She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Are you a dog?

Though Chen Guo didn’t say anything, Jiang Chen could still sense her mood.

After being bitten for the fourth time, Jiang Chen finally lost her patience. She grabbed Chen Guo’s hair and pulled her up.

The room wasn’t lit, but by the moonlight from the window, one could vaguely see a glistening wetness at the corner of Chen Guo’s mouth.

Jiang Chen looked at her with a cold expression. Not saying a single word—what’s the point of just going through the motions?

Chen Guo froze for a few seconds, then slowly pushed herself up from the bed with her hands, looking down at the person beneath her. Then how do you want to do it?

Their eyes met, and they stared at each other for nearly half a minute before Jiang Chen pushed Chen Guo away and sat up. If you don’t want to do it, we don’t have to.

Is it that you don’t want to, or that I don’t want to? Chen Guo turned her head to stare at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen’s hand, which was picking up her clothes, paused. Her voice was slow and even. Is it that in your mind, whenever I meet with her, it’s only for the purpose of going to bed?

Chen Guo’s expression froze, staring at Jiang Chen in stunned silence.

Jiang Chen curled her lips into a bitter smile. Tang Jing gave me the script—it was purely professional. Her and I… haven’t seen each other in a long time.

After saying this, she picked up her clothes from the floor and started putting them on. Just as she was about to go take a shower, her arm was suddenly grabbed. Chen Guo hugged her from behind.

I’m sorry.

Kneeling on the bed with her back arched, Chen Guo buried her face in Jiang Chen’s shoulder. I’m the one who’s messed up. Can you please not hold it against me?

After all these years, she thought she had long stopped caring about those things.

But the name Lu Tong was like a poisonous thorn deeply embedded in her heart. Every time she remembered it, every time it was mentioned, it felt like a reminder.

Everything she had obtained through whatever means—how despicable and laughable it all was.

Those profound, soul-stirring, and passionate moments between Jiang Chen and Lu Tong were something she could never compare to.

The purest love of nineteen-year-old Jiang Chen—only Lu Tong had ever possessed that.

She was jealous, yet constantly comforted herself: It’s okay, at least Jiang Chen belongs to her now. Even if the methods weren’t honorable, and no one knew how far this could go…

None of that mattered. She was already satisfied. Being like this was already good enough.

Chen Guo told herself over and over: Don’t be too greedy. Don’t mess up this relationship again.

I didn’t really think that. Actually, meeting her is fine. Just… could you let me know?

Jiang Chen hadn’t expected Chen Guo to be this magnanimous. She turned to look at Chen Guo, confirming: Meeting her is fine?

Chen Guo let out a soft mm. I didn’t understand before, but now that I’m working, I realize some things are unavoidable.

Although Jiang Chen didn’t believe this was Chen Guo’s true feelings, nor did she think Chen Guo could be this considerate about the matter—otherwise, she wouldn’t have acted that way earlier—she still played along. Is that so?

Chen Guo was too good at hiding things. Back when she first came to live with her, Jiang Chen had told her she could show her emotions and share her thoughts directly.

But she was still like this—her emotions practically written all over her face, yet stubbornly refusing to say a single word about them.

Whether she was putting on a brave front or genuinely understanding, the habit of making people guess wasn’t good. Deliberately not calling her out, Jiang Chen turned her face away. Is that what you really think?

Chen Guo looked at Jiang Chen, If there was really any possibility between you and her, you would have been together during the years I wasn’t around.

When Chen Guo said this, her expression was utterly sincere, as if Jiang Chen had truly overthought things. Jiang Chen glanced at her thoughtfully, Then what were you doing earlier? Can you bite that place like that?

Chen Guo leaned in and placatingly kissed Jiang Chen’s lips, I thought you liked it.

Her voice was low and husky, sounding genuinely like bedroom intimacy. Jiang Chen shot her a glance, initially intending to steel herself and continue saying she’d read that script and quite liked it, but before she could speak, Chen Guo sealed her lips.

Amidst heavy breathing came a somewhat frivolous question, Then I’ll be gentler this time, okay?

Jiang Chen began to feel bewildered. Gazing at Chen Guo’s impassioned face, she momentarily couldn’t distinguish which was the real her.

And that night, Chen Guo didn’t give her any opportunity to think about anything else.

