Chapter 22: The Hospital

Chapter 22: The Hospital

After Ming Can spoke, she felt a cold breeze swirl into her collar, causing her to shiver involuntarily. She didn't want to stay in this place for another second.

Seeing that she was eager to go to the library, Chen Yixiao said, "Indeed, we've lingered here too long. Let's go."

They had originally planned to go together. If Chi Xiao hadn't suddenly appeared and intervened, they would have already reached the library and started studying.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing him say this, Ming Can changed her mind: "Forget it, I'll just study at home. It might be hard to find a seat at the library now."

Chi Xiao said indifferently, "Shall I give you a ride?"

Ming Can shook her head: "No need, I can go back by myself."

She didn't want to involve herself with either of them, which is why she neither went to the library with Chen Yixiao nor accepted a ride from Chi Xiao.

Ming Can had seen such situations before. Although her mind was frozen and she couldn't quite grasp the underlying logic of their conversation, her emotional intelligence was sufficient enough to sense the tension between them.

The two boys were competing over trivial matters in front of her. Ming Can wondered what they could possibly gain from this—money or a medal? Her time was precious, and she didn't want to waste it being their judge.

Therefore, Ming Can decided to keep her distance from both of them, protecting herself.

After dismissing them with a simple goodbye, Ming Can turned to leave.

Chen Yixiao suddenly called out, "That gift..."

He hadn't returned it to Chi Xiao yet.

He naturally couldn’t say the latter part outright. However, based on his understanding of Ming Can, she would never accept a gift from a guy who clearly had ulterior motives.

Ming Can was taken aback and then realized that the case of the instrument in her arms had been left open. She almost carried it away like that.

Lowering her gaze, she used her red fingers to zip it up tightly and hugged it back to her chest.

"Thank you, Senior Chi Xiao." She included his name in her gratitude. She genuinely believed that Miaomiao would love the gift, so she added, "I’ll definitely treat you to dinner another day."

Chen Yixiao: ...

A major miscalculation.

His expression cracked beneath his scholarly glasses.

Unbelievable. Were they really that close? Ming Can actually accepted the gift?

Even Chi Xiao breathed a sigh of relief only at this moment.

Before this, he wasn't sure if Ming Can would accept the gift.

Today’s visit was purely spontaneous. There was a family gathering tonight, and the family car would come to pick him, Chi Yao, and Chu Zhiyu. Chi Xiao didn't want to take the family car, so he instructed the driver to pick up Chi Yao and Chu Zhiyu directly. He came up with an impromptu reason to visit B University, bringing along a mini two-stringed instrument he had made a long time ago, hoping to see if Ming Can would accept it for Miaomiao's sake.

He hadn't held much hope for this endeavor.

Back in high school, when he tried to give Ming Can an instrument, she rejected it without mercy.

Sure enough, when he messaged Ming Can on WeChat, she immediately replied that she wasn't at school.

By the time he received her reply, Chi Xiao was already at the science building where finance students frequently gathered.

Before leaving, he bought a cup of hot coffee from the café inside the building.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped outside, he encountered someone claiming not to be at school, walking with a familiar-looking boy.

Seeing this, Chi Xiao became even more convinced that Ming Can wouldn't accept his gift today.

But he still mustered the courage to offer it.

Each of the two boys had their own thought process, but only Ming Can knew that the moment Chi Xiao took out the gift and said it was for Miaomiao, she had decided to accept it without hesitation.

This was a gift from the child's father to the child; why should she refuse it?

They were father and son, and whatever he gave to Miaomiao was appropriate. Even if he wanted to give a house or a car, Ming Can would accept it without batting an eye.

Her reasoning was that simple. As for what the two seniors with different expressions were thinking, she didn't care and didn't have the energy to care anymore.

If they wanted to stand there in the cold wind, they could continue. She was cold and eager to get home to study, so she couldn't stay any longer.

Hugging the instrument case tightly, she bid farewell to Chi Xiao and Chen Yixiao with a nod.

