She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 22:

Chapter 22: 22

Let’s Run Away

Chen Guo didn’t speak, focusing entirely on kissing Jiang Chen.

When people are in dimly lit environments, their senses become more acute. The sound of heartbeats in one’s chest becomes infinitely amplified, and listening to each other’s heartbeat and panting creates an indescribable thrill.

Jiang Chen’s hands hung around Chen Guo’s neck as she tilted her head back, her breathing somewhat unsteady. Who… came up with the idea?

Chen Guo lowered her head, gently sucking the skin on Jiang Chen’s neck, giving her time to catch her breath. What?

Jiang Chen lifted her chin slightly. The ten million bride price.

Chen Guo: I asked for it.

Jiang Chen chuckled. Asking for that much means your engagement with Zhang Dongming is over.

Chen Guo looked up at Jiang Chen. It was supposed to end according to the plan anyway.

Jiang Chen asked deliberately, Won’t you feel reluctant?

Chen Guo paused for a moment, then raised her head and bit Jiang Chen’s lip.

Jiang Chen frowned slightly.

Chen Guo looked at her. Auntie, you really love speaking in opposites.

Jiang Chen let out a light, unconcerned laugh, appearing quite arrogant. So what?

Chen Guo slowly moved her hand downward, grasping Jiang Chen’s hand and interlocking their fingers. She spoke slowly, Those who speak in opposites must—accept punishment.

Jiang Chen’s expression shifted slightly, vaguely guessing what was coming. Her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.

But ultimately, reason prevailed. Today’s circumstances weren’t suitable. Jiang Chen swallowed and said, No.

Chen Guo asked softly, Why? You promised me—when you returned home.

Jiang Chen tried to pull her hand away but couldn’t break free. She looked at Chen Guo. Not here.

Are you afraid of being discovered? Chen Guo asked.

Jiang Yun and Dai Xiaoqin were upstairs. At this moment, they might not be asleep yet and could come downstairs for water later.

The psychological speculation made it impossible to fully immerse oneself in any activity. Jiang Chen’s lips moved as she honestly replied, No, I just feel it’s not appropriate here.

Chen Guo hummed softly, her tone unreadable—whether hurt or confused. But we’ve done it like this before.

Jiang Chen: …

Chen Guo’s gaze wandered over Jiang Chen’s face. Auntie, you’ve become more timid.

Jiang Chen knew Chen Guo was provoking her. After a few seconds of silence, she said, Don’t you have class tomorrow morning?

Chen Guo looked at Jiang Chen. No class. I thought watching TV was a waste of time, so I said that deliberately earlier. I knew you would come to see me.

Jiang Chen raised her head, her gaze passing over Chen Guo to the bathroom. Her eyes paused for a moment, just as she was about to say something.

Auntie. Chen Guo suddenly called her.

Jiang Chen’s heart trembled inexplicably. What is it?

Chen Guo said, Let’s run away.

Jiang Chen opened her mouth, seeming incredulous. What?

Chen Guo lifted her eyelids slightly, her tone extremely frank and natural. Let’s get a hotel room.

Jiang Chen: …

Chen Guo rubbed Jiang Chen’s fingers. I promised you—at home, you’re my aunt. I keep my word.

The two entered the hotel one after another, meeting in the top-floor room around midnight.

Late at night, in the heat of passion, Jiang Chen held Chen Guo and rambled, If we get caught this time, let’s just go public.

Chen Guo said, Okay.

Jiang Chen smiled, lifting her head to kiss Chen Guo. Are you tired?

Chen Guo shook her head and soothingly stroked Jiang Chen’s face. Did I hurt you?

No. Jiang Chen leaned slightly closer and whispered in Chen Guo’s ear, You’ve improved compared to before…

Chen Guo paused briefly, a faint smile appearing at the corners of her eyes. She ran her fingers through Jiang Chen’s slightly damp hair. Do you want to take a bath?

Jiang Chen said, Okay.

Early the next morning, Jiang Chen was awakened by a phone call. Dai Xiaoqin asked her when she had left. I don’t see anyone in Guo Guo’s room either. Why did you both leave so early without having breakfast?

Jiang Chen glanced beside her—Chen Guo had woken up at some point and was staring at her.