When she woke up the next day, the space beside her was already empty. Jiang Chen turned her head and stared at the spot where Chen Guo had slept for quite a while before remembering Chen Guo had classes today.

When Chen Guo went out in the morning, she seemed to have told her—breakfast was in the pot, she could heat it up when she got up.

But she had been too drowsy at the time and couldn’t remember how she’d responded.

Jiang Chen froze for a few seconds, withdrew her gaze, raised her hand to rub her temples, then lay back down for nearly half an hour before getting up to eat breakfast.

The following several days continued like this—Chen Guo would always leave breakfast prepared before going out.

On weekends they’d sleep in naturally, then lie in bed discussing what takeout to order. Sometimes they’d be talking about food one moment, and the next, because of a single glance, would inexplicably start kissing again, and by the time they realized it, things had already gotten out of hand.

After all the dawdling, they’d end up combining breakfast and lunch into one meal.

After eating, with nothing else to do, they’d curl up on the sofa watching TV. Jiang Chen would rest her head on Chen Guo’s lap and often doze off while watching.

Occasionally waking in between, she’d lift her eyes to see Chen Guo’s face—leaning lazily against the sofa, one arm possessively draped over Jiang Chen’s waist, still watching TV.

Jiang Chen squinted drowsily, staring blankly at Chen Guo’s profile.

During these days, Chen Guo hadn’t mentioned the script again, nor that other person.

Truthfully, Jiang Chen wasn’t without suspicion that Chen Guo was just pretending not to care, but these days felt so solid and comfortable that she didn’t want to ruin them at all.

Jiang Chen raised her hand and scratched Chen Guo’s chin, like teasing a dog, Is the TV that interesting?

Chen Guo shifted her gaze from the screen to Jiang Chen. After a few seconds, she lowered her head slightly and captured the finger Jiang Chen had used to scratch her with her lips, giving it a gentle bite, Did I wake you?

It didn’t hurt at all, but Jiang Chen still laughed and hissed dramatically, Are you a dog?

Chen Guo bent down and kissed the corner of Jiang Chen’s mouth, If you say so.

Jiang Chen closed her eyes, smiling without speaking, only hoping these days could last longer, just a little longer.

After New Year’s Day there was a film festival held in Shanghai. Jiang Chen originally wanted Chen Guo to accompany her, but unfortunately it fell on a Tuesday. Combined with final exams approaching—Chen Guo taught two classes and had plenty of school commitments—she simply couldn’t get away.

That night before bed, Jiang Chen leaned close to Chen Guo’s ear and deliberately teased her, saying his formal wear for the next evening was see-through.

What a shame you won’t get to see it.

Chen Guo chuckled, turning her head until her lips brushed against Jiang Chen’s neck. How about I pick you up after evening self-study tomorrow?

The event was being held at a hotel in the distant suburbs, quite far from the city center. Jiang Chen worried about Chen Guo traveling there alone late at night, but he couldn’t resist the look in her eyes.

So they reached an agreement. Then—I’ll have the driver pick you up later.

Chen Guo shook her head. No need for that trouble. I’ll take a taxi.

Jiang Chen pushed her back slightly, looking at her seriously. No. Either wait for me at home, or I’ll send the driver for you.

Chen Guo didn’t insist. Alright, as you say.

Joining Jiang Chen at the event was a young actress from the recently wrapped film Who Will Save Her, where she played Jiang Chen’s daughter suffering from severe depression.

Off-screen, however, she was an extremely lively girl. On set, she’d enthusiastically called Jiang Chen Mommy at every opportunity.

Jiang Chen actually quite liked her straightforward personality, but after filming wrapped, both had busy schedules. Though they’d mentioned meeting for meals several times on WeChat, they never managed to arrange it.

Jiang Chen thought their relationship might have grown distant after so long apart, but when they bumped into each other in the dressing room, Peng Yiyi acted just as before—immediately giving her a big hug without any formality. Mommy, I’ve missed you so much!

Jiang Chen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. You really don’t mind being taken advantage of, do you?

What’s there to mind? More mommies mean more connections, Peng Yiyi declared shamelessly before releasing Jiang Chen and presenting the gift she’d prepared.

I saw this scarf while shooting an ad abroad recently and thought it would suit you perfectly, so I bought it for you.

