"You like Yezi, don't you?"
Mu Zi was confused when Lao San suddenly asked this question. He couldn't see how his feelings for Yezi related to Lao San's theft or his expulsion from school.
Seeing Mu Zi's hesitation and confusion, Lao San looked into his eyes and said seriously, "You don't need to deny it. I saw it clearly when you were in school!"
"Alright," Mu Zi admitted reluctantly, "I confess I had some subtle feelings for Yezi. But what does that have to do with you stealing and being expelled?"
"I'm different from you," Lao San suddenly said coldly, looking towards the setting sun in the west. "I love Yezi. I love her."
Mu Zi was still baffled and said, "Oh?"
"Unlike your subtle feelings, my love for Yezi is clear," Lao San said, slightly mockingly looking at Mu Zi, "So, I was willing to do everything for her!"
At this point, Mu Zi's patience wore thin. He grabbed Lao San's shirt and demanded loudly, "Lao San, get to the point! Why did you steal? Tell me!"
"Why?" Lao San dropped his sarcastic tone and looked puzzled at Mu Zi. "Yezi has leukemia!"
The news hit Mu Zi like a thunderbolt, and his hands gripping Lao San's shirt froze, turning his face pale.
"You're joking, right?" Mu Zi's mind went blank, clinging to a last hope.
"I wish I were kidding... but it's true, Yezi has leukemia! It's been over two months since the diagnosis. She's been undergoing chemotherapy to prolong her life..."
Mu Zi shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Bone marrow transplant, you should consider a bone marrow transplant!"
"Bone marrow transplants cost at least 600,000," Lao San said helplessly. "Yezi's parents are ordinary workers. Even her current treatment is supported by relatives and school donations... Now you know why I stole, why I quit school. I couldn't stand to see Yezi suffer, let alone die. I wanted to help her as much as I could. What does principle, morality, or dignity matter? I'm even willing to give my life for her!"
Lao San's chest heaved as he spoke, his dark face shining in the sunlight. After venting his feelings, he seemed more relaxed. Looking at Mu Zi, still in shock, Lao San softened his tone. "I might be wrong, but I have no regrets." He patted Mu Zi's shoulder, "I have to go now. I'm off to my next job. Let's catch up some other time."
Lao San then walked away, leaving Mu Zi standing alone, watching his retreating figure in the sunlight.
"Lao San!" Mu Zi called out suddenly.
Lao San turned around, looking at Mu Zi.
"Where is Yezi hospitalized?" Mu Zi asked.
"At the City Hospital," Lao San replied.
"If you have time, come find me at Ningxiang Pavilion," Mu Zi said mechanically, managing a weak smile.
"Okay," Lao San nodded and left, quickly disappearing into the bustling crowd.
Night fell, and Ningxiang Pavilion's lotus-shaped neon sign stood out amid the dazzling city lights. Despite the boss's absence, the business was booming even more than usual. Mu Zi and his colleagues were bustling between rooms, handling various tasks.
For Ningxiang Pavilion, it was another profitable night. But for Mu Zi, it was a night of turmoil. As he mopped the floor, wiped tables, served drinks, and delivered dishes, Yezi's image kept flashing in his mind – her peach blossom-like eyes and her Venice-like, beautiful and melancholic eyelashes.
The idea of such a bright life withering away disturbed Mu Zi. His memories of high school and the sweet moments with Yezi resurfaced, tangled and confusing.
"Mu Zi!" While busily mopping the corridor, Mu Zi heard someone call his name.
Before he could see who it was, a faint fragrance wafted over. Looking up, he saw the lady boss smiling at him.
"Mu Zi, have you found a girlfriend?" she teased.
"No, no I haven't!" Mu Zi denied, puzzled.
"Then, is there something else bothering you?" she persisted, hands on her hips.
"Nothing," Mu Zi shook his head.
"I don't believe that. You've been mopping the same spot for three minutes now," she said, taking the mop from him.
Mu Zi blushed and apologized. The lady boss reassured him, emphasizing the importance of sharing problems within the Ningxiang Pavilion family.
"Don't worry, I'm not blaming you." She took the mop from Mu Zi's hands, speaking softly, "Once you're part of this big family at Ningxiang Pavilion, share your troubles, don't shoulder them alone, okay?"
Her voice was like a gentle spring rain, soothing and tranquil. Mu Zi felt moved, almost to tears. If he could work for such a boss forever, he'd be content...
He paused, then murmured, "Sister Ning, I need to borrow some money."
"Sure. How much do you need?" she agreed readily. "But can you tell me what happened?"
"A friend of mine... a very important friend, has leukemia," Mu Zi said slowly, looking at her earnest face.
"Leukemia?" she gasped in shock.
"Yes," Mu Zi affirmed. "I must help her!"