STT – Chapter 68

We promised three lifetimes, set a date for a hundred years, and not even one day less is insignificant

The next morning, right after breakfast, Lu Zizheng accompanied Jiang Huaixi to the hospital for a medical examination.

Although Mother Jiang found it somewhat peculiar that Jiang Huaixi was undergoing a medical check-up at such a crucial moment, Jiang Huaixi was adamant and assured her that everything was fine. Moreover, with Jiang Huaichuan’s engagement ceremony scheduled for the following day, she was too preoccupied to linger on the matter. Consequently, she refrained from further inquiries, silently storing her concerns with the intention of delving into them once her current engagements settled.

Upon reaching the hospital, Jiang Huaixi adhered to the plan discussed earlier with Director Wang via telephone that morning. She led Lu Zizheng through the same medical examination she had undergone the previous day, aimed at determining whether Lu Zizheng had been infected. To avert suspicion, Jiang Huaixi first proceeded to the director’s office and informed Lu Zizheng of their decision to undergo separate examinations to expedite the process. After giving her instructions, Jiang Huaixi conveyed that they would rendezvous back at the director’s office following the tests.

Director Wang oversaw the lung function assessment for Lu Zizheng before entrusting her care to other medical professionals. He then returned with the test results to brief Jiang Huaixi. Upon entering the room, he was greeted by Jiang Huaixi seated at his desk, palms pressed together, thumbs supporting her chin, and brows knitted in an expression of unease.

He softly shut the door, a smile of reassurance spreading across his features.

Jiang Huaixi in this manner seemed to have acquired a touch of youthful appearance.

He had a strong personal bond with Jiang Huaixi’s father and had watched Jiang Huaixi grow up. He had observed Jiang Huaixi’s constant air of premature wisdom since childhood—a demeanor as if she were an old soul indifferent to the world, seemingly unafraid of death. While many applauded this mature side of Jiang Huaixi, he held a different view. A child should be allowed to act like a child—how could one be happy with such weighty thoughts? Without worries or fears, how could there be the resolve to firmly put down roots in this world?

In the earlier years, he had actually been worried and fearful that one day Jiang Huaixi might vanish if she said “no.” However, over the past few years, Jiang Huaixi had been improving year by year, becoming better with each passing year. Her entire being seemed to flourish year by year. It was as if things had gradually started moving in a positive direction, and the key to all these changes was likely the girl who had arrived that morning.

Just as Director Wang had closed the door, Jiang Huaixi suddenly snapped out of her contemplation. She braced her left hand on the table, stood up abruptly, her expression a mix of unease and anticipation as she turned to face Director Wang.

Director Wang responded with a reassuring smile, lifting his hand slightly and then gesturing downward, indicating for her to take a seat and relax. Jiang Huaixi let out a small sigh of relief, and slowly settled back into her chair.

Director Wang explained that the current examinations indicated that Lu Zizheng was in good health. There were no anomalies in her lungs, and the results of the various blood tests were all clear.

This outcome brought Jiang Huaixi a small sense of reassurance.

Yet, Director Wang added, “To fully rule out any potential infection, we’ll need to wait and assess the size of the induration from the ppd test after 72 hours.”

Jiang Huaixi recalled the needle that had been inserted into her left arm the previous day. Today, a minor red bump had formed at the injection site. Almost instinctively, she gently clasped her left wrist with her right hand, her hand trembling slightly. After a moment of contemplation, she replied, “Could you explain the procedure for measuring it and the interpretation criteria? If possible, I’d rather not have Zizheng come back to the hospital.” Hospitals weren’t welcoming environments, and she knew that Lu Zizheng disliked them.

Her brow furrowed slightly, her expression a fusion of determination and earnestness, a sentiment Director Wang clearly perceived. It wasn’t a complicated request, and although Director Wang harbored some curiosity, he didn’t press for more details. He nodded in agreement. Then, as if a thought had suddenly struck him, he smiled and continued, “Miss Lu also inquired about the effectiveness of dietary therapy for recovery and asked for dietary advice. She’s quite considerate. Huaixi, take care of yourself, recover quickly, and cherish your time together with her.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaixi’s countenance softened, revealing an unfamiliar gentleness Director Wang had never witnessed. Her emotions seemed to intertwine between contentment and a tinge of melancholy. Ultimately, her response morphed into a soft hum at the corner of her lips, a gentle utterance of agreement: “Mmm…”

On the journey back to Jiang’s residence after the medical examination, Lu Zizheng sat beside Jiang Huaixi, her brows slightly furrowed as she intently observed Jiang Huaixi’s earnest monologue, “Director Wang mentioned that your cardiovascular and pulmonary functions aren’t particularly robust. You should be extra mindful of your dietary choices in your day-to-day life.”

