CFHE Chapter 79.2

“She seems quite serious.” Fu Yuhan looked at her.

 

“This illness is hard to treat,” Old Qin sighed, “but the doctor said her condition is relatively good. With proper control, she’s no different from a normal person… I just stepped away, and it was time for her medicine anyway. You should… for the sake of her being a patient, don’t provoke her.”

 

Fu Yuhan thought to himself that he had only spoken the truth.

 

“Honestly,” he thought for a moment, trying to replace his originally harsh words with gentler phrasing, “don’t you think Xiao Lu is quite pitiful? I think there’s nothing wrong with her wanting to go out and play.”

 

“What did Xiaolu say?” Old Qin looked bewildered.

 

“I don’t want treatment anymore,” Qin Xiaolu said weakly, “instead of spending money on treatment, why not let me go out and play while I can still walk…”

 

“What nonsense are you talking about, what do you mean—”

 

Perhaps because Fu Yuhan was present, Qin Xiaolu suddenly gained some courage and interrupted her father: “But Dad, you should actually know that I probably can’t be cured, right?”

 

Even heart transplant surgery had rejection risks, let alone without money or organs.

 

But no one could make Qin Xiaolu return to the womb to develop again and properly develop those missing parts—

 

Old Qin was momentarily speechless.

 

“She doesn’t agree to sell the house,” Fu Yuhan looked at He Yan, who was still crying, and said calmly, “How about this, Uncle Qin, don’t worry about her opinion anymore. Sell the house, convert it to money and take Xiao Lu to the capital to see doctors. Anyway, I agree to sell the house, and you decide the rest.”

 

“We can’t…”

 

“She’s your daughter.” Fu Yuhan looked at him, silencing Old Qin with one sentence, “Choose a better hospital, or respect her own wishes and take her around to see the world—you have to choose one.”

 

After saying this, Fu Yuhan didn’t wait for his reaction and pulled Wen Yu to sit on the small family rest sofa nearby, taking out unfinished homework from his backpack: “I’ll keep Xiao Lu company for half an hour.”

 

Wen Yu, who hadn’t expected him to be so studious: “…”

 

“Big brother,” Qin Xiaolu looked at him eagerly, “can’t you stay a bit longer?”

 

“I have evening self-study,” Fu Yuhan said seriously, “I can come see you again tomorrow.”

 

“Alright.” Qin Xiaolu pouted.

 

“Don’t bother your brother.” Old Qin came to his senses and rubbed his daughter’s head.

 

How could he not have thought about what Fu Yuhan said, but this family…

 

Their family situation was too complicated.

 

A simple, honest man had married a strong-willed wife and had hardly contradicted his wife’s opinions for so many years.

 

But now, it seemed to be time for him to make decisions.

 

–

 

He Yan cried softly for a while, gradually becoming quiet under the effect of the medication.

 

Old Qin silently threw the completely broken apple into the trash, washed the small knife clean, and leaned aside to peel a new one for his daughter.

 

The family of the new patient in the next bed came in to look at the bed, then went out crying dramatically to receive the patient.

 

The hospital room was briefly quiet.

 

He Yan’s gaze was unfocused. After a long silence, she suddenly spoke.

 

“You don’t listen yourself, and you’re instigating your sister… Xiao Han, I know you hate me.”

 

Fu Yuhan’s pen tip paused, and he looked up.

 

“But no matter what, from dating to the final divorce, I followed your father for twelve years and only got this much. I have to leave you something… this is a matter of principle.”

 

He Yan stared blankly, not knowing where she was looking. The sky outside had darkened, seemingly taking away the light in her eyes.

 

“I might not be a qualified mother. The more I try to be good to you, the more distant we become. You young people always have so many ideas. I don’t know why other people’s children are so obedient, but my son just won’t listen to me. So after Xiaolu was born, I thought, I absolutely cannot lose this child.”

 

Qin Xiaolu’s eyes widened: “Mom.”

