Solitary Toss of Tenderness

In my barren land, you are the last rose

In the emergency room, Xu Baihan followed the sound and saw Father Xu standing behind Mother Xu. He had just entered the ward and hadn’t steadied himself yet. His face was slightly red from hurried walking, but he couldn’t hide his shock at this moment. Xu Baihan saw her father’s gaze was fixed on her, his face displaying an unusual seriousness and sternness.

It was the first time Xu Baihan had seen her father with such a serious expression. Under his stern demeanor, she involuntarily felt a bit guilty and anxious. She bit her lip, lowered her head, and reflexively felt a sense of fear and the urge to escape. But as she turned her face slightly, she saw Yun Bo lying quietly next to her with a pale face. In an instant, she suddenly gained a surge of courage.

She took a deep breath, lifted her head, met her father’s intense anger with a serious gaze, and repeated each word earnestly, “Father Xu, I mean it. I love Yun Bo, I want to marry her, I want to spend this lifetime, forever, with her.”

She saw Father Xu’s tightly focused eyes widen for a moment, as if they were about to spew fire. Mother Xu clearly sensed Father Xu’s shock and anger too; she nervously reached out and grabbed her husband’s arm.

Father Xu clenched his teeth, his cheeks and upper and lower lips trembled violently, he struggled to restrain the fury that was about to burst forth. With the calmest tone he could muster at that moment, he incredulously asked his usually sensible and obedient daughter once again, “Xu Baihan, do you really understand what you’re saying?”

Xu Baihan sensed the astonishment, anger, and disappointment in her father’s tone; her nose began to feel a bit sour. She glanced at her beloved by her side, then back at her father. Under his unblinking gaze, she spoke earnestly and resolutely, “Father, how could I not know what I’m saying? I waited for twelve years, and finally, she came back to me. This sentence, I’ve been brewing it for twelve years, until I finally gathered enough courage to say it. In the past, I was foolish and deceived myself, causing harm to both others and myself. But in this moment, I know I’m more clear-headed than ever.”

Father Xu was breathing heavily, his veins on his forehead bulging due to excessive agitation, and his gaze held a complexity that Xu Baihan had never seen before. He looked at her for how long, and Xu Baihan, summoning her courage, maintained eye contact with him for just as long.

After a long while, Father Xu clenched his fists, was the first to avert his gaze, turned his body, pulled Mother Xu’s arm, and as he walked away, hoarsely instructed, “I think we all need some time to calm down. Baitao, stay here to take care of your sister. Your mother and I will return to the villa in the resort. Come back in the evening and explain the whole situation to me in detail.”

Xu Baitao kept a neutral expression, saw his parents leave, and immediately heaved a sigh of relief, replying, “Sure, Dad, I understand.”

Xu Baihan watched the figures of her parents receding into the distance, her expression somewhat melancholic. She distinctly noticed that as her mother left with her father, the final glance she cast back at her was one of disappointment and concern.

Even though irritated, even though angry, they still couldn’t control the worry and affection. Mother, I’m a fool, but aren’t you too?

Lost in melancholy, Xu Baihan suddenly felt the hand she was holding, gently move. She immediately turned her head to look at Yun Bo, and indeed, she saw Yun Bo with her eyes open, a calm look in her eyes, gazing at her with a faint expression.

In an instant, Xu Baihan was ecstatic and exclaimed, “Yun Bo, you’re awake. Is there anything uncomfortable?”

Yun Bo blinked her eyes, gently shook her head, and quietly looked at Xu Baihan, observing this woman who had just displayed bravery and determination like a female warrior in front of her parents, and now, in her presence, seemed timid and soft like a helpless child. After a while, she faintly curved her lips, revealing a hint of a genuine smile, her voice soft and hoarse, “Baihan, I saw you being brave for me.”

