She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 5:

Chapter 05:

She Was Indeed Pretending

During the climax of the film shoot, there were emotionally intense crying scenes every day. Jiang Chen had no mental space to think about anything else during that period, focusing entirely on completing her work before flying to Beijing for a charity gala.

The constant travel left Jiang Chen utterly exhausted. Upon returning to Shanghai, she was supposed to attend a dinner that evening but lacked the energy, so she sent Tang Jing in her place.

It had been exactly ten days since she last visited. Jiang Chen went upstairs and opened the door to complete darkness. Standing at the doorway, she paused momentarily before switching on the light, her gaze sweeping across the living room.

The room remained exactly as she had left it – clearly no one had been staying there. Jiang Chen’s face darkened as she tossed her sunglasses and the trinkets she bought at the airport onto the entryway table without a second glance, heading straight to her bedroom.

Lying in bed, she remained awake for a long time, inexplicably recalling how it had been the same when Chen Guo last stayed at her home.

Back then, she had just turned twenty-nine and won the Best Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for her role in Irreconcilable, becoming the youngest mainland actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Chinese film awards.

During that period, the internet was flooded with coverage about Jiang Chen. Media outlets compared her previous award-winning films, marveling at her increasingly refined acting skills. The public labeled her with various titles – born filmmaker, the future of Chinese cinema, goddess-like award-winning actress, and more.

Along with positive coverage came negative press. Marketing accounts couldn’t resist fabricating stories about her romantic history, claiming she’d never been without male company since entering the entertainment industry – from directors to co-stars, she’d supposedly been involved with them all. They supported these claims with carefully selected photos, making the stories sound convincing.

At the time, Jiang Chen’s schedule was so packed she only managed three to four hours of sleep per day, leaving no time to address such speculative rumors.

Fortunately, audiences maintained their character-based affection for her and didn’t believe the baseless gossip, even confronting the rumor-spreading accounts until they deleted posts and disabled comments.

When speculation failed to gain traction, paparazzi began staking out Jiang Chen around the clock, hoping to capture real evidence. Not wanting her family affected, Jiang Chen avoided going home for an extended period.

One day after recording a talk show, Jiang Chen suddenly received a call from Dai Xiaoqin asking where she was, the tone sounding troubled.

Sensing something was wrong, Jiang Chen dismissed the staff around her before asking, Mom, I’ve been quite busy lately. Is something happening at home?

Then send me your address. I’ll come see you, and we’ll talk in person, Dai Xiaoqin said before hanging up.

With an afternoon photoshoot scheduled, Jiang Chen couldn’t get away, so she arranged for Tang Jing to pick up Dai Xiaoqin. Disguised as staff members, the two women came upstairs together.

Alright everyone, you’ve worked all morning. Go get some lunch, Tang Jing said, ushering the makeup artist and stylist out before closing the door.

Jiang Chen approached and asked, Mom, have you eaten?

I have, Dai Xiaoqin placed her bag on the sofa, glanced at Jiang Chen, hesitated briefly, then said directly, I need to ask you for a favor.

Jiang Chen was taken aback, sitting beside her. Mom, don’t say it like that.

Upon further inquiry, she learned it was about Chen Guo.

Not long after Jiang Yun and Gao Yuliang married, Dai Xiaoqin had used connections to transfer Chen Guo to a new school – the city’s best private high school. The family had even shared a meal together to celebrate the occasion at the time.

As a teacher, Gao Yuliang understood very well that better schools could offer students more resources and opportunities. He wasn’t one for flowery words, so he stood up and raised his glass to Dai Xiaoqin. Thank you, Mom.

Though brief, his words were sincere and heartfelt.

Dai Xiaoqin quickly motioned for Gao Yuliang to sit down, speaking with deep feeling, Since you and Yun Yun are married now, we’re family. Guo Guo is a sensible child. Although I’m not her biological grandmother, I treat her as my own and will do everything possible to provide her with the best living and educational conditions.

Gao Yuliang nodded. Yes, thank you.

Jiang Yun was deeply moved by her mother’s actions. She reached under the table to hold her husband’s hand. Thank you, Mom.

You’re my own flesh and blood. There’s no need for thanks.

Only after speaking did Master remember to ask the person in question. Guo Guo, Grandma found you the best high school in the city. Would you like to transfer there?