Jiang Chen reached out and gently brushed Chen Guo’s nose, then said into the phone, Chen Guo has a class this morning. I’m taking her to school. We’ll grab breakfast on the way.

Dai Xiaoqin finally relented, reminding them to drive carefully before hanging up.

Jiang Chen placed her phone back on the nightstand and turned around to find Chen Guo snuggling into her arms.

Jiang Chen held her, smiled, and asked, Are you hungry?

Not hungry.

Jiang Chen closed her eyes. Then let’s sleep a little longer. I’m so tired.

Chen Guo said, Okay.

They woke up again around noon. After having a meal at the hotel, Jiang Chen drove Chen Guo to the school gate.

I’ll pick you up after class, and we’ll have dinner together.

Chen Guo nodded and said, Okay.

Jiang Chen watched as Chen Guo got out of the car and walked away. Just as she was about to reach the school gate, Chen Guo suddenly glanced back.

Jiang Chen lowered her head with a soft laugh, took out her phone, and sent Chen Guo a WeChat message: 【I’ll be waiting for you to come home.】

After finishing her second class, Chen Guo began packing up to leave. Hao Xinyi noticed and asked in surprise, You’re leaving already? Aren’t you preparing for tomorrow’s class?

Chen Guo nodded. Mm.

Hao Xinyi found it odd. I thought you didn’t like bringing work home?

Chen Guo explained, Mimi hasn’t been feeling well these past couple of days. I don’t feel comfortable leaving her home alone.

Hao Xinyi immediately said, Then you should hurry home.

Mm. Chen Guo walked out of the school gate and continued a short distance until she spotted Jiang Chen’s car at the alley entrance.

She walked over and tapped on the car window.

Jiang Chen opened the door. Get in quickly.

Chen Guo settled into the passenger seat and caught a faint scent of smoke. She turned to look at Jiang Chen. Auntie, you smoked.

Jiang Chen chuckled. Your nose is sharp.

Unsure how many cigarettes Jiang Chen had smoked, Chen Guo simply said, No more smoking today.

Jiang Chen agreed readily. Okay.

Chen Guo pressed her lips together and negotiated, From now on, if you feel like smoking, only one cigarette a day, alright?

Jiang Chen understood Chen Guo’s intention—she wanted her to quit smoking. She laughed softly. I only smoked one just now. I was feeling a bit anxious waiting for you.

Chen Guo asked, When did you get here?

Jiang Chen said, I didn’t leave earlier.

During the two class periods, Jiang Chen had thought time would fly by, but she hadn’t expected to grow so restless. Time seemed to slow down deliberately. She kept checking the time, unable to stop wondering what Chen Guo was doing at that very moment.

Was she lecturing, letting the students work on problems, or explaining briefly before giving them time to absorb the material? Students who didn’t understand would probably raise their hands to ask her questions.

This was how it felt when waiting still held a promise of reunion. What if the waiting led to nothing?

She didn’t dare imagine how agonizing hopeless waiting would be.

Jiang Chen turned her head and spoke abruptly, Doesn’t it feel terrible waiting for someone?

Chen Guo snapped out of her thoughts, What?

Jiang Chen smiled and shook her head, Nothing, let’s go eat.

Chen Guo said, Don’t do this next time. Just wait for me at home.

Jiang Chen replied, Probably not possible.

Chen Guo looked at her.

Jiang Chen’s lips curved upward as she said, I want to see you sooner.

Chen Guo froze for a moment, then lowered her head, belatedly realizing her face felt warm.

What do you want to eat tonight? Jiang Chen asked.

Chen Guo glanced at the snowflakes dancing wildly outside the car window, It’s snowing again. Let’s have hotpot at home.

Sure, Jiang Chen said.

After arriving home, Chen Guo browsed for ingredients and broth base on her phone. Jiang Chen changed clothes and came out of the bedroom, sitting beside her. Tang Jing will be here soon.

Chen Guo looked up at her, Then I’ll buy more ingredients.

Jiang Chen smiled, She said she won’t disturb our time alone. She’ll just drop something off and leave.

Chen Guo checked the time, It’s already dinner time. Let her stay and eat with us. What does Auntie Tang like to eat?

Jiang Chen thought for a moment, She’s not picky, anything is fine.

