Although They're Mentally ill, They're Extremely Easy to Comfort - Chapter 97
Amidst a flurry of gasps and wails, Ling Xi and Qiao Bo’er, hanging by a thread, were spared by the love a deity had left on earth.
The two bodies, embracing and adrift, finally landed steadily on the rescue air cushion, leaving deep indentations. The rebound from the impact left them dazed and disoriented.
The heavy impact left Ling Xi’s mind blank. But she maintained the posture of hugging Qiao Bo’er’s head tightly in her arms, as if that was the only way to hold onto her life.
Qiao Bo’er buried her head, her body trembling uncontrollably. She didn’t fear death, but she was terrified of Ling Xi’s demise.
Finally, she clenched her fists and pounded Ling Xi’s back, frantically demanding, “Why! Why!”
Ling Xi’s grip on Qiao Bo’er tightened even more. Her voice was hoarse with the joy of tears: “I don’t know why either… I can’t explain to you how chaotic my world is… I’m sorry…”
Even though she was safe and sound, in Ling Xi’s eyes, the people around her were distorted, still exploding with unusual colours. Only Qiao Bo’er in her arms seemed normal.
Still reeling from the shock, Qiao Bo’er desperately clutched Ling Xi’s clothes, afraid she would leave her side for even half a step: “Don’t leave me… I can’t imagine how terrible life would be without you!”
The world outside was clamorous—some were heckling, others were calling for first aid. Only the people who had caused the uproar were enjoying the peace of a second chance at life.
Clutching Ling Xi’s clothing, Qiao Bo’er suddenly became quiet. Having been awake for a day and a night, coupled with the relentless rush, she was utterly exhausted and finally fainted.
Having caused such a huge commotion, Qin Yun and Chu Xi were busy dealing with the aftermath of the farce.
Ling Xi and Qiao Bo’er were pushed into a hospital room. Bai Yuan wasn’t angry about the absurd jumping incident. Instead, she ordered the perfectly lively Ling Xi to obediently roll back onto the bed and rest.
“Ling Xi, you are truly beyond saving! The medicine didn’t kill you, so you decided to jump off a building? How many lives do you think you have? Do you have to scare us to death before you’re satisfied!?”
After recovering from the shock, Xiao Mo and Su Yunjin were very angry and didn’t give Ling Xi a kind look. Bai Yuan stepped in just in time to stop the scolding: “You two stop lecturing her for now.”
So, she sat by the bed and observed Ling Xi’s emotional state: “Tell me, why did you go to the rooftop, and why did you think about jumping?”
Ling Xi wrung her fingers, talking incoherently: “I… I’m so confused… the ceiling is moving, the walls are bleeding fresh blood.”
Her rambling state made Bai Yuan frown: “What else did you see?”
“It was all colourful, the whole world was colourful, strange fluctuations… I can’t describe the weirdness… Wait, are you Doctor Bai?” Ling Xi leaned back in fear, her voice trembling and her face showing terror.
Bai Yuan turned and looked at Xiao Mo, briefly explaining: “Things are not looking good. Ling Xi’s mental state is precarious. Coupled with the lingering effects of the medicine, she’s experiencing certain hallucinations. You should be mentally prepared; we might have to transfer her to another hospital.”
“No… Doctor Bai… What does ‘transfer’ mean?” Xiao Mo nervously walked up to Bai Yuan, afraid to ask for details.
“Xuan City Psychiatric Hospital.”
This decision was undoubtedly a life sentence for Ling Xi. Xiao Mo tried to change Doctor Bai’s mind: “Can’t we keep her for observation a bit longer? She can’t go there; this will affect her future career development…”
“But have you considered that the large scene she caused has already affected the lives of others? Even if I wanted to keep her, the hospital leadership probably wouldn’t agree. I will help you contact the doctors over there for a handover.”
“No, in that case, we’ll process her discharge! Ling Xi cannot go to a psychiatric hospital!”
Bai Yuan’s attitude was resolute, and she rationally analyzed Ling Xi’s situation, leaving Xiao Mo speechless: “With all due respect, this isn’t something you can decide. Given her behaviour that has already interfered with social order, systemic treatment is the best option for Ling Xi.”
Qin Yun, who was about to knock and enter, overheard the conversation between Bai Yuan and Xiao Mo. Just as she was thinking about how to handle the follow-up, Chu Xi walked in ahead of her: “Doctor Bai, we respect your opinion regarding where she should be hospitalized, but please leave the final decision to us, is that okay?”
“And you are?”
“I am the secretary of the patient in the next bed. Everyone here knows each other.”
“What is her relationship with Ling Xi?” Bai Yuan asked routinely. Chu Xi answered straightforwardly: “They are partners.”
“I see. How about this…” Bai Yuan glanced at the patient’s chart, then made an arrangement: “Please notify me when Qiao Bo’er wakes up. If she can act as a guarantor, we can discuss the next steps. Try not to disturb Ling Xi; her mind cannot withstand any more stimulation.”
Watching Doctor Bai leave, Qin Yun walked up to Ling Xi. Ling Xi stared at her blankly, smiling foolishly.
Ji Nancen returned to the room after buying some food and drinks. She pulled out a bottle of cola and offered it to Ling Xi: “Want a drink?”
Ling Xi looked hostile: “It’s you again!”
“Ah, yes, it’s me again, you jealous monster!” Ji Nancen was unbothered, and she even reached out to poke Ling Xi’s cheek.