 

“But I seem to have messed things up again. Now even Xiaolu won’t listen to me… I just wanted to cure her illness… I…”

 

“Mom.” Fu Yuhan interrupted her.

 

His tone was always so indifferent, so cold, sometimes sounding somewhat heartless.

 

But it was also very calming.

 

“The Earth has revolution and rotation, its own speed and rhythm. Whether you want it or not, tomorrow’s sun will still rise.” He said, “This world isn’t as you wish, but it’s not that bad either—if you didn’t always want others to listen to you, you might feel better.”

 

He Yan didn’t speak.

 

“I really don’t want the house. To put it bluntly, my dad… I don’t like him much either.” Fu Yuhan said, “I plan to apply to schools in other cities. I won’t have many chances to live in that house in the future anyway.”

 

Three people and six eyes all looked over.

 

“Schools in other cities?” Old Qin usually didn’t manage his affairs much. Hearing this, he glanced at He Yan, seeming surprised, “How come we never heard you mention this?”

 

“Would Mom agree if I said it?” Fu Yuhan smiled casually, “Wasn’t it her who changed my high school entrance exam preferences?”

 

Old Qin also knew about this—when that incident happened, Fu Yuhan and He Yan would almost fight every time they met, with unprecedentedly harsh words. Especially on the first day of Third High’s school opening, He Yan forced Fu Yuhan to register and they fought at the school gate.

 

Fu Yuhan, who had grown up so much, might have shouted at his mother for the first time; the incredulous He Yan was so angry she wanted to hit him, but Fu Yuhan grabbed her wrist like picking up a chick.

 

Only then did Old Qin realize that this quiet boy had been holding so much dissatisfaction about the past. Later he heard that this incident was rumored to be him hitting He Yan, causing him quite a bit of trouble at school.

 

Regarding Fu Yuhan’s matters, Old Qin felt he had no standing to interfere, but occasionally, he also felt that He Yan had acted improperly in this matter.

 

Boys, when they’re this grown up, why must you keep them tied to your side?

 

“So where are you planning to apply? The tuition…” Old Qin spoke carefully.

 

“I’ll earn it myself. I don’t want to say, in case my mom tries to change my application again.”

 

“How can that work? At least the tuition we should—”

 

“No need, Uncle Qin.” Fu Yuhan glanced at him and politely thanked him, “Thank you for giving me a place to live all these years, but actually, I didn’t have much connection to this family to begin with… You have no obligation to pay for my tuition.”

 

If he wasn’t there, those three would be a family.

 

His family had long since broken apart, and his new family… was now beside him.

 

“You’re going to find your dad, right?” He Yan looked at him, her gaze seeming both cold and sorrowful, “I should have known earlier. No matter how much I do, I can’t compare to him. It’s because I’m useless, I can’t make money…”

 

“I said I don’t like my dad much. Don’t make wild assumptions.” Fu Yuhan’s cold gaze swept over and settled on her face, “I didn’t tell you—I went to take art exams recently. You don’t like me studying it, that’s fine, as long as I like it. Anyway, I’m an adult now. For the sake of you giving birth to and raising me, let me tell you something from the heart—if you want Xiao Lu to like you, first treat her as a complete person.”

 

“Pay attention to her, listen carefully to her thoughts. To put it bluntly, with her condition… what if one day when you want to hear her speak, you can’t hear her anymore?”

 

These words were inauspicious, and both adults’ faces changed color upon hearing them. Instead, it was Qin Xiaolu herself who laughed: “That’s right.”

 

He Yan seemed to fall into deep thought. Old Qin could scold Qin Xiaolu but couldn’t conveniently scold Fu Yuhan. His face looked terrible for a long while before he finally sighed in defeat.

 

Qin Xiaolu was actually quite happy—there were some things she hadn’t dared say to her brother, but he had said them all for her.

 

She looked at Fu Yuhan expectantly.

 

Fu Yuhan seemed to understand her meaning: “I’ll sit for ten more minutes.”

 

The little girl made a face, looking a bit disappointed.