Xu Baitao saw the faint smile on Yun Bo’s face, seemingly contented, and couldn’t help but furrow his brows in displeasure, saying, “Are you satisfied now? I saw my dad get angry for the first time…”

Xu Baihan calmly interjected, interrupting Xu Baitao, and said, “Baitao, Yun Bo isn’t seriously hurt. While the hospital doctors are still around, take the opportunity to visit the urology department.”

Xu Baitao’s mouth hung open, and he froze instantly. He glanced at Yun Bo lying on the hospital bed and Xu Baihan sitting beside her, both wearing long-lost smiles on their faces. Finally, he let out a resigned sigh. He chuckled inwardly but wore an exaggeratedly gloomy expression on his face. Turning around as he walked out, he grumbled, “Fine, fine, sis, I never knew you were the kind of person who burns bridges after crossing them and throws others under the bus. That’s just enough…”

Xu Baihan and Yun Bo exchanged a glance, and without coordination, both gently curled their lips, their eyes filled with shared amusement.

In late April, four days before their planned return to Linzhou, Jiang Huaixi was on the phone with Jiang Huaichuan in the living room when suddenly, she heard a loud, crisp sound of glass shattering coming from the study. Jiang Huaixi was startled, and without even disconnecting the call, she quickly got up and rushed to the study.

As she entered the study, she saw Lu Zizheng sitting in front of a notebook, staring blankly at the shattered glass on the floor, tears streaming down her face.

Jiang Huaixi walked in briskly, placed her phone hastily on the desk, and reached out to embrace Lu Zizheng tightly, gently rubbing her head while softly inquiring, “Zizheng, what’s wrong?”

Lu Zizheng lay in her embrace, choked up and said, “Huaixi, something happened to Sister Baihan, she’s in trouble…”

A jolt went through Jiang Huaixi’s heart, and the name “Jiang Wang” flashed through her mind. Could it be… Her gaze turned to the computer, and as expected, the page was paused on the timed email Xu Baihan had sent to Lu Zizheng. As Jiang Huaixi comforted Lu Zizheng in a soft voice, “Don’t worry, Zizheng, nothing will happen, our senior sister will be fine…” she quickly read through the email.

She reached for the nearby phone, seeing the screen still showing an ongoing call. She hastily said “Talk later” to Jiang Huaichuan and hung up, then swiftly dialed Xu Baihan’s number, putting the call on speakerphone, and informed Lu Zizheng, “Don’t worry, I’m calling her to check.”

Lu Zizheng looked up, tears still in the corners of her eyes, her expression full of nervousness and anticipation as she joined Jiang Huaixi in waiting for the call to connect.

At this moment, every second felt so long, and with each “beep” sound that rang out, Jiang Huaixi’s heart tightened a bit more. She lowered her head, gently wiping away Lu Zizheng’s tears with her fingers, while reassuring her, “It’s okay, it’s okay…” Yet, she unmistakably felt her own fingers trembling ever so slightly, almost imperceptibly…

“Huaixi…” After a long wait, the phone was finally answered. Fortunately, the voice that sounded from the other end was the familiar, warm, and pleasant voice of Xu Baihan.

Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng both let out a long sigh of relief in unison.

Lu Zizheng, overwhelmed with joy, choked up as she said, “Sister, sister, you’re still there, you’re okay, that’s so good, so good…”

Xu Baihan was momentarily taken aback, then quickly comforted Lu Zizheng, “Zizheng, don’t cry, what’s wrong? I’m here, sister is fine…” As she spoke, it seemed she suddenly remembered something and slightly raised her voice with chagrin, “Zizheng, be good, don’t cry. Did you receive that email? Sister is okay, it’s my fault, I made you all worry, scared you. Be good, don’t cry, it’s all in the past…”

Lu Zizheng choked with self-blame and said, “Sister, it’s all my fault. I wasn’t good at all. I didn’t help you in any way. I said I would help you, but in the end, I’ve only been making you worry for me. I haven’t done anything. Luckily, luckily, you’re okay…”

Xu Baihan gently reassured her, “Silly, why are you saying such things? You’ve done nothing wrong. Sister doesn’t blame you at all. Don’t think too much.” After a pause, she continued, “Huaixi, are you listening?”