“Director Wang also advised that while vigorous exercise should be avoided, incorporating moderate physical activity when feasible can be beneficial for enhancing your cardiovascular and pulmonary functions.”

“I posed a query to Director Wang as well. He confirmed the benefits of dietary therapy for the body. I’m contemplating enrolling in a course to delve deeper into this topic. What do you think?”

Jiang Huaixi donned a faint, affectionate smile as she silently watched Lu Zizheng’s animated discourse about her well-being. Her words enveloped Jiang like a soothing cocoon, evoking a mix of tenderness and warmth within her. Sensing that further listening might trigger a sentimental response, Jiang Huaixi took a calming breath and playfully pinched Lu Zizheng’s lips—still in animated motion—between her index finger and thumb. With a teasing tone, she inquired, “After all that talking, aren’t you feeling thirsty?”

Lu Zizheng furrowed her brows in slight dissatisfaction, shooting a playfully annoyed glance at Jiang Huaixi. Then, with a mischievous glint, she lightly nipped at Jiang Huaixi’s index finger, as if to deliver a teasing punishment, and asked, “Hmph, do you think I talk too much?”

Jiang Huaixi blinked and responded with a smile, “Wouldn’t dare.”

With a soft, huffed sigh, Lu Zizheng conveyed her annoyance, quipping, “Ungrateful soul!” She had initially planned to feign irritation and leave Jiang Huaixi hanging for a while, but the corner of her eye caught Jiang Huaixi’s tender gaze, a look of affection that melted her resolve. After a fleeting pause, she surrendered with a sigh and asserted, “Well, I don’t care anymore. Whether you want to listen or not, you’re going to hear it.” Locking her gaze with Jiang Huaixi’s, she spoke earnestly, “In any case, you must heed my advice and take care of yourself. We made a promise across three lifetimes and a pact for a hundred years. Every single day, minute, and second holds significance. You can’t deceive anyone, least of all yourself.”

Jiang Huaixi gazed fixedly at Lu Zizheng, her eyes filled with intensity, a subtle tremor in her throat. After a pause, her voice took on a slightly husky note as she softly inquired, “And if, by chance, I accidentally fall short of that commitment?”

Lu Zizheng hesitated, a fleeting shadow of melancholy crossing her features. Then, mustering a bittersweet smile, she answered sincerely, “I’ll stand by your side.”

With their gazes locked, Jiang Huaixi discerned an unflinching sincerity and resolute determination within Lu Zizheng’s eyes. Her grip on her hands involuntarily tightened. After a moment, she broke their eye contact, lowering her gaze and summoning a smile that concealed her emotions. “You always say things like this. Fine, I’ll listen to you from now on.”

Lu Zizheng offered a gentle smile, letting the topic rest. Instead, she seamlessly transitioned, saying, “We were discussing dietary therapy, weren’t we? Allow me to continue. Mmm…”

Glancing sideways at Lu Zizheng, Jiang Huaixi appeared engrossed in the conversation, punctuating it with the occasional remark. Yet, beneath her external engagement, her thoughts began to drift.

Within her heart, one notion was growing ever more steadfast.

On the day of Jiang HuaiChuan’s engagement, they commenced by earnestly observing the most fundamental traditions within the confines of their home—a ceremony imbued with deep significance. Subsequently, they extended invitations to the dearest relatives from Qiao Xin’s family, uniting under the Jiang household’s roof for a festive midday meal. Finally, as a collective, they shifted their gathering to a hotel.

Jiang Huaixi found it inconvenient to wear a mask in such a situation, so she used the excuse of feeling unwell. Jiang Huaichuan, concerned and wanting to prevent Jiang Huaixi from getting tired, suggested she retreat to the hotel room that had been prepared for guests to rest in. She wouldn’t need to attend the banquet hall and engage in socializing; he would have the food brought to her room. Jiang Huaixi agreed readily.

Lu Zizheng was still worried about Jiang Huaixi, so before the official banquet began, she stayed in the upstairs room with her.

Upon entering the room, Lu Zizheng saw the electric kettle on the table and decided to heat some water to soothe Jiang Huaixi’s throat. She poured two bottles of mineral water into it, plugged it in, and started heating the water.

