Several hours had passed since Xiaoxi had rushed Ling Buyi to the hospital, and the weight of those hours hung heavily in the air. The sterile smell of antiseptic and the soft hum of the machines in the room only added to the tension, as Xiaoxi sat vigil by Ling Buyi's side. She hadn't slept a wink, her eyes puffy and red from crying and worry. Every shallow breath Ling Buyi took kept her nerves on edge, her guilt gnawing at her like a persistent echo.
Suddenly, a faint sound escaped Ling Buyi's lips, a groan of discomfort as she stirred from her unconscious state. Xiaoxi's heart leapt in her chest as she jumped up from the chair and hurried to her friend's bedside.
"Buyi!" Xiaoxi gasped, her voice filled with concern. "How are you feeling? Where does it hurt? Should I call the doctor?"