 

Ten minutes passed almost in an instant. Fu Yuhan got up on time, preparing to return to school. Being in senior year was the best shield—no one could keep him.

 

“Then you have to come tomorrow.” Qin Xiaolu said softly.

 

“I already promised you.” Fu Yuhan said, walking over to her and whispering in her ear, “If they decide to sell the house, you should go to the capital for proper treatment. Don’t run away.”

 

Qin Xiaolu’s face immediately fell.

 

“Big brother is applying to schools in the capital and can visit you later.” He said, “It’s a secret, don’t tell them.”

 

Qin Xiaolu became happy: “Okay!”

 

“Pinky promise.” Fu Yuhan extended his hand and hooked his little finger with the little girl’s.

 

Old Qin didn’t know what the siblings had planned, but Fu Yuhan’s earlier words had set his thoughts churning, so he didn’t have the mind to ask more.

 

Fu Yuhan declined Uncle Qin’s offer to see him off, only saying he would come again tomorrow, then went downstairs with Wen Yu.

 

The hospital was full of people coming and going, everywhere filled with the smell of disinfectant. It only got better after leaving the inpatient building.

 

The two walked to the parking garage, and Wen Yu felt in his pocket for the car keys.

 

The black car beeped twice to unlock. Fu Yuhan opened the passenger door and suddenly spoke: “Sorry.”

 

“Mm?” Wen Yu looked completely puzzled, “Sorry for what?”

 

“I actually… originally planned to tell them you’re my boyfriend.” Fu Yuhan tugged at his backpack strap, his earlier cold composure completely gone, “But I didn’t say it.”

 

There hadn’t been a good opportunity, and he wasn’t sure if He Yan’s condition could handle the shock.

 

The biggest reason was that he suddenly felt it wasn’t necessary.

 

Wen Yu made an “mm” sound and waved: “Get in the car first.”

 

Both got into the car. Wen Yu fastened his seatbelt while laughing: “So you really were planning to make big news.”

 

“I originally wanted to use myself as an example to tell my mom that I’ve grown up to be completely different from what she imagined,” Fu Yuhan took his hand and squeezed it, “and also wanted to announce you to the world.”

 

This thought had suddenly appeared in his mind, magically convincing him—

 

He no longer needed to explain anything to He Yan. She might understand, or she might not, but it didn’t matter.

 

He had long since grown up. That little boy who would feel disappointed because his sister was more favored had gotten lost in memories, and the failed mother couldn’t find a sense of existence with him, having placed her strong desire for control on another person years ago.

 

His sister was so small and had congenital heart disease. When it was serious, she would sleep all day long. Dressing, grooming, eating, and daily life all had to go through He Yan’s hands.

 

Like a doll.

 

Humans like dolls because they’re pretty and can be dressed up according to one’s wishes; but Qin Xiaolu was, after all, a living little girl.

 

She would grow up and learn to think.

 

“Actually, I don’t mind that much… being treated as your ‘Chen Ajiao.'” Wen Yu smiled, “But I should thank you. What you said to your mom just now gave me some inspiration.”

 

“What?”

 

“I think I should give that sentence to my dad exactly as it is.” Wen Yu stepped on the gas and drove away from the hospital.

 

He was referring to that sentence “this world isn’t as you wish.”

 

“Will your dad hit you?”

 

“No, hitting people is too inelegant.” Wen Yu shook his head and smiled again, “But if I try to challenge his authority, he’ll throw things when he gets angry. I don’t see what’s ‘elegant’ about that behavior at all.”

 

Saying this, Fu Yuhan also thought of the ashtray mentioned before and inexplicably laughed along.

 

“Then how does he usually punish you?”

 

“Mm, he likes to take back things he’s given me, like freezing bank accounts. So the first thing I did after becoming an adult was to open my own card and regularly transfer some money from the card he gave me.”

 

Fu Yuhan opened his mouth and turned his head to look at him: “I thought with your temper, you’d be like me and not want family money.”