Ling Xi fiercely slapped her hand away: “Don’t touch me!”
“Stop bullying her, she’s not in the right state of mind right now,” Chu Xi rolled her eyes. Ji Nancen made a face at Ling Xi and sat back down on the sofa.
After an unknown period, Qiao Bo’er slowly opened her eyes, her brows furrowed, her face drawn. She turned her head to look at the person in the next bed.
Ling Xi was already asleep. Looking at the jumping heart rate on the monitor, she sighed in relief. As long as Ling Xi was alive, the world was still beautiful.
“You’re awake?” Qin Yun, who was watching nearby, asked in a low voice, “Would you like some water?”
“How is Ling Xi?”
“The doctor has been here several times. Don’t worry, she’s fine.”
“I want to see the doctor.”
“Please calm down. You need rest after a convulsive collapse. Ling Xi is right here beside you; she will slowly recover.”
“Why did things turn out this way?” Qiao Bo’er’s throat felt dry as fire, but she still wanted to get to the bottom of it.
“It’s a long story. How about we talk slowly after you’ve both recovered, okay?” Qin Yun tried to soothe Qiao Bo’er’s emotions.
Qiao Bo’er stopped pressing the issue. She struggled to sit up: “Help me, please.”
Qu Ye and Chu Xi, who were sitting on the sofa, walked over when they heard their Miss’s request.
Qiao Bo’er pointed to her own bed, then looked at Ling Xi: “I want to stay with her.”
Upon the order, Qu Ye picked up the frail Qiao Bo’er. Chu Xi and Qin Yun helped her move the bed next to Ling Xi’s and freshly laid out a thick mattress.
After some commotion, Qiao Bo’er got her wish and rested right next to Ling Xi. She closed her eyes, exhausted, and made no further movement.
“Let her rest well,” Qin Yun appropriately gave Qiao Bo’er her private space, informed Qu Ye and Chu Xi, and left the room.
In the quiet room, Qiao Bo’er propped up her head, carefully examining Ling Xi’s features, her fingertips sweeping over her cheek, stroking it repeatedly.
Her sleeping face was truly beautiful, gentle like a painting.
Qiao Bo’er firmly believed that the beautiful things she sought in this life were exactly this. She wasn’t greedy, not at all. She only needed Ling Xi.
Ling Xi’s slightly furrowed brow gradually relaxed after feeling the increasingly substantial embrace.
A faint smile lifted the corner of her mouth, and the perfume scent, so familiar it brought her peace, was comforting. Opening her eyes, she turned her head to look at her chest.
Qiao Bo’er was wrapped around her waist, staring intently at her.
“Why are you watching me all the time?”
Hearing Ling Xi’s weak inquiry, Qiao Bo’er rubbed her cheek against Ling Xi’s neck: “Because I want one glance to last ten thousand years. I want just one look to spend this life with you.”
After experiencing life and death together, finding hope in the broken pieces—a simple hug, a look filled with expectation—fills the pain of the past. This salvation should now come to an end.
My dear, let’s bury the confusion in the past, say a proper goodbye to the shattered self, and never be flustered or scared again. Because I am right by your side, and I am your home.
“Knock, knock, knock…”
“Come in.”
The knock on Bai Yuan’s office door was answered, and Qiao Bo’er opened the door and entered alone.
Their eyes met. Without any unnecessary chatter, Bai Yuan motioned for her to sit down, then pulled out Ling Xi’s medical file from the desk.
“Doctor Bai.”
“Miss Qiao, hello.”
“My secretary has explained the whole situation clearly. But I will not agree to transfer Ling Xi to a psychiatric hospital.” Stating her position, Qiao Bo’er sat quietly in the chair, waiting for Bai Yuan to speak.
Bai Yuan understood. While flipping through Ling Xi’s medical file, she began to talk: “Ji Changyi is a friend and an old classmate of mine. I’ve heard about your situation… She must have mentioned the consequences of your mutual mental influence, right?”
“Mhm…”
“As Ling Xi’s attending physician, my starting point is the same as Ji Changyi’s. Being together will only worsen both your conditions. You are both adults and should understand the gravity of the situation.”
“No matter who it is, no matter how sound the reasoning is, the idea of separating us will never be acceptable.”
Qiao Bo’er’s firm stance caused Bai Yuan to sigh helplessly: “As long as you’ve considered it clearly. I can agree to the discharge. But I suggest you try your best to avoid conflict. Ling Xi’s attempt to jump was partly due to drug-induced hallucinations and partly due to her deteriorating condition.”
“Doctor Bai, what should I do to protect her well?”
“You should ask yourself what you need to do to stabilize your own emotions. Your stable condition is what will anchor her mental state.
In many cases, medication is only supplementary; a clear state of mind is key. After all, not every episode requires electroshock therapy. It’s better to address the root cause than just the symptoms.
Ling Xi’s condition has been improving these past few days. Staying by her side, taking a trip to relax, or tracing the root cause… you and I both know that her mental demon lies in the early death of her parents.”
The mention of Ling Xi’s parents brought silence to Qiao Bo’er. The topic she deeply resented and avoided had been easily brought up.
Bai Yuan noticed Qiao Bo’er’s difficulty. She closed Ling Xi’s medical file and reminded her again: “Don’t avoid it. When you encounter a problem, go and solve it. That is the correct choice.”