Chen Guo looked up at the elders present, smiled, and said, Okay.

The new school was excellent in every way, except it was too far from home. After transferring, Chen Guo began boarding at the school.

Being a transfer student, Chen Guo wasn’t familiar with her classmates. Usually quiet and reserved, she disliked socializing and spoke to others in a cool, detached manner. This gradually bred dissatisfaction among several girls in her dormitory, who often gossiped about her behind her back.

They criticized her for using a cheap phone worth only a few hundred yuan and wearing clothes from street stalls that cost just tens of yuan, calling her poor yet pretentious.

Seriously, even my grandma doesn’t use that brand of phone. I don’t know why she acts so aloof all day.

Just as one roommate finished speaking, Chen Guo returned, and the dorm immediately fell silent. The girls continued their complaints in a group chat, occasionally bursting into harsh, mocking laughter.

Chen Guo seemed unaffected by this. She quietly went about her own business and went to bed at the usual time.

However, this superficial harmony didn’t last long. One day, a roommate discovered that more than half of her newly purchased perfume was missing. The girl immediately became frantic, first loudly complaining in the dorm that her perfume was a brand-name product costing fifteen hundred yuan, then turning her gaze toward Chen Guo’s bed.

Before she could search it, Chen Guo returned with her backpack. Glancing at the girls gathered around her bed, she said, Please move aside.

The girl who lost the perfume frowned and was about to say something when she suddenly caught a whiff of a floral sweetness—the exact scent of her new perfume—emanating from Chen Guo.

Furious, the girl pointed at Chen Guo and called her a thief.

Chen Guo looked at her and replied calmly, I’m not.

That scent on you is from my perfume! Don’t try to deny it. Where did you hide it? Give it back now!

Ignoring her, Chen Guo set down her backpack and went to wash up.

The girl glared at her, climbed up the ladder, and tore apart Chen Guo’s bedding. After a thorough search revealed nothing, she came back down and rummaged through the drawers and backpack, but still found nothing.

Fuming, the girl stormed onto the balcony and blocked Chen Guo, who was on her way to brush her teeth. You must have hidden it on you.

Chen Guo glanced at her disheveled bed and desk. It wasn’t me.

You even have the scent of my perfume on you, and you still deny it? The girl grabbed Chen Guo’s arm and called to the other roommates, Come hold her down! I’m going to find it today. Let’s see what excuses you have left, you thief!

The roommates rushed over, but before they could lay a hand on her.

A sharp slap echoed through the room.

The dorm fell into deathly silence. The girl covered her cheek, slowly turning her head with a stunned expression as she stared at Chen Guo.

The other girls froze in place, not daring to approach any further.

Chen Guo cast them a cold glance. I told you it wasn’t me.

·

Are you saying Chen Guo hit someone? Jiang Chen thought she must have misheard, her face full of disbelief.

Dai Xiaoqin sighed. That child usually seems so well-behaved. If your sister hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have believed it.

Jiang Chen asked, Then, how was the matter resolved in the end?

Dai Xiaoqin explained, The teacher had both families come to school to clarify things. Guo Guo didn’t steal that girl’s perfume—she bought it herself and still had the receipt. Meanwhile, that girl comes from an average family but cares too much about appearances. She told her classmates and teacher that a forty or fifty yuan perfume was worth fifteen hundred.

Jiang Chen understood immediately and said without thinking, No wonder Chen Guo hit her.

Dai Xiaoqin patted her arm disapprovingly. No matter what, she shouldn’t have resorted to violence. You don’t know how many trips your sister had to make to school to resolve this—her leg nearly got infected again.

Is my sister okay? Jiang Chen asked urgently.

We took her to the hospital. Her leg is fine, just needs rest. But she’s still upset about the whole thing. Your sister thinks the school environment is poor and now insists on transferring Chen Guo back to live at home so she can keep an eye on her.

Dai Xiaoqin sounded annoyed as she continued, I never even make her lift a finger at home, and now she’s married and has to take care of someone else’s child. I really don’t understand her thinking. If anything happens to Chen Guo at school, her biological father is there to handle it. But your sister acts like Chen Guo is her own daughter, insisting on doing everything personally.