Jiang Huaixi embraced Lu Zizheng, patting her back gently to comfort her, and softly responded, “Senior sister, I’m here.”

Xu Baihan said, “Huaixi, I’m fine, but Jiang Wang got injured a bit. Right now, I’m back home in Linzhou, resting and recovering. I’ll need to trouble you to take a long break and help manage things at the hospital.”

Upon hearing that Jiang Wang was injured, Jiang Huaixi’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she calmly replied, “Alright, it’s no problem at the hospital. Is Jiang Wang’s injury serious?”

Xu Baihan whispered, “She fell down the stairs and fractured her arm and thigh bones. The doctor said she needs a good month of rest. It’s not very serious, so don’t worry.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaixi felt somewhat relieved. Lu Zizheng, however, appeared a bit puzzled, wondering what connection Jiang Wang had with all of this. She looked at Jiang Huaixi in confusion, and Jiang Huaixi sighed and said, “Let senior sister explain to you.” With that, she turned off the speakerphone and handed the phone over to Lu Zizheng.

After Xu Baihan explained the situation to Lu Zizheng, Lu Zizheng ended the call, and it was already late at night.

After finishing her nighttime routine, Lu Zizheng returned to the bedroom and saw Jiang Huaixi reading a book under a small lamp. When she entered, Jiang Huaixi closed the book and set it aside.

Lu Zizheng walked over quickly, climbed onto the bed, and nestled into Jiang Huaixi’s embrace. She said with a muffled voice, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier that Sister had found Yun Bo?”

Jiang Huaixi gently ruffled her fine hair and smiled, “Are you upset?”

Lu Zizheng let out a subdued hum and after a moment said, “No, I know. Just like you and Sister, you’re both afraid of worrying me.”

Jiang Huaixi held her in her arms, smiling without saying a word.

Lu Zizheng hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Jiang Huaixi and asked, “Huaixi, can we return to Linzhou earlier? I want to go see Sister, to personally make sure she’s alright before I can put my mind at ease.”

Jiang Huaixi curved her lips and softly made a sound of agreement, “Mm,” before responding, “Sure, I was thinking the same thing. How about tomorrow afternoon? We’ll get up early, pack our things, inform Auntie Lin about our leave after lunch, and then head back, alright?”

Lu Zizheng gently nodded in her embrace, feeling content, “Alright.” She playfully rubbed Jiang Huaixi’s belly, unable to resist exclaiming in admiration, “Huaixi, you’re really great…”

Jiang Huaixi lowered her head and kissed her cheek, chuckling, “Where are you rubbing? Don’t you want to sleep soon?”

In an instant, Lu Zizheng let go of her and bounced back to her own spot, closing her eyes and saying, “We need to wake up early tomorrow, can’t mess around, I’m going to sleep now, goodnight.”

Jiang Huaixi looked at her and smiled fondly, then leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, saying, “Mm, sleep tight, goodnight.”

The next day at noon, after a simple lunch, Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng packed their things and held hands as they went to Auntie Lin’s place to bid farewell.

Upon learning that Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng were leaving earlier that afternoon, Auntie Lin was taken aback and a bit flustered. She said, “I thought you would stay for a few more days. Huaixi, don’t you like the dumplings I make? I was planning to make some for you to take back. Now there’s not enough time. I’ve also picked the loquats, and I was planning to steam them into canned goods for you to take back tomorrow. And, and…” The honest woman was clearly in a state of confusion.

Jiang Huaixi reached out and held Auntie Lin’s hand, soothingly saying, “It’s okay, Auntie Lin. You can prepare them all, and next year, I’ll bring Zizheng back to eat, alright?” As she spoke, she took a red envelope from Lu Zizheng and handed it to Auntie Lin, saying, “This is a little token of appreciation from Zizheng and me. Thank you for taking care of us during this time.”

Auntie Lin tried to decline and push the red envelope back, “Huaixi, I can’t accept this. Please take it back.”