Then she walked briskly into the chilly wind, quickly leaving them far behind.

-

A few days later, in mid-January, Miaomiao returned home after his winter camp.

Ming Can's exam week was about to begin.

Reluctant to leave Miaomiao entirely to Aunt Zhang, Ming Can spent most of her time studying at home. However, she needed to focus, so she moved to the study instead of sitting at the bar counter in the living room, where she could watch Miaomiao play while studying.

Miaomiao was a well-behaved child. He knew his mother was busy studying and shouldn't be disturbed, so he only visited her once a day, after Aunt Zhang finished work and before bedtime, during the particularly boring hours.

Tonight, around six o'clock, Miaomiao sneaked into the study, hiding under the table, and quietly placed a wooden dog and cat figurine on the desk. He whispered, "Mom, it's been a while since you took me to see Dad."

In the past, before he traveled through time, Miaomiao wouldn't have asked his mother for such a request.

But the current mother seemed less averse to Dad than the one in the original timeline. Not only did she take Miaomiao to see Dad, but she also cooperated with Dad in teaching Miaomiao. A few days ago, Miaomiao even saw her playing the dombra Dad had given her.

Ming Can looked up, rubbing her sore neck, and assured Miaomiao, "Once my exams are over, I'll definitely take you to see him."

By then, it wouldn't just be a casual visit.

Ming Can had already decided to confront Chi Xiao about this matter. She hadn't yet determined the exact timing, but it would likely be after the final exams, finding a suitable time when everyone was free to discuss it seriously.

The reason she didn't choose to do it sooner was that everything had to give way to her grades. Ming Can wasn't without thoughts of telling Chi Xiao earlier, during the exam week, so he could share some of her childcare responsibilities. However, no one knew what would happen on the day of revelation. Such an extraordinary and significant matter, which would affect their future lives, once spoken, would be hard for her to gauge his reaction. If she didn't get the result she wanted, Ming Can was certain her mood would be affected, in turn affecting her exam performance.

Therefore, waiting until after the exams to reveal everything to Chi Xiao was the safest choice.

At that time, even if he chose to call the police or sue her for defamation, Ming Can believed she could handle it more calmly.

"Yes, after my vacation, I'll definitely take you to find your dad. Didn't we agree to have dinner with him?" Ming Can repeated her promise, finally coaxing the child into happiness.

In the evening, Ming Can watched as Miaomiao washed up and changed into his pajamas before lying down to sleep.

On the bedside table, the melting candle lamp resembled a tiny moon, warming the scented candle below, emitting a gentle lavender fragrance. Ming Can turned off the light and put away the candle. She usually only used the aromatherapy for a short while before Miaomiao's bedtime, allowing a faint scent to fill the room, as too strong a fragrance might affect the child's respiratory development.

After saying goodnight, Ming Can left Miaomiao's room and returned to the study to continue her revision.

It was not yet nine o'clock, and Ming Can usually studied until close to midnight before sleeping.

With only the two of them at home, even though Miaomiao was already asleep, Ming Can had the habit of leaving the study door open while studying, in case Miaomiao needed something or made any noise that she wouldn't hear.

As night deepened, the Big Dipper hung high, and all was quiet.

In the study, Ming Can was reciting key points from her professional courses when suddenly she heard a "clang" followed by the child's pitiful crying.

Ming Can immediately put down her textbook and ran out, following the sound to the living room. There, she saw the balcony sliding window half-open, and Miaomiao, wearing a cotton robe, had fallen onto the balcony floor along with a small stool, looking quite miserable.

Ming Can hurried over and picked Miaomiao up, sitting on the ground with him. Seeing his knee scraped and blood trickling out, Ming Can felt heartbroken and couldn't help but scold him gently, "It's already ten o'clock. Why aren't you sleeping? What were you doing on the balcony?"

Tears streamed down Miaomiao's eyes as he sobbed, "Wah, I remembered halfway through sleeping that I forgot to water the plants today..."

