The corridor, which had been as lively as a market just a moment ago, was now so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone stared at Daisi with eager eyes, or rather, everyone was nervously watching Daisi, afraid he would bring the news that no one wanted to hear.
Speaking in his poor Chinese, Daisi said, "The surgery was successful. Please be patient, the bandages can be removed in a few days."
A tremendous cheer erupted, and even He Xing, who always kept his emotions under control, excitedly hugged Daisi, patting him firmly on the back twice, "How would you like me to thank you? Just name it."
"No need, I've already received my payment from you," Daisi replied in his usual unhurried manner, perhaps used to managing the gamut of emotions from families of patients in the hospital, "I was just doing what I had to."
He Xing patted his shoulder, unable to speak, his throat choked up. He felt an urge to cry, an emotion he hadn't experienced in many years.
