Bullying The Sister-In-Law - Chapter 12.1

Su Zhiluo’s tears streamed out in panic, crying as she asked Yang Jie what to do and shouting for someone to save Liu Chengxu.

Liu Chengxu also thought she was going to die. Clasping Su Zhiluo’s hand, her previous confidence was shattered. She was terrified of dying like this, and even more afraid of dying without her sister-in-law knowing her true feelings.

She wanted to explain to Su Zhiluo that she genuinely liked her, but she was also afraid that if she lived, she could never return to the way things were before.

Liu Chengxu’s consciousness blurred. She knelt on the ground, the arm holding Su Zhiluo’s hand hanging limply. Yang Jie borrowed a passerby’s plastic bag and put it over her head.

This winter, the main street was filled with a festive atmosphere for the New Year. Passersby laughed and talked joyfully, while Liu Chengxu was utterly miserable and desperate. Because of her respiratory alkalosis brought on by hyperventilation after saying, “I don’t like you,” she was kneeling beside her sister-in-law with a clear plastic bag over her head to relieve the symptoms.

Before saying those words, she hadn’t anticipated the situation becoming so severe; she thought it was just a simple statement, and at worst, a few seconds of heartache.

I’m so sad, Su Zhiluo.

My heart is dying faster than my body.

Su Zhiluo tremblingly cupped her face, tears constantly sliding down. “Chengxu… Liu Chengxu… don’t die, I’m taking you to the hospital right now…”

Yang Jie helped her into the car and drove rapidly towards the hospital.

Liu Chengxu leaned weakly against her embrace, knowing clearly in her heart that her sister’s death had left a deep wound in Su Zhiluo. If she were to die, Su Zhiluo might not be able to cope.

Liu Chengxu tried hard to stay conscious and reached to hold Su Zhiluo’s hand.

Su Zhiluo held her, trying hard to be strong, but she began to sob uncontrollably the moment she spoke. Crying, Su Zhiluo comforted her, “It’s okay, Chengxu, it’s okay, don’t be afraid.”

Yang Jie glanced at them a few times through the rearview mirror, feeling a pang of distress.

Upon arrival at the hospital, they rushed to the emergency room for blood tests and an electrocardiogram. Yang Jie helped pay the fees, and the doctor brought a mask for Liu Chengxu to wear.

Su Zhiluo anxiously asked, “Is this a serious illness? Is there any danger to her life?”

“We’ll see the test results shortly. If the report shows no major issues, then the problem isn’t serious. If you’re still worried, you can get a full physical. I suspect it’s emotional overreaction; she should be fine after a while. We’ll have the report in two hours.”

Su Zhiluo nodded. She raised her arm to wipe away the tears on her face, then looked at Liu Chengxu and forced a smile. She cried and smiled, “It’s all right now, Chengxu.”

Yang Jie returned with two cups of porridge and said, “Have some, save some strength. I helped you take the day off work at the factory.”

Su Zhiluo replied, “Thank you.”

This phrase made Yang Jie feel unworthy, as this whole incident was partially her fault. Su Zhiluo accepted the porridge, though she didn’t dare feed Liu Chengxu. She opened her phone, unblocked Yang Jie on Alipay, and transferred money to her.

Yang Jie said, “Don’t transfer it to me. It’s not much money. Let’s consider it my contribution for the medical expenses. That way, I’ll feel better.”

Su Zhiluo still transferred it. Yang Jie sighed and said, “You transferred too much. I’ll send the excess back to you via WeChat, please accept it.”

The money was transferred back, and Su Zhiluo only accepted the surplus amount.

The doctor came again, removed Liu Chengxu’s mask, and took her temperature, saying that Liu Chengxu’s condition had improved.

Liu Chengxu’s mouth was very dry. She felt clumsy and embarrassed, like a naughty child playing a trick. “Sister-in-law, I’m sorry, this check-up cost quite a bit of money again.”

Su Zhiluo: “It’s not much money. As long as you’re healthy.”

She sniffled, her nose stinging badly. She turned her head, tears continuously falling. “When you’re like this, I just don’t know what to do. Don’t do this again next time.”

Su Zhiluo couldn’t bear another death. She was afraid that, as Liu’s parents had said, she was the jinx of their family; Liu Jinhuan died because of her, and now she was going to harm Liu Chengxu too.