The balcony was filled with various plants arranged neatly. Miaomiao must have moved a chair to reach the higher plants and fell, injuring his leg.

Children often have many imaginative ideas and unpredictable actions. Ming Can couldn't bear to scold him anymore and comforted him softly, "Don't cry, it's okay. Mom isn't angry, but if you want to water the plants this late, you should ask me to help."

Miaomiao replied, "Mom is working too hard. I didn't want to disturb you..."

Ming Can's heart ached, and she rubbed his head, bending down to grab his arm to carry him indoors to treat his wound. Unexpectedly, when she touched his arm, his crying intensified, "It hurts, it really hurts!"

Ming Can was shocked and squatted down, feeling his entire arm but found nothing unusual. "Where does it hurt?"

"My hand, my right hand in the middle, wah." Miaomiao cried, "When I fell, I grabbed the railing, and then it started hurting..."

Ming Can took a deep breath, guessing that he had pulled his arm when grabbing the railing, possibly dislocating his radius.

Their apartment was on the 17th floor, and the cold wind outside made her heart race. Afraid to touch Miaomiao's arm or his injured knee, she held him by the waist and struggled to bring him back indoors.

Closing the sliding window, Miaomiao looked up with his red and white round face, biting his lip and whimpering. His right hand began to swell.

Ming Can tried to calm herself, reminding herself not to panic. The first thing to do was to take Miaomiao to the hospital.

But how could she get him there? Carrying him downstairs would be difficult enough.

Should she call an ambulance? Would that be overreacting?

Ming Can suddenly thought of someone who might be faster than an ambulance. As she put on her Bluetooth earphones to make a call, she also retrieved the first aid kit from the cabinet to clean Miaomiao's leg wound.

The phone connected quickly, and the boy's cool voice came through, "Hello?"

"It's me, Ming Can," she said, her voice still trembling slightly, "Miaomiao just fell and seems to have dislocated his arm. I can't take him to the hospital alone..."

"Ten minutes," Chi Xiao said, "I'll be there soon."

"Oh, okay, okay, okay." Ming Can hadn't realized she had said "okay" three times, "We're in 1701. Come straight up."

"Mm. Don't worry."

"I'm not worried," Ming Can replied instinctively. She was holding a cotton swab to clean Miaomiao's wound, and a tear from Miaomiao landed on her hand, making her heart ache, and her throat tightened, "Sorry."

She hadn't taken good care of Miaomiao.

Why didn't she hear him leave his room when she was in the study right across? Why hadn't she seriously warned him not to go to the balcony? Why did she make him feel like disturbing her was bad...

Chi Xiao didn't expect Ming Can to say sorry. He didn't know whom she was apologizing to, but he could tell her emotions were unstable. He tried to reassure her with a calm voice, "A dislocated arm isn't a big deal for a child. It's not your fault he fell. Kids at this age are always mischievous, and even adults can't control them. When I was Miaomiao's age, I had several nannies watching me, and I still managed to fall into the pond under their noses."

"...," Ming Can pursed her lips, imagining the scene, and almost laughed, but held it back.

She realized that Chi Xiao wasn't incapable of speaking; he just didn't like talking much. When he did speak, he could say a lot, and it sounded... soothing.

Before hanging up, Ming Can heard the wind blowing on Chi Xiao's end, indicating he had already left.

True to his word, ten minutes later, Ming Can helped Miaomiao put on his coat and opened the door for Chi Xiao.

He entered carrying a chill, and as he walked into the hallway, Miaomiao, who had stopped crying, instantly started again upon seeing him.

"Wah..."

"Don't cry," Chi Xiao bent down, his long and sturdy arms easily lifting him up. With one hand, he gently held Miaomiao's injured leg to prevent further injury. Ming Can stood beside them, lifting Miaomiao's immobile arm and placing it around his father's shoulder.

Chi Xiao was too tall, so she had to stand on tiptoes to help Miaomiao wrap his arm around his father's neck.

