The Sickly Girl Becomes a Scum Alpha - Chapter 36

In the dim stairwell, Doctor Jiang, who felt she had performed a noble deed, looked in bewilderment at Jian Sui, who was radiating a dangerous aura.

Jian Sui took a deep breath. Thinking that Jiang Xun had, after all, just saved Chu Ci’s life, she suppressed the rising anger in her heart.

“Doctor Jiang, I am very grateful to you for saving Chu Ci, but as for the matters between the two of us, please do not trouble yourself over them.”

“You heard everything?” Jiang Xun realized. It wasn’t surprising that Jian Sui had been standing at the door; it actually saved her some breath. “Since that’s the case, when do you two plan to get a divorce?”

“No one is getting a divorce!”

Jian Sui couldn’t take it anymore. What was wrong with this Doctor Jiang?

Jiang Xun was even more perplexed. “If you don’t divorce, Chu Ci won’t cooperate with my treatment for your sake. Can you really bear to watch her wither away like this?”

“No,” Jian Sui could obviously never watch Chu Ci give up on treatment, but for her to leave Chu Ci during her final moments was even more impossible. “I will stay by her side every step of the way, take care of her, and make sure she cooperates with the treatment.”

Facing Jiang Xun’s skeptical gaze, Jian Sui did not back down. “Doctor Jiang, do you think a patient has a stronger will to live if they have unfinished business and a lingering attachment, or if they have nothing left to care about?”

Stated this way, Jiang Xun understood. She pondered for a moment. “You’re right. But don’t forget, doing this means you might be targeted by the Chu family. What Chu Ci fears will come true.”

“I don’t care. The only person in this world who cares whether I live or die is Chu Ci. If Chu Ci lives, we live well together. If Chu Ci is gone, what does it matter what happens to me?”

Jian Sui had never recognized her own feelings so clearly. From childhood to adulthood, she had always been the discarded option for everyone. Only Chu Ci’s choice of her was consistent and singular.

She had long grown accustomed to being numb to such choices, repeatedly telling herself to be independent and strong, building high fortresses in her heart to withstand cold disappointments. Yet, she couldn’t block out the warm hope Chu Ci brought her.

Her protection, her gentleness, her sacrifices, and her unwavering choice had made Jian Sui slowly get used to having Chu Ci behind her. It allowed her to walk forward more boldly and try for a brand-new future.

Just the thought of losing Chu Ci and returning to how things were before felt more painful than death. If Chu Ci were gone, what would the future have to do with her?

Jiang Xun struggled to understand Jian Sui’s logic, but she understood a tiny bit of it.

“You can try. But if you fail to make Chu Ci cooperate with me, then please divorce quickly and hand her over to me. Do not delay the treatment.”

Jian Sui gritted her teeth at Jiang Xun’s terrible phrasing. “Fine.”

Having reached an agreement, Jiang Xun straightened her collar, put her hands in her pockets, and walked out. Honestly, people should just talk things out instead of getting physical.

“Doctor Jiang.”

Jian Sui’s voice rang out from behind. When Jiang Xun turned back, she couldn’t help but touch her collar again. “What?”

“Please keep our conversation confidential. Also, do not let Chu Ci know that I am aware of her true condition.”

Jian Sui already had a plan. She didn’t want Chu Ci to know what she had just said; otherwise, knowing her feelings, Chu Ci might only be more determined to push her away.

“Oh.” Jiang Xun agreed casually.

Remembering how Jiang Xun had promised the same thing last time, Jian Sui took a step forward. She placed one hand on Jiang Xun’s shoulder and helped her straighten her collar with the other. “I practiced Sanda for a few years. My grip was a bit heavy just now; I didn’t hurt you, did I, Doctor Jiang?”

“Regarding this matter, Doctor Jiang will definitely keep it a secret, right?”

Jiang—Zero Morals—Promises Are Worthless—But Cherishes Her Life—Xun swallowed hard in nervousness. “Mhm, confidential.”

Jian Sui let go and gave Jiang Xun a serious bow. “Thank you, Doctor Jiang.”

Jiang Xun: T-T

After settling things with Jiang Xun, Jian Sui returned to the ward.

Chu Ci’s eyes were closed, but something seemed to be bothering her. Her brow was furrowed, and her pale, dry lips were pressed into a tight line. Her chin was tucked slightly under the blanket, making her look exceptionally fragile.

Sitting gently by the bedside, Jian Sui poured a glass of water, dipped a cotton swab in it, and moistened Chu Ci’s lips. Currently, Chu Ci couldn’t drink water, so this was the only way to provide slight relief.

