached the hotel entrance, her phone vibrated in her pocket. Chen Guo stopped, pulled it out, and saw the caller ID. A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on her calm face.

She answered and held the phone to her ear. Hello, Auntie.

Jiang Chen had been in Beihai for a commercial shoot. Just after wrapping up, she saw Chen Guo’s social media post. You’re in Beihai.

Chen Guo feigned surprise. How did you know?

… Jiang Chen fell silent for a few seconds. Your location tag is practically pointing right at my face. It’d be hard not to know.

Chen Guo paused for a moment and said, You saw my social media posts.

Jiang Chen’s words carried an underlying meaning, With you posting so many times a day, it’s hard to miss them.

Chen Guo smiled, somewhat embarrassed, It’s my first time seeing such a beautiful ocean. I couldn’t resist taking a few extra photos.

Jiang Chen hummed in acknowledgment, turning her head to gaze at the serene and magnificent sea outside the window. Since their last meeting, they had been at a stalemate.

Or perhaps things had never truly eased between them. They had always been pretending ignorance while fully aware, putting on an act.

Lost in thought, Chen Guo asked, Are you busy with work tomorrow? You weren’t there last time we had a meal together. Since we happen to be in the same place now, Zhang Dongming would like to treat you to dinner.

Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned and didn’t respond.

Chen Guo asked, Is it inconvenient?

Jiang Chen snapped out of her daze, curling her lips slightly as she said, It’s fine. I’ll treat you both. It wouldn’t be right to let the younger generation pay.

Alright, see you tomorrow then.

Mhm.

After hanging up, the smile on Jiang Chen’s lips gradually faded.

Tang Jing entered and noticed her troubled expression, asking, What’s wrong?

Jiang Chen tossed her phone onto the coffee table in front of her, turned her head, and said, Reserve a table for me at the restaurant downstairs tomorrow evening.

Tang Jing asked curiously, Who’s coming?

Chen Guo and her boyfriend. Jiang Chen leaned forward slightly, picked up her phone again, glanced at WeChat for a moment, then looked up. Do you think the restaurant downstairs is suitable? Young people nowadays have high standards.

Tang Jing pressed her lips together, at a loss for words.

Jiang Chen turned to look at her, What’s wrong?

Tang Jing sat down, placed the itinerary on the table, picked up an orange and began peeling it as she said, Chen Guo is in Beihai too?

Mhm. Jiang Chen let out a low chuckle, her tone unclear whether it was anger or mockery. You know how she is.

Tang Jing fell silent for a few seconds before asking, Are you just going to let her do as she pleases?

I can’t control her, Jiang Chen replied.

Tang Jing glanced at Jiang Chen. Given what had happened before, she wasn’t worried about Chen Guo crossing any lines again, but seeing Jiang Chen’s emotions constantly swayed by her was hard to bear.

If you can’t control her, then don’t bother. Let her be, Tang Jing stood up. Get some rest early. We have to wake up early tomorrow.

Jiang Chen: Alright.

·

The next day, after work ended, Jiang Chen arrived at the restaurant to find Chen Guo and Zhang Dongming already there, sitting quite close to each other.

Chen Guo wore a faint smile as she tilted her head to converse with Zhang Dongming.

Jiang Chen paused at the entrance for a moment before pushing the door open.

The conversation ceased. Chen Guo turned and saw Jiang Chen, standing up immediately. Auntie, you’ve finished work?

Zhang Dongming also stood up, looking at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen had been shooting a makeup advertisement that day. pressed for time, she hadn’t removed her makeup before coming. With her crimson lips and pearly teeth, she appeared dazzlingly beautiful—almost unreal, yet without seeming hollow or plain.

Every movement carried a natural elegance and mature grace, possessing a charm that was unforgettable at first sight.

She sat down and smiled at the two younger individuals, saying, Please, have a seat. No need to be so formal.

Chen Guo nodded, glanced at Zhang Dongming, and asked, Does Auntie look exactly the same as before?

…

Zhang Dongming snapped out of his daze, feeling slightly embarrassed for his earlier distraction. Avoiding eye contact, he said, Yes, Auntie still looks so young.

Jiang Chen curved her lips slightly, looking at Zhang Dongming. You’ve already grown into a Master. How could I possibly not have changed at all? I’ve aged.

Chen Guo paused for a moment and said, You saw my social media posts.

Jiang Chen’s words carried an underlying meaning, With you posting so many times a day, it’s hard to miss them.

