Volume One, Chapter 15: Carrying Her to the Hospital

Hearing Lin Feifei’s agonized scream, my heart suddenly pounded heavily. I hurried to the bathroom door and knocked.

“Hey! Are you okay?”

Lin Feifei’s weak voice came from inside. “I... I think my leg might be broken...”

A chill ran through me as I anxiously asked, “Can you get out on your own?”

“No... I can’t...”

Her voice was as faint as a mosquito’s. I fell silent for a moment, hesitating before summoning my courage to say, “Alright then! Put on your clothes first, and I’ll come in and carry you out.”

“All the pajamas I just brought in fell into the bathtub. Wait for me to wrap myself in a towel, then come in!”

Faint rustling sounds came from inside. After about ten seconds, her voice sounded again.

“You can come in now.”

I took a deep breath, just as I was about to push the door open, she suddenly urged, “Wait... close your eyes before you come in.”

Though my eyes were closed, my heart felt like it was about to leap out, my breath caught in tension. I pushed open the door and felt my way inside. The steam in the bathroom rolled over me like waves, mingled with a faint, delicate fragrance.

With eyes shut, I reached out toward her voice and immediately touched skin as smooth as ivory. A slippery, tender sensation spread from my palm.

Before I could react, Lin Feifei’s frustrated voice rang out.

“Take your hands away from in front of me!”

I shivered and pulled back my hands as if shocked by electricity. My blood seemed frozen; my limbs turned ice-cold.

“I... I’m sorry...”

Fortunately, she didn’t blame me. I carefully lifted her up, my heart pounding wildly. Guided by her, I carried her to the bedroom, laid her on the bed, and covered her with a blanket before opening my eyes.

Her delicate face was flushed, a trace of awkwardness flashing across it. She frowned and pouted toward the wardrobe beside her. “Help me grab some clothes.”

After handing her some clothes, I awkwardly fled her room. While waiting, I stepped out to the balcony, lit a cigarette, and silently calmed my restless emotions.

Recalling that moment earlier, a strange feeling inexplicably spread deep within me.

***

Only when she softly called my name did I break free from the swirling smoke rings.

I entered the bedroom, glanced at her ankle, which was swollen and raised, and gently touched it, cautiously asking, “Does it hurt?”

She gasped sharply, her long, dark brows knitting tightly. “It hurts... Could my foot really be broken?”

I shook my head. “It’s hard to tell now. Let’s take you to the hospital to get it checked. I’ll carry you downstairs.”

Without another word, I wrapped my arms around her waist and lifted her. Her head nearly buried itself in my chest.

I started her Tesla. The engine roared, as if sensing my anxious mood, its growl piercing the night’s stillness. Outside the window, trees lining the road blurred past like rushing wind.

The car sped through the darkness and soon arrived at the hospital. I carried her inside and rushed to the emergency room.

The hospital was brightly lit even at night. It was my first time coming here at such an hour. Surprisingly, many people were bustling about, their faces grave and hurried.

I once read a saying online: When you face setbacks and despair, come to a hospital. When you get close enough to life and death, clarity may dawn.

Houses, cars, money—all seem insignificant in the face of death.

Lost in thought, our names were called. I instinctively lifted Lin Feifei.

She cried out softly, her cheeks flushed, whispering in my arms, “You don’t have to carry me. Just help me walk in.”

At that moment, the call system repeated her name. To avoid missing the turn, I didn’t hesitate and carried her directly into the clinic.

“You—”

Lin Feifei tried to say something but realized it was too late. She sighed and fell silent.

Inside the clinic sat a well-shaped female doctor. Though masked, her bright, clear eyes revealed a beautiful face beneath.

She stared at me intensely, her lovely gaze seeming to hold an unfathomable depth.

“Put me down,” Lin Feifei grumbled in my arms.

I carefully set her on a chair. The doctor turned to her, a sly gleam in her eyes.

“Lin Feifei, why did a man bring you to the hospital?”

I was stunned, looking at the doctor in disbelief. Her eyes curved into a mischievous smile like a little fox’s. Lin Feifei looked utterly helpless, clearly frustrated.

I glanced between them before finally coming to my senses.

“Do you two know each other?”

The doctor nodded calmly. Lin Feifei shot me an annoyed glare. “I told you to put me down, but you didn’t listen. She’s my best friend, Tang Qin.”

Tang Qin smiled warmly and nodded at me. “Hello, hello.”

I opened my mouth to say something, but Lin Feifei pouted and said, “Let’s just see if it’s broken first, okay? It hurts so much.”

Tang Qin examined her carefully. Fortunately, it wasn’t serious—just a sprain. A few days’ rest would heal it. She only prescribed a bottle of Yunnan Baiyao.

Before we left, Tang Qin carefully advised me, “For the first 24 hours, apply ice wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling. After 24 hours, you can switch to heat depending on the situation. Minimize movement to avoid worsening the injury. When lying down, keep the injured limb elevated to help reduce swelling and pain.”

I took mental notes. Lin Feifei, unable to listen any longer, puckered her lips and said to Tang Qin, “Hey, why are you giving him instructions? I’m the patient, you know?”

Tang Qin looked at her in surprise. “I’m telling your boyfriend, isn’t that the same? I haven’t even blamed you for having a new boyfriend and not telling me, and now you’re complaining about me.”

Lin Feifei was speechless. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

Tang Qin ignored her and waved her hand. “Alright, you two should get going. I’m busy! Remember what I said.”

I helped Lin Feifei to stand, and just as we turned to leave, Tang Qin suddenly called after us.

“Wait a moment.”

I turned back. Tang Qin had taken a box of medicine from the drawer. Smiling, she said to Lin Feifei, “The medicine you asked me to buy last time—I’ve already gotten it. I was going to bring it to you, but since you’re here, just take it yourself.”

Before Lin Feifei could speak, Tang Qin handed the box to me and said, “If she doesn’t know how to use it, you might have to help her.”

I took the box and lowered my head, stunned.

“Suppositories?”