She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

I Like You

Chen Guo twitched her lips and said, Alright.
I’ll wait for your message then. Jiang Chen lifted the blanket and sat up. I’m going to shower first.
As soon as she finished speaking, her arm was suddenly tugged, causing Jiang Chen to fall back onto the bed. Chen Guo embraced her from behind, unwilling to let go. Let’s shower together.
This shower took exceptionally long. By the time Jiang Chen emerged from the bathroom, she was exhausted and drowsy, collapsing onto the bed with her eyes barely able to stay open.

Soon after, the space beside her dipped as Chen Guo pulled her into an embrace. Like an addict, Chen Guo tirelessly kissed her cheeks, nose, and lips.

Jiang Chen frowned but didn’t push her away, only asking verbally, Do you know I have a shoot tomorrow morning?
Chen Guo replied, I know.
Jiang Chen cracked her eyes open slightly and glimpsed the face almost pressed against hers, her heart trembling. If you know, then why aren’t you behaving?
Chen Guo stared intently at Jiang Chen’s face and suddenly said, Auntie, you’re really beautiful.
Jiang Chen chuckled and scolded, Weirdo.
Chen Guo brushed the hair away from Jiang Chen’s face and tucked it behind her ear, then leaned down to kiss the corner of her mouth. I mean it.
Jiang Chen glanced at her sideways. And you call yourself a teacher? Your compliments are no better than an elementary student’s.
Chen Guo said, I don’t teach Chinese.
Jiang Chen was amused, curling her lips into a smile for a long while before remembering she hadn’t properly asked about Chen Guo’s work since her return. Even though she was extremely tired, she couldn’t help but ask with her eyes closed, Are you used to being a teacher? I remember Jinyuan is quite strict with teaching.
The school is strict with students, but as long as teachers follow the requirements and teach well, it’s not a big deal. I’m quite used to it.
Jiang Chen nodded, then suddenly opened her eyes as if remembering something, turning her head to meet Chen Guo’s gaze.

Clearly, they were both thinking of the same thing.

That time my grades dropped, and the teacher asked for a parent to be called in—it was you who went. Chen Guo asked, Do you still remember?
Jiang Chen laughed. How could I forget? That was the first time I was summoned by a teacher as a guardian.
Chen Guo said, It was also my first time having a parent called in.
Jiang Chen asked, You were really nervous back then, weren’t you?
Besides being nervous, I was afraid of causing you trouble, Chen Guo said.

After Chen Guo returned to Shanghai with Jiang Chen and went back to school, she struggled to focus in class for a long time.

Not only was she behind in many subjects and unable to keep up with the class, but another reason was her realization that her seemingly kind and enthusiastic aunt had only been nice to her because of her father’s compensation money.

That day, after finishing their meal at the restaurant, Jiang Chen took Chen Guo to Gao Yuhong’s shop. The woman was initially puzzled upon seeing Jiang Chen, but when she learned Jiang Chen was Jiang Yun’s sister, her expression immediately turned panicked.

In that moment, Chen Guo understood—everything Jiang Chen had said was true.

Gao Yuliang’s relatives, wary that Jiang Yun might monopolize the compensation, had hired a lawyer immediately after the incident and quickly brought Chen Guo home, refusing visits from anyone in Shanghai.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yun, overwhelmed by grief after her husband’s death, was in poor health and hospitalized, requiring constant care. In such circumstances, it was difficult for her to remember Chen Guo.

This led Chen Guo to mistakenly believe that family had abandoned her.

Now that the truth had come to light, Chen Guo looked at Gao Yuhong with a calm heart, feeling no desire to question this unfamiliar woman. Instead, it was Gao Yuhong whose eyes reddened first.

Some things you must already know, so I won’t hide them from you. The woman sniffled, turned to order her two daughters to go home, and only spoke after they had walked away. Your father—my brother—will receive compensation after this accident. I never intended to keep it all for myself. You’ve been here long enough to see the family’s situation. Your grandmother is old and needs daily medication, and your uncle, born with a disability, can’t work outside. All of this will require—
Before she could finish, Chen Guo interrupted, You need this money, don’t you? Aunt.
Gao Yuhong froze, speechless.

It’s really nothing. You could have told me. No one would fight for it, because that money rightfully belongs to all of you.
Chen Guo spoke these words with a peaceful expression. She understood that although Gao Yuliang was her father, they had spent very little time together. Blood ties didn’t entitle her to claim the compensation. As for how it would be divided later—or whether she would receive any share—she had no objections. She simply disliked being kept in the dark.

Before I came, I spoke with my sister. She has no intention of contesting the compensation. You are Gao Yuliang’s family, and she truly wishes you all well. However— Jiang Chen glanced at Chen Guo, Chen Guo is still young and at an age where she should be studying. I hope you’ll agree to let me take her back to Shanghai to finish her education. If you’re concerned about the compensation distribution, I’ve brought a lawyer today. We can draft a contract to clarify everything.
Enough! Gao Yuhong’s eyes reddened with humiliation. There’s no need to insult us like this.
Jiang Chen replied, That wasn’t my intention. I only want to give you peace of mind.
Ignoring Jiang Chen, Gao Yuhong walked up to Chen Guo and asked, Do you want to go back to Shanghai to study?
Chen Guo instinctively turned to look at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen smiled at her and nodded firmly.

Yes, Chen Guo met Gao Yuhong’s gaze and repeated, I want to go back to Shanghai to study.
From a very young age, Chen Guo had lost the right to choose. She always followed whatever her mother arranged for her. Over time, she became the sensible child her mother praised. The few times her opinion was asked were merely formalities.