After listening quietly for a moment, Jiang Chen suggested, If Sister really wants Chen Guo to transfer back as a day student, maybe we should hire a housemaid. That would make things easier.

That won’t do, Dai Xiaoqin refused without hesitation. Gao Yuliang’s apartment is too small—how many people can it accommodate? Besides, they just got married. With so many people around, your sister wouldn’t feel comfortable either.

Jiang Chen acknowledged this was true and was considering whether to help Jiang Yun find a larger place when Dai Xiaoqin suddenly grasped her hand. I actually have an idea, but I’m not sure if it will work.

Go ahead, Mom, Jiang Chen encouraged.

Dai Xiaoqin pressed her lips together. Well, I have an old classmate who works in the academic affairs office at Jinyuan Middle School. I consulted with her, and Chen Guo’s situation would allow her to transfer there. But Jinyuan is too far from your sister’s place—she’d still need to board there, and your sister doesn’t trust the school accommodations. So I was thinking… maybe Guo Guo could stay with you? Yongjin Garden is quite close to Jinyuan Middle School, right?

Jiang Chen understood her mother’s meaning but didn’t immediately agree.

Her Yongjin Garden apartment had three bedrooms and two living rooms—there was certainly space for another person. However, she was constantly followed by paparazzi these days. When she didn’t go home it was fine, but if Chen Guo stayed with her, the girl would likely be affected by the media attention.

Seeing Jiang Chen’s prolonged silence, Dai Xiaoqin assumed she was unwilling and gave her a stern look. Now that you’re a big star, you don’t care about your sister’s happiness anymore.

……

The words struck a nerve. Jiang Chen lifted her head sharply. Mom, you know everything I’m doing—all the effort I put into acting—is to give you all a better life.

Dai Xiaoqin froze for a moment before tears welled up in her eyes.

Jiang Chen saw the tears on Dai Xiaoqin’s face and felt as if something heavy was pressing on her chest—oppressive and suffocating, mixed with an indescribable unease.

She licked her lips, clenched her hands into fists, and tried to say something to make the other person stop.

Dai Xiaoqin sobbed softly and began blaming herself, It’s all my fault. Back then, you were so young. If I hadn’t left you and your sister at home, you wouldn’t have had to go out to buy food, and Yunyun wouldn’t have been hit by a car while trying to save you, losing a leg in the process. In the end, it’s my fault—I failed in my duty as a mother.

Whether from nervousness or distress, Jiang Chen broke out in a cold sweat, her face turning pale. Every cell in her body resisted the words coming from outside, triggering an instinctive reaction to protect herself.

Jiang Chen hugged Dai Xiaoqin tightly, like a child admitting a mistake, and whispered, I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I let my sister down.

She knew that every time her mother heard these words, she would stop crying.

This time was no different. Dai Xiaoqin gradually stopped sobbing and hugged Jiang Chen back. Your sister has had such a hard life.

I’ll help my sister, Jiang Chen promised.

Dai Xiaoqin patted her head gently. Good child, you’ve worked hard.

Not long after, Chen Guo transferred to Jinyuan School and moved into Yongjin Garden.

Jiang Chen was busy with work and didn’t return until nearly half a month after Chen Guo had moved in.

That night, she arrived home very late, assuming Chen Guo was already asleep. She entered quietly, only to find the light still on in the second bedroom.

The door was slightly ajar, and the person inside seemed to be chatting with someone.

This would be their first meeting since Chen Guo had moved in. As Dai Xiaoqin had said, children grow up and understand everything.

So Jiang Chen hadn’t returned empty-handed—she had brought a gift for Chen Guo.

Since the other person was still awake, now was the perfect time to give it to her.

Jiang Chen took the gift out of her suitcase and walked over. Just as she reached the door, she heard a tone she didn’t recognize.

There’s no one at home—no one to keep an eye on me.

Chen Guo, apparently talking to someone, laughed in response to something the other person said. Her voice sounded careless and flippant.

There was no trace of the timid, obedient girl from before.

She’s not doing this for my sake. She’s afraid I’ll disrupt her daughter’s newlywed life, so she sent me away.

What does it matter? I have plenty of ways to make sure things don’t go her way.

In that moment, only one thought crossed Jiang Chen’s mind:

She really has been pretending all along.

