“Ridiculous, isn’t it? She didn’t understand responsibility, nor did she know what it meant to be a mother. Back then, I didn’t understand her. Now that I’m older, I’ve only grown to hate her more—for walking away, for abandoning her responsibilities. But hearing your story today, I suddenly feel my hatred is laughable. No matter what, I should be grateful she gave birth to me, right? After all, if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have the life I have now.”
I smiled at Chen Qiao Luo and drained the rest of my beer in one gulp.
The wind on the rooftop blew continuously as we sat there for the entire afternoon, finishing all the beer he had hidden.
When I was just beginning to feel tipsy, I thought I heard his voice.
“Zhu Yun Hao, if one day you find out the truth, I hope you won’t hate me,” he said.
* * *
When I woke up, it was just like last time—I was slumped over on Chen Qiao Luo’s back. The night had fully fallen, and I had no idea how he had managed to carry me out of school.
I tapped his shoulder and jumped off his back, annoyed. “Why did I black out again? And you! Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“Why would I? If you started acting like a drunk lunatic, wouldn’t I be the one to suffer?” he replied with exaggerated seriousness.
“Ugh, my drinking tolerance is just fine, thank you!” I shot him a glare. “Don’t you have to go to work? You don’t need to walk me home—I can manage on my own.”
“Are you sure?” he asked doubtfully.
“Of course! Now go on,” I said, pushing him forward and waving him off. “See you tomorrow at school. I’ll head home now.”
“Alright, see you,” he said, turning to leave.
* * *
I never expected to run into Gu Yu on my way home. It was already past 8 PM, and I had just boarded a bus after parting ways with Chen Qiao Luo. As the bus passed Tower Hill Road, I caught a glimpse of Gu Yu hurrying down the street.
In my memory, Gu Yu had always been calm and composed. I’d never seen him so flustered. My heart skipped a beat, and before I knew it, I had stepped off the bus.
Following him all the way to the hospital, I realized I had made a foolish decision. This was someone who didn’t even like me—why was I so shamelessly worried about him? I laughed bitterly at myself but still trailed him inside.
What a fool, Zhu Yun Hao, I thought, mocking myself.
Gu Yu rushed up to the fifth floor, and when he finally stopped outside a room, I saw it was the operating room. He paced anxiously in front of the doors, and I wondered who was inside. Whoever it was must have been very important to him.
I stayed a short distance away, watching everything like a voyeur. I had no idea how much time passed before my dad called.
Speaking in a hushed voice, I exchanged a few words with him. Just as I hung up, I noticed Gu Yu looking in my direction. His gaze startled me. He seemed surprised to see me there, pausing briefly before gesturing for me to come over.
I was spineless—at least when it came to Gu Yu.
When I got closer, he asked, “What are you doing here?”
What could I say? That I had followed him all the way here? No, I couldn’t admit to something so embarrassing. Biting my lip, I stayed silent.
Seeing my hesitation, he seemed to piece things together. Instead of pressing further, he asked, “What’s your name?”
I hadn’t expected this question and froze, stammering awkwardly, “Zhu Yun Hao. My name is Zhu Yun Hao.”
“Zhu Yun Hao?” He frowned slightly, then smiled. “That’s a great name.”
We didn’t speak again. A short while later, the operating room doors opened, and a doctor emerged. Gu Yu immediately rushed over.
“Dr. Li, how’s my mom?” he asked urgently.
“Ah, Xiaoyu, you’re here,” Dr. Li said, removing his mask. “Your mom is stable for now, but as I’ve told you before, her condition is essentially incurable. If she has another critical episode, even a miracle worker wouldn’t be able to save her.”
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