Those two words I am here steadied her frayed mind. She leaned against the wall and forced herself to stand straight. His warm hand rested lightly on her arm seeping through the thin fabric to calm her.
She pressed her nails into her palm and the sharp sting brought her back to her senses. The doctor’s warning echoed clearly in her mind. No more distress. Not a single thing. She longed to run out and confront Gu Yuanhang herself. But she could not. She could not afford to lose and her father’s life was at stake.
She lifted her head eyes red but refusing to let tears fall. She looked to Huo Chenzhou her voice rough and pleading. “Captain Huo may I ask something of you?” He did not let go of her arm only waited quietly. She bit her pale lip swallowing every bit of hurt and humiliation.
“When my father wakes if he asks about Gu Yuanhang…” She paused forcing each word out. “Could you please tell him Gu Yuanhang was called away on urgent military duty? Please do not mention anything about him and Bai Miaomiao. Not a single word.”
The effort drained every last bit of strength from her. To lie for a man who had betrayed her felt worse than pain itself. Yet for her father she had no choice. Huo Chenzhou’s chest tightened seeing her struggle. As a soldier he despised dishonesty above all things. But seeing the plea in her eyes he could not refuse. He swallowed hard and answered firmly. “I promise.” He added quietly. “This stays between us.”
Her composure finally broke and tears spilled freely down her cheeks. She wept silently her shoulders shaking. Huo Chenzhou’s heart ached for her. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and comfort her yet he hesitated. In what capacity could he do that?
Meanwhile at the town’s only state run restaurant it was crowded and busy. Servers in white shirts wove through the crowd carrying steaming trays and the air filled with rich savory aromas. Gu Yuanhang pulled out a chair for Bai Miaomiao with great care smiling as he helped her sit. To make up for the awkwardness at the station he pushed the menu toward her generously. “Order whatever you want do not hold back.”
Bai Miaomiao looked worn out from the long journey and upset from the scene earlier. Her expression softened at his generosity. She traced her finger down the list picking the most expensive dishes available. “Braised pork squirrel fish and meatball soup…” She handed the menu back with a confident air.
Once the server left she picked up her cup and blew gently on the steam. “Who was that old man anyway so grumpy? And that girl she looked so plain is she really your niece?” Her tone dripped with disdain.
Gu Yuanhang refilled her cup sounding entirely reasonable. “That is my sworn brother he is very old fashioned. He thinks any show of affection in public is improper.” He sighed painting himself as the wronged party. “As for the girl she is his daughter Su Xingci. She has lived in the countryside teaching for years she is quite sheltered and simple. I hurried you away because I did not want you to be upset by his temper.”
He framed his hasty departure as protection and dismissed Su Xingci as unrefined. Bai Miaomiao appeared pleased. She glanced at him and asked sharply. “Yuanhang I heard you have a girlfriend here?”
Gu Yuanhang paused mid pour his heart sinking. He kept his face calm and looked at her hurt and confused. “Who would say such things? People see a single man and they like to gossip. Miaomiao you are the only one. Every letter I sent you came straight from my heart. If there was anyone else would I have been there waiting for you at the station? If I could have gone abroad I would have come to you long ago.”
His words were smooth sincere and utterly convincing. Bai Miaomiao beamed at him all her earlier irritation forgotten. “You always know exactly what to say.”
Gu Yuanhang smiled back relieved. Dealing with Su Yuanshan was inconvenient but keeping Bai Miaomiao happy was what mattered most. If she agreed to marry him and her father gave his support his transfer back to the capital would be assured. As for the Su family… a flicker of impatience crossed his face. He would deal with the disobedient girl once everything was settled with Miaomiao. He did not believe she could defy him for long.
Back at the hospital Su Xingci sat on the hard chair watching the door intently. Huo Chenzhou stood nearby keeping her company in silence. Eventually the door opened and a nurse stepped out. “Next of kin for Su Yuanshan?”
Su Xingci stood up quickly dizziness making her sway. “I am his daughter!”
The nurse looked at her. “He has regained consciousness and is stable for now but…” She hesitated. “He remains very emotional and keeps asking for someone by name.”
Su Xingci’s heart raced. “Who is he asking for?”
“Someone named Gu Yuanhang.”
Her mind went numb. This was what she had feared most. What could she do? She could not bring him here and how could she face him let alone pretend everything was fine? Her face drained of all color and she swayed unsteadily. Huo Chenzhou stepped forward and rested a steady hand on her shoulder. He addressed the nurse calmly. “Please tell him Comrade Gu Yuanhang has been dispatched on urgent military duty and will visit as soon as he returns.”
His tone carried quiet authority that commanded trust. The nurse nodded. “I will pass that along.”
As the door closed Su Xingci turned to him her lips trembling. “Thank you.”
“Do not thank me.” He said gently. “We need to think about what comes next.”
He was right. One lie would need many more to keep it from unraveling. Living in the same town they could easily run into each other and the truth would come out.