"I was in my second year of high school before I took a leave of absence," Shen Ziche said calmly.
"I'll cover the medical expenses for your mother. You can hire a caregiver for her, go back to school, and I'll sponsor you until you graduate from university," Ye Wan said.
Upon hearing her words, Shen Ziche abruptly looked up at her. A waiter pushed the door open to serve the dishes. Two vegetarian dishes were brought first, along with a small bowl of peanuts. The drinks also arrived and were placed on the table before the waiter retreated.
"How were your studies before?" Ye Wan picked up her chopsticks, gesturing for him to start eating as well.
Shen Ziche also quickly picked up his chopsticks and replied, "They were okay."
"Okay how? What was your ranking in the grade?" Ye Wan asked with a frown.
"Top three," Shen Ziche said. He had been an excellent student back then; had his mother's illness not taken its toll, he would have been able to get into the best universities in the country.
When he dropped out, the school's leaders and his homeroom teacher had approached him, even offering to fundraise for him. However, his mother's illness required too much money, far exceeding any donations. Moreover, her condition was specific and required seeking the best specialists in Beijing for treatment. Thus, he resolutely chose to withdraw from school.
Ye Wan was somewhat surprised, having not expected him to be such a good student. "In that case, I might not need to cover your university expenses; scholarships alone should be sufficient... We'll discuss this later. For now, I'll give you the funds for your mother's treatment. Once you're settled, I'll help you find a school for temporary enrollment."
Since his mother was being treated here, he would undoubtedly stay. Given his academic level, he could directly enroll in the third year of high school. A half-year of temporary study to prepare for the college entrance examination should allow him to get into a decent university.
Shen Ziche was silent for a moment before saying, "I will definitely repay you."
"That's your own business. Let's eat first," Ye Wan served him some dishes and began to eat herself.
Shen Ziche hesitated for a moment and then asked, "If you help me, will that person be angry?"
Ye Wan's hand paused as she was eating. She said, "No."
He didn't want her anymore. Whatever she did was irrelevant to him. Why would he be angry?
"Are you... pregnant?" Shen Ziche knew he shouldn't ask, but he couldn't help himself and blurted out the question.
"Yes, I'm going to be a mother," Ye Wan smiled when she mentioned this, her smile appearing much more genuine.
"Congratulations," Shen Ziche's expression also relaxed slightly.
"Thank you."
The waiter brought the other two meat dishes. Ye Wan ordered two bowls of rice. After that, they focused primarily on eating, exchanging only a few words occasionally.
When they left, Ye Wan took a taxi to send Shen Ziche back to the hospital first. She paid for his mother's treatment and transferred ten thousand yuan to him for his living expenses.
"Where are you staying now?" Ye Wan asked.
"On the chair outside the ward," Shen Ziche had to take care of his mother and therefore lived at the hospital. His mother was in a four-bed room, which was very cramped, so he could only sleep on the chair when no one else was around at night.
Ye Wan found herself somewhat impressed by his filial piety. He was willing to sell himself for his mother and faced an uncertain fate without fear. Now, she also admired him. He readily accepted her offer of sponsorship, only stating that he would repay her, without any hesitation.
"School is starting soon. Once I help you find a school, you can live in the dormitory; it will be more convenient for your studies," Ye Wan instructed him before leaving.