Running Towards You - Chapter 9

After switching to an external fixation device, Ji Yin regained a bit of her freedom, and that restless energy in her bones started acting up again.

She rented a wheelchair and went downstairs every day. At first, she only had the nursing aide take her down for dinner, but soon she insisted on eating all three meals outside. Eventually, she began wheeling herself up and down the hallway for no reason, popping into other patients’ rooms to chat.

Ji Yin had a way with people, she could sweet-talk anyone, living or dead and quickly became familiar with all the patients on her floor.

Of course, she grew even closer to the nurses who took care of them daily.

“Xiao Qiu, you got new glasses?” Ji Yin greeted Nurse Qiu.

“You noticed?” Nurse Qiu adjusted her glasses in surprise. “Shouldn’t you be resting? What are you doing fetching water?”

“I’m just keeping Auntie company. She’s afraid of the dark,” Ji Yin said.

Auntie, who was filling a thermos with hot water, straightened up and retorted, “What nonsense. Afraid of the dark in broad daylight? She just wants an excuse to go out and play.”

“Figured as much,” Nurse Qiu said with a laugh, stepping forward with her insulated cup. “She’s practically the most high-maintenance patient for Dr. Lu and the rest of us now, like a ticking time bomb. One careless moment, and something’s bound to happen.”

“Is it really that bad?” Ji Yin muttered.

“Of course! If anything happened to you during your stay, how could we take responsibility? It’d ruin Dr. Lu’s reputation too. She’s so diligent and responsible, every time she has to bring you back to the hospital, you should at least try to give her some peace of mind,” Nurse Qiu chided.

“I don’t do it on purpose, and I’m always careful,” Ji Yin said, though her tone lacked conviction. “Does Dr. Lu have any favorite things? Maybe I could give her a gift?”

“Don’t you dare. The rules are strict,” Nurse Qiu warned.

“I know, just a small token of appreciation. Like fruit? What kind does she like?”

“No idea. I’m heading back now.”

Ji Yin went to the nurses’ station and asked a few other nurses, but none could tell her Dr. Lu’s preferences. After thinking it over, she remembered that Dr. Lu had accepted an apple from her once. So she called Yanzi: “When you come tomorrow, bring a box of apples.”

Two minutes after hanging up, she called again: “Make sure they’re imported.”

Yanzi sounded surprised: “Wow, the penny-pincher is finally splurging on herself?”

The next day, a visitor arrived none other than Chairman Chen’s mother.

Ji Yin had just woken up from a nap when she saw the message from Mrs. Chen saying she was on her way. Panicking, she hurriedly smoothed out the bedsheets.

Then, after a moment’s thought, she ruffled them again, mussed up her hair for good measure, and collapsed weakly onto the bed.

“Auntie, cough cough cough, do I look weak right now?” Ji Yin asked.

“Very weak.”

“Good, cough cough cough.”

“But Xiao Ji, didn’t you injure your leg? Why are you coughing like your throat’s the problem?”

Oh, right.

Ji Yin immediately stopped coughing and clutched her leg, imagining herself as a broken-legged mermaid tragic and pitiful.

“Xiao Ji, how are you feeling now?” Mrs. Chen walked into the room, accompanied by a few friends.

“I’m doing well, thank you for your concern, Auntie. You really didn’t have to come all the way here, I should have been the one visiting you. But my leg. it’s just so useless!” Ji Yin, resilient despite her disability, struggled to sit up.

“Oh dear, oh dear, just lie back down! A broken bone takes a hundred days to heal, don’t go moving around,” Auntie Chen quickly stepped forward, pressing her back onto the bed.

“Thank you, Auntie. You’re so kind.” Ji Yin obediently lay back and immediately asked the nurse to wash some fruit for their guests.

“We happened to be in the area for some errands, so we thought we’d drop by to see you.”

“Thank you, thank you. You’re so thoughtful. Once I’m discharged, I’ll definitely visit you in person to express my gratitude,” Ji Yin said, touched.

“No need for thanks! Once your leg is fully healed, just come dance with us often,” Auntie Chen teased.

“Of course, no problem! I’ll lead the way, we’ll form a dance team and show off our skills and style!”

The elderly aunties burst into laughter.

“How are you managing in the hospital? Is it convenient for you to move around?” Auntie Chen asked.

“It’s alright. The nurses help me, so it’s much easier.”

“What about your family? Aren’t they here with you?”

“My sister and brother-in-law have to work, and my parents, they’re.” Ji Yin’s voice trailed off as her eyes reddened, choking up before she could finish.