The sudden coolness startled Chu Ci. She opened her eyes and saw Jian Sui in front of her.

She had been thinking about what Jiang Xun said. Seeing Jian Sui now made her feel that Jiang Xun might be right.

Her eyes were full of apology. She was wavering; giving up hope of survival wasn’t easy, but making someone else face danger to buy herself a chance at life left her in agony.

Although Jian Sui’s understanding differed slightly from Chu Ci’s, their direction was the same. So, seeing Chu Ci about to speak, she pressed the cotton swab against Chu Ci’s lips and spoke first.

“Chu Ci, when you are discharged, accompany me back to my parents’ home.”

In the past, Jian Sui would never have revealed her most shameful scars—that selfish, greedy, and shameless family—to anyone. But now, she was willing to lay it all out before Chu Ci.

She had heard Chu Ci’s words. Chu Ci still thought she had a happy family and that her parents loved her, and that leaving would allow her to return to that happy life. But she had to tell Chu Ci the truth: without her, Jian Sui would only be worse off.

If she said that, Chu Ci might work harder to stay alive, if only for her sake.

Of course, there was another reason. Jian Sui didn’t want Chu Ci to know she already knew the truth about her illness. By pretending to know nothing and acting as she always had, Chu Ci would have no reason to drive her away.

Chu Ci, unaware of Jian Sui’s true thoughts, only found it strange that she brought it up so suddenly. But thinking that Jian Sui hadn’t been back in a long time, it was normal to feel homesick.

She temporarily swallowed the words she was going to say. It was a rare request from Jian Sui; she couldn’t refuse. “Okay.”

Jian Sui knew Chu Ci wouldn’t refuse. With a smile, she reached out to tuck a stray hair behind Chu Ci’s ear. “Then you have to get better quickly.”

Chu Ci nodded with a complex heart.

As dawn began to break, Chu Ci urged Jian Sui to go eat breakfast.

It happened that Jiang Xun came for rounds. Jian Sui glanced at Jiang Xun, greeted her, and left the room.

As soon as the door closed, Chu Ci asked impatiently, “You didn’t tell Jian Sui about my condition?”

Jiang Xun couldn’t help but touch her collar again. “No. Didn’t you threaten me not to tell anyone?”

Chu Ci looked at Jiang Xun with a complicated expression. Is this confidentiality work a bit too good?

But never mind. If Jian Sui knew she didn’t have long to live, perhaps divorcing and leaving would cause her too much psychological pressure.

“Keep it that way. You are not allowed to tell her.”

“Oh.” Jiang Xun responded casually while recording data on the chart.

Chu Ci’s eyes narrowed slightly. “If Jian Sui finds out, I will revoke the body donation agreement at any time.”

“Mhm, confidential.”

Jiang Xun: T-T

“Good. Then you still need to process my discharge as soon as possible. Once I finish the divorce procedures, I will come back and cooperate fully with the treatment.”

Uncertain of her ability to help Jian Sui grow quickly under Chu Xiong’s watchful eye, Chu Ci was prepared to accept her fate.

Jiang Xun responded expressionlessly, “Today is Friday. You shouldn’t have plans this weekend. Stay for three days to monitor the situation first.”

“Okay.” Chu Ci thought for a moment and agreed.

Jiang Xun left, leaving Chu Ci alone in the ward. Looking at the ceiling, just as she was about to close her eyes to rest, she heard the sound of electronic chaos in her mind—the system was crashing.

Chu Ci was a bit afraid it would explode in her head. [System, what’s wrong?]

[What kind of body is this?! In all my years as a system, this is the first time I’ve had to work a side job to support a host! Do you know how much debt I’ve racked up pulling you back from the brink? I have to go work a part-time job now! What kind of life is this for a system?!]

Last time Chu Ci had an accident, since there wasn’t much progress, the system spent its meager savings to keep her from kicking the bucket. This time was worse; it was deep in debt.

It was truly the first time Chu Ci had heard of a system being in debt. Thinking about how she would fail the system if she gave up the mission, she felt even more guilty.

[I’m sorry. I’ve dragged you down too.]

The system, which was about to keep complaining: […] Why does my electronic conscience hurt?

[Never mind. I’m going to my part-time job to earn back some points for your next life-saving event. I might not be around much from now on, so don’t cause trouble. Plot progress will be reported automatically. Take care of yourself.]

Hearing the system’s helpless voice, Chu Ci was deeply moved. [Maybe you should just give up on me. I might not be able to finish the progress.]

[Never giving up on a host is the mission of our system world! If I give up on you, how can I show my face in the system circle? Besides, you reached the single-increase progress limit this time—twenty points at once! Even though it’s less than what I spent to save you, I believe victory is in sight! No more talking, off to work, do not disturb!]