Jiang Huaixi leaned against the bed, picked up a specially placed photo frame from the bedside table. Inside was a small wedding photo of Jiang Huaichuan and Qiao Xin, and a faint hint of joy danced in her eyes. She looked up at Lu Zizheng, who was busy on her behalf, and then put the photo frame back on the bedside table. Getting off the bed, she tugged Lu Zizheng gently, prompting her to sit beside her.

After a brief hesitation, Jiang Huaixi sought Lu Zizheng’s opinion, asking, “Zizheng, with Huaichuan’s matters settled today, we can focus on our own affairs now. I’ve already sorted things out with the school. If we go there in three days and listen in to get familiar with the environment, do you think that would be okay?”

Lu Zizheng found herself taken aback, her brows knitting in concern. “Could this be rushing things? Uncle and Aunt haven’t been informed at all.”

With a gentle curve of her lips, Jiang Huaixi smiled and responded, “Their awareness isn’t a concern. What matters is, do you have any reservations? Does the timing feel right for you?”

Squinting slightly, Lu Zizheng scrutinized Jiang Huaixi, sensing her sincerity. After a fleeting pause, she accepted it with a serene smile. “I’m on board. Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.”

Caught in a moment of surprise, Jiang Huaixi briefly opened her mouth, yet opted for silence. Bowing her head, she murmured, “Then it’s settled…”

Their conversation was interrupted by the chime of Lu Zizheng’s phone – a call from Mother Jiang. It was a reminder that Lu Zizheng could join the gathering downstairs as the banquet was about to commence.

Jiang Huaixi had already discerned from Lu Zizheng’s response that her mother was calling her downstairs for the meal. Seeing Lu Zizheng’s slight concern, she nodded and softly reassured her, “I’m fine, you should go downstairs.”

In truth, Lu Zizheng didn’t enjoy such occasions, and coupled with her worry for Jiang Huaixi, she would have preferred to stay in the room and keep her company. However, it was apparent that Father Jiang and Jiang Huaichuan hoped she would participate. Despite not being able to introduce herself openly, sitting at the main table with their family could easily be deciphered by keen observers, indirectly portraying her status and identity. Such well-meaning intentions were hard to refuse, and she shouldn’t refuse.

Therefore, despite her reluctance, Lu Zizheng still nodded towards Jiang Huaixi and let out a soft sigh in her heart. With that, she left the room and headed downstairs.

Little did Lu Zizheng expect that as she descended the stairs and the elevator doors opened, just as she was about to step out, she lifted her head and saw Lian Xuan, who was also raising her head to enter the elevator.

Caught off guard, their eyes met, and both of them froze for a moment, stunned by the unexpected encounter.

As the elevator doors were about to close again due to no one exiting or pressing any buttons, the space between Lu Zizheng and Lian Xuan was narrowing. Finally, both Lu Zizheng and Lian Xuan reacted, simultaneously reaching out to press the “open door” button.

Lu Zizheng stepped out of the elevator, positioned herself next to Lian Xuan, and politely greeted, “President Lian, what a coincidence and long time no see.” Then, step by step, she steadily walked towards the banquet hall.

Following behind Lu Zizheng, Lian Xuan’s exquisitely adorned face displayed a mixture of surprise and a hint of sorrow at her words. She clenched her teeth, suddenly reached out to grab Lu Zizheng’s arm, stopping her in her tracks. When Lu Zizheng turned to look at her in confusion, Lian Xuan offered a sweet smile, her tone gentle and sincere, “Zizheng, tonight I’ll be waiting for you in room 1314. There’s something I want to talk to you about. Can you find some time to come see me?”

Lu Zizheng looked at the beautiful and sweet woman before her, as if trying to discern the sincerity behind her expression, whether it was genuine or an act. After a moment, she turned her body back and calmly declined, “I’m sorry, I might be busy tonight.” She gently shook her arm, trying to free herself from Lian Xuan’s grip.

However, Lian Xuan refused to let go and tightened her grip, her voice filled with sorrow as she pleaded, “Zizheng, just give me a little time, please. It won’t take up too much of your time…”

Her eyes were filled with anticipation and supplication, looking at Lu Zizheng with a hopeful gaze. The hand gripping Lu Zizheng’s arm remained tense, never loosening.

The two of them stood in a deadlock by the elevator doors, another elevator arriving shortly after. Passersby and guests couldn’t help but cast curious glances their way.

Lu Zizheng was uncomfortable with the spectacle of being watched by onlookers, but unable to resist Lian Xuan’s pleading and persistence, she finally, gently nodded her head and reluctantly agreed to Lian Xuan’s request.