Chen Jie's voice cut through before Aunt Xi could answer. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to see him right now," he said, his tone firm.
But Aunt Xi remained calm, her reassuring presence a stark contrast to the tension in the room. "He's stable for now, and I've already spoken to the doctor. He said it's fine. But he's sleeping right now."
Chen Lin hesitated, her voice small. "Is it okay if I stay by his side, Aunt Xi?"
"Of course," Aunt Xi replied gently. "Just... when he wakes up, try not to agitate him, Linlin."
Chen Lin nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Thank you," she whispered, grateful for Aunt Xi's steady support.
Without another word, she walked into the room.
As soon as the door closed behind her, the air in the room seemed to grow heavier. Her heart clenched at the sight before her.
Her grandfather lay in the center of the room, surrounded by machines and IV lines.
