STT – Chapter 63

In my barren land, you are the last rose.

Inside the emergency room, Xu Baihan heard the sound and saw Father Xu standing behind Mother Xu, having just stepped into the ward and not yet standing steady. His face was somewhat flushed from rushing, but it couldn’t hide his shock at that moment. Xu Baihan saw him staring intently at her, his face uncharacteristically serious and stern.

It was the first time Xu Baihan had seen her father with such a serious expression, and under his severe gaze, she involuntarily felt guilty and flustered. She bit her lip and lowered her head, instinctively wanting to escape. But as she slightly turned her face, she saw Yun Bo lying quietly beside her, pale-faced, and suddenly, she was filled with courage.

She took a deep breath, raised her head, and faced her father’s angry expression, repeating seriously, word by word: “Dad, I said, I love Yun Bo, I want to marry her, I want to be with her for my entire life.”

She saw her father’s eyes widen in an instant, as if about to burst into flames. Mother Xu also noticed Father Xu’s shock and anger, and nervously grabbed her husband’s arm.

Xu Baihan’s father clenched his teeth tightly, his cheeks and lips trembling violently, trying hard to restrain his anger. In the calmest voice he could muster, he incredulously asked his usually sensible and obedient daughter: “Xu Baihan, do you really know what you are saying?”

Xu Baihan detected the shock, anger, and disappointment in her father’s tone, and her nose felt a bit sour. She glanced at her lover beside her, then looked at her father, and under his unblinking gaze, she said seriously and firmly, “Dad, how could I not know what I am saying? I waited twelve years to finally have her back. This sentence, I’ve been brewing for twelve years, and only now do I have enough courage to say it. Once, I was confused and deceived myself and others, hurting both them and myself, but at this moment, I know that I am more clear-headed than ever.”

Father Xu, gasping like an ox, glared at Xu Baihan, the veins on his forehead bulging suddenly from excessive agitation, and his gaze was something Xu Baihan had never seen before—complex. He looked at Xu Baihan for as long as she summoned the courage to quietly meet his gaze.

After a long time, Father Xu clenched his fists tightly, first turned his gaze away, then turned his body, pulled Mother Xu’s arm, and while walking out, hoarsely instructed, “I think we all need time to calm down. Baitao, you stay and take care of your sister, your mother and I will return to the resort’s villa first. Come back in the evening and explain the whole situation clearly to me.”

Xu Baitao, observing the situation with caution, saw his parents leave and immediately breathed a sigh of relief, agreeing, “Okay, Dad, I understand.”

Xu Baihan watched her parents’ figures receding into the distance, her expression somewhat darkened. She clearly saw that as her mother left with her father, the last glance she gave her was filled with disappointment and worry.

Even if angry, even if furious, they still can’t control their worry and love. Mom, I am a fool, but aren’t you as well?

Just as she was lost in thought, Xu Baihan suddenly felt Yun Bo’s hand, which she was holding, move gently. She immediately turned her head to look at Yun Bo, and sure enough, she saw Yun Bo, eyes open, looking at her calmly and lightly.

Xu Baihan was instantly overjoyed and exclaimed, “Yun Bo, you’re awake, is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable?”

Yun Bo blinked and gently shook her head, quietly and deeply looking at Xu Baihan, seeing this woman who had just been strong and brave like a female warrior in front of her parents, but now was timid and soft like a helpless child in front of her. After a long time, she lightly pulled the corner of her mouth into a faint, genuine smile, softly and hoarsely saying, “Baihan, I saw you being brave for me.”

Xu Baitao saw Yun Bo’s faint smile, which seemed like a gratified expression, and couldn’t help but frown, saying with dissatisfaction, “Now you’re satisfied, right? It’s the first time I’ve seen my dad look so angry…”

Xu Baihan lightly interrupted Xu Baitao, dismissively saying: “Baitao, Yun Bo is nothing serious now. While the hospital doctors are still on duty, seize the time, go see the male department.”

Xu Baitao’s mouth opened and he instantly froze. He glanced at Yun Bo lying on the hospital bed and Xu Baihan sitting, looking at the long-lost smiles on their faces, and finally, sighed lightly. He laughed inwardly, but his face showed a picture of dejection, turning his body while walking out, plaintively saying: “Ah, I know, I know, sis, I only just realized you’re the type to cross the river and demolish the bridge, take down the mill and kill the donkey, really enough…”

Xu Baihan and Yun Bo exchanged a glance, coincidentally, lightly curling their lips, smiles filling their eyes.

In late April, four days before returning to Linzhou at night, Jiang Huaixi was in the living room on the phone with Jiang Huaichuan, when suddenly, she heard a loud, crisp sound of glass breaking from the study. Jiang Huaixi’s heart was shocked, and she didn’t even have time to hang up the phone before she stood up and ran toward the study.

Upon entering the study, she immediately saw Lu Zizheng sitting in front of the notebook, blankly staring at the glass shards on the ground, tears flowing down her face.

Jiang Huaixi quickly stepped in, placed her cellphone hastily on the desk, then reached out to hug Lu Zizheng tightly in her arms, gently rubbing her head while warmly asking: “Zizheng, what happened?”