Chapter 05

She Was Indeed Pretending

During the climax of the film shoot, there were emotionally intense crying scenes every day. Jiang Chen had no mental space to think about anything else during that period, focusing entirely on completing her work before flying to Beijing for a charity gala.

The constant travel left Jiang Chen utterly exhausted. Upon returning to Shanghai, she was supposed to attend a dinner that evening but lacked the energy, so she sent Tang Jing in her place.

It had been exactly ten days since she last visited. Jiang Chen went upstairs and opened the door to complete darkness. Standing at the doorway, she paused momentarily before switching on the light, her gaze sweeping across the living room.

The room remained exactly as she had left it – clearly no one had been staying there. Jiang Chen’s face darkened as she tossed her sunglasses and the trinkets she bought at the airport onto the entryway table without a second glance, heading straight to her bedroom.

Lying in bed, she remained awake for a long time, inexplicably recalling how it had been the same when Chen Guo last stayed at her home.

Back then, she had just turned twenty-nine and won the Best Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for her role in Irreconcilable, becoming the youngest mainland actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Chinese film awards.

During that period, the internet was flooded with coverage about Jiang Chen. Media outlets compared her previous award-winning films, marveling at her increasingly refined acting skills. The public labeled her with various titles – born filmmaker, the future of Chinese cinema, goddess-like award-winning actress, and more.

Along with positive coverage came negative press. Marketing accounts couldn’t resist fabricating stories about her romantic history, claiming she’d never been without male company since entering the entertainment industry – from directors to co-stars, she’d supposedly been involved with them all. They supported these claims with carefully selected photos, making the stories sound convincing.

At the time, Jiang Chen’s schedule was so packed she only managed three to four hours of sleep per day, leaving no time to address such speculative rumors.

Fortunately, audiences maintained their character-based affection for her and didn’t believe the baseless gossip, even confronting the rumor-spreading accounts until they deleted posts and disabled comments.

When speculation failed to gain traction, paparazzi began staking out Jiang Chen around the clock, hoping to capture real evidence. Not wanting her family affected, Jiang Chen avoided going home for an extended period.

One day after recording a talk show, Jiang Chen suddenly received a call from Dai Xiaoqin asking where she was, the tone sounding troubled.

Sensing something was wrong, Jiang Chen dismissed the staff around her before asking, Mom, I’ve been quite busy lately. Is something happening at home?

Then send me your address. I’ll come see you, and we’ll talk in person, Dai Xiaoqin said before hanging up.

With an afternoon photoshoot scheduled, Jiang Chen couldn’t get away, so she arranged for Tang Jing to pick up Dai Xiaoqin. Disguised as staff members, the two women came upstairs together.

Alright everyone, you’ve worked all morning. Go get some lunch, Tang Jing said, ushering the makeup artist and stylist out before closing the door.

Jiang Chen approached and asked, Mom, have you eaten?

I have, Dai Xiaoqin placed her bag on the sofa, glanced at Jiang Chen, hesitated briefly, then said directly, I need to ask you for a favor.

Jiang Chen was taken aback, sitting beside her. Mom, don’t say it like that.

Upon further inquiry, she learned it was about Chen Guo.

Not long after Jiang Yun and Gao Yuliang married, Dai Xiaoqin had used connections to transfer Chen Guo to a new school – the city’s best private high school. The family had even shared a meal together to celebrate the occasion at the time.

As a teacher, Gao Yuliang understood very well that better schools could offer students more resources and opportunities. He wasn’t one for flowery words, so he stood up and raised his glass to Dai Xiaoqin. Thank you, Mom.

Though brief, his words were sincere and heartfelt.

Dai Xiaoqin quickly motioned for Gao Yuliang to sit down, speaking with deep feeling, Since you and Yun Yun are married now, we’re family. Guo Guo is a sensible child. Although I’m not her biological grandmother, I treat her as my own and will do everything possible to provide her with the best living and educational conditions.

Gao Yuliang nodded. Yes, thank you.

Jiang Yun was deeply moved by her mother’s actions. She reached under the table to hold her husband’s hand. Thank you, Mom.

You’re my own flesh and blood. There’s no need for thanks.

Only after speaking did Master remember to ask the person in question. Guo Guo, Grandma found you the best high school in the city. Would you like to transfer there?