However, Jiang Huaixi insisted on her taking it. After a few rounds of back-and-forth, Auntie Lin couldn’t resist any longer and accepted it, her eyes turning red.

When they were leaving Auntie Lin’s house, she even brought out a large bag of local specialties that she had prepared in advance and insisted that Jiang Huaixi take them with her. Jiang Huaixi couldn’t refuse her and had to agree to take them.

After leaving the house, Jiang Huaixi walked ahead with Lu Zizheng following behind. Auntie Lin closed the door and intended to walk with them, so Lu Zizheng slowed down her pace, waiting to walk alongside Auntie Lin.

Walking side by side, Auntie Lin and Lu Zizheng gazed at Jiang Huaixi’s tall figure in front of them. Suddenly, Auntie Lin spoke seriously, “Zizheng, there’s something on my mind, but I’m not sure if I should say it.”

Lu Zizheng smiled gently and replied, “Auntie, it’s alright. Please go ahead, I’m listening.”

Auntie Lin unconsciously clasped and rubbed her hands, licked her lips, and then hesitated before saying, “The relationship between you and Huaixi, I’m afraid, I’m afraid it’s not that simple…”

Lu Zizheng’s footsteps faltered for a moment. She was unsure how to respond for a while.

Auntie Lin seemed to perceive Lu Zizheng’s nervousness and hesitation. She smiled lovingly and said, “I don’t mean anything else, dear. Don’t be afraid. Although I may not be highly educated, I still understand that in life, we’re all seeking one thing – to live freely and happily. I can see that Huaixi values and cares about you a lot. Having you by her side has changed her for the better, made her happier, and that’s enough. What I want to say is that both of you are wonderful kids. After you go back, no matter what happens, just remember to take good care of yourselves. What others say doesn’t matter; your own feelings matter the most.”

Lu Zizheng was surprised and moved by Auntie Lin’s words. Her nose tingled slightly, and she earnestly replied, “Auntie, we will.”

Auntie Lin looked towards Jiang Huaixi and sighed. She took Lu Zizheng’s hand and patted it gently with affection. She spoke with sincerity, “Huaixi is a thoughtful child, carrying many things in her heart. Sometimes, it’s hard to unravel her thoughts and emotions. You need to be patient with her. But she is absolutely someone worth entrusting, someone who knows how to care for others.”

Lu Zizheng walked alongside Auntie Lin, her gaze also falling upon Jiang Huaixi. She recalled not long ago, when Mother Jiang seemed to have said similar words to her in the hospital. Mother Jiang mentioned that Huaixi had some emotional burdens, and perhaps only Lu Zizheng could help her open up. It was as if everyone knew about Huaixi’s emotional struggles, except for herself. She didn’t even realize it.

Lu Zizheng’s eyes dimmed involuntarily, and her heart sank.

Jiang Huaixi sensed that the two people behind her hadn’t caught up yet, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit curious. She turned around, a hint of puzzlement in her expression, and looked at them with a faint smile.

In the moment when Lu Zizheng saw Jiang Huaixi’s smile, she felt as though the heaviness and worries in her heart had instantly dissipated.

She didn’t know the exact nature of Jiang Huaixi’s emotional burden, but she knew that Jiang Huaixi’s smile truly meant a lot to her.

Closing her eyes briefly, Lu Zizheng turned to Auntie Lin and said, “Auntie Lin, I promise.” With that, she quickened her pace and caught up with Jiang Huaixi, clasping her hand tightly with all five fingers. She smiled radiantly at Jiang Huaixi, standing shoulder to shoulder with her as they waited for Auntie Lin.

Huaixi, if this is our final obstacle, I am willing to patiently wait. One day, I hope you’ll be willing to hold my hand and cross over it together.

I believe that with enough patience and the confidence I provide you, someday you’ll be ready to let me personally help you unravel the knot that has bound your heart for years. Hand in hand, together we’ll turn it into a symbol of our love, an everlasting unity.