She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 4:

Chapter 04:

Just slept together twice, that’s all.

When Chen Guo came out of the shower, Jiang Chen remained in the same position as before she went in—lying face down at the foot of the bed with the edge of a blanket covering her waist, both arms hanging down to the floor. In one hand, she held a cigarette, lifting it every few seconds to take a drag.

The bathwater is ready.

Chen Guo walked over, crouched down, and tucked a few stray strands of hair behind Jiang Chen’s ear. A bath would make you feel more comfortable.

Jiang Chen lifted her head, her gaze lingering on Chen Guo’s face, a momentary daze in her expression.

Earlier on the bed, Chen Guo had held her tightly, whispering repeatedly in her ear, as if testing her, as if threatening.

Do you hate me?

…

Answer me.

Did she hate her? She probably did.

After all, Chen Guo was the one who initiated their entanglement, disrupted her life into chaos, and then left without a word in the end.

How could she not hate her?

But… did she bear no responsibility at all herself? Her train of thought was abruptly interrupted.

Receiving no response, Chen Guo resorted to various methods to provoke a reaction.

Eventually, the room was filled only with faint tremors and suppressed, soft moans.

This woman was too cunning.

She only ever dredged up fragments of the past when Jiang Chen’s mind was blank and vulnerable.

Now that they could actually talk properly, all she could offer were sanctimonious questions about whether she was tired or in pain.

After studying her for a moment, Jiang Chen suddenly spoke, Why did you come back?

Unlike her previous sarcastic tone, Jiang Chen’s voice was calm this time.

Chen Guo’s expression faltered slightly, and it took her a while to respond, Looking for a job. There are more opportunities here.

Is that all? Jiang Chen asked.

Chen Guo met her gaze. Yeah, that’s all.

Jiang Chen lowered her eyes, feeling both exhausted and lost. My sister is coming back tomorrow. If you’re free this weekend, the family could have a meal together.

Chen Guo smiled. Alright, Auntie.

Jiang Chen’s hand, holding the cigarette, paused slightly. Chen Guo brought over the trash can to catch the falling ash.

Are you hungry?

Jiang Chen shook her head. You should go back.

Chen Guo acted as if she hadn’t heard, standing up instead. Take your bath. I’ll check what’s in the fridge and make you something to eat.

The bedroom door clicked shut.

Jiang Chen closed her eyes, leisurely finished her cigarette, stubbed it out, and tossed it into the trash can. She turned over, picked up the clothes that had fallen on the floor, put them on, and headed to the bathroom for a shower.

By the time she came out, noodles were already prepared—with greens, an egg, and a few slices of beef, looking quite appetizing. Jiang Chen sat down, loosely tied up her hair with a clip, picked up her chopsticks, and took a bite, chewing slowly.

Chen Guo sat across from her, watching expectantly. How does it taste? Is it good?

Not bad.

A smile touched Chen Guo’s lips. That’s good.

Jiang Chen tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and asked casually, Where are you staying now?

Jiayuan Community.

Renting?

Chen Guo’s lips curved slightly. Yeah.

Jiang Chen looked up abruptly. Let me buy you an apartment.

Chen Guo was taken aback. Why?

Because you don’t have one, Jiang Chen stated matter-of-factly.

I have a place to live. It’s not necessary, Chen Guo averted her gaze.

In her haste earlier, Chen Guo had tossed her white canvas bag carelessly by the entrance, and its contents had spilled all over the floor. She walked over and crouched down to tidy up.

Do you like eating that? a question came from behind her.

Chen Guo glanced at Jiang Chen and realized she was asking about the cheese stick in her hand. I wouldn’t say I like it particularly. A colleague gave it to me, and I couldn’t refuse.

The one who went to the supermarket with you during the day? Jiang Chen asked.

Chen Guo walked to the table and put her phone away as well. Yes, her name is Hao Xinyi. We teach the same class. She’s especially enthusiastic.

Jiang Chen asked, Are you two close?

We get along fine.

Jiang Chen put down her chopsticks and nodded. That’s good.

Chen Guo glanced at the clock on the wall and, seeing it was getting late, said goodbye: Auntie, I’m heading back now. You should rest early after you finish eating.

Jiang Chen looked at her. Think about the house matter.

Chen Guo lowered her eyes and let out a light laugh, the smile tinged with bitterness. There’s no need to go to such expense.