She was like the tiniest, most insignificant fish or shrimp in the ocean, drifting wherever the currents took her, until one day, when the tide receded, she was left on the shore and witnessed a sunset she would never forget.

And suddenly, she realized that life didn’t have to be endlessly dull.

Gao Yuhong didn’t force Chen Guo to stay. She took her home to pack her clothes. The younger daughter hid in the bedroom, peeking at Chen Guo through the door crack, but she never came out to say a word before Chen Guo left.

Before getting into the car, Gao Yuhong bought Chen Guo a cup of juice from a roadside stall and advised her, Study hard. Only education can change your fate.
Chen Guo took it and said, Okay.
As the car door slowly closed, Chen Guo saw tears as large as beans fall from Gao Yuhong’s reddened eyes. Her heart tightened with an indescribable feeling.

Jiang Chen noticed Chen Guo’s reluctance and put an arm around her shoulder, saying, You can always come back to visit if you miss this place.
Chen Guo turned to look at Jiang Chen, remained silent for a moment, then said, It’s not that I’m reluctant to leave—it’s just that she once washed my clothes for me.
Jiang Chen froze.

Chen Guo continued, One night when I got up to use the bathroom, I saw her hand-washing my clothes in the bathroom. Before her, only my mother had ever done that for me.
A pang of sorrow struck Jiang Chen. He reached out and ruffled Chen Guo’s hair gently. Don’t be sad. From now on, I’ll take good care of you—even better than she did.
Chen Guo kept her eyes fixed on Jiang Chen, silent.

Amused by her doubtful expression, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but ask, What’s that look supposed to mean?
Chen Guo quickly averted her gaze and took a sip of juice. Nothing.
Oh, it’s definitely something—I saw it clearly. Jiang Chen grasped her shoulders, turning her to face him. You doubt me, don’t you?
Chen Guo denied it. No, I don’t.
Trying to lighten the mood, Jiang Chen teased, I brought the top lawyers from my team to fight for your custody, and you still doubt me?
Chen Guo licked her lips and asked, Why did you fight for my custody?
Because— Jiang Chen paused for effect, I like you, of course.
Chen Guo was taken aback. She lowered her head, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Unaware of her reaction, Jiang Chen continued comforting the young girl, Once we’re back in Shanghai, just focus on your studies. Don’t worry about anything else.
Chen Guo responded softly, Okay.
However, in her first major exam after returning to school, Chen Guo’s results shocked all her teachers. Her homeroom teacher could understand a drop in grades due to missed classes, but she couldn’t accept Chen Guo falling from the top of the class to the very bottom.

To better understand the student’s situation and urge her to improve, the homeroom teacher approached Chen Guo after class and requested that a parent come to the school the next day.

Jiang Yun had been taken abroad by Dai Xiaoqin for quiet recuperation, leaving Jiang Chen as the only available guardian. Chen Guo spent the whole day worrying about the situation. Given Jiang Chen’s unique career, she feared that news of a parent-teacher meeting might leak and harm his reputation.

Besides, Jiang Chen had been extremely busy lately and might not even have time.

After much deliberation, Chen Guo decided not to tell Jiang Chen and to handle the parent-teacher meeting herself.

Unexpectedly, as soon as class ended, she received a WeChat message from Jiang Chen: Are you out of school? I’m waiting for you at the school gate.

With just a glance, Chen Guo dashed toward the school entrance.

Seeing Chen Guo arrive breathless by the car, Jiang Chen looked surprised and quickly opened the door for her. Why the hurry? I wasn’t going anywhere, he said with a sigh.

Chen Guo slipped into the passenger seat and glanced at Jiang Chen. Is your new film wrapped up?
Jiang Chen handed her a tissue. Not yet.
Chen Guo paused, turning to face him. Then why are you back?
In a deliberately casual tone, Jiang Chen replied, A certain student’s teacher requested a parent meeting. Of course I had to come back.
Chen Guo was stunned.

Jiang Chen chuckled. Wondering how I found out? Actually, when I dropped you off at school that time, I added your homeroom teacher on WeChat.
He glanced at her sideways, teasing, Don’t feel pressured. I had my parents called to school too when I was a student—it’s no big deal. You won’t get punished.
Chen Guo pursed her lips. I’m not afraid of being punished.
Jiang Chen hummed meaningfully. Then what are you afraid of?
Chen Guo licked her lips. I’m afraid of causing you trouble.
Jiang Chen asked: Afraid that after visiting the school tomorrow, the media will report I have a daughter the day after?
Chen Guo: ……
Jiang Chen chuckled indifferently, You should know, female celebrities don’t just have daughters – there are also nieces, grandnieces, cousins and other relatives. Besides, homeroom teachers aren’t so bored as to casually spread students’ and parents’ private information.
Chen Guo remained silent for a while before looking up to promise: I won’t do it again next time.
Jiang Chen glanced at Chen Guo and asked: Were you originally planning not to tell me and handle it alone?
Chen Guo didn’t respond, which amounted to tacit agreement.

Jiang Chen smiled and negotiated with Chen Guo: After meeting the homeroom teacher this time, can you truly regard me as family in your heart?
Chen Guo remained silent, still not speaking.

Jiang Chen didn’t mind though, simply saying: Then we’ll wait a bit longer.
Later, as they kept waiting, their relationship suddenly transformed, becoming uncontrollable.