During the two days Yu Qingdu was away, Shang Qingye continued his life as usual, while Grandma Shang’s health gradually improved under his care.
By the third day of Yu Qingdu’s absence, the finals had already concluded. However, perhaps due to the awards ceremony or other formalities, he had not yet returned.
That very day, Shang Qingye found himself being dragged to the hospital by Grandma Shang.
In truth, Shang Qingye had already gone for a checkup two months prior just to keep his grandmother from worrying. The doctor’s conclusion back then was that recovery was possible through surgery and follow up treatment, and the cost was not particularly exorbitant.
However, Shang Qingye felt it was unnecessary. He did not see the point in spending tens of thousands on an ear that caused him no real pain or itch. Besides, his grandmother needed him to care for her.
Consequently, when he returned home that day and faced his grandmother’s questioning, he told a small lie. He told her the doctor said there was no possibility of treatment.
But Grandma Shang was the woman who had raised him from a boy. She did not believe a single word of his claim that it was untreatable. Unfortunately, her subsequent illness and the stress from the shameless trio during the New Year had caused a delay.
Having finally caught Shang Qingye today, Grandma Shang refused to let go. She escorted him to the hospital for another examination.
Coincidentally, it was the same doctor as before.
“I told you last time that your ear can be treated. You just need surgery,” the doctor stated calmly.
“Doctor, is there any risk with the surgery? It is not life threatening, is it?” Grandma Shang asked, her voice laced with worry.
The doctor looked up at her and continued, “It is not life threatening. This is conductive hearing loss caused by middle ear issues. We just need to perform a tympanoplasty and ossicular chain reconstruction. These are minor procedures that can be done together.”
Grandma Shang did not understand terms like ossicular chain. She only understood that her grandson’s ear could be cured through a minor, safe surgery. A light of hope rekindled in her eyes. She looked at the doctor as if he were a deity holding the power over her grandson’s fate.
“Then, approximately how much will it cost?” she asked cautiously.
The doctor glanced at the pair and flatly stated a figure. “Forty thousand at most.”
Hearing this number, Grandma Shang actually let out a sigh of relief. It was not some astronomical sum that she would have to work herself to death and still fail to gather. This was for the best.
“Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much,” Grandma Shang thought to herself.
“Do you want to proceed?” the doctor asked, looking at the man who had visited twice now. “If you do, I will make the arrangements.”
“We will,” Grandma Shang began.
“We are not doing it.” Before Grandma Shang could finish her sentence, Shang Qingye’s refusal cut her off.
He did not look at anyone as he repeated, “We are not doing it.”
Then, he pulled his grandmother away and left.
“Hey, you brat! What do you mean you are not doing it? We are! It is not like we do not have the money! If we are short, I can borrow it!” Grandma Shang struggled to speak at the hospital entrance.
Shang Qingye let go of her arm and said helplessly, “Grandma, forty thousand is not a small amount. Even if we spend it on me, I might not even hear a sound. Let’s forget it. One ear is enough anyway.” He pointed to his right ear.
“You fool, stop being stubborn! Do you think I do not know your ear hurts from time to time? Besides, fixing your ear will make it easier for you to find a wife. Look at you now; what family would want to marry their daughter to you?” As she spoke, her eyes began to redden.
“Hey, do not cry. Do we really need someone’s daughter to marry in?” Shang Qingye immediately joked to lighten the mood.
“What? If you do not want a girl, do you want a man?” Grandma Shang glared at him.
Shang Qingye rubbed his nose and remained silent.
“Do you really like men?!” Seeing the look on his face, Grandma Shang was startled, momentarily forgetting all about his ear.
“Hey, keep your voice down.” Shang Qingye and his grandmother were standing in a recessed open space near the entrance. Her outburst had already drawn glances from several people heading into the hospital.
“Do not change the subject. Do you really like men?” she asked suspiciously.
“Where are you getting these ideas? You are just imagining things.” Shang Qingye looked helpless, though a careful observer might have spotted a trace of guilt in his eyes.
“It is good if you do not. No matter how good a man is, he cannot bear children.” Frightened by the thought, Grandma Shang forgot about the surgery and followed him out.
It was only after she sat in the taxi that she realized, “Then what about your ear!”
“Grandma, I will get it treated. I will. But I am too busy lately. Once things settle down, I absolutely will.” Shang Qingye continued to stall.
Grandma Shang knew she could not push too hard. If he were easily persuaded, he would have done it long ago. She feigned ignorance and gave him an out. “Fine. Remember to get it treated once you are done being busy.”
I will give you a little more time, Xiao Ye.
That evening, Shang Qingye was invited out by a childhood friend he had not seen in a long time.
“Man, I am finally back on my home turf.”
In the bar lounge, Yu Siyang sat with one leg crossed over the other and his arms spread wide across the sofa. “This feels great,” he said comfortably.
Yu Siyang’s parents worked out of town, leaving only his grandfather at home. When his grandfather passed away a few years ago, his parents took him away. He had stayed elsewhere for several years until his family made enough money to move back. They had just finished settling in a few days ago.
“You brat, you are doing well for yourself now.” Shang Qingye had a cigarette in his mouth as he looked at the designer clothes his friend was wearing.
Yu Siyang laughed, throwing an arm around Shang Qingye’s shoulder. “I am doing alright. You used to cover for me; now it is my turn to cover for you. Your buddy has your back.”
In the past, Yu Siyang had only his grandfather, which led to him being bullied or looked down upon. Each time, Shang Qingye was the one who stepped up to teach those people a lesson throughout primary, middle, and high school.
Shang Qingye did not answer. He just held the cigarette between his lips and smiled. He had helped Yu Siyang back then because he felt they were similar, both having only one elderly relative at home. Later, however, he realized they were not alike at all, because Yu Siyang had parents who loved him.
“Alright, enough talk. I have arranged the main event for you today.” Yu Siyang clapped his hands with a practiced air that suggested he frequented such places.
Several beautiful women swarmed in, surrounding Yu Siyang and Shang Qingye. They were all stunning, with curvaceous figures and delicate features.
“Go on, keep my brother company.” Yu Siyang tossed a lighter to a woman nearby.
She caught it knowingly and sat beside Shang Qingye. “Handsome, let me light that for you.”
With beautiful women sitting on either side, Shang Qingye maintained a certain distance, signaling them not to crowd him. The women understood and did not try to press against him. When the lighter was held up, he maintained his distance and leaned in to light his cigarette.
“Hey, Qingdu, what are you looking at?”
Wen Chen saw his best friend staring intently at the floor below with an unreadable smile, which made him feel slightly uneasy.
“Nothing. I just saw something interesting.”