The night swallowed the last glow of the sunset. On the seemingly endless corridor of the hospital, the dim light stretched the figure of the frail girl, making her seem even longer. Her pale fingers were tightly clenched together, hinting at her palpable anxiety.
Suddenly, a 'bang' noise echoed as someone pushed open a door. Out came a doctor donned in his white coat. Gu Nian, the girl's face noticeably brightened, immediately jogging towards him.
"... Doctor, how are the patients?" She asked breathlessly, disregarding her composure.
"One has only minor external injuries while the other... isn't so lucky." The doctor took off his mask, shooting a thoughtful and deep stare at the visibly distressed Gu Nian.
"Isn't so lucky." These words entered Gu Nian's ears. Her face paled instantly, and she kept muttering to herself, "How could this happen, how could this happen..."
It took her a while before she raised her eyes, asking with quivering lips, "Who... who is the one in critical condition?"
Uneasiness and fear coalesced on her face. She desperately wanted to hear the answer, yet she was also terrified of it.
Just then a nurse came out with two patients' information and handed them over to the doctor. After glancing at the files, the doctor said, "Xiao Chenhao."
Gu Nian's hand tightened around her phone. She almost slumped to the floor in the hallway.
"He has a badly fractured right hand. Considering he is a student, you should inform his parents." The doctor suggested calmly before leaving.
"...Okay."
Actually, due to her earlier fears of not being able to cope with the situation, she had already made a call. But now, thinking of the voice that spoke over the phone earlier sent chills down her spine.
Xiao Chenhao's uncle seemed very unhappy, no, his tone was more than just unhappy – it was cold enough to freeze her solid, even through the phone.
However, who wouldn't be upset upon hearing their nephew had been hospitalized due to an injury?
Gu Nian's pale fingers entwined tightly again. She looked down at her toes, worrisome and uneasy feelings intensifying inside her heart.
What should she do? Panic filled her heart!
"Nian Nian!" Ma Lu emerged from the operating room and immediately saw the anxious Gu Nian. He quickened his steps to her side.
"Little Lu, what should I do, what should I do..." Gu Nian was so anxious that she was on the verge of tears.
"Alright, Nian Nian, that boy clearly needs a good beating, there's no need for you to blame yourself!"
Ma Lu, unable to bear the sight of Gu Nian looking so troubled and regretful, stepped forward and patted her on the shoulder, speaking in a nonchalant manner.
"That guy has always had his eyes on you. I couldn't stand it and had to teach him a lesson!"
"But..."
Before Gu Nian could complete her sentence, the sound of footsteps approaching from a distance interrupted her. Subconsciously, she lifted her gaze and saw an impressively mature and reliable figure entering her sight, his handsome face filled with confidence and gravity. Her heart skipped a beat.
How could it be him?
A scene from just over two years ago instantly surfaced in Gu Nian's mind. Her small face inexplicably flushed and her eyes were filled with anxiety and worry, now replaced by a hint of joy.
Unconsciously, she took a few steps towards him and excitedly blurted, "Sir, I..."
However, the man didn't stop his steps. He walked past her like a gust of wind and headed straight into the ward...