Chapter Eleven: Hope

"Careful, it's hot," Chu Xun cautioned, then began feeding Yao Shan porridge one small spoonful at a time.

Yao Shan felt a touch of embarrassment, yet Chu Xun’s attentiveness and patience warmed her heart. She ate slowly, savoring the care he provided.

"You are too good to me," Yao Shan whispered, a flicker of complex emotion crossing her eyes. Chu Xun simply smiled, offering no reply. He continued to feed her, his movements gentle, as if handling a piece of precious porcelain.

Outside the hospital room window, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, bringing a hint of warmth to the quiet space. The silence between Chu Xun and Yao Shan was not awkward; instead, it was filled with mutual understanding and unspoken connection.

"I want to go for a walk," Yao Shan said softly, gazing at the sunlight outside. The weather was so beautiful, and she wondered how many more times she would have the chance to see it. She did not want to waste the remainder of her life confined to a bed.

Upon hearing this, a trace of worry flickered in Chu Xun’s eyes, but he quickly understood her sentiment. He knew that for Yao Shan, being able to enjoy these final moments—even if just by walking in the hospital garden—was incredibly precious.

"Alright, I’ll go with you," Chu Xun replied tenderly. He carefully helped her dress and then supported her as they slowly walked out of the ward. In the hallway, other patients' families and medical staff cast curious, gossiping glances their way, but Chu Xun and Yao Shan were so immersed in their own world that they didn't even notice.

In the hospital garden, the sun was bright and a gentle breeze blew. Yao Shan sat on a bench and took a deep breath, savoring the scent of nature. Chu Xun sat beside her, keeping her company in silence, occasionally adjusting her posture to ensure she was comfortable.

Yao Shan looked up at the azure sky, where a few white clouds drifted lazily, and a surge of longing for life filled her heart. She knew her time was running out, but in this moment, she only wanted to cherish every second spent with Chu Xun.

"Chu Xun, do you believe in fate?" she asked suddenly, her voice carrying a philosophical tone.

Chu Xun was silent for a moment before answering slowly, "I believe in fate, but I believe even more in our power to make our own choices."

Yao Shan smiled faintly, a gleam of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you for coming back to be with me." Had Chu Xun not returned, these days would surely have been bleak and colorless. But he had returned, and she no longer felt alone.

Chu Xun gently took Yao Shan's hand, his gaze firm and warm. "I will never leave you, no matter what happens." His promise was like the spring sun—warm and unwavering. A wave of warmth flooded Yao Shan’s heart; she knew his words were not merely comfort, but a vow from the depths of his soul.

She closed her eyes, letting her thoughts drift with the breeze, enjoying this rare peace and serenity. In the garden, time seemed to slow, and every moment grew rich with meaning. They sat quietly, enjoying each other’s company until the sun began to set, painting the horizon with evening glow.

Chu Xun knew that although Yao Shan's body was growing weaker by the day, her spirit was being fortified by this companionship. He was determined to use all his strength to ensure her days were filled with hope and joy. Besides, his purpose in returning was to cure her.

As night fell, Chu Xun helped Yao Shan back to her room. No sooner had they entered than Yao Shan spotted her mother, who wore an expression of intense dissatisfaction.

"Mom?" Yao Shan asked, slightly surprised. "Why didn't you make a sound?" If Chu Xun hadn't been by her side, her mother’s sudden appearance would have startled her.

"Yao Shan, oh Yao Shan," her mother looked at her and let out a bitter laugh. "You've really gone far, haven't you? Engaging in an extramarital affair." Her gaze shifted to Chu Xun, staring at him intently. "Chu Xun, our families have always been on good terms. How could you destroy my daughter's marriage?" She nearly shouted the last sentence.

"Mom, what are you doing?" Yao Shan pulled her mother aside. How could she lash out at Chu Xun without knowing the facts? Did she not care about anyone else's feelings? Yao Shan’s tone was reproving; she understood her mother's worries, but what she needed right now was understanding and support.

Chu Xun stood by, facing the sudden accusation without showing any anger or resentment, maintaining his usual calm. "Auntie, I did not destroy Shan's marriage. She was never happy in it to begin with. Have you ever truly cared about her?"

When he was a child, Chu Xun loved visiting the Yao family. Every time, her parents had treated him with great hospitality. He had not expected that the auntie he once knew would become like this.

"How can you say I don't care about her?" Her mother sat back down, looking up at Chu Xun with tears in her eyes. "If she leaves Pei Qizhou, what will happen to her father?" She began to cry, head bowed, voice choked with sobs. "She is my only daughter. How could I not think of her? But if she divorces, her father will lose his life."

"Leave Uncle's illness to me," Chu Xun said calmly. He refused to let anything hold Yao Shan hostage.

Chu Xun’s words made the atmosphere in the room heavy. Yao Shan’s mother looked up, her eyes full of doubt and confusion. "You... what can you do?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Mom, Chu Xun is a world-class doctor now," Yao Shan said. She knew her mother had been devoted to caring for her father all these years and rarely paid attention to such news.

Chu Xun did not answer immediately; he simply took a business card from his pocket and handed it to her mother. "This is my card. My contact information is on it. I will arrange for the best medical team to look after Uncle." His tone was firm, revealing an unquestionable confidence.

Yao Shan’s mother took the card, her fingers rubbing the smooth surface as she seemed to ponder. A moment later, she looked up, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Can you really save him?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Chu Xun nodded, his gaze steady. "I promise." His words were brief and powerful, bringing a sense of relief to Yao Shan's mother.

"Take me to see Uncle first."

Chu Xun’s proposal surprised her mother, yet it offered a ray of hope. She knew he was a talented doctor, but she had never imagined his status in the medical field was this high. Her heart was conflicted—torn between concern for her husband's condition and the future of her daughter.

"Alright, let's go." Having finally made up her mind, Yao Shan’s mother stood up, ready to follow Chu Xun to see her husband.