Wen Nuan guided Jian Yiling into the hospital room.
"Jian Yiling, why do you keep pretending to care? It's like a cat crying over a dead mouse!" Jian Yunnao's anger flared as soon as he saw her, fire igniting in his eyes.
Wen Nuan's heart tightened at Jian Yunnao's harsh words. She wanted to intervene, to diffuse the situation, but the look in Jian Yuncheng's eyes stopped her. The more she tried to mediate, the more it seemed to fuel Jian Yunnao's resentment toward Jian Yiling. In this conflict, it was best for Wen Nuan to remain silent rather than speak on Jian Yiling's behalf.
Faced with Jian Yunnao's accusations and outbursts, Jian Yiling didn't retort, didn't offer explanations, nor did she express any bitterness. She stood quietly, attentively absorbing all of Jian Yunnao's tirades, accepting his anger without a word. Her expression remained calm, her gaze as clear as a pristine mountain spring.
At that moment, it wasn't just Wen Nuan who felt her heart soften; even Jian Yuncheng furrowed his brow, troubled by the scene before him.
"Jian Yiling, don't think this matter will just blow over! I won't forgive you! I'll never forgive you! No matter what you do, I will never see you as my sister again!" Jian Yunnao continued his tirade, his voice filled with hurt and frustration.
After venting his anger for a while, Jian Yunnao seemed to tire out, or perhaps he realized that confronting a silent Jian Yiling offered little satisfaction.
"Mom, let me take care of Yunnao today. You haven't been home in several days. You should go home and rest," Jian Yuncheng interjected at the right moment.
Wen Nuan nodded, not bothering to argue. She did need to return home for a proper bath; for the past few days, she had been staying at a nearby hotel for quick showers, afraid to leave Jian Yunnao alone for too long.
"Thank you for your hard work," Wen Nuan said, her tone carrying a touch of gratitude.
As she reached the door, Wen Nuan slowed her pace intentionally, allowing Jian Yiling to catch up with her. Once outside the hospital room and in the parking lot, she reached out and gently ruffled Jian Yiling's hair.
"Xiao Ling, you're doing well. Mom is proud of you. Your brother is upset; try to understand him. If he wants to yell, let him. He's suffering inside. This phase will pass; as long as you keep being good, he'll come to accept you again…"
Tears began to slip down Wen Nuan's cheeks. Her heart ached seeing her two children in conflict; it felt like a knife cutting through her.
Noticing Wen Nuan's tears, Jian Yiling instinctively wanted to wipe them away. However, halfway through the motion, she hesitated and let her hand fall.
Realizing what Jian Yiling was about to do, Wen Nuan looked down at her. The sight of Jian Yiling's clear, innocent eyes overwhelmed her. Without warning, she broke into sobs, bending down to embrace Jian Yiling tightly.
For the past few days, she had concealed her sorrow in front of Jian Yunnao, fearing it would dampen his spirits. But now, the dam broke.
Once the floodgates opened, her tears flowed uncontrollably, pouring out the bitterness she had been holding inside.
Jian Yiling's body stiffened at the sudden embrace. Lacking experience in handling such situations, she simply let Wen Nuan hold her, unsure of what else to do.
After a moment of hesitation, she finally wrapped her arms around Wen Nuan, returning the embrace.
Wen Nuan's body radiated warmth, and her tears felt warm against Jian Yiling's skin.
After a long while, Wen Nuan's tears subsided, and she gently spoke to Jian Yiling, "Xiao Ling, promise me you'll be good from now on, okay? Just promise me you'll behave."
"Mm," Jian Yiling replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Wen Nuan wiped her tears away, her voice taking on a soothing tone, "Did I scare you just now? It's okay; that was my fault. Why should I be crying? Your dad will contact someone who can perform the surgery for your brother soon. Your brother's hand will be fine; there's nothing to be sad about."
Wen Nuan's words served to comfort not only Jian Yiling but also herself. She was trying to reassure her daughter while soothing her own tumultuous emotions.
"Don't worry, Mom," Jian Yiling said softly, her heart aching for her mother. "Everything will be okay. I'll be good; I promise."
As they stood together in the parking lot, an unspoken bond formed between mother and daughter, both seeking comfort in each other amid the storm they faced. The uncertainty of the days ahead lingered in the air, but for now, they held onto the warmth of their shared hope.