Lu Zizheng lay in her arms, sobbing: “Huaixi, something happened to Sister Baihan, something happened to her…”

Jiang Huaixi’s heart gave a “thud,” the name “Jiang Wang” flashed in her mind, could it be… she cast her gaze toward the computer, and sure enough, the page was paused on the timed email Xu Baihan sent to Lu Zizheng. Jiang Huaixi softly comforted Lu Zizheng: “Don’t worry, Zizheng, there will not be any issue, senior will be fine…”, while quickly reading through the email.

She reached for the cellphone beside her, seeing the screen display still in call, hastily said “talk later” to Jiang Huaichuan, then hung up his phone, and quickly dialed Xu Baihan’s number, turning on the speaker, telling Lu Zizheng: “Don’t worry, I’ll call her phone and see.”

Lu Zizheng raised her head, tears still at the corners of her eyes, full of tension and anticipation, waiting with Jiang Huaixi for the call to connect.

At this moment, every second seemed so long, and with each additional “beep” sound that rang, Jiang Huaixi’s heart lifted a bit more. She lowered her head, gently using her fingers to wipe Lu Zizheng’s tears, still comforting Lu Zizheng: “It’s okay, it’s okay…” but she clearly also felt her fingers trembling slightly, almost imperceptibly…

“Huaixi…” After a long wait, the phone was finally connected. Fortunately, the voice on the other end was Xu Baihan’s familiar gentle and pleasant voice.

Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng both coincidentally let out a long breath.

Lu Zizheng, overwhelmed with joy, cried with a sobbing voice: “Sister, sister, you’re still there, you’re okay, that’s so good, so good…”

Xu Baihan was slightly startled, quickly comforting Lu Zizheng, saying: “Zizheng, don’t cry, what happened, sister is here…” As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly seemed to remember something and quickly, slightly raised her voice in annoyance, saying: “Zizheng, good, don’t cry, sister knows, you received that email, right? Sister is fine, it’s sister’s fault, causing you all a false alarm, frightening you. Good, don’t cry, it’s all over…”

Lu Zizheng, sobbing with self-blame, said: “Sister, it’s all my fault, I didn’t help you at all. I said I would help you, but ended up always making you worry about me. I did nothing, fortunately, fortunately, you’re okay…”

Xu Baihan gently comforted: “Fool, what foolish words are you saying? You did nothing wrong, sister doesn’t blame you at all, don’t think wildly.” After finishing, she paused for a moment, then asked: “Huaixi, are you listening?”

Jiang Huaixi, hugging Lu Zizheng and gently patting her back to soothe her, gently responded: “Senior, I am.”

Xu Baihan said: “Huaixi, I’m fine, but Jiang Wang suffered some injuries and is now recuperating at my home in Linzhou. The hospital matters there, I need to trouble you to help request a long leave.”

Jiang Huaixi, upon hearing Jiang Wang was injured, slightly furrowed her eyebrows and steadily said: “Okay, there’s no issue with the hospital. Is Jiang Wang’s injury severe?”

Xu Baihan said in a soft voice: “She rolled down from the stairs, her arm and thigh have bone fractures. The doctor said she needs to rest well for one month, but there are no very serious problems, don’t worry.”

Jiang Huaixi, upon hearing these words, was slightly relieved. Lu Zizheng, however, was on the side, listening with some confusion, wondering what relation this had with Jiang Wang. She looked puzzled at Jiang Huaixi, who lowered her eyes, sighed, and said: “Let senior explain it to you.” Saying this, she turned off the speaker and handed the phone to Lu Zizheng.

After Xu Baihan finished explaining the whole story to Lu Zizheng, Lu Zizheng hung up the phone, and it was already late at night.

Lu Zizheng finished washing and returned to the bedroom, seeing Jiang Huaixi reading a book under a small light. Seeing her come in, she closed the book and put it aside.

Lu Zizheng quickly walked over, climbed onto the bed, and nestled into Jiang Huaixi’s arms, saying muffledly: “Why didn’t you tell sister about finding Yun Bo?”

Jiang Huaixi rubbed her fine hair, faintly smiling, said: “Not happy?”

Lu Zizheng gave a muffled hum, after a while said: “No, I know, you’re also like sister, afraid I would worry.”

Jiang Huaixi held her, smiling without speaking.

Lu Zizheng hesitated for a moment, raised her head to look at Jiang Huaixi, and asked: “Huaixi, can we return to Linzhou early? I want to go see sister, to personally confirm with my own eyes that she is okay, only then can I rest assured.”

Jiang Huaixi curved her lips, gently said “en,” agreeing: “Okay, I also have this intention. Is tomorrow afternoon okay? In the morning, we’ll get up early to tidy up things, after lunch, say goodbye to Aunt Lin, and then return, okay?”

Lu Zizheng gently nodded in her arms, contentedly saying: “Good.” She happily nuzzled Jiang Huaixi’s belly, couldn’t help but sigh and praise: “Huaixi, you are really good…”

Jiang Huaixi lowered her head to kiss her cheek, smiling, said: “Where are you nuzzling, don’t you want to sleep immediately?”

