She Is Seriously Ill - Chapter 8:

Chapter 08:

Stop pretending. I heard everything.

Chen Guo didn’t have many belongings – just two suitcases after packing. She had texted Jiang Chen a day earlier to ask if moving in on Saturday would be convenient.

She sent the message in the morning but didn’t receive a reply until evening: [Up to you.]

Jiang Chen’s film wrapped today, and rumors were flying among the students. But the production crew maintained strict confidentiality, making it impossible to find out when Jiang Chen would leave campus.

During lunch, some fans had sneaked into the gymnasium only to find it already empty.

With the crew gone, the school no longer restricted students and teachers from discussing the matter privately. The staff room was particularly lively that evening, but Chen Guo didn’t join the conversation. After finishing her lesson plans, she glanced at those two words on her phone again before setting it down.

She stood up, gathered her things, and left. Only when she reached the entrance of her residential complex did she reply, Okay.

With no classes on the weekend, Chen Guo woke naturally in the morning. Her routine remained unchanged – washing up, having breakfast, then hailing a taxi with her two suitcases to Yongjin Garden.

Upon arrival, Chen Guo rang the doorbell first, but when no one answered after some time, she entered using the passcode.

The interior remained unchanged, yet her feelings differed slightly from her previous two visits. Chen Guo placed her keys in the entryway, wheeled her luggage into the living room, stood for a moment, then turned to look toward the room she had occupied before.

It was at that very doorway that Jiang Chen had first looked at her with those cold, unfamiliar eyes.

·

She remembered it had been very late. Home alone, Chen Guo had only turned on the bedroom lights. After venting to a childhood friend about her recent life over the phone, she felt thirsty and planned to get some water before bed.

She never expected that the person who had messaged about bringing her a gift upon returning tomorrow would be standing outside her door at that moment.

Seeing Jiang Chen, Chen Guo froze for two seconds before remembering to address her. Auntie, you—

If you didn’t want to live in the dorm, you could have said so directly. Why go through all this trouble? Jiang Chen questioned her coldly.

Chen Guo blinked several times while looking at Jiang Chen. Auntie, what are you talking about?

Stop pretending. I heard everything.

Jiang Chen stared at Chen Guo, utterly furious. While she always believed human nature tended toward evil, actually hearing Chen Guo speak those words with such indifference still sent chills down her spine.

Do you know my sister’s leg nearly got infected because of your school situation? It’s fine if you don’t consider us family, if you feel distant or uncomfortable. I told you before – you can take your time. I never demanded you open up to us immediately. But you should show basic respect. You shouldn’t manipulate adults like this. And search your conscience – has my sister treated you poorly?

Had Jiang Yun treated her well?

Chen Guo seriously considered this question. Jiang Yun had arranged a good school for her, visited every weekend, bought her clothes and snacks, and even stood up for her when teachers expressed doubts about her.

Yes… Chen Guo’s voice dropped to almost inaudible. That’s why I don’t want to live in the dorm.

With her mother deceased and father remarried, Jiang Chen understood Chen Guo’s fear of abandonment. She pressed her lips together, her tone less harsh than before. Then you should voice your thoughts so we can discuss them together, rather than using such methods and simply presenting us with a fait accompli.

Chen Guo stood stunned.

When her mother was alive, she never taught her to act this way. Her mother only told her to smile when meeting people, to respond with a smile no matter what others said, never to argue back, and to endure even when feeling uncomfortable inside.

Because only this way would make her likable, and being likable meant she could continue staying in a household.

Later, it proved her mother was right. Every time she moved to a new home, as long as she smiled and tried to please, the uncles would like her very much.

But this time, after arriving at the new family, before she even had a chance to please her new family members, she was sent to a boarding school.

Fortunately, her new classmates didn’t like her much, and the girls in her dorm often excluded her together. Chen Guo wasn’t angry; instead, she felt happy.

Because she would soon be able to transfer back and live with her dad and Aunt Jiang.

One day during PE class, her period came unexpectedly early. She didn’t have any sanitary pads with her, and her pants got stained. She had to ask the teacher for permission to go back to the dorm and change.

When Chen Guo reached the dormitory door, she saw one of her roommates secretly pouring another roommate’s perfume into the sink.

She quietly walked away without saying anything. Chen Guo didn’t know that the perfume her roommate always boasted about was a fake, nor did she care that so-called best friends could secretly envy you and pour out your perfume. She had only one thought: to go back home.

So she used all her savings to buy a bottle of the same perfume.

The roommate who lost the perfume had always disliked her the most. If she dared to use it, there would definitely be conflict.

Afterward, the teacher tried to reason with her, saying she shouldn’t be so impulsive next time and that she couldn’t just slap a classmate.

Chen Guo didn’t say anything.

But she knew very well: if she didn’t hit the classmate, how could she make a big scene?

If she didn’t make a big scene, who would take her home?

As she wished, things developed in the direction she hoped. Unfortunately, Jiang Chen discovered her secret.

Jiang Chen probably started disliking her from that point on.

Who would like a scheming, manipulative bad kid?

Jiang Chen had been away for too long, and most of the fruits and vegetables in the fridge had gone bad. After unpacking the things she brought, Chen Guo picked out all the spoiled food and threw it away, then wiped the inside and outside of the fridge clean.

By the time she finished, it was almost noon. She used two fairly fresh green peppers to make a bowl of stir-fried pork with green pepper noodles. Just as she started eating, she got a call from Hao Xinyi.