 

“When my mom married him, it wasn’t marrying up,” Wen Yu said with some displeasure, “part of the family was originally mine. Only that narcissist would think his wife’s money all belongs to him.”

 

“Then you should definitely take it.” Fu Yuhan thought for a moment, “What about your stepmother…?”

 

In TV dramas, there were too many stories about stepmothers in blended families obstructing the original wife’s children from claiming property.

 

“She’s a good person.” When Wen Yu got to this point, he paused, the smile on his face suddenly disappearing, showing some coldness in the night.

 

“I call her ‘mom’ as my dad requires, pretending to be harmonious all these years, but actually… I’ve never really been good to her in private.” Wen Yu said quietly, “Sometimes when I see her speaking to me so carefully, I wonder if I’m being too excessive. But I… when I see that face, I just can’t accept her.”

 

That face really looked like his mother’s.

 

It was evidence of Wen Ziming’s heartlessness.

 

“Aunt Fang… Aunt Fang wholeheartedly loves my dad, but ended up marrying into such a family.” Wen Yu smiled self-mockingly, “Xiao Han, I told you early on, I’m not a good person… She hasn’t had children to this day because when she first entered the family, I demanded it.”

 

Fu Yuhan glanced at him.

 

“I was only in middle school then, with an even worse temper than now.” Wen Yu took a deep breath, “I really wronged her, but…”

 

Since the other person was driving, Fu Yuhan couldn’t do much and could only reach out to touch his hair as comfort.

 

“But my dad isn’t necessarily good to her either. Apart from having money, I guess she’s been quite unhappy these years. Sometimes I think she might as well divorce my dad.”

 

“You could tell her these things.” Fu Yuhan smiled, “Yu-ge, you’re willing to express your true thoughts now.”

 

“…Only with you.” Wen Yu’s eyes flickered, as if embarrassed, “With her, I don’t know how to start. She and I… have never talked for more than three minutes.”

 

“There will be opportunities.”

 

–

 

These were just casual conversations in the car, but what they didn’t expect was that this “opportunity” would come very soon.

 

After evening self-study ended that day, the two walked shoulder to shoulder toward Wen Yu’s home, quickly closing the distance after entering the residential complex, their fingertips lightly hooking together in the cold air.

 

When something interesting came up, Fu Yuhan lowered his eyes and laughed quietly. Wen Yu leaned over, pulled down the scarf around his neck, and quickly and accurately kissed the corner of his lips.

 

A brief touch.

 

Then both turned around and saw Fang Wanjing who had just walked out of the stairwell.

 

All three fell silent simultaneously.

 

“Xiao Yu, you…” Fang Wanjing’s almond eyes widened, her face full of shock.

 

After the initial surprise, Wen Yu’s expression quickly darkened.

 

He looked very calm, but Fu Yuhan, whose hand was hooked with his, knew his fingertips were trembling slightly.

 

“Yu-ge…”

 

Fu Yuhan called out almost soundlessly, wanting to pull his hand back.

 

One second before separation.

 

Wen Yu suddenly came to his senses and firmly grasped his entire hand, then looked deeply at him.

 

Under the weak, pale streetlight, Fu Yuhan could see his lips were somewhat pale.

 

He was afraid.

 

But despite this, the hand that gripped back held very tightly, like determination, and like borrowing strength.

 

“Mom,” Wen Yu looked at Fang Wanjing again, paused, then said, “No… Aunt Fang.”

 

Fang Wanjing was stunned.

 

“Why did you come?”

 

“I switched shifts with the auntie and came to make soup for you. Something delayed me a bit, so I’m just leaving now.” Fang Wanjing kept looking at the two boys’ clasped hands, her thoughts in turmoil, her voice very low, “Xiao Yu, you two…”

 

“It’s exactly what you saw.” Wen Yu pressed his lips together, “Want to go upstairs and talk?”

 

“…Okay.” She walked back in the direction she came from in a daze.

 

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 (advanced chapters available on kofi)