She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Wait For Me to Come Home

The next morning, Tang Jing came to deliver breakfast.

Jiang Chen slept lightly during work periods, waking at the sound of the keycard unlocking the door outside. She gathered her thoughts and turned her head.

Chen Guo was sharing the same pillow, curled on her side against Jiang Chen like an ostrich seeking shelter. The scene was tranquil and beautiful.

A smile touched Jiang Chen’s lips as she reached out to gently brush aside the strands of hair obscuring Chen Guo’s face, her fingers unconsciously lingering against the soft cheek.

Chen Guo’s eyelashes fluttered open, and she instinctively lifted her head, meeting Jiang Chen’s tender, luminous gaze.

Their connected eyes held the slow-motion intensity of a film scene—delicate, soft, lingering, filled with unspoken stories.

Jiang Chen lowered her head to briefly press her lips against Chen Guo’s, whispering softly, It’s still early. Go back to sleep. I need to get ready for work.

Chen Guo kept her eyes fixed on Jiang Chen. What time is it?

Not even seven yet. Jiang Chen picked up her pajamas from the floor and put them on, then turned back to ask, Are you hungry? If you are, you can eat first before going back to sleep.

Chen Guo didn’t feel particularly hungry, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to fall asleep again. She arched her back and crawled over, wrapping her arms around Jiang Chen’s waist from behind, burying her face greedily against the small of her back.

Jiang Chen’s hands stilled in her hair, her voice remaining steady. No being clingy.

Chen Guo didn’t respond, simply holding Jiang Chen for a while before straightening up and leaning forward to kiss her. Just as Jiang Chen habitually moved to lick her lips, Chen Guo captured her tongue.

By the time Tang Jing knocked to call them for breakfast, Jiang Chen’s pajamas were already half undone. She pushed the head nuzzling against her chest away, breathing somewhat heavily. Alrightwait for me to come home.

Chen Guo lifted her head, her dark eyes fixed intently on Jiang Chen. You have to keep your word.

Mm, I’ll keep my word. Jiang Chen tilted her head up to kiss Chen Guo’s lips once more before gently pushing her away and getting up to head to the bathroom.

Ten minutes later.

Jiang Chen’s expression had returned to its usual calm as she opened the door and stepped out, appearing completely normal.

Tang Jing hadn’t waited to eat breakfast with them. Finishing the last sip of soy milk, she looked up to see both women emerging from the bedroom together. She didn’t seem particularly surprised, merely glancing at them before lowering her head to unwrap their breakfast.

Chen Guo walked over to the dining table and greeted her proactively. Auntie Tang, good morning.

Morning. Tang Jing looked at Chen Guo and made casual conversation naturally. I was going to have your aunt wake you, but I see you’re up early.

Chen Guo took a seat beside Jiang Chen at the table and smiled. After starting work, I had to get used to waking up early every day. You get accustomed to it over time.

Tang Jing nodded, noticing that Chen Guo was wearing Jiang Chen’s clothes. Rather than feigning ignorance, she addressed them directly. Don’t be too conspicuous. You both understand how these things are.

Chen Guo remained silent, instinctively glancing at Jiang Chen. Jiang Chen took small bites of her bread, her expression neutral. Don’t worry, I know my limits.

Tang Jing turned her gaze to the one who didn’t know her limits and hadn’t voiced agreement, her expression growing somewhat stern.

Sensing Tang Jing’s stare, Chen Guo lowered her head and said, Okay.

Like a master of changing expressions, Tang Jing immediately broke into a warm smile. Alright, let’s eat before it gets cold.

Chen Guo gave a slight smile and quietly ate her breakfast without another word.

After finishing her meal, Jiang Chen began reviewing the morning’s shoot with Tang Jing. Chen Guo sat nearby listening for a while before getting up to return to the bedroom to change into her own clothes when the time seemed appropriate.

Just as she had taken off her sweatshirt, Jiang Chen pushed the door open and walked in. Chen Guo glanced back at her, then picked up her own clothes from the bed and put them on.

Jiang Chen asked, Why not just wear that one out?

Chen Guo said, You wore this when you arrived at the airport.

At first, Jiang Chen didn’t understand the connection and wondered what the two things had to do with each other. Then she suddenly remembered what Tang Jing had said and began to grasp Chen Guo’s concern.

She smiled dismissively, Are you afraid of starting rumors with me?

Chen Guo’s hands paused briefly, I’m not afraid, but I promised Aunt Tang I wouldn’t attract attention outside.

Despite Jiang Chen’s numerous rumored boyfriends, she had consistently been labeled as gay by the public. Perhaps because Jiang Chen’s rumored homosexuality had never been confirmed, it created a kind of rebellious curiosity in the media, who had persistently dug for news on this aspect over the years. As a result, even ordinary cooperation or interaction between Jiang Chen and other female stars would be sensationalized.

Besides the media, netizens also loved shipping Jiang Chen with other female celebrities. As long as they were visually compatible, even without physical contact—just a single exchanged glance—could send netizens into a frenzy.

In the internet age, too many eyes were watching Jiang Chen. All in all, it was better to avoid trouble than to invite it, and being cautious was wise.

Jiang Chen said, No need to be so careful. There was just a rumored boyfriend not long ago—even paparazzi need breaks.

Chen Guo was slightly taken aback, recalling the images of Jiang Chen entering a hotel with a man. Her throat moved as she swallowed, then she bent down to fold the clothes on the bed. The paparazzi had to stake out the hotel for two days and a night to get those shots of you—they really do deserve a break.

Jiang Chen detected something off in her tone and narrowed her eyes at Chen Guo. You’re quite well-informed, even knowing it was two days and a night?

