He suddenly grabbed Shen Yue's hand. When he looked up, his eyes were dark and fierce, and he roared in a low voice, "If you really consider me your brother, can you stop doing things that worry me?"
He squeezed with such force that Shen Yue's fingers felt as if they would shatter. But after an unknown amount of time, he suddenly released her and slowly embraced her frail form.
His head buried in her collarbone, his tall body trembling slightly. Shen Yue felt a dampness on her collarbone.
He was so terrified by what he had seen that he was on the verge of collapse, his pleas filled with agony.
"Live well, don't leave me..."
He always seemed invincible, but now, completely disregarding his dignity, he repeated his pleas over and over.
"It will get better, Shen Yue."
"I'm begging you, please don't give up."
His strong, firm arms were wrapped tightly around Shen Yue's waist, yet they conveyed no sense of dominance.
He pleaded desperately, begging the woman not to give up.
So humble, so heart-wrenching.
Shen Yue's eyelashes fluttered, and a tear rolled down her fair cheek, tracing its path along her jawline. She was stunned, her heart aching fiercely.
She truly felt that life was exhausting, perhaps death was a form of release.
Not just for her, but also for Zhang Cong.
But Zhang Cong was simply a fool.
Yet she couldn't bear it.
She lowered her thick, long lashes, and a crystalline tear fell upon them.
Her voice was very gentle, "Okay."
—
Staying in the hospital for too long weakened one's mental state, so once Shen Yue's condition stabilized, she requested to be discharged, and the doctor approved.
The apartment had gathered a layer of dust from being unoccupied for so long. Shen Yue sat on the clean sofa, quietly watching the man clean.
Shen Yue's days were very leisurely. She spent most of her time sleeping or staring blankly at a spot. Only when Zhang Cong was by her side did her spirits improve.
Zhang Cong was in real estate and had saved a considerable amount over the years. He pushed aside all his work to focus entirely on taking care of Shen Yue.
One day, Zhang Cong was going to the supermarket to buy some daily necessities. Shen Yue happened to be awake and said she wanted to go with him.
The wind outside was strong, and Zhang Cong hesitated, afraid Shen Yue would catch a chill.
But when Shen Yue looked at him with her dark, moist eyes, he couldn't refuse and reluctantly agreed.
After dinner that evening, Zhang Cong tidied up and took Shen Yue's hand as they went out.
The supermarket was very close to the apartment, a journey of about ten minutes back and forth.
In winter, darkness fell quickly. The moon had already risen, the branches rustled in the wind, and the streetlights shone brightly.
Shen Yue wore a woolen hat, a loose white down jacket, and a white scarf, her face mostly buried within it.
Due to protein loss and severe anemia, she had visibly thinned. Her long, soft black hair had grown a little longer, draped lazily over her shoulders, making her face appear particularly pale, sickly, small, and delicate.
Her fingers were very cold; Zhang Cong held them for a long time, but couldn't warm them up.
Zhang Cong's palms were warm, and he felt a little nervous, "Are you cold? Do you want to rest for a bit?"
They had only been out for five minutes. Shen Yue pursed her lips and smiled, a faint dimple appearing, her eyes like a painting. The breath she exhaled carried white mist, "Brother, I'm not tired, nor am I cold."
Zhang Cong was still worried and even regretted his soft-heartedness in bringing her out.
Since it was getting late, the supermarket wasn't crowded. However, the heating inside was very strong. Zhang Cong touched the woman's face; it was no longer cold, and her originally pale cheeks had a rosy hue.
Zhang Cong pushed a shopping cart filled with fruits and vegetables for protein and vitamin replenishment, along with some household items.
Perhaps it was because she had been home for so long and hadn't been out, Zhang Cong could clearly feel that Shen Yue was in a very good mood and looked quite energetic.
Passing by the daily necessities section, Shen Yue browsed and finally stopped at the glove display.
Gloves were an essential item. The temperature was very low this year, and everyone needed to be fully bundled up when going out.
Shen Yue carefully and meticulously chose a pair of gloves, pure black, with a cute and simple brown bear embroidered on them. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the man.
"Do you think these gloves are nice?"
Zhang Cong said without hesitation, "Very nice."
After receiving his answer, Shen Yue took the man's hand and helped him put them on.
Perhaps due to years of farm work, the man's fingers were rough, with a thick layer of calluses on his fingertips. In winter, his hands became dry and cracked. He paid no mind to them and even developed chilblains.
Shen Yue lowered her head to help him put on the gloves, her hair slightly falling forward, her eyelashes like raven feathers, casting delicate shadows on her pale cheeks.
"Brother, you always tell me off, but look at yourself. Your hands are so frozen, don't you take care of your own body?"
Her voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of Jiangnan's melodic accent, filled with concern and affection.
Hearing this, a warmth surged uncontrollably in Zhang Cong's heart. The atmosphere was so beautiful, like a dream, making him reluctant to break it.
His Adam's apple bobbed twice. Beneath his rugged brows was pure shyness and timidity. He seemed a bit lost, like a simpleton.
—
After shopping, they were already at the entrance. Shen Yue said she wanted to eat sweet potatoes.
The sweet potato stall was crowded with people. Zhang Cong told Shen Yue to wait at the nearest flower shop.
There weren't many people in the flower shop. Shen Yue sat in a seat by the window. The wall was made of glass, allowing her to see the scene outside.
The wind chime tinkled crisply. Someone pushed open the door and entered. Shen Yue subconsciously looked up, and then she saw Qi Rui.
Sometimes, fate works in mysterious ways.
Qi Rui was wearing a black suit with an overcoat. His shoulders were broad, his figure tall and slender, his expression as indifferent as usual, and his features refined.
He was concentrating on choosing flowers, with the shop owner introducing them to him. His long fingers occasionally brushed against the delicate petals, or he would lean down to smell them.
Who was he choosing flowers for?
Tong Xue?
Qi Rui had also given her flowers once; they were wildflowers from the mountain, tied into a bouquet, colorful, beautiful, and especially fragrant. But back then, the smile on the young man's face was even more beautiful than the flowers, so vivid and lively.
Shen Yue watched him, silently repeating Qi Rui's name in her heart.
Then, she suddenly noticed the ring on the man's middle finger, reflecting in the light, almost dazzling.
Her heart ached intensely.
Qi Rui was still focused on picking flowers, completely unaware of his surroundings. 138 Reading Network
The wind chime rang again. Another face suddenly appeared in her line of sight: Tong Xue.