She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

I want to touch you. (Flashback Chapter)

Jiang Chen’s breath hitched slightly. Though she had already guessed the answer in her heart, hearing those words directly from Chen Guo’s lips still made her heart tremble uncontrollably.

Her sister had entrusted the child to her care out of trust, yet Chen Guo had developed inappropriate feelings for her. Jiang Chen didn’t dare imagine how Jiang Yun would react if she found out.

Although Chen Guo had been the one to initiate this, Jiang Chen was the adult—one so many years older than Chen Guo.

If other family members learned about this, Chen Guo might be excused due to her youth and immaturity. But Jiang Chen wouldn’t be so fortunate. How would Jiang Yun and Dai Xiaoqin view this? Would they think it was her negligence and improper guidance that led such a young girl to develop these abnormal feelings?

Jiang Chen took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. She glanced at Chen Guo and said, Come here.

Chen Guo’s eyelids flickered. She looked at Jiang Chen for a few seconds before stepping forward.

Jiang Chen pulled out a chair by the dining table and sat down. Chen Guo stopped half a meter away, watching her as if standing at attention for punishment.

Jiang Chen sighed almost imperceptibly. Sit.

Then she lowered her gaze, remaining silent for a few seconds before looking up at the girl across from her. Did I say something that night that made you misunderstand?

Chen Guo stood in place watching her, her eyes eerily calm. That has nothing to do with it.

Jiang Chen’s heart sank, but she still clung to a sliver of hope, maintaining a composed facade. Actually, among my fans, there are kids your age too. You’re all so young—it’s normal to develop crushes on glamorous celebrities on screen. But don’t let it affect your studies. You’re about to take the college entrance exams.

Chen Guo’s brow furrowed slightly as she said firmly, You know I’m different from them. Why deceive yourself?

As if unable to bear it any longer, Jiang Chen snapped at Chen Guo, What difference could there possibly be? What difference!

I want to touch you.

Jiang Chen froze instantly. These words had actually come from Chen Guo’s mouth—from someone who called her Aunt every day.

Shock wasn’t enough to describe what Jiang Chen was feeling. She even felt somewhat afraid to meet Chen Guo’s gaze, inexplicably recalling that day outside the bedroom when she overheard Chen Guo on the phone—fearless and nonchalant in that rebellious way.

Yes, that was her true nature.

These past days, she had been deceived by Chen Guo’s obedient appearance, forgetting what kind of person she truly was.

Jiang Chen’s heart kept sinking, until it hit rock bottom with nowhere left to fall.

She lowered her eyes and spoke weakly, Do you even know what you’re saying? Never mind how much older I am—just considering how my sister treats you like her own daughter, you shouldn’t have those kinds of feelings!

Chen Guo paused, then slowly crouched down. Placing both hands on Jiang Chen’s knees, she looked up at her. We don’t have to let them know.

Jiang Chen’s heart jolted. She looked up, startled by the madness in Chen Guo’s eyes. Here she was, patiently trying to guide her back to the right path, yet Chen Guo acted as if they were already mutually attracted—only worried about their families finding out.

Jiang Chen didn’t even think before saying, But I have zero interest in little kids like you.

It’s fine. Chen Guo shook her head, seemingly unbothered. I never expected you to like me anyway. I just want to stay by your side.

At this moment, Jiang Chen didn’t even want to explain that it was just drunken nonsense.

She looked at Chen Guo and questioned with unusual calmness: I have friends, family, and a lover. Why would you think I need an outsider to keep me company?

Chen Guo’s throat tightened, instantly rendered speechless. She slowly lowered her head, her gaze gradually dimming.

Seeing Chen Guo like this, Jiang Chen assumed she would finally understand and know when to retreat. Without saying more, she turned her face away. Go to sleep. We have classes tomorrow.

Chen Guo didn’t move. Jiang Chen glanced at her, somewhat helpless. Acting like this only makes you seem more immature.

I know I have nothing right now. Chen Guo slowly lifted her head, looking at Jiang Chen with near-devotion in her eyes. But I study hard every day, striving to get into a good university. After graduation, I’ll find a good job and give you the best life I can offer, making sure you live well. Could you… wait for me?