Teacher Chen, what are you up to this weekend?

Chen Guo put down her chopsticks and said, Eating at home.

Hao Xinyi asked with a laugh, Are you free this afternoon? My aunt’s kitten gave birth to two little kittens—they’re super cute. I reserved one in advance and am going to pick it up this afternoon. Want to come with me? We can go shopping too.

Chen Guo wasn’t very interested and politely declined, I have a courseware to work on this afternoon, probably no time.

Hao Xinyi sighed, What courseware has to be done this afternoon? Can’t you do it tonight? Staying home on the weekend is so boring. Come out and get some fresh air.

Chen Guo smiled and said, How about next week? If I’m free then, I’ll definitely go.

Hao Xinyi wasn’t ready to give up and tempted her, The kittens are so adorable—don’t you want to come pet them? And you have no idea how smart my aunt’s kitten is. Every time my aunt and uncle argue, she’ll rub against one, then go rub against the other, and they make up right away. It’s absolutely magical.

Can cats really help two people reconcile? Chen Guo asked, then found the question absurd and chuckled softly, lowering her head.

Hao Xinyi, however, nodded vigorously. Of course! Cats are humanity’s best friends—they’re very intuitive. Experts say keeping a cat can prevent depression and relieve anxiety.

Chen Guo licked her lips. Alright, I’ll come see you this afternoon to check out this miraculous cat.

Perfect! See you then.

When they met in the afternoon, Hao Xinyi arrived not only carrying a cat carrier and teaser wand but also holding a bouquet made of cat treats. Seeing this, Chen Guo smiled and remarked, She’s going to be a very happy kitten.

Hao Xinyi said proudly, Of course, she’s my little darling.

Chen Guo accompanied Hao Xinyi to her aunt’s house. Since it was the weekend, the whole family was home, gathered around three cats as if entertaining children, chatting animatedly.

The warm, harmonious family atmosphere gave Chen Guo a peculiar feeling. Watching these strangers, she felt an inexplicable sense of envy.

After bringing the kitten home, Hao Xinyi used it as an excuse to treat Chen Guo to hot pot again. Unsure if Jiang Chen would return today and having nothing else to do, Chen Guo agreed.

They ate until nearly nine. On the way back, Chen Guo found Hao Xinyi’s Alipay account and transferred half the dinner cost to her.

Shortly after, Hao Xinyi sent a: ?

Chen Guo didn’t reply. She put her phone in her bag and walked toward the residential complex. Nearing her building entrance, she suddenly remembered she was almost out of toothpaste and turned back to find a convenience store.

After the detour, Chen Guo arrived at her doorstep with a light sweat on her forehead. She wiped it with one hand while using the other to enter the passcode.

She had already visualized her next steps: enter, turn on lights, change shoes, go inside… But unexpectedly, when she pulled the door open, all the indoor lights were on, glaringly bright.

With a shoot scheduled in Qingdao next week, the crew had celebrated their milestone victory with a dinner last night. Jiang Chen had drunk too much, hadn’t recovered properly at the hotel, and had continued sleeping after arriving home in the afternoon.

Having eaten nothing all day, Jiang Chen’s stomach ached from hunger. She was preparing food in the kitchen when she heard the door open. Glancing back and seeing it was Chen Guo, she showed no particular reaction before turning back to stir the congee.

Auntie, you’re back? Chen Guo greeted her.

Jiang Chen, feeling unwell with stomach discomfort and a dull headache, responded dismissively, Mm.

Chen Guo placed her purchases on the table and walked toward the kitchen. It’s so late—haven’t you eaten yet?

Mm. Jiang Chen braced herself against the counter, glancing at Chen Guo. Didn’t make any for you.

Chen Guo said, I’ve already eaten.

Jiang Chen nodded understandingly.

Noticing Jiang Chen seemed unwell, Chen Guo approached and said, Are you feeling sick somewhere? Let me handle this—you should rest.

No need for such filial piety. Mind your own business.

Chen Guo didn’t insist, nodding as she replied, Alright, I’ll go to my room then.

The sound of a closing door soon followed from behind. Jiang Chen’s eyelids drooped slightly. She gave the pot a few more stirs with the ladle before turning off the heat, fetching a clean bowl to serve the congee.

She brought it to the dining table, sitting down to eat slowly. Half an hour later, the recently closed bedroom door still hadn’t reopened, and it was already quite late.

Jiang Chen smoothed her messy hair, stood up, and walked to Chen Guo’s door, knocking lightly. Are you asleep?

There was no response from inside. Jiang Chen waited for a moment, then decided to let it go—it would be the same if they discussed it tomorrow. Just as she turned to leave, the door suddenly opened. Chen Guo looked at her, showing no intention of speaking first.

Jiang Chen averted her gaze and got straight to the point: Did my sister send you a message? She and my mom are coming over tomorrow. There’s not much food left at home. If you have time tomorrow morning, could you go buy some groceries? I’ll transfer you the money later.

Sure, what should I buy? Chen Guo asked.

Usually, it was Tang Jing who stocked the fridge, so Jiang Chen couldn’t think of anything specific right away. She pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and said, My sister likes seafood. Buy some crabs and shrimp. For the rest—just get whatever you’d like to eat.

Chen Guo nodded. Okay.

That’s all. You can go back to sleep. Jiang Chen also intended to return to her bedroom.

Suddenly, Chen Guo called out to her, Auntie.

Jiang Chen turned back.

Can I keep a cat?