Chapter 12: Brothers

Outside the ward, facing the delicate-looking Su Qing, Wu Bei felt both guilty and embarrassed. Having caused a huge problem for his employer on his very first day at work, anyone would be displeased, so Wu Bei braced himself for a scolding.

“I’m sorry, Nurse Su, I really didn’t expect this...” Without waiting for any reprimand, Wu Bei apologized first.

Su Qing interrupted, puzzled: “Sorry? What are you talking about?”

“Ah?” Now it was Wu Bei’s turn to be confused.

“I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to send Uncle Wu to the provincial capital, Shishi, for treatment. My classmate works at the Provincial Cancer Hospital. We just got in touch last night, and after hearing about your situation, he’s very willing to help.”

Su Qing covered her mouth with a smile and spoke softly.

Seeing that Wu Bei still seemed unsure, Su Qing continued, “My classmate is the head of their department. He said he could help you apply for a government assistance fund.”

“That’s wonderful! Thank you so much, Nurse Su—ah, no, Su Bodhisattva!” Wu Bei suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion, grasping Su Qing’s small hand and nodding repeatedly, words tumbling out incoherently.

Su Qing’s cheeks flushed crimson, and she quickly pulled her hand away.

Realizing his indiscretion, Wu Bei scratched his head awkwardly.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll talk to my classmate again after work.”

Feeling the atmosphere growing awkward, Su Qing left quickly, as if fleeing.

Staring at her retreating figure, Wu Bei laughed foolishly to himself.

This was probably the only good thing to happen since his father fell ill. In his heart, Su Qing at this moment was a Bodhisattva descended from the heavens, far warmer than the clay statues in the temples.

“Uncle, you rest well. I’ll come see you when I have time.”

---

While Wu Bei was lost in thought, Wang Shun emerged from the ward and closed the door behind him.

Wu Bei hurriedly pulled out a cigarette and handed one over.

Wang Shun nodded toward the fire escape, signaling they talk there.

The two lit their cigarettes and after a moment of silence, Wang Shun lowered his voice to ask, “No trouble, right?”

“No, just a stomach upset,” Wu Bei replied. Like a spinning top, he shook his head. For the beating he gave Han Wei today, he planned to keep it buried deep inside and wouldn’t tell a soul in advance.

Wang Shun didn’t press further and smiled broadly, then pulled out a wad of fresh bills and handed them to Wu Bei.

“This won’t do, Shunzi...” Wu Bei instinctively refused with a wave of his hand.

“Take it! Stop dithering!” Wang Shun shoved the money into Wu Bei’s pocket, scowling and mumbling.

Wu Bei was at a loss for words.

In these times, not even relatives, let alone friends, would casually lend money—especially not a stranger he’d known less than a day.

Wang Shun took a deep drag and said gravely, “My mother died early, also from this illness!”

Wu Bei’s throat tightened as if gripped by a sudden fear, wanting to say thank you but unable to form the words.

“Whenever you can, pay me back. Now go!” Wang Shun grinned again, revealing his trademark bright teeth, then headed down the stairs without looking back.

“Brother, I will pay you back, I promise!” Wu Bei shouted, clutching the railing.

---

Human relationships truly depend on affinity.

Some people you know for a long time but never wish to be close to, while others you meet by chance and stir something profound in each other’s lives.

At this moment, Wu Bei had already placed Wang Shun in the brotherly position in his heart.

For this taciturn man, he was sincerely grateful.

Composing himself, Wu Bei returned to the ward. The old man was leaning against the headboard, flipping through a newspaper.

Wu Bei habitually picked up a broom to sweep.

Silence was always their mode of communication; Wu Bei rarely spoke of his financial struggles borrowing money here and there, and the old man never mentioned the pain of chemotherapy.

While sweeping, Wu Bei suddenly noticed half a cigarette butt under the bed and looked at the old man suspiciously.

The old man seemed unaware, still intently reading the paper.

“Did a friend visit today?” Wu Bei asked casually with a smile as he bent down to pick up the cigarette end.

“Do I still have friends now?” The old man replied flatly without looking up.

Silence! Once again, they fell into silence.

After about half a minute, Wu Bei left the ward and headed straight for the nurse’s office.