The living room ceiling lights cast bright and warm light, illuminating the spacious luxury apartment where it seemed only Ming Can and Ming Miao lived.

No other family members.

So, she had been taking care of this child alone?

There was no time to think about it. Chi Xiao carried Miaomiao swiftly out of the house and drove them to the nearest children's hospital.

Upon arriving at the emergency department, they found many feverish children, and even at this late hour, the emergency corridor was crowded.

Chi Xiao settled Ming Can and Ming Miao in seats outside the orthopedic emergency room and went to register alone.

Miaomiao was in pain and sleepy, whimpering as he leaned against Ming Can. Unable to resist, she picked him up and placed him on her lap, comforting him while gently patting his back.

The registration for emergency care was quick, and soon Chi Xiao returned, informing them that there were only two children ahead of them in the orthopedic department, and they should be seen within ten minutes.

Ming Can hugged Miaomiao tightly, adjusted her thick coat, and made room for Chi Xiao to sit beside her.

"Thanks," Chi Xiao said, sitting down with bent knees.

The seat was narrow, and people were constantly passing by. With his tall stature, his long legs were awkwardly folded, having nowhere to rest.

A moment of silence fell.

Above the corridor, rows of bright LED flat lights formed a dazzling path, illuminating the space as if it were daytime.

Ming Can and Chi Xiao, with their youthful faces, stood out among the parents in their thirties and forties.

Their striking appearances made them even more noticeable. Sitting side by side, they looked like actors filming a youth idol drama at the hospital. One might believe they were the main characters, except for the fact that one of them was holding a child.

Gradually, Miaomiao got used to the discomfort in his arm. Comforted by the warmth and softness of his mother's embrace, his eyelids drooped, half asleep as he called out to Ming Can, "Mom, Mom..."

"Hmm?" Ming Can responded, "What is it?"

"Mom, I'm going to sleep for a bit. Wake me up when it's my turn to see the doctor."

Ming Can: "Okay, go ahead and sleep."

Two passersby in the corridor overheard their conversation and, finding it strange, couldn't help but cast curious glances.

"I'll carry him," Chi Xiao suddenly said.

Without waiting for a response from Ming Can or Miaomiao, he reached under Miaomiao's armpits, lifted him up, and settled him on his own lap, holding him securely.

Dad also smelled nice.

Miaomiao found a comfortable position to lean against, his mind fuzzy, tears still wet on his cheeks, looking pitiful as he murmured to Chi Xiao, "Dad, I'm going to sleep."

Chi Xiao: ...

Ming Can: ...

Ming Can remained silent, observing Chi Xiao's expression subtly.

Before today, although she had planned to confess to Chi Xiao, she had been slightly hesitant, unsure when to officially tell him. But after today, she was completely certain, without any doubt.

Making a decision often happens in an instant.

In that moment just now, all her previous considerations seemed insignificant.

So when Miaomiao called them mom and dad, Ming Can didn't explain.

Let him wonder, let him think about it. Maybe he would figure it out on his own without her having to confess?

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him frown slightly after hearing Miaomiao call him dad. He tightened his hold on Miaomiao and moved a bit away from Ming Can.

Miaomiao woke up due to the movement, opening his eyes, "Dad... brother?"

"Wake up?" Chi Xiao asked, "Do you miss your mom and dad?"

Miaomiao glanced at Ming Can, "...I'm okay."

Chi Xiao: "I heard you calling your sister mom earlier."

Miaomiao: "..."

"She's only 19 and still in school," Chi Xiao said without blame, speaking softly to Miaomiao, "There are so many people here. If you call her mom, others will look at her strangely. You wouldn't want your sister to be talked about, right?"

In this society, women are already disadvantaged. Everyone scrutinizes them, magnifying even the slightest negative labels, easily dragging them into public gossip.

Especially someone as beautiful and eye-catching as Ming Can.

Hearing Chi Xiao's words, Ming Can understood why he suddenly took Miaomiao from her arms and moved a bit away from her.

Miaomiao had also called him dad, and people would give him strange looks too. But he chose to bear it, weighing the lesser of two evils.