Jiang Chen’s heart pounded violently as she stared blankly at Chen Guo.

After her sister’s incident, she had lived in guilt and self-blame for a long time. It wasn’t until a director from the entertainment industry noticed her and pulled her into acting that she gradually regained some sense of worth upon receiving her first paycheck, feeling she wasn’t completely useless in this family.

Since then, she had built a successful career, earned money, and packaged herself as strong, brave, independent, and confident. Consequently, no one ever asked if she needed care or if she was tired—not even her closest relatives only cared about her acting fees, why her last ad paid so little, or why she hadn’t joined a new production yet.

When was the last time she heard words like working hard to give you a good life? It felt so distant she could barely remember, like something from a previous lifetime.

Hearing such a promise again, especially from someone she considered an outsider, Jiang Chen didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad.

The living room fell completely silent for what felt like an eternity.

Jiang Chen curled her lips slightly and told the other: But I have everything. I don’t need you to give me anything.

She stood up, not sparing Chen Guo another glance. I won’t kick you out before your college entrance exams. Focus on preparing here. With your parents gone, you won’t have many relatives to rely on in the future. So seize this only chance to change your destiny—not for anyone else, but for yourself.

After speaking, Jiang Chen went to the kitchen, filled a thermal container with the soup she’d made that evening, and left a bowl on the counter. Drink the soup before sleeping.

Chen Guo slowly turned her head, as if anticipating something. Her lips moved slightly. Will you come back?

Finish it and go to bed early. Without looking at her, Jiang Chen went straight out the door.

The news about her appearing at the hospital with suspected pregnancy still hadn’t been addressed by her studio. Just as expected, two cars tailed her shortly after she left the garage.

Jiang Chen glanced back, irritation welling up inside. She slammed the accelerator to the floor, putting distance between herself and the two vehicles, then headed straight for the hospital.

Tang Jing was already awake, lying pale as a sheet on the hospital bed while still turning her head to discuss work with her assistant.

After Jiang Chen arrived at the hospital room, he directly sent the assistant away. Tang Jing protested twice, I haven’t finished giving work instructions yet.

Don’t you value your life? Jiang Chen placed the soup he’d brought by the bedside, staring at her with a serious expression.

It’s fine, it doesn’t hurt anymore. Tang Jing glanced at Jiang Chen and added, About being photographed today, I should probably respond on Weibo.

Actually, from time to time, there would be speculative news about Jiang Chen online. Some tabloid leaks were written so vividly it was as if the writers had been hiding under her bed listening personally.

At first, Tang Jing would get angry enough to hire lawyers to sue them. But gradually she realized that these matters were like sewer rats – the more attention you paid to them, the more they multiplied. It was impossible to sue them all.

Jiang Chen had debuted early and was long accustomed to such things, rarely taking them seriously.

After discussing it, they had unanimously decided not to respond to such baseless rumors in the future.

The workload at the studio was already heavy enough. Diverting attention and energy to deal with these empty rumors was completely unnecessary.

But this time, being photographed was entirely because of her. Tang Jing never expected that having her appendix removed could cause such a commotion.

Since there were actual photos and videos as evidence, several directors and advertisers had contacted them that afternoon to verify if it was true.

If they remained silent like before, it might affect Jiang Chen’s future schedules.

Her assistant had already sent over draft statements for clarification. While reviewing them, Tang Jing glanced at Jiang Chen again, only to find that he wasn’t listening to her at all, seeming lost in thought.

What are you thinking about? You seem distracted, Tang Jing called to her.

Jiang Chen snapped out of it and looked at Tang Jing. Wasn’t there a realistic-themed script that came to us not long ago?

Tang Jing thought for a moment and nodded. Yes, the content is quite good, but the shooting schedule is very long and requires moving between several locations. If we take it, we’ll have to readjust the entire year’s schedule. With so much going on recently, I was planning to discuss this project with you in detail after the holidays.

Take it, Jiang Chen said.

Tang Jing was stunned. You’re accepting it without even reading the script?

Since you’ve read it, that’s enough. Jiang Chen’s eyelids lowered slightly as she ladled out the chicken soup. I trust your judgment.