Lu Zizheng instantly released her hand, sprang back to her own position, closed her eyes, and said: “Tomorrow we need to rise early, can’t mess around, need to sleep, good night.”

Jiang Huaixi looked at her, indulgently smiled, leaned down, and imprinted a gentle kiss on her forehead, saying: “En, sleep, good night.”

The next day at noon, after simply eating lunch, Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng packed everything properly, then hand in hand, went to Aunt Lin’s home to pay a farewell visit.

Upon learning that Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng would be leaving early in the afternoon, Aunt Lin was somewhat surprised and at a loss, saying: “I previously thought you would stay for a few more days. Doesn’t Huaixi like the buns I make? I had originally planned to make some for you to take back, but now there’s not enough time. Also, I picked all my loquats and was preparing to steam them into cans tomorrow for you to take back, and, and…” The honest woman was clearly somewhat flustered.

Jiang Huaixi reached out to hold Aunt Lin’s hand, soothing her with a warm voice, saying: “It’s okay, Aunt Lin, you prepare them all, and next year, I’ll bring Zizheng back to eat, okay?” As she spoke, she took a red packet from Lu Zizheng’s hand and handed it to Aunt Lin, saying: “This is a little token from Zizheng and me, thank you for your care during this time.”

Aunt Lin hurriedly released her hand, wanting to push the red packet back: “Huaixi, this Aunt Lin cannot accept, you take it back.”

Jiang Huaixi, however, insisted that she must accept it, and after several refusals, Aunt Lin was unable to defy them and accepted it with red eyes.

When leaving Aunt Lin’s home, Aunt Lin still took out a big bag of previously prepared local specialties, insisting that Jiang Huaixi take them away. Jiang Huaixi, unable to defy her, agreed to take them away.

Out the door, Jiang Huaixi walked in front, with Lu Zizheng following behind. Aunt Lin closed the door and wanted to follow over to see them off, so Lu Zizheng slowed her steps, waiting to walk together with Aunt Lin.

Aunt Lin and Lu Zizheng walked slowly side by side, looking at Jiang Huaixi’s tall figure in front. Aunt Lin suddenly spoke seriously, saying: “Zizheng, Aunt has some words, not sure if should say or not.”

Lu Zizheng smiled and said: “Aunt, it’s okay, you say, I’m listening.”

Aunt Lin unconsciously clasped and rubbed her hands once, licked her lips, then awkwardly said: “Your and Huaixi’s relationship, I’m afraid is, I’m afraid is not that simple…”

Lu Zizheng’s steps slightly paused, for a moment, not knowing how to respond.

Aunt Lin seemed to notice Lu Zizheng’s nervousness and embarrassment, and lovingly smiled, saying: “Aunt has no other meaning, you don’t need to be afraid. Although Aunt isn’t very educated, Aunt knows that people live a lifetime, seeking nothing but comfort and happiness. Aunt can see that Huaixi values and cares about you very much. With you by her side, Huaixi has changed a lot, become much happier, and that’s enough. Aunt just wants to say, you both are first-class good children. After you go back, no matter what happens, you must be well. What others say doesn’t matter; the most important thing is your own feelings.”

Lu Zizheng was both surprised and moved, her nose slightly tingling, seriously responding: “Aunt, we will.”

Aunt Lin looked at Jiang Huaixi, sighed, held Lu Zizheng’s hand, lovingly patted it twice, and sincerely said: “Huaixi is a child with a heavy heart, hiding too many things, knots hard to untie. Sometimes, you need more patience, but she is definitely a child worth entrusting, who understands how to care.”

Lu Zizheng, following Aunt Lin, also directed her gaze to Jiang Huaixi. She remembered that not long ago, Mother Jiang in the hospital seemed to have said similar words to her. Mother Jiang said, Huaixi has a knot, and she was afraid only you can untie it. It seems like everyone knows Huaixi has a knot, except herself, who knows nothing, and even feels nothing.

Lu Zizheng’s eyes couldn’t help but dim, and her heart sank.

Jiang Huaixi felt that the two people behind her seemed not to have caught up, which made her somewhat curious. She turned her body, with some confusion, faintly smiling as she looked at them.

The moment Lu Zizheng clearly saw Jiang Huaixi’s smile, the heaviness and worry in her heart seemed to vanish like smoke.

She didn’t know what Jiang Huaixi’s heart knot ultimately was, but she knew that Jiang Huaixi’s smile was really very important to her.

She lowered her eyes and said to Aunt Lin: “Aunt Lin, I definitely will.” After speaking, she lifted her steps, lightly caught up with Jiang Huaixi, her five fingers tightly clasping Jiang Huaixi’s hand, giving her a bright smile, and together with Jiang Huaixi, stood side by side waiting for Aunt Lin.

Huaixi, if this is our last obstacle, I am willing to patiently wait until one day, you are willing to cross over hand in hand with me.

I believe, if I have enough patience and give you enough confidence, eventually there will be a day when you will be willing to let me personally open this heart knot entangled for many years, hand in hand, together turning it into a concentric knot that adds color to our love, never to disappear.

LP: Re-translated on October 01, 2024