Gu Changheng forced a smile and turned to the clerk, asking, “Do you have a mirror? Can I borrow one?”
“Oh, sure.” The clerk pulled out a mirror she usually used for makeup and handed it to Gu Changheng.
Taking a deep breath, Gu Changheng positioned the mirror to his neck, took a quick look, and then immediately returned it to the clerk, even managing a smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” The clerk put the mirror back in the drawer and then asked, “Have you two decided on the wallpaper you want?”
Zhou Li couldn’t control his emotions and turned his face to the side, not wanting anyone to see his reddening eyes and the tears welling up.
Gu Changheng smiled and said, “The wallpaper I chose just now is fine. How much is it? I’ll pay by card and have it delivered to… Linzhou Street No. 25 shop.”
The clerk took a pen and quickly noted down what Gu Changheng said.
Gu Changheng added, “We need it urgently for the renovations. Can it be delivered before tomorrow noon?”
“No problem.”
“Great.”
After paying, Gu Changheng walked out of the wallpaper store and reached for Zhou Li’s hand. Zhou Li didn’t pull away. They walked side by side in silence toward the shop.
The street was noisy.
Gu Changheng wished that this street could stretch a little longer so he could walk with Zhou Li forever. However, they still arrived at the entrance of the shop they rented.
As Gu Changheng tried to pull his hand away, Zhou Li held on tightly.
Gu Changheng’s lips began to tremble uncontrollably. He took deep breaths and tried to suppress the overwhelming emotions, but it was impossible. Finally, he slowly squatted on the ground, his shoulders shaking.
Zhou Li covered his mouth, watching the man crouched in front of him. He began to speak, his voice trembling, “It’s okay, Changheng. It’s getting late today. I’ll take you to the CDC tomorrow morning for a thorough check-up. It’s probably nothing serious. Don’t worry.”
That night, Gu Changheng developed a fever.
The rash spread rapidly from his neck across his body, painful and itchy. He felt extremely hot and was drenched in sweat.
Zhou Li repeatedly wiped Gu Changheng’s body with cool water, but it had no effect. He took him to a nearby hospital, but they were rejected and transferred to an infectious disease hospital.
The doctor covered himself tightly and examined Gu Changheng, who was already delirious due to fever. He approached Zhou Li and said, “His immune system has been completely destroyed. Now he’s showing rash symptoms, and his nervous and cardiovascular systems have sustained some damage. I’ll prescribe some antibiotics and antiviral medicine, but that might be all we can do. If he has any last wishes, help him fulfill them as soon as possible.”
Gu Changheng was hospitalized for two days and his high fever subsided.
At noon on the third day of hospitalization, Gu Changheng regained consciousness. His complexion wasn’t great, but his spirits were relatively good. He took the initiative to ask to be discharged from