Chen Guo looked up at the elders present, smiled, and said, Okay.

The new school was excellent in every way, except it was too far from home. After transferring, Chen Guo began boarding at the school.

Being a transfer student, Chen Guo wasn’t familiar with her classmates. Usually quiet and reserved, she disliked socializing and spoke to others in a cool, detached manner. This gradually bred dissatisfaction among several girls in her dormitory, who often gossiped about her behind her back.

They criticized her for using a cheap phone worth only a few hundred yuan and wearing clothes from street stalls that cost just tens of yuan, calling her poor yet pretentious.

Seriously, even my grandma doesn’t use that brand of phone. I don’t know why she acts so aloof all day.

Just as one roommate finished speaking, Chen Guo returned, and the dorm immediately fell silent. The girls continued their complaints in a group chat, occasionally bursting into harsh, mocking laughter.

Chen Guo seemed unaffected by this. She quietly went about her own business and went to bed at the usual time.

However, this superficial harmony didn’t last long. One day, a roommate discovered that more than half of her newly purchased perfume was missing. The girl immediately became frantic, first loudly complaining in the dorm that her perfume was a brand-name product costing fifteen hundred yuan, then turning her gaze toward Chen Guo’s bed.

Before she could search it, Chen Guo returned with her backpack. Glancing at the girls gathered around her bed, she said, Please move aside.

The girl who lost the perfume frowned and was about to say something when she suddenly caught a whiff of a floral sweetness—the exact scent of her new perfume—emanating from Chen Guo.

Furious, the girl pointed at Chen Guo and called her a thief.

Chen Guo looked at her and replied calmly, I’m not.

That scent on you is from my perfume! Don’t try to deny it. Where did you hide it? Give it back now!

Ignoring her, Chen Guo set down her backpack and went to wash up.

The girl glared at her, climbed up the ladder, and tore apart Chen Guo’s bedding. After a thorough search revealed nothing, she came back down and rummaged through the drawers and backpack, but still found nothing.

Fuming, the girl stormed onto the balcony and blocked Chen Guo, who was on her way to brush her teeth. You must have hidden it on you.

Chen Guo glanced at her disheveled bed and desk. It wasn’t me.

You even have the scent of my perfume on you, and you still deny it? The girl grabbed Chen Guo’s arm and called to the other roommates, Come hold her down! I’m going to find it today. Let’s see what excuses you have left, you thief!

The roommates rushed over, but before they could lay a hand on her.

A sharp slap echoed through the room.

The dorm fell into deathly silence. The girl covered her cheek, slowly turning her head with a stunned expression as she stared at Chen Guo.

The other girls froze in place, not daring to approach any further.

Chen Guo cast them a cold glance. I told you it wasn’t me.

Are you saying Chen Guo hit someone? Jiang Chen thought she must have misheard, her face full of disbelief.

Dai Xiaoqin sighed. That child usually seems so well-behaved. If your sister hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have believed it.

Jiang Chen asked, Then, how was the matter resolved in the end?

Dai Xiaoqin explained, The teacher had both families come to school to clarify things. Guo Guo didn’t steal that girl’s perfume—she bought it herself and still had the receipt. Meanwhile, that girl comes from an average family but cares too much about appearances. She told her classmates and teacher that a forty or fifty yuan perfume was worth fifteen hundred.

Jiang Chen understood immediately and said without thinking, No wonder Chen Guo hit her.

Dai Xiaoqin patted her arm disapprovingly. No matter what, she shouldn’t have resorted to violence. You don’t know how many trips your sister had to make to school to resolve this—her leg nearly got infected again.

Is my sister okay? Jiang Chen asked urgently.

We took her to the hospital. Her leg is fine, just needs rest. But she’s still upset about the whole thing. Your sister thinks the school environment is poor and now insists on transferring Chen Guo back to live at home so she can keep an eye on her.

Dai Xiaoqin sounded annoyed as she continued, I never even make her lift a finger at home, and now she’s married and has to take care of someone else’s child. I really don’t understand her thinking. If anything happens to Chen Guo at school, her biological father is there to handle it. But your sister acts like Chen Guo is her own daughter, insisting on doing everything personally.