Chen Guo smiled, somewhat embarrassed, It’s my first time seeing such a beautiful ocean. I couldn’t resist taking a few extra photos.

Jiang Chen hummed in acknowledgment, turning her head to gaze at the serene and magnificent sea outside the window. Since their last meeting, they had been at a stalemate.

Or perhaps things had never truly eased between them. They had always been pretending ignorance while fully aware, putting on an act.

Lost in thought, Chen Guo asked, Are you busy with work tomorrow? You weren’t there last time we had a meal together. Since we happen to be in the same place now, Zhang Dongming would like to treat you to dinner.

Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned and didn’t respond.

Chen Guo asked, Is it inconvenient?

Jiang Chen snapped out of her daze, curling her lips slightly as she said, It’s fine. I’ll treat you both. It wouldn’t be right to let the younger generation pay.

Alright, see you tomorrow then.

Mhm.

After hanging up, the smile on Jiang Chen’s lips gradually faded.

Tang Jing entered and noticed her troubled expression, asking, What’s wrong?

Jiang Chen tossed her phone onto the coffee table in front of her, turned her head, and said, Reserve a table for me at the restaurant downstairs tomorrow evening.

Tang Jing asked curiously, Who’s coming?

Chen Guo and her boyfriend. Jiang Chen leaned forward slightly, picked up her phone again, glanced at WeChat for a moment, then looked up. Do you think the restaurant downstairs is suitable? Young people nowadays have high standards.

Tang Jing pressed her lips together, at a loss for words.

Jiang Chen turned to look at her, What’s wrong?

Tang Jing sat down, placed the itinerary on the table, picked up an orange and began peeling it as she said, Chen Guo is in Beihai too?

Mhm. Jiang Chen let out a low chuckle, her tone unclear whether it was anger or mockery. You know how she is.

Tang Jing fell silent for a few seconds before asking, Are you just going to let her do as she pleases?

I can’t control her, Jiang Chen replied.

Tang Jing glanced at Jiang Chen. Given what had happened before, she wasn’t worried about Chen Guo crossing any lines again, but seeing Jiang Chen’s emotions constantly swayed by her was hard to bear.

If you can’t control her, then don’t bother. Let her be, Tang Jing stood up. Get some rest early. We have to wake up early tomorrow.

Jiang Chen: Alright.

·

The next day, after work ended, Jiang Chen arrived at the restaurant to find Chen Guo and Zhang Dongming already there, sitting quite close to each other.

Chen Guo wore a faint smile as she tilted her head to converse with Zhang Dongming.

Jiang Chen paused at the entrance for a moment before pushing the door open.

The conversation ceased. Chen Guo turned and saw Jiang Chen, standing up immediately. Auntie, you’ve finished work?

Zhang Dongming also stood up, looking at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen had been shooting a makeup advertisement that day. pressed for time, she hadn’t removed her makeup before coming. With her crimson lips and pearly teeth, she appeared dazzlingly beautiful—almost unreal, yet without seeming hollow or plain.

Every movement carried a natural elegance and mature grace, possessing a charm that was unforgettable at first sight.

She sat down and smiled at the two younger individuals, saying, Please, have a seat. No need to be so formal.

Chen Guo nodded, glanced at Zhang Dongming, and asked, Does Auntie look exactly the same as before?

…

Zhang Dongming snapped out of his daze, feeling slightly embarrassed for his earlier distraction. Avoiding eye contact, he said, Yes, Auntie still looks so young.

Jiang Chen curved her lips slightly, looking at Zhang Dongming. You’ve already grown into a Master. How could I possibly not have changed at all? I’ve aged.

Zhang Dongming said: ‘Auntie, you’re too modest. I’ve watched your movies since I was young, and you haven’t changed at all.’

‘I remember you weren’t much of a talker when you were little, but now you’ve become quite smooth-tongued.’ Jiang Chen glanced at Chen Guo. ‘She’s the quiet type, so you two complement each other well.’

Zhang Dongming also looked at Chen Guo and reached over, covering the back of her hand with his palm.

Chen Guo lifted her head and met Zhang Dongming’s gaze, a gentle curve forming at the corners of her lips, her expression soft and serene.

He smiled and said: ‘Chen Guo may not talk much, but she has a special quality about her that’s very captivating.’

Jiang Chen lowered her head and chuckled. ‘Oh? What quality? I actually never noticed.’

Zhang Dongming smiled and said: ‘She’s very steady, gives people a sense of security, yet also quite stubborn—especially charming.’