[…Take care.]

Chu Ci listened as her mind returned to silence, her thoughts heavy. To drag so many people down for her own sake—what was the right thing to do?

Before she could reach a conclusion, her phone rang. It was Cheng Feng.

“Boss, your car suddenly got a bunch of traffic violations last night. The driver says he doesn’t know anything, but that Ms. Jian drove the car away. What happened?”

Chu Ci looked at Jian Sui, who had just walked back in, and realized Jian Sui must have been in a panic when she drove her to the hospital.

However, her being in the hospital could not be known by anyone for now. “Yeah, I drove it last night. I haven’t raced in a long time and felt like going fast. Go handle it.”

With Jian Sui’s steady personality, she would never commit traffic violations for no reason. Therefore, it had to be her. According to the original host’s style, this wasn’t strange at all.

Sure enough, Cheng Feng didn’t suspect a thing. “Understood, I’ll handle it. Boss, are you coming to the office today?”

“I’m not going today. If Mr. Chu asks, tell him I’m out for social engagements.” This “three-minute passion” for work also fit her established style.

“Oh~ no problem. There’s nothing much at the company today anyway. Mr. Chu isn’t here; he went on a business trip yesterday and won’t be back until next week.”

Cheng Feng didn’t find anything wrong with this. In fact, he looked like he “understood” perfectly.

With Chu Xiong away, Chu Ci sighed in relief. Truly, heaven was helping her.

Hanging up, Chu Ci looked at Jian Sui. Thinking she hadn’t slept all night, she said, “Go sleep for a bit. Aren’t you going to the company later?”

“I called Zhao Rong. I’m not going today.”

Jian Sui lay down on the escort bed. Not only was she not going today, but she would also have to get used to remote work. From now on, staying by Chu Ci’s side was the priority.

Chu Ci suddenly understood why Cheng Feng sounded like he “understood.” He probably thought she and Jian Sui were skipping work to mess around together. Although she was with Jian Sui… never mind. As long as she could get through the current situation, misunderstandings were fine.

Time passed quickly in the hospital. Chu Ci had life points she could exchange, so she was just a bit weaker than usual. But Jiang Xun wouldn’t let her move much. She drifted in and out of sleep.

By the second day, Chu Ci couldn’t lie still anymore. After removing the monitors, she began “frying the salted fish” in bed, flipping from one side to the other.

Jian Sui, who was researching Chu Ci’s nutritional recipes, noticed. “Shall I take you downstairs for a walk?”

“Yes.” After lying down for over thirty hours, Chu Ci was indeed uncomfortable.

Jian Sui helped Chu Ci get ready. To avoid meeting acquaintances, they had to cover her sickly appearance. They wouldn’t meet anyone in this isolated wing, but they had to be careful downstairs.

Compared to Chu Ci’s casual makeup skills, Jian Sui was clearly more professional. Soon, the Chu Ci in the mirror looked refreshed and healthy, with no trace of illness.

Seeing herself like this, Chu Ci felt much better. Jian Sui took her arm, and they walked slowly downstairs.

After the spring rain, the sky had just cleared. The air carried the scent of fresh water—cool but very comfortable. The sun wasn’t harsh, and the breeze was just right. The garden of this private hospital was better than a professional oxygen bar.

Chu Ci looked relaxed, temporarily pushing aside the things that had troubled her to enjoy the moment. Though comfortable, Jian Sui wouldn’t let her get tired. She led Chu Ci to a bench to rest.

As they sat there, Jian Sui spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Just as she feared meeting someone she knew, she actually did!

She subtly pulled Chu Ci’s hand from the back of the bench to her own waist and leaned in to whisper to her. Because Jian Sui’s voice was low, Chu Ci tilted her head to listen closely. With both heads down, it was hard to recognize them without looking carefully.

Bai Qingqing thought she had misseen at first. Walking closer, she realized it truly was Chu Ci and Jian Sui.

Seeing their intimate posture, her brow furrowed for a second before smoothing out. She walked forward with a beaming smile. “What a coincidence! You’re here too?”

Chu Ci was startled. She looked up and saw Bai Qingqing. “Uh, what a coincidence.”

Bai Qingqing’s gaze swept over them as she shook a physical examination form in her hand. “I’m here for a check-up. Why are you two at the hospital?”

“We…” Just as Chu Ci was about to say they were also there for a check-up, Jian Sui gave her hand a subtle squeeze.

Jian Sui took over for Chu Ci. “Chu Ci is accompanying me for a prenatal check-up.”

Chu Ci: ??

!!

Is that something you should be saying?!