This society is unfair; men's negative labels aren't magnified as much. Even if people gossiped about Chi Xiao, as a man, he naturally has a stronger ability to withstand such risks. A 20-year-old male college student with a five-year-old child would be a topic of gossip for a while, but not much criticism would fall on him.

So, when he heard Miaomiao call them mom and dad, these were the thoughts running through his mind.

Ming Can couldn't help but inwardly scold Chi Xiao for being dense and stubborn, wishing she could throw a hundred time-travel dramas in front of him to study.

On the other hand, a warm feeling spread through her heart, touched by his thoughtfulness. She never imagined feeling such care from a guy.

At that moment, the announcement system called out Miaomiao's name. Chi Xiao immediately stood up with Miaomiao in his arms and entered the examination room.

Upon seeing the doctor, Miaomiao's held-back tears started falling again, shrinking into Chi Xiao's embrace, scared.

"Baby, don't be nervous," the doctor said kindly, "Come let Uncle take a look... Oh, it hurts here, can't move it? Extend your arm... Relax..."

With experience, the doctor knew exactly what was wrong after touching Miaomiao's arm. While talking to distract him, he manipulated Miaomiao's elbow, rotating his forearm outward, folding it upward, and then twisting it back. By the time he finished speaking, Miaomiao's dislocated joint was back in place.

"Done?" Ming Can exclaimed, "That fast?"

The doctor smiled, "Yes, that fast. Kids this age easily dislocate their joints. Your brother's bones and muscles are developing well; no need to worry too much."

Hearing this, a weight lifted from Ming Can's heart.

Ming Can had already treated Miaomiao's leg wound well. The doctor simply bandaged it further, reminding them to keep it clean, and their visit concluded.

Exiting the examination room, Miaomiao's body was fine, but he felt sleepy and didn't want to walk, clinging to Chi Xiao like a stubborn sticker.

Chi Xiao had plenty of stamina, so he simply went along with it.

Ming Can walked behind them as the three navigated through the bustling emergency corridor.

Ming Can stared at Chi Xiao's tall and handsome back, planning her next move—

Time was of the essence; she could proceed with the next step now.

She always did things meticulously. Although she was 99% certain that Chi Xiao was Miaomiao's father, there was still that 1% missing. She needed a scientific test result to fill that gap, giving her more confidence when she stood before Chi Xiao to reveal this outrageous truth.

The day the test results came out would be the day she confronted Chi Xiao.

Thinking about this, Ming Can caught sight of a consultation room door opening ahead. A family of three emerged, both parents rather plump, making an accidental bump quite likely.

Chi Xiao, holding Miaomiao, slightly shifted his body and smoothly squeezed past the family of three.

It was then Ming Can's turn to brush past them.

"Ouch." Ming Can cried out in a moderate tone, pretending to be bumped, losing her balance and lunging forward to make intimate contact with Chi Xiao's broad back.

"Hiss—" Chi Xiao suddenly drew in a sharp breath, feeling a sharp pain at the back of his head, as if someone had yanked his hair hard.

He turned around to see Ming Can standing straight, one hand in her down jacket pocket, her beautiful face filled with apology: "Senior, I'm sorry. I lost my balance just now. I was trying to touch Miaomiao's face but accidentally hit your head."

Chi Xiao couldn't check the painful spot on his head with his hands occupied, so he simply nodded and said indifferently, "It's fine."

The incident was quickly forgotten.

Ming Can, with her hand in her pocket, contentedly rubbed the small tuft of hair she had forcibly pulled from Chi Xiao's head.

Among the three of them, only Miaomiao remained absorbed in what had just happened, his large eyes wide open, his expression shocked and peculiar.

The hospital was too noisy for him to fall asleep. Half-awake on his father's shoulder, he saw everything.

Mother hadn't been bumped by anyone, nor did she try to touch his face.

She did it on purpose, deliberately walking over to deliver a hard blow to his father's head! He saw it clearly!