Just as she reached the door, she suddenly paused again. But we only slept together twice. I won’t make a fuss about anything.

·

Throughout the entire next day, Jiang Chen didn’t see that passing figure again outside the filming set.

During dinner that evening, Tang Jing placed a bottle of milk on Jiang Chen’s small table. What’s wrong? Waiting for someone?

Jiang Chen held her meal box, taking a bite of rice. Not waiting for anyone.

Tang Jing looked at her. If you’re not waiting for anyone, why do you keep looking around every time you take a break?

You’re seeing things.

Tang Jing sighed, sat down opposite Jiang Chen, picked up the bottled water from the table, unscrewed the cap, and took a sip. Casually, she asked, Is Chen Guo leaving again after returning this time?

Jiang Chen’s hand stilled, and she suddenly looked up. She’s leaving?

Tang Jing was taken aback for a moment, then laughed. How would I know? I’m asking you.

Realizing she had misheard, Jiang Chen lowered her eyelids and continued eating. I’m not sure.

Didn’t you ask?

Jiang Chen replied in an indifferent tone, Nothing worth asking.

Tang Jing paused for a few seconds. Jiang Chen, have you ever thought about what you truly want?

Jiang Chen’s chopsticks hesitated briefly, but she said nothing.

Tang Jing glanced at Jiang Chen and spoke bluntly, To be honest, you two aren’t really suited for each other, but I also don’t want to see you like this all the time.

Jiang Chen put down her chopsticks and turned to look at the busy crew on set. My sister is back. I need to leave for a while on Sunday evening. Please help me ask for leave from the director in advance.

Tang Jing was somewhat surprised. Jiang Yun is back?

Yeah.

Suddenly, Tang Jing understood a little of what was troubling Jiang Chen. How long will you be away? I’ll talk to the director.

Jiang Chen thought for a moment and said, About three hours.

.

It had been over four years since they last met. From the moment Chen Guo entered the private room that evening, Jiang Yun’s eyes were red. She held Chen Guo’s hand tightly, feeling both resentful and heartbroken. I’ve told you this will always be your home. You’re such a stubborn child—not coming back even once in all these years.

Chen Guo knew how good Jiang Yun had been to her, yet she only reached out when she needed something. She lowered her head. I’m sorry. It’s my fault.

Seeing her like this, Jiang Yun didn’t scold her too harshly and instead ruffled her hair. You have no idea how happy I was when I saw your message saying you were coming back to Shanghai for work. You’re not leaving again, are you?

Chen Guo shook her head. I’m not leaving.

Jiang Yun said with relief, That’s wonderful. Grandma and Auntie have missed you so much these past few years. From now on, our family can be together again.

Since Chen Guo wasn’t her biological granddaughter, Dai Xiaoqin had always maintained some distance from her. But Jiang Yun had treated Chen Guo as her own daughter all these years, so Dai Xiaoqin couldn’t express her reservations too openly. She went along with her daughter’s words: Yes, although Yu Liang is no longer with us, we’re still family. If you ever need anything, just tell Grandma.

Chen Guo curved her lips slightly. Thank you, Grandma.

As they spoke, the private room door opened.

Jiang Chen entered wearing a simple black T-shirt and jeans, a baseball cap on her head, her face completely free of makeup. Sorry I’m late, she said as she stepped inside. The traffic was pretty bad.

Jiang Yun turned her head and smiled. It’s fine. Mom, Guo Guo and I just arrived ourselves not long ago.

Jiang Chen placed her bag on the chair beside her and glanced at Chen Guo.

Chen Guo stood up, smiling as she greeted her: Auntie, long time no see.

Jiang Chen took her seat and returned a polite, somewhat distant smile. Long time no see. You’ve become more beautiful.

Jiang Yun pulled Chen Guo back down to sit, joking: Our Guo Guo is always beautiful.

Right, your daughter is always beautiful, Jiang Chen said with a slight curl of her lips, her eyes shifting away from Chen Guo. Have you ordered yet?

We ordered a while ago, Dai Xiaoqin glanced at her, complaining. I told you to come early, but you only show up now. Your sister’s back, and you don’t seem to care at all.

Jiang Chen smiled faintly, looking at Jiang Yun. How could I not care about my sister?

Jiang Yun chimed in: Exactly, Xiao Chen is usually busy with work, Mom. Don’t be so hard on her.