Chen Guo neatly placed the clothes on the pillow, then turned to look at Jiang Chen. Yes, the media reported it.

Jiang Chen looked at Chen Guo with leisurely composure. The media has never been careful when reporting entertainment news. Now that the person involved is standing right in front of you, aren’t you going to ask about it?

Chen Guo said, I believe you wouldn’t.

Jiang Chen curled her lip. Then why do you sound so sour?

Chen Guo remained silent.

Jiang Chen slowly walked up to Chen Guo. Her calm tone carried an indescribable, intense longing. I know even fake news makes you wildly jealous. Now I want to hear you say it yourself—say that deep down you resent it, that you’re jealous, that you’re unhappy. Just like how I knew Zhang Dongming wasn’t your boyfriend, but still wanted to hear you tell me yourself.

Chen Guo raised her head and met Jiang Chen’s gaze directly. I hate that man.

After a few seconds, she added, And I envy him too.

Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned, then leaned in to kiss Chen Guo, once and then again, as if both comforting and making a promise. Give me some time. I’ll handle it.

After landing in Shanghai, Chen Guo sent Jiang Chen a WeChat message: Auntie, I’ve arrived.

Jiang Chen saw the message an hour later. She called, and Chen Guo answered quickly, asking, Finished work?

Jiang Chen glanced at the busy crew by the seaside and said, Not yet. We can talk for about five minutes.

Chen Guo chuckled softly but said nothing.

Jiang Chen’s lips curved slightly as he gazed at the vast blue sea, remaining silent.

The two maintained their quiet until the countdown began. Tang Jing approached Jiang Chen’s direction holding a water cup.

Chen Guo asked, Is the sea blue today?

Jiang Chen replied, Blue.

Chen Guo laughed, That’s good.

Mhm. Jiang Chen exited the call interface and raised his phone to take a photo of the ocean.

Chen Guo asked, Do you need to work now?

Jiang Chen glanced at Tang Jing who had reached the sunshade, Yes.

Tang Jing stood nearby nonchalantly, not voicing any urgency.

Chen Guo: Then I’ll hang up.

Jiang Chen said, Okay.

After hanging up, Tang Jing approached to discuss work matters. Jiang Chen kept his head lowered looking at his phone, occasionally responding when key points were mentioned, committing them to memory.

Around seven in the evening, Jiang Chen trended on social media after sharing a photo of the ocean on his social media account.

The caption read: The sea is blue today.

Jiang Chen’s Weibo had always been strictly work-related—this was his first life update, quickly sparking heated discussions. Netizens teased that even Movie Queens couldn’t resist showing off when in love.

By the time Chen Guo saw the trending topic, it had already topped the charts. She liked Jiang Chen’s post and saved the attached photo.

Even though she had the original image in their WeChat chat.

An ordinary daily share would normally lose popularity quickly, but unexpectedly, Jiang Chen’s rumored boyfriend posted a series of vacation photos by the sea at 9:09 the next morning.

Jiang Chen quickly trended again, alongside the rumored boyfriend’s name.

Their relationship was confirmed, with netizens extensively mocking the man for being love-struck—specifically choosing 9:09 to post, symbolizing everlasting love.

That morning, young female teachers in the office were discussing the matter. Hao Xinyi alternated between angrily pinching her philtrum and comforting herself: The young guy is decent-looking at least. My sister isn’t losing out, not losing out.

She then thrust her phone toward Chen Guo for confirmation: He’s fairly good-looking, right?

Chen Guo glanced briefly, Mhm.

Hao Xinyi covered her mouth, nearly in tears, But I still feel he’s not worthy of my sister. Don’t you think he’s deliberately riding on Jiang Chen’s popularity?

Chen Guo said flatly, It’s not the first time.

Hao Xinyi was slightly shocked—even Chen Guo, who normally ignored entertainment news, had joined the chorus criticizing the soft rice eater. She immediately seized the opportunity to educate Chen Guo about the man’s past scandals, which were too numerous to count.

But she ended up feeling melancholy, No matter how flawed he is, Jiang Chen likes him. Sigh.

Chen Guo asked, How do you know Jiang Chen likes him?

Hao Xinyi froze, unable to respond immediately. Entertainment industry news often blurred truth and fiction, and as an outsider, she could only speculate based on an ocean photo.

Did she truly like him? Unless you were involved, who could really know?

After finishing her classes and returning home, Chen Guo’s phone buzzed incessantly on the table while she fed her cat. Jiang Chen never messaged her this enthusiastically on WeChat, so Chen Guo didn’t rush to check, only looking after refilling Mimi’s food and water.

Look quickly!!!

My sister is personally exposing that scumbag!!!

Ahhhhh!!!

The screen was flooded with exclamation marks and screams—Hao Xinyi was frantically spamming messages like crazy.

Chen Guo didn’t scroll back up but opened Weibo instead, only to find out that Jiang Chen’s studio had sued the rumored boyfriend for defamation.

In addition, Tang Jing had posted a clarification on her personal Weibo account. The wording throughout was extremely sharp, leaving no face for that person—it was practically pointing at his nose and calling him shameless.

After reading it, Chen Guo exited the app and clicked into her chat window with Jiang Chen. She wanted to say something proactively but hesitated for a long time without typing anything.

Jiang Chen hadn’t told her about this in advance.

Her heart was racing wildly, making it impossible for her to calm down and think of what to write. She lowered her head, staring at the chat box, her fingers curling and then stretching out.

After repeating this several times, she finally decided what to say.

Just then, a few words appeared at the top of the screen: The other party is typing…

Immediately after:

Jiang Chen: Have you broken up with Zhang Dongming yet?