“Mom, don’t listen to his nonsense. I—I’m not—”
Jiang Qiuli’s eyes reddened, tears trembling at the edges, ready to fall at any moment. Panic filled her chest as she hurried to explain.
However, before she could finish, her mother cut her off.
“What do you mean you’re not? You brought him here yourself. That alone proves your relationship isn’t ordinary. I’ve lived long enough to understand these things. Don’t rush to conclusions. First understand everything clearly, then make your judgment.”
Her mother shifted slightly upward on the bed. Even her voice carried a trace more strength than before.
“Alright, you go out first. I want to talk to him alone.”
Jiang Qiuli hesitated, glancing at her mother, then at Chen Zhuo, her feet rooted in place.
“Be good. Go out first. I won’t harm you.”
Though her face was pale and her body frail, almost reduced to skin and bones, her voice remained soft and graceful.
“O-okay.”
Reluctantly, Jiang Qiuli stepped out of the room and gently closed the hospital door behind her.
Her mother turned her gaze to Chen Zhuo.
“Chen Zhuo… that’s your name, right?”
“Yes, Aunt.”
“My health is poor. I don’t know how much time I have left. The questions I’m about to ask may sound a bit vulgar, but I hope you can understand.”
She forced a faint smile, lifting the corners of her lips with effort, then continued.
“From Qiuli’s reaction, you two haven’t reached that stage yet. My daughter was pampered growing up, but after our family went through such a drastic change, her personality changed as well. She rarely speaks to strangers now. Tell me, how did you manage to get her to agree to bring you here?”
A trace of curiosity flickered within her weak gaze.
Chen Zhuo didn’t answer directly. Instead, he spoke calmly, “Aunt, actually, I’m not the class monitor of Qiuli’s class. I’m a third-year student… her senior at Zhongjiang University.”
Then, without hiding anything important, he explained what had happened at Qingning Supermarket… how Jiang Qiuli had wanted to buy a thermos, accidentally broke a porcelain bottle, and didn’t have money to compensate for it. He also mentioned how she had even intended to take a loan to pay his medical expenses.
He spoke plainly, though he omitted a few minor details.
“Jiang Qiuli is a very good girl. But I can see a thick barrier around her. She’s trying to shut everyone out of her world. If this continues, it could turn into a psychological issue. So I want to help her walk out of that state and experience a fuller, brighter life.”
Every word he said came from the heart.
It was the truth.
In his previous life, he had relied on sheer strength to forcefully conquer Jiang Qiuli. Looking back now, that obedient and compliant female lead… wasn’t that just another layer of disguise she wore?
But in this life, everything had changed.
And now, he finally had the chance to understand the real Jiang Qiuli.
The thought stirred something within him… genuine interest. Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
Her mother fell silent.
She had prepared countless questions in advance. She had thought that, with her time running out, she would at least guard her daughter’s future one last time and fulfill a final wish.
Yet before she could even begin her questioning as a mother…
Chen Zhuo’s words had already rendered those questions insignificant.
Sincerity was the ultimate answer.
His sincerity felt like a universal key, unlocking every doubt she had.
If this were a test… he would score a perfect 100.
This young man seemed to understand her daughter even better than she did.
“Aunt, whether Jiang Qiuli and I will end up together will take time to prove. But you can rest assured… I will do everything I can to pull her out of that darkness.”
His tone was steady, earnest, and unwavering.
She nodded slowly.
“You don’t seem like an ordinary third-year student. In how you handle people and situations, you’re better than many adults I know. Right now… I can’t even see through you.”
She sighed softly, her gaze drifting with uncertainty, unable to tell whether the future would bring hope or despair.
“Aunt, it’s not that complicated. I just believe sincerity is the universal key between people. That’s why I can say everything openly.”
His voice was firm, almost convincing enough to make even himself believe it.
Sincerity?
Since ancient times, sincerity alone was never enough… only strategy truly wins hearts.
Yet Jiang Qiuli’s mother, having endured so much in life, wasn’t someone easily deceived.
She nodded again.
“A true heart for a true heart. Since you’ve been this honest, I won’t hide anything either. I don’t have much time left. Before I go, I want to see Qiuli settle down.”
She paused briefly, gathering her breath, then continued.
“From what I’ve seen just now, you’re a good child. So I’m willing to help bring you two closer. But you must understand… Qiuli is my daughter. If there’s even the slightest problem, I will make her leave you. Even if that means leaving Zhongjiang.”
Chen Zhuo looked at the woman lying on the bed… frail, emaciated, her face pale with exhaustion, yet her expression unwaveringly serious.
A quiet sigh rose in his heart.
The love of parents in this world…
Could someone who pursued pure love still be called a villain?
Besides, if not for his intervention, Jiang Qiuli’s life would have fallen into tragedy after tonight.
He only wanted to save a few female leads, to let them feel warmth.
What was wrong with that?
These thoughts passed silently through his mind, but his expression remained calm and serious.
“Aunt, don’t worry. I won’t disappoint you.”
As he spoke, his gaze flicked toward the door.
Behind the glass window, a pair of bright, restless eyes were peeking in, watching everything inside with intense focus.
Chen Zhuo opened a pair of disposable chopsticks and handed them to Jiang Qiuli’s mother.
“You should eat while it’s still warm. It won’t taste good once it gets cold.”
She followed his gaze and quickly noticed Jiang Qiuli hiding behind the door. Taking the chopsticks, she pointed slightly toward the entrance.
Chen Zhuo gave a light cough.
Outside, Jiang Qiuli was startled and immediately withdrew her head.
“Alright, come in. Aunt and I are done talking.”
The door opened slowly, and Jiang Qiuli stepped in, her expression awkward and embarrassed.
“Qiuli, come here. Mom has something to tell you.”
As she spoke, her mother leaned back down slightly. The earlier conversation had drained much of her strength, and now her voice had grown softer.
“Mom, don’t talk yet. Eat the noodles first. There’s egg in it… it’s really good.”
Jiang Qiuli hurried over, picked up the chopsticks, and lifted the bowl, wanting to feed her.
“No rush. Let me finish speaking first. I’m alright.”
She gently spoke, though she had no appetite at all.
“Qiuli, my illness… it’s hard to recover from. I don’t know when I’ll leave. So before that day comes, I want to see you find someone who truly loves you. From what I’ve seen, Chen Zhuo is not bad. Spend more time with him. Don’t rush into calling it a relationship… just get to know him well first, then decide.”
Jiang Qiuli’s vision blurred with tears. She set the bowl aside and tightly held her mother’s hand.
“Mom, what are you saying? You’ll definitely get better!”
Her mother raised her other hand and gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes.
“Be good. Listen to me. I don’t want to leave either… but some things don’t happen just because we wish for them. Listen to your mother and take care of one of the most important matters in your life. If you’re happy, it will also help with my treatment… won’t it?”
“Mm.”
Jiang Qiuli nodded obediently, her voice trembling.