Dai Xiaoqin pressed her lips together and said nothing more.

During the meal, the conversation mostly revolved around Chen Guo. Jiang Yun, worried that she might not be adjusting well to her new job, asked numerous detailed questions. It was clear she truly saw Chen Guo as her own daughter. Eventually, the topic shifted to relationships, and Dai Xiaoqin asked if Chen Guo had a boyfriend.

Chen Guo: No.

Jiang Yun smiled helplessly. Mom, Guo Guo is still young. There’s no need to rush when it comes to relationships.

But Dai Xiaoqin disagreed. She should still start paying attention, or all the good ones will be taken.

Jiang Chen remained silent throughout, sitting like an outsider, drinking glass after glass of water.

Since Jiang Yun had limited mobility, Chen Guo, as the younger generation, poured juice for her and then turned to ask Jiang Chen: Auntie, what would you like to drink?

Jiang Chen seemed momentarily startled, looking up. Hot water is fine.

Chen Guo set down the juice and reached for the thermos, refilling Jiang Chen’s cup.

Their eyes accidentally met, then both subtly looked away. Jiang Chen lowered her gaze, her fingers lightly resting on the rim of her cup. Thank you.

Chen Guo smiled. You’re welcome.

The conversation returned to its previous topic. Jiang Yun suggested to Chen Guo: Renting a place right after graduation puts too much financial pressure on you. Why don’t you come live at home instead?

Ignoring the gaze from across the table, Chen Guo replied calmly: It’s alright, Auntie Yun. I’m sharing the rent with someone right now, so the monthly cost isn’t actually that much after splitting it.

Jiang Yun frowned slightly. You’re still sharing with someone? Is it a man or a woman? Do you know them?

Seeing her daughter so concerned, Dai Xiaoqin glanced at Jiang Chen and suddenly spoke up: That reminds me, Chen Chen, isn’t that apartment of yours near Jinyuan still empty?

Jiang Chen paused for a moment, then responded softly: Yes, it’s still empty.

Dai Xiaoqin turned to Chen Guo with a smile and said, The house is sitting empty anyway. Why don’t you move in first, Guoguo? You’ve lived there before, so you’re familiar with the neighborhood, and it’s convenient for work. That way, your Aunt Yun won’t worry.

Chen Guo didn’t respond immediately, instead turning to look at Jiang Chen.

Everyone at the table was watching her. Jiang Chen’s lips curved slightly in a faint smile. Go ahead and stay.

Chen Guo looked somewhat embarrassed. Then I’ll be troubling you, Auntie.

Jiang Chen gave a hollow smile. Not at all.

The meal lasted until nearly ten o’clock. Jiang Yun initially wanted Chen Guo to come home and stay with her for the night, but upon learning that Chen Guo had classes the next day, she didn’t insist. Instead, she asked Jiang Chen to drive her back.

The car remained parked, engine off. Jiang Chen took off her hat and glanced at the silent figure through the rearview mirror.

If you wanted the apartment at Yongjin Garden, you should have said so directly. Why all the roundabout tactics?

Chen Guo looked up and explained, Auntie, you’ve misunderstood.

Jiang Chen gave her a faint, mocking glance. So eager to live with me?

Chen Guo lowered her eyes and denied it. No. If you find it troublesome, I can tell Aunt Yun I won’t stay.

Jiang Chen curled her lips sarcastically. If you really didn’t want to stay, you would have refused at the dinner table. What would it look like if you back out now? Like I’m bullying you?

Chen Guo bowed her head. You’re right. I wasn’t considerate enough.

Jiang Chen had no patience for this act. She directly pulled a spare key from her bag and tossed it over.

This is a spare key. The passcode is the same as before—I haven’t changed it.

Then she started the car.

When they reached the entrance of the residential area, Jiang Chen didn’t get out. She glanced toward the gate and said meaningfully, Are you sharing the rent with someone?

Yes. Chen Guo looked at her. Do you want to come up and see?

Jiang Chen was taken aback for a moment, then averted her gaze. No need.

Chen Guo got out of the car, bent down, and said to the person inside, Drive safely on your way back.

Jiang Chen glanced at her. I have a lot going on lately. If you’re moving in, arrange the move yourself. I won’t be coming over.

Chen Guo paused, murmuring softly, So you’re not coming home either?

We’ll see.

Without looking at her, Jiang Chen rolled up the window, turned the car around, and drove off.