After listening quietly for a moment, Jiang Chen suggested, If Sister really wants Chen Guo to transfer back as a day student, maybe we should hire a housemaid. That would make things easier.

That won’t do, Dai Xiaoqin refused without hesitation. Gao Yuliang’s apartment is too small—how many people can it accommodate? Besides, they just got married. With so many people around, your sister wouldn’t feel comfortable either.

Jiang Chen acknowledged this was true and was considering whether to help Jiang Yun find a larger place when Dai Xiaoqin suddenly grasped her hand. I actually have an idea, but I’m not sure if it will work.

Go ahead, Mom, Jiang Chen encouraged.

Dai Xiaoqin pressed her lips together. Well, I have an old classmate who works in the academic affairs office at Jinyuan Middle School. I consulted with her, and Chen Guo’s situation would allow her to transfer there. But Jinyuan is too far from your sister’s place—she’d still need to board there, and your sister doesn’t trust the school accommodations. So I was thinking… maybe Guo Guo could stay with you? Yongjin Garden is quite close to Jinyuan Middle School, right?

Jiang Chen understood her mother’s meaning but didn’t immediately agree.

Her Yongjin Garden apartment had three bedrooms and two living rooms—there was certainly space for another person. However, she was constantly followed by paparazzi these days. When she didn’t go home it was fine, but if Chen Guo stayed with her, the girl would likely be affected by the media attention.

Seeing Jiang Chen’s prolonged silence, Dai Xiaoqin assumed she was unwilling and gave her a stern look. Now that you’re a big star, you don’t care about your sister’s happiness anymore.

……

The words struck a nerve. Jiang Chen lifted her head sharply. Mom, you know everything I’m doing—all the effort I put into acting—is to give you all a better life.

Dai Xiaoqin froze for a moment before tears welled up in her eyes.

Jiang Chen saw the tears on Dai Xiaoqin’s face and felt as if something heavy was pressing on her chest—oppressive and suffocating, mixed with an indescribable unease.

She licked her lips, clenched her hands into fists, and tried to say something to make the other person stop.

Dai Xiaoqin sobbed softly and began blaming herself, It’s all my fault. Back then, you were so young. If I hadn’t left you and your sister at home, you wouldn’t have had to go out to buy food, and Yunyun wouldn’t have been hit by a car while trying to save you, losing a leg in the process. In the end, it’s my fault—I failed in my duty as a mother.

Whether from nervousness or distress, Jiang Chen broke out in a cold sweat, her face turning pale. Every cell in her body resisted the words coming from outside, triggering an instinctive reaction to protect herself.

Jiang Chen hugged Dai Xiaoqin tightly, like a child admitting a mistake, and whispered, I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I let my sister down.

She knew that every time her mother heard these words, she would stop crying.

This time was no different. Dai Xiaoqin gradually stopped sobbing and hugged Jiang Chen back. Your sister has had such a hard life.

I’ll help my sister, Jiang Chen promised.

Dai Xiaoqin patted her head gently. Good child, you’ve worked hard.

Not long after, Chen Guo transferred to Jinyuan School and moved into Yongjin Garden.

Jiang Chen was busy with work and didn’t return until nearly half a month after Chen Guo had moved in.

That night, she arrived home very late, assuming Chen Guo was already asleep. She entered quietly, only to find the light still on in the second bedroom.

The door was slightly ajar, and the person inside seemed to be chatting with someone.

This would be their first meeting since Chen Guo had moved in. As Dai Xiaoqin had said, children grow up and understand everything.

So Jiang Chen hadn’t returned empty-handed—she had brought a gift for Chen Guo.

Since the other person was still awake, now was the perfect time to give it to her.

Jiang Chen took the gift out of her suitcase and walked over. Just as she reached the door, she heard a tone she didn’t recognize.

There’s no one at home—no one to keep an eye on me.

Chen Guo, apparently talking to someone, laughed in response to something the other person said. Her voice sounded careless and flippant.

There was no trace of the timid, obedient girl from before.

She’s not doing this for my sake. She’s afraid I’ll disrupt her daughter’s newlywed life, so she sent me away.

What does it matter? I have plenty of ways to make sure things don’t go her way.

In that moment, only one thought crossed Jiang Chen’s mind:

She really has been pretending all along.