In comparison, Jiang Chen hadn’t been nearly as thoughtful—it never occurred to her to prepare a meeting gift. You’re going to make me feel ashamed.

Peng Yiyi winked at Jiang Chen. You gave me such a memorable eighteenth birthday celebration on set that made me the envy of everyone. This little gift is nothing—consider it your daughter showing filial respect.

Jiang Chen laughed helplessly. With a silver tongue like yours, it’s almost a waste you became an actress.

Peng Yiyi stuck out her tongue playfully. After catching up with Jiang Chen for a while, she went to get her makeup done. See you later, Mommy!

Okay, see you later.

With the red carpet event in the evening, Jiang Chen hadn’t eaten much at lunch. Now, just as the event was starting while waiting backstage, her stomach began growling.

Her stomach was sensitive—whenever she got hungry, it would feel uncomfortable.

Tang Jing had been called away by staff to discuss red carpet procedures, and other celebrities kept coming over to greet Jiang Chen.

Wearing a faint smile, Jiang Chen responded to each with appropriate politeness. Only when everyone had left did she get up to fetch a cup of hot water from the break room.

With so many celebrities attending tonight, it would likely be a while before her turn. In no hurry to return, Jiang Chen found a quiet spot, pulled out her phone and checked WeChat.

Ten minutes earlier: I want to see

A smile tugged at Jiang Chen’s lips as she feigned ignorance. See what?

Chen Guo had probably gone to class and wasn’t checking her phone. Jiang Chen opened her photo gallery, selected two pictures, and was about to send them when—

A voice suddenly came from behind. Xiao Chen.

Jiang Chen’s expression stiffened slightly, the smile gradually fading from her face. She calmly put away her phone and turned around.

Lu Tong looked at Jiang Chen. So you’re here.

Film festivals naturally attract all kinds of film professionals, so it wasn’t strange at all to see Lu Tong here.

Looking for me? Jiang Chen remained composed.

Lu Tong gave a bitter smile. I heard from Tang Jing that you turned down that script. Is it because of those rumors circulating outside?

Ever since the scandal about Jiang Chen’s pedophilia was exposed online four years ago, the outside world had been spreading rumors that she had left Lu Tong and could no longer produce decent work.

Now, four years later, Jiang Chen indeed hadn’t produced any work that could surpass Unstoppable.

It seemed to confirm the external rumors – that Jiang Chen couldn’t function without Lu Tong, and that her desperate attempts to prove herself by churning out numerous bad films over the years only made her look more ridiculous.

Jiang Chen had heard and seen these rumors to some extent, but her reason for rejecting Lu Tong this time had nothing to do with them.

I read the script. The story is good, but it’s not suitable for me.

Lu Tong frowned. How could it not be suitable for you? No one knows you better than I—

She minds. Jiang Chen interrupted Lu Tong. I don’t want her to be unhappy.

Lu Tong froze, looking at Jiang Chen with shock, as if not expecting her to say such a thing. Having known you for so long, it’s hard to believe you’d say something so irrational.

Jiang Chen smiled faintly. People can’t always make rational choices. Sometimes, we need to make emotional ones too.

Chen Guo had always been hidden away in her life, placed behind everyone else.

This time, in making this decision, there was no particular meaning – she simply wanted to let Chen Guo win for once.

Evening self-study ended close to ten o’clock. When Chen Guo returned to the office, she didn’t dare delay. After taking a sip of water to moisten her throat, she quickly headed downstairs.

Opening her phone, just as she was about to contact the driver, she noticed two unread messages in the middle of the screen.

The sender: Jiang Chen.

Chen Guo’s hand paused. She first opened WeChat, and the two photos that greeted her eyes made her stop in her tracks instantly, stunned on the spot.

It took nearly half a minute before she realized the inappropriateness of the situation. Her fingers deftly tapped twice to save the images, then she turned off the screen and slipped the phone into her pocket.

Chen Guo swallowed, her face still appearing quite calm, though her steps down the stairs became noticeably more hurried.

Lost in thought along the way, she didn’t even hear the security guard calling her when she reached the school gate.

Teacher Chen! Teacher Chen!

It wasn’t until he called her a second time that Chen Guo belatedly turned her head.

The security guard was holding something that looked like an envelope, standing up and waving at her twice. There’s a delivery for you.