Realizing the implication, the aunties quickly stopped pressing further.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have pried.” Auntie Chen’s heart ached as she watched Ji Yin lower her head to wipe her tears. She patted her head affectionately. “You’re such a strong young woman. If there’s ever anything I can do to help, just let me know.”

“Thank you, Auntie. It’s just. you remind me so much of my mom. That’s why I wanted to see you more…”

“I only have a son, and I hardly ever see him. If you don’t mind, whenever you miss your mother, you can come visit me,” Auntie Chen said tenderly, hugging her.

“Thank you, Auntie. sniff”

It took the aunties a while to console her before her tears finally stopped.

As it was getting late and they had other matters to attend to, they left with Auntie Chen.

Stepping out of the hospital building, Auntie Chen glanced back at the third-floor ward and saw Ji Yin still watching them from the window. Her heart softened even more, and she waved. “Get some rest!”

“Okay!” Ji Yin waved energetically.

“Xiao Ji, don’t be too sad. You must take care of yourself,” the nurse said, her own eyes red after hearing Ji Yin cry about her past. She finally found a moment to comfort her.

“Take care? Oh, I’m taking care of myself just fine,” Ji Yin turned back with a bright smile, deftly maneuvering her wheelchair toward the elevator to go downstairs for a meal.

“…”

The nurse hurried after her, confused. “Xiao Ji, why do you seem so happy? Weren’t you just. Don’t you miss your parents anymore?”

“My mom passed away when I was three or four. I barely remember her.”

“And your dad?”

“I wish he’d drop dead sooner.” Ji Yin pressed the elevator button and turned to the nurse with a grin. “So don’t cry for me, this is a happy occasion.”

“…”

After eating outside, Ji Yin ran into Dr. Lu in the hospital lobby on her way back. She waved cheerfully. “Dr. Lu, you’re still working?!”

“Mm.” Lu Jiahe didn’t have the heart to admit he’d come specifically to see her.

Last time I wanted to give her an apple but didn’t get the chance. I just remembered it now after work, if I don’t deliver it soon, it might go bad.

“Dr. Lu, do you have a moment? Could you wait here? I have something for you.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll find out in a bit.”

Lu Jiahe touched the apple in her pocket and obligingly stopped to wait, teasing as if to brace for impact: “You’re not giving me a red envelope, are you? If so, I’m leaving.”

“No, I know the rules. Besides, I can’t bear to part with money like that,” Ji Yin said.

“Fair enough.” Lu Jiahe laughed. “Then hurry upstairs. I also have something for you.”

“Really?!” Ji Yin never imagined she’d receive a gift from the doctor and widened her eyes in excitement. “What is it, what is it, what is it?”

“I’ll give it to you later. Go on up first.”

“Okay, let’s go, Sister!” Ji Yin spun her wheelchair forward at lightning speed while the nurse chased after her.

Before long, Ji Yin returned via the elevator.

Lu Jiahe saw the box of apples cradled in her lap and immediately had a sinking feeling.

“Yanzi brought me way too many apples, there’s no way I can finish them all alone. Dr. Lu, help me eat some?” Ji Yin lifted the box toward her, eyes brimming with anticipation, utterly curious about what gift the doctor had for her.

“…” Lu Jiahe rubbed the apple in her pocket. “Maybe next time. I’ll get you a different gift.”

“Why next time?” Ji Yin stared at her pleadingly. “Let’s do it now! No matter what you give me, I’ll love it!”

“Then here goes?”

“Yeah!”

Under Ji Yin’s scorching gaze, Lu Jiahe pulled out a single apple.

Ji Yin’s expression instantly shifted from to O.O?

“I meant to give this to you earlier, but I never found the right moment.” Lu Jiahe suddenly regretted bringing only one, and even more for not giving it sooner. Anything would’ve been better than producing a lone apple after receiving a whole box.

“Really? You prepared this for me before?” Ji Yin asked.

“Yeah. Last time when you got me that discount on oil, I didn’t know what you liked, and it’s awkward to give gifts in the ward, so it’s been sitting around.” After explaining, Lu Jiahe noticed Ji Yin silently staring at her and gave an awkward smile. “Never mind, it’s too shabby. Next time, I’ll get you something better.”

Just as she was about to take the apple back, Ji Yin grabbed her wrist.

Prying the apple from her hand, Ji Yin beamed. “Not shabby at all! I told you, I’ll love anything from you, Dr. Lu. It’s the thought that counts!”

Lu Jiahe chuckled, then glanced at the box of apples. “You should keep those for yourself. I don’t really like apples, no point wasting them.”

“What?!”

Ji Yin’s expression instantly shifted from ╰(°▽°)╯ to QAQ.