Su Zhiluo pressed her palms tightly against her eyes, repeatedly rubbing her reddened eye sockets. Liu Chengxu gently tugged at her sleeve, apologizing remorsefully: “I’m sorry… Sister-in-law, I’m sorry…”

Fearing that her emotions might spiral out of control again, Su Zhiluo reached out to gently rub her chest, soothing her in a low voice: “Money, no matter how important, is not as important as a person. Don’t keep dwelling on those things.”

Liu Chengxu nodded, her voice hoarse as she replied, “I’ll listen.”

But the tears simply wouldn’t stop.

She lowered her head to look at the report. Fortunately, there were no major issues.

The doctor’s diagnosis confirmed this. After thanking Yang Jie, Su Zhiluo prepared to take Liu Chengxu home.

Yang Jie drove them back, her own mood somewhat heavy. After dropping them off, she bought a drink, leaned against the car, and let out a long sigh. Then, she sent a message to Su Zhiluo: I’m sorry, I misunderstood her feelings for you before.

Su Zhiluo didn’t reply. Yang Jie finished half a bottle of water and also took the day off work for herself.

Back home, Su Zhiluo sat quietly on the edge of the bed. Liu Chengxu wasn’t sleepy, just lost, unsure what to do.

It wasn’t until Chang Ru’yin called that Su Zhiluo went outside to answer. She was still preoccupied with preparing light, bland food for Liu Chengxu.

Chang Ru’yin asked, “What’s wrong?”

Su Zhiluo hadn’t fully recovered from the fright and was fumbling around, nearly dropping a bowl. Hearing her friend’s voice, she squatted on the ground, and all her grievances rushed forth. She covered her mouth, took a few shaky breaths, and said with difficulty, “Chengxu almost had an accident.”

Chang Ru’yin asked, “Ah? Don’t panic. Do you need my help? Do you have money?”

“I do.” Su Zhiluo sniffled. “The doctor says she’s fine now.”

Chang Ru’yin comforted her: “Don’t worry. It’s normal for young people to catch a cold. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

Su Zhiluo “mm-ed” and said, “I just don’t know what to do. It feels like I’ve hit a dead end.”

Chang Ru’yin: “Take your time, tell me slowly.”

Su Zhiluo found it genuinely difficult to speak. But after Liu Chengxu’s episode today, she was certain: Liu Chengxu’s feelings for her went beyond sisterly affection; she liked her even more than Su Zhiluo had imagined.

This kind of emotion was likely impossible to change quickly. She couldn’t help but blame herself, wondering if she had done something wrong to lead Liu Chengxu down this inappropriate path.

Chang Ru’yin gently comforted her over the phone and asked if she needed her to come over and keep her company.

Su Zhiluo wiped her tears, saying she was fine.

She composed herself and started chopping Chinese cabbage, preparing to make soup.

Chang Ru’yin said, “Zhiluo, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You’ve done great. Honestly, I’ve always thought you were excellent and very brave. Many people in your situation would have just accepted their fate. Don’t stress yourself out too much. You’re just too kind, and you shoulder too much responsibility yourself.”

Su Zhiluo said, “No, I owe them.”

Chang Ru’yin couldn’t stand her saying that and spoke more forcefully, “No! What are you thinking about all day? Are you looking after Liu Chengxu because you feel indebted? You know better than anyone how her family treated you, don’t you? Didn’t you take her in back then because she was a little girl with nowhere to go? I wouldn’t have been that kind-hearted. If it were me, I wouldn’t have bothered.

Su Zhiluo, do you think raising a person is easy? Do you know how much commitment that requires? Even having your own child takes a lot of consideration, let alone after they’ve treated you so poorly. If I were Liu Jinhuan, I’d at least bow down to you.”

This made Su Zhiluo laugh. “Thank you. I feel much better.”

Chang Ru’yin just hated to see her think that way. When Liu Chengxu had nowhere to go before, she had advised Su Zhiluo not to get involved, but Su Zhiluo just wouldn’t listen, saying that the girl was too young and had nowhere to go, and if she didn’t help, no one would.

Chang Ru’yin said, “I have to hang up now. My supervisor just arrived, and he’s annoying. I called you from the restroom.”

Su Zhiluo: “Then go quickly.”