The past few days had been particularly challenging for Jian Yunnao, as some events had nearly shattered his entire belief system. He felt like a mere shell of his former self, trailing behind his older brother with a heavy heart, utterly devoid of any sense of purpose. If it weren't for the hope that his hand might someday be healed, he might have lost the will to live altogether.
Yet now, a glimmer of good news had arrived: his surgery had been officially scheduled.
A smile broke across Jian Yunnao's face, a radiant moment that soon turned into tears. His parents and Jian Yuncheng watched him with expressions that were a mix of concern and relief.
After some time, once Jian Yunnao had calmed down, Jian Shuxing turned to Jian Yuncheng and said, "This matter must be handled well. If the surgery is truly successful, we need to extend our heartfelt gratitude to that top-tier surgeon."
"I know," Jian Yuncheng replied, fully aware of the gravity of the situation and what needed to be done. The surgeon's fee would undoubtedly be substantial after the successful outcome.
The next morning, Jian Yiling did not wake up at her usual time. Concerned, the elderly matriarch knocked on her door but received no response.
"Xiao Guai, did you oversleep?" she called gently. "I'm getting worried, dear. I'm coming in!"
When there was still no reply, the old lady opened the door. The room was adorned in soft pink hues, and a petite figure was curled up under a mound of blankets on the princess-sized bed. The quilt formed a small, lumpy hill where Jian Yiling lay.
The grandmother hurried forward, pulling back some of the covers to check on her granddaughter. When her hand touched Jian Yiling's forehead, she gasped in shock. "How can you be so hot?"
"Yuming! Old man! Yuming! Come quickly!" she shouted, her voice filled with urgency.
Jian Yuming, who had been enjoying a rare lazy morning in his room, sprang into action. Hearing his grandmother's frantic calls, he dashed over, still in his dark gray pajamas and without even having time to slip on his shoes.
"Xiao Guai has a fever! She's burning up!" the old lady exclaimed, her concern palpable.
A fever? Jian Yuming hurriedly approached the bed, gently lifting Jian Yiling out from under the blankets. He quickly grabbed a blanket to wrap around her shivering form.
"Have the driver start the car," he instructed.
As he carried Jian Yiling downstairs, she stirred slightly, her half-asleep state registering the warmth of his arms. "Mmm…" she murmured, instinctively squirming in discomfort.
"Shh, it's okay, it's your brother," Jian Yuming reassured her softly. "You have a fever, and I'm taking you to the hospital. Don't be scared; I won't hurt you."
He thought that perhaps Jian Yiling was resistant to his touch because of their previous interactions, and he wanted to ease her fears. He continued to soothe her as they made their way to the car.
The old lady hurried after them, unable to wait for her husband to join. She instructed the driver to head straight to the hospital, no matter how many traffic violations they incurred along the way.
"Just drive; we'll deal with the fines later," she insisted, urgency clear in her voice.
As Jian Yuming held the still-restless Jian Yiling in his arms, he couldn't shake the worry etched on his brow. She felt lighter than he had expected, her delicate frame feeling almost fragile in his embrace. This was the first time she hadn't cried when he picked her up, yet the situation felt far more alarming than any tears could convey.
Upon arriving at the hospital and consulting with the doctor, they learned that Jian Yiling was suffering from a common cold with a fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius and had developed gastroenteritis.
The physician swiftly prescribed medication and set her up for an IV drip. After some time, the frown that had been etched on Jian Yiling's small face began to ease, yet her complexion remained pale, lacking the usual rosy hue of health.
As she lay there, her family surrounded her, hearts heavy with concern yet hopeful for her recovery. They knew they would face this challenge together, just as they had faced every other trial before. The bond they shared would guide them through the uncertainties ahead, united in their commitment to support one another.