A faint smile played on Jiang Chen’s lips. ‘Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease.’

Zhang Dongming squeezed Chen Guo’s hand, his eyes sincere. ‘Auntie, I truly like Chen Guo very much. Don’t worry, I’ll treat her well and never let her down.’

‘Hmm—’ Jiang Chen averted her eyes and smiled wryly. ‘I’ve been so busy talking I forgot about the food. Waiter, please serve the dishes.’

Chen Guo withdrew her hand and stood up to pour juice for Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen suddenly raised her hand to cover the rim of the glass. She looked up at Chen Guo and said: ‘How can we just drink juice on such a special day? Let’s have wine instead.’

She then turned to Zhang Dongming. ‘Do you drink?’

Zhang Dongming replied modestly: ‘I can drink a little.’

‘That’s good then.’ Jiang Chen’s eyes shifted to Chen Guo.

Chen Guo paused for a moment, put down the juice, and switched to wine.

Jiang Chen didn’t push anyone to drink, as if using the wine merely to enhance the atmosphere. But before they knew it, more than half was gone. Zhang Dongming’s face began to flush red, while Jiang Chen remained perfectly calm.

Zhang Dongming said with admiration: ‘Auntie, you’re much better at this than I am.’

Jiang Chen’s lips curved slightly. ‘If you can’t handle it, don’t force yourself. No need to get drunk.’

‘It’s fine.’ Zhang Dongming glanced at Chen Guo. ‘Just thinking about how Chen Guo and I will soon become family makes me incredibly happy.’

Jiang Chen’s expression shifted slightly but quickly returned to normal. ‘So soon?’

Zhang Dongming hummed in agreement. ‘Both Chen Guo and I feel the same way, so we don’t want to delay. We plan to get engaged on New Year’s Day.’

The private room fell silent for a few seconds.

Jiang Chen remained calm, chewing the food in her mouth slowly and swallowing before looking up at the two of them. Her lips curved slightly. ‘Then congratulations to you both.’

Chen Guo smiled and said: ‘Auntie, you must come when the time comes.’

Jiang Chen looked at her. ‘Of course I’ll attend your engagement.’

Chen Guo smiled warmly.

Jiang Chen stood up. ‘You two continue eating. I’m going to the restroom.’

‘Okay.’

After Jiang Chen left, Zhang Dongming kept staring at the door, as if belatedly realizing something but finding it hard to believe.

He turned to look at Chen Guo, about to say something.

Chen Guo interrupted: ‘It’s not over yet.’

The night was not over yet.

Jiang Chen returned from the restroom, and not long after, the meal concluded. Zhang Dongming had drunk too much; he sat slumped in his chair, head bowed and motionless.

Jiang Chen lit a cigarette, took a drag, and holding it between her fingers, looked at Chen Guo. ‘Have you thought it through?’

Chen Guo looked up at her. ‘What?’

‘The engagement.’

Chen Guo nodded. ‘Yes.’

Jiang Chen exhaled a puff of smoke, lowered her eyes, silently finished the cigarette, stubbed it out in the ashtray, stood up and said, Alright.

Then she turned to leave.

Auntie, Chen Guo called out to her.

Jiang Chen stopped but didn’t turn around.

Chen Guo said, Zhang Dongming drank too much, I can’t get away. You drank tonight too, let me call you a cab.

No need, take care of him, Jiang Chen pulled the door open and left.

Chen Guo stared at the doorway for a moment, then sat down and woke Zhang Dongming. It’s over.

Zhang Dongming opened his eyes. Guessing Chen Guo probably wouldn’t say anything more to him, he didn’t ask. Let’s go too.

Alright. Since they were staying at the same hotel, they went out together and got into a car.

Across the street from the restaurant, a car was parked. The window slowly rolled up. Tang Jing glanced at Jiang Chen through the rearview mirror, about to say something.

Let’s go back, Jiang Chen closed her eyes.

By the time Chen Guo reached the hotel, it was already 10:30. She changed into disposable slippers, found a clean set of clothes from her suitcase, and went into the bathroom to shower.

After finishing her shower and drying her hair, she picked up her phone, glanced at it, then set it down, preparing to pack her luggage.

The phone she had just set down chimed.

Jiang Chen:Happy engagement.

Followed by a money transfer.

Chen Guo stared at the screen, counting the zeros after the one, and was about to return the money.

The phone buzzed again.

A hotel location appeared in the chat box.

Immediately after.

Jiang Chen:Come over.