Chapter 7 (1/2)
He arrived at the hospital ward at last, only to see Han Xue climbing up the bedside to fall asleep, with the book she was reading sliding to the floor. Lao Die had a kindly appearance, a smile on his face as he watched Han Xue. Hearing the sound of the door being opened, Lao Die raised his head to discover Ye Qian entering the room. He made a gentle gesture for silence.
With a quick glance at the sleeping Han Xue, Ye Qian understood. Walking quietly so as not to make any noise, he shut the door softly. Walking to his father side, he then remarked: “Lao Die, are you feeling better?”
Nodding slightly, Lao Die responds: “I’m fine. By the way, where have you been these eight years, Xiao Er? Have you been doing well?
Ye Qia grew quiet: “Lao Die, don’t talk about these things, I brought you some porridge, please drink it slowly.”
Lao Die knew that Ye Qian was not yet ready to talk about the past, and there was no need to force these things. Glancing to the side of Han Xue, he then said: “This child is pitiful; her parents were killed in a car accident, but she hadn’t received a single penny of savings. The parents should have been more thoughtful for what would have happened to her. Sigh!”
Looking at Han Xue, Ye Qian turned his head to say: “Lao Die, these years must have been exhausting for you. Since I have already returned home, you won’t face any more hards.h.i.+ps, and can properly enjoy the rest of your years. I just realised, why haven’t eldest and third brother come back to see you?” Ye Qian took out a small box from a plastic bag as he spoke.
“They have, only now they have already settled down. Besides, I don’t want to add such a burden to their lives. I would also hate to part with this neighborhood.” Lao Die said.
At the rim of Ye Qian’s eyes, one could see his iris start to slowly redden. It seems that all parents have such kind hearts to their children even though they weren’t related by blood. There was no doubt that Lao Die is the greatest person in the hearts of the orphans he took in. Handing over the lunchbox, Ye Qian continued: “Regardless of how you put it, I won’t allow this misfortunate happen to you again. In the future, I will be the one to take care of you.”
Lao Die pushed the lunchbox away as he glanced at Han Xue while saying: “Give it to Xiao Xue, I have no appet.i.te. This hasn’t eaten dinner yet, and she believes that I am unaware of this.” Patting Han Xue’s head, softly calling out: “Xiao Xue, Xiao Xue!”
TL: Xiao (小) is small/little/young in Chinese. So it’s kinda like saying little one.
Han Xue slowly woke up to rub her eyes, asking: “Lao Die, you’re awake? Do you want any water to drink? I can pour you some.”
Lao Die shook his head and said: “No, Xiao Xue, your second brother has returned with porridge, please drink it.”
Han Xue took note of Ye Qian’s appearance and called out: “Second brother”, and then went on to say: “Lao Die, I am not hungry, you should still eat.”
“I bought two, one for each person.” Ye Qin said, “Xiao Xue, after you finish eating why don’t you get some rest and I will accompany Lao Die.”
“ No second brother, I had better take care of Lao Die, you return home to rest. “ Han Xue said
Ye Qian slightly laughing, then says: “ Fool, me and father haven’t seen each other for eight years, there are many things to discuss, you don’t want to get in the way of me and Lao Die, right?”
Han Xue sweetly smiling: “Good.”
After eating, Han Xue said goodbye to Lao Die . Ye Qian brought her to the hospital entrance, and from his back pocket he fished out two hundred and handed it over to her: “It’s dangerous tonight, use a taxi to get back home