Chapter 59: Have You Hugged Before?
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Yan Tinghuan kept silent about the medicinal oil, knowing that Ruan Yesheng and Xi Mo understood. Not only did they understand, but at this moment, both of their faces were also hard to describe.
However, Feng Tangtang didn't understand. She pestered Yan Tinghuan for the reason, who ambiguously laughed it off. Feng Tangtang wasn't the type to press for answers. Seeing Yan Tinghuan's silence, she accepted her lack of understanding silently, continuing to be perplexed.
"I'll have to leave soon. There are still plenty of fruits. Do you two want to have some?" Ruan Yesheng asked.
Yan Tinghuan waved her hand, but Feng Tangtang eagerly said, "I'll have some."
Ruan Yesheng understood her personality. Feng Tangtang had always been frugal. Coming to the hospital this time to take care of Xi Mo, she thought she was taking care of Ruanruan. She must have prepared so many fruits out of her own pocket. She washed what needed to be washed, peeled what needed to be peeled, and bought some especially expensive ones. She probably hadn't even been willing to eat them first, waiting for Ruanruan to finish before eating them herself. If she found out they couldn't finish them and had to throw them away, she'd feel heartbroken. Thinking of this, Ruan Yesheng immediately wrapped the fruit plate in plastic wrap after they finished eating, to keep them fresh for Feng Tangtang.
Ruan Yesheng helped Feng Tangtang unwrap the plastic wrap and said to her, "I wrapped it in plastic wrap, so it's still fresh."
Feng Tangtang was pleasantly surprised, "Thank you, Sister Xi!"
However, she didn't immediately eat it. Instead, she cheerfully placed the dessert in front of Xi Mo, saying, "Ruanruan, this dessert is exceptionally delicious and precious. Try it. It's also very soothing for your throat, perfect for you right now."
"What did you have at the dessert shop? Was it this?" Xi Mo glanced at the dessert, which looked quite exquisite and tasty, then casually asked her.
Feng Tangtang smiled and said, "I had a cup of milk tea."
Yan Tinghuan squinted and added, "The cheapest one. I wanted to treat her to something else, but she insisted on buying it herself."
Feng Tangtang's face turned red with anger. "You're talking nonsense. The cheapest one is a different kind of milk tea. Mine is three yuan more expensive!"
Xi Mo: "..."
Yan Tinghuan shrugged, wearing an expression that said, ‘See, I wasn't making it up, right?’
Ruan Yesheng secretly glared at Yan Tinghuan. Yan Tinghuan shrank her neck, knowing she had spoken too much, and stayed silent.
Feng Tangtang looked at Xi Mo anxiously, saying, "Ruanruan, rest assured, this dessert of yours is really expensive. Although it's not the most expensive, it's definitely one of the priciest on the menu. It must be delicious."
She often thought very simply; expensive usually meant good to her. If she wanted to personally buy something good to give to a good friend, then she should definitely buy something expensive. But compared to other things, how much more expensive could a small dessert be? Yet, when choosing desserts, she still chose the expensive ones.
"Thank you," Xi Mo smiled. "It must be delicious."
She divided the dessert into two parts, keeping only a very small piece for herself, a modest portion, and gave the rest to Feng Tangtang. "The doctor said I shouldn't eat too much at night, so this little bit is enough for me."
Feng Tangtang felt both regretful and happy. Regretful that Ruanruan could only have a bite of such a delicious dessert, yet happy that she truly liked it. Having some to eat was happiness in itself.
"You want to eat dessert and fruit, can you finish it all?" Xi Mo took a bite of the dessert and asked Feng Tangtang.
Feng Tangtang actually made a serious plan and said, "There's not much dessert, just this small piece, so I can definitely finish it. As for the fruit, I'll only eat a small portion."
There was a hint of regret in her words. It was a bit wasteful, but she understood that if she couldn't finish it, she couldn't force it. Even though she was frugal, she understood this principle.
Feng Tangtang finished the dessert and then started eating the fruit.
Ruan Yesheng had been silent the whole time, watching Feng Tangtang happily eating with a sweet expression on her face. Although her expression couldn't fully convey her emotions, the smile in her eyes was evident.
Xi Mo, on the other hand, observed Ruan Yesheng's expression thoughtfully.
Feng Tangtang's parents were divorced, and she lived with her mother. Their early years were financially tight, which led to her frugal habits. Ruan Yesheng's family had known Feng Tangtang's family for a long time. When Feng Tangtang's mother was working hard outside and often left her alone at home, Ruan Yesheng's mother felt sorry for her. Whenever she finished her work and could go home, she would always invite Feng Tangtang over for dinner. Over the years, Ruan Yesheng and Feng Tangtang's friendship had deepened.
As Feng Tangtang's family situation gradually improved and she became independent, things changed. However, her frugal habits from her youth persisted. She rented her own place while her mother still lived in their old house. She dreamed of buying a spacious and bright new house for her mother.
Xi Mo's company treated its employees well, with good salaries and benefits. However, Feng Tangtang was only an assistant and had recently joined the company. Even though the company provided good benefits, they were based on each employee's seniority and position. It certainly couldn't compare to those who had been with the company for a longer time. With the soaring housing prices, Feng Tangtang wanted to save money to buy a larger house near her workplace to take care of her mother. With just her salary, she didn't know when she could fulfill this wish.
Ruan Yesheng knew all of this.
A person so frugal would willingly drink the cheapest milk tea but would prepare what she thought were the most expensive fruits for you, carrying what she thought was the most expensive dessert and walking so many roads just to bring it to you in the end.
As Ruan Yesheng watched, her heart felt both sweet and sour. How many times had she subtly hinted at helping Feng Tangtang, only to be refused? Feng Tangtang didn't want to use her money, and Ruan Yesheng didn't want to insist. So, many times, she had to secretly help her, being careful not to let Feng Tangtang find out.
Although Xi Mo didn't know many of the details, from Ruan Yesheng's current gaze towards Feng Tangtang, she could tell that Ruan Yesheng indeed cared for Feng Tangtang.
"Tangtang," Xi Mo called out to Feng Tangtang.
Feng Tangtang turned her face, still chewing on the fruit.
Xi Mo said, "Guess what your Sister Xi just told me about you?"
Ruan Yesheng's heart stirred. She hadn't talked to Xi Mo about anything related to Feng Tangtang just now, so she couldn't help but look at Xi Mo.
Feng Tangtang glanced at Xi Mo, then quickly looked back at Ruan Yesheng. Unable to discern anything from Ruan Yesheng's expression, she couldn't help but look shocked. “...Am I going to be fired?"
Xi Mo: "..."
What on earth is going on in your head?!
Is that how you see me?!
Xi Mo restrained herself and put on a friendly smile. "Your Sister Xi said that you are diligent and responsible at work, and you handle tasks very well. She's planning to give you a raise."
Ruan Yesheng finally understood Xi Mo's meaning. She was initially stunned, but then a subtle smile appeared on her lips.
"Really, really?" Feng Tangtang couldn't believe it, eagerly looking at Ruan Yesheng, seeking confirmation from her "Sister Xi."
Ruan Yesheng smiled and nodded. "Really."
Feng Tangtang was on the verge of tears. She was simple-minded, and even a small favor from others would be deeply appreciated, leaving a sweet feeling for a long time. Moreover, it was a raise this time. She hadn't been at the company for long, and she didn't expect to get a raise so soon. She felt light-hearted, almost as if she were flying.
But she was usually a well-behaved person. She knew it wasn't appropriate to ask directly how much her salary would be raised. Even though she was curious, she wouldn't ask under excitement. She planned to wait until payday to see for herself and understand everything.
Xi Mo continued, "Your Sister Xi said she won't tell you how much the raise is for now. Anyway, the salary settlement day for this month is coming soon. You can check your salary card yourself then."
Feng Tangtang nodded vigorously, feeling touched. "I don't even know how to thank Sister Xi!"
Ruan Yesheng just smiled.
Yan Tinghuan leaned against the table, enjoying the scene. "You don't know how to thank her? Just hug her. A hug is the strongest form of gratitude."
Xi Mo: "..."
Ruan Yesheng: "..."
Feng Tangtang, prompted by Yan Tinghuan's suggestion, immediately stood up. She lowered her head, not daring to look directly at Ruan Yesheng, just cautiously glancing over. After all, Sister Xi had a high status, and she usually didn't like direct physical contact with others. Feng Tangtang was just a lowly assistant. Although she wanted to hug as a way of expressing gratitude, she didn't know if Sister Xi would agree.
Feng Tangtang felt conflicted, wanting to ask if she could hug but unable to speak. She couldn't stay seated or standing, her face flushed red with embarrassment.
Ruan Yesheng looked at Xi Mo, and Xi Mo silently nodded her head.
Ruan Yesheng then took two steps toward Feng Tangtang, opened her arms, and said, "Don't you want to give me a hug to express your gratitude?"
Feng Tangtang was dumbfounded.
After standing still for a while, she ecstatically walked forward and hugged Ruan Yesheng.
As Feng Tangtang hugged, she couldn't help but sob softly. She couldn't believe she had the chance to hug Sister Xi in her lifetime! Sometimes, when she helped Xi Mo take photos with fans, she would see fans getting the chance to hug Xi Mo, but it was usually just a courteous hug. Artists needed to maintain their image, so every artist would have some interaction with fans, including courtesy hugs. Assistants were used to seeing such scenes, but Feng Tangtang secretly envied fans who could hug Xi Mo. Artists hugged fans mostly for interaction purposes, such as thanking them for their support. Even though assistants were with the artists, their relationship was mostly between employer and employee, so they dared not overstep boundaries.
Now Feng Tangtang's wish was fulfilled, and she was overjoyed. When Ruan Yesheng let go of her, she smiled so much that it seemed like bubbles would burst from her face.
Yan Tinghuan looked sideways and said, "Am I the only one here who hasn't hugged the goddess?"
The room fell silent.
Still reveling in the happiness of the hug, Feng Tangtang happily said, "I don't know if Ruanruan has hugged Sister Xi before. Ruanruan, have you?"
Xi Mo: "..."
Ruan Yesheng: "..."
Seeing the two not responding, Yan Tinghuan immediately guessed the truth and continued with a sidelong glance, "So it seems I'm the only one who hasn't hugged the goddess. I want to hug too. It's so unfair."
Ruan Yesheng looked at Xi Mo again.
Xi Mo silently shook her head.
Ruan Yesheng glanced at the clock and said, "It's getting late. I have to go back. Tangtang, do you want to come with me?"
Yan Tinghuan felt annoyed and stabbed a piece of fruit to eat.
Feng Tangtang nodded, tidied up a bit, and prepared to go back to the hotel with Ruan Yesheng. She was worried, so she reminded Xi Mo again, saying that she must wait until the doctor said it was okay before leaving the hospital. Then she walked out with Ruan Yesheng. As they reached the door, Ruan Yesheng glanced back at Yan Tinghuan. Yan Tinghuan understood her gesture and nodded, which put Ruan Yesheng at ease to leave.
As the night grew deeper, Xi Mo noticed that Yan Tinghuan showed no intention of leaving and asked, "Where are you sleeping tonight? Why don't you go back to the hotel with them?"
Yan Tinghuan casually replied, "I'll just sleep here."
Xi Mo: "..."
Yan Tinghuan walked over, moved the folding chair used for companionship in the ward, and laid it out as a narrow makeshift bed. Sitting on it with a pitiful expression, she said, "What's wrong? I'm here to accompany you out of kindness, and you want to chase me away? Ruanruan, you wouldn't be so heartless to me, would you?"
Xi Mo had gotten used to her dramatics by now and knew she meant well. Perhaps she was afraid that if Xi Mo had another fever at night and there was no one to take care of her, it wouldn't be convenient. Deep down, Xi Mo was still grateful, so she said, "I'm afraid you won't be comfortable sleeping like this. If you're worried, how about booking a room at a hotel near the hospital? If anything happens, I'll have the nurse call you."
Yan Tinghuan decisively refused, "No, I don't want to. Besides, booking another hotel room would cost money, but here I can stay for free."
Xi Mo: "..."
Can't you come up with a more reliable excuse to fool me?
Although Xi Mo didn't fully understand Yan Tinghuan's background, she could tell from their interactions these days that Yan Tinghuan was not short of money at all. In fact, she seemed to spend lavishly without hesitation. Yan Tinghuan was also a bit of a show-off, and anyone with a discerning eye could see her social status. So, saying she couldn't bear to spend money was simply nonsensical.
Xi Mo couldn't be bothered to expose her, and besides, her willingness to stay and take care of her was indeed sincere, so she just let her be.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Approaching eleven o'clock, Xi Mo took a shower and, still recovering from her illness, quickly fell asleep. For ventilation, the window in the ward had been kept partially open. Yan Tinghuan stuck her head out to glance outside, her expression darker than the night itself. Finally, she closed and locked the window securely.
Seeing Xi Mo asleep with her eyes closed, Yan Tinghuan quietly moved the folding bed to the wall next to the door. This position was in a blind spot for anyone peeping through the observation window or entering through the door, making it less likely to be noticed immediately. After locking the door, she turned off the light and lay down on the folding bed. Xi Mo was concerned that she might catch a cold at night, so she even gave Yan Tinghuan a blanket.
The room was dimly lit, with only a faint light leaking in from the corridor through the small observation window on the ward door. Yan Tinghuan fumbled around on her body and found a small object, shaped like a ring. Using the light from the observation window, she put it on her finger. With a slight movement, a sharp protrusion suddenly emerged from the middle of the object, incredibly sharp. Upon closer inspection, one could see that the protrusion was actually transparent, with something resembling liquid inside.
With another movement, the protrusion retracted, returning the object to its smooth ring shape. Yan Tinghuan glanced at the door, then tucked her hand under the blanket and closed her eyes.
The clock hanging in the nurse's station ticked away slowly.
Close to two in the morning, except for the illuminated light at the duty nurse's station, the lights in the other wards had long been extinguished and now was the time when patients slept the deepest.
At the end of the corridor, a door emitted a soft sound as it was pushed open by a hand.
Someone passed through this door and proceeded slowly along the corridor, their footsteps clearly controlled to minimize noise, almost silent.
The harsh, cold white light of the corridor illuminated this person, casting their shadow along the way.
The footsteps approached gradually, finally coming to a halt outside the ward where Xi Mo was.
Inside the room, Yan Tinghuan abruptly opened her eyes.
Outside, those hands slowly reached out, moving towards the door handle of the ward.
Author's Note:
What I have to say today in the little green text* is also very important, that is, in all my articles, especially the other article and this one, please do not make random comments, please do not substitute or involve any real people, they have their own unique image, in my mind, each of them is unique. Please do not compare or mention them with anything else to avoid causing trouble, and do not involve any real people. Please stay away from real people. Thank you for your respect. Many things are very important. When the time comes, I will also highlight some of these related reminders in another article of mine. If you read both articles, please understand. I will explain them again when the time comes. Thank you.
*author's note