Chen Guo said, Okay, then I’ll choose what to buy.

Mhm. Jiang Chen leaned against Chen Guo’s shoulder, staying silent for a while before suddenly saying, Your Auntie Tang really likes you.

Chen Guo’s hand paused briefly, but she didn’t respond.

Seeing Chen Guo remain silent, Jiang Chen glanced at her and said, It’s true.

Chen Guo curved her lips slightly, I know. I’ve never resented her.

Jiang Chen smiled and leaned closer, Let me see what you’re buying.

Chen Guo tilted her phone screen toward her, I got lamb rolls, beef rolls, dried tofu sheets, daylily, and— Chen Guo continued listing items while adding them to the cart, shrimp paste, tripe.

Jiang Chen asked knowingly, Why are these all my favorites?

Chen Guo said, I like them too.

Jiang Chen couldn’t help laughing, Is that so.

Tang Jing truly hadn’t planned to stay for dinner, but upon seeing the ingredients on the table and receiving Chen Guo and Jiang Chen’s insistence, she ended up joining them for the meal.

They used disposable bowls and chopsticks for the hotpot, making cleanup easy. Tang Jing didn’t stay long after eating—she discussed some work matters with Jiang Chen before leaving.

Chen Guo accompanied her downstairs. Tang Jing chatted casually, Your aunt has been in great spirits lately. It seems you two are getting along well.

Pretty good, Chen Guo said.

Matters of the heart are like drinking water—only the drinker knows if it’s warm or cold. As an outsider to their relationship, Tang Jing wasn’t accustomed to nor found it appropriate to say things like you should treat her well.

As the elevator approached, Tang Jing turned to Chen Guo and said, Your aunt’s work schedule before the New Year is mostly settled. She won’t need to travel far, so you two can spend some quality time together.

Chen Guo replied, Okay, thank you, Auntie Tang.

Tang Jing smiled, Your aunt is the actual boss of the studio. No need to thank me.

Chen Guo made a noncommittal sound but didn’t say more.

When the elevator doors opened, Tang Jing stepped out and glanced at Chen Guo. Though hesitant, she finally spoke, Back then, my words were harsh. I hope you didn’t take them to heart.

Chen Guo was momentarily stunned before forcing a smile, I didn’t.

Mhm. Tang Jing smiled, No need to see me out. Come visit with your aunt when you have time. I have a daughter now—you haven’t met her yet, right?

Chen Guo was quite surprised, Auntie Tang, you have a daughter?

Yeah, she’s really cute and very smart. I’ll bring her to play with you when I get the chance. The elevator doors chimed as they began to close. Tang Jing waved at Chen Guo. Alright, head on up now.

Chen Guo returned home and closed the door. Finding the living room empty, she walked to Jiang Chen’s bedroom door and heard the sound of running water inside.

Auntie.

The water in the bathroom stopped, and Jiang Chen’s voice came through. You’re back?

Chen Guo hummed in acknowledgment.

Jiang Chen said, Give me a moment.

Okay.

Chen Guo entered the bedroom and noticed a pile of books scattered messily on the carpet beside Jiang Chen’s bed.

She walked over intending to tidy them up and move them aside. Only when she picked one up did she realize they weren’t books but scripts Jiang Chen had been reading recently—roughly seven or eight of them.

Each cover detailed the drama’s title and production crew, showing thorough preparation.

Chen Guo rarely inquired about Jiang Chen’s work, simply planning to organize and put them away. But while sorting through them, she spotted a familiar name on one script’s cover.

Director: Lu Tong.

Chen Guo’s hand stilled. She stared quietly at that name for a long time.

When Jiang Chen emerged from her shower and saw Chen Guo crouching on the floor, she smiled helplessly and walked over.

What are you doing?

Chen Guo’s throat felt dry. She didn’t speak.

Jiang Chen grew puzzled. What’s wrong?

Suspicious, she moved behind Chen Guo until she saw the script in her hand.

Jiang Chen’s expression shifted slightly.

Chen Guo stood up and placed the script on the cabinet. Finding it not quite orderly enough, she carefully rearranged it, then suddenly seemed to think it unnecessary and paused mid-motion.

Slowly straightening up, she turned and looked at Jiang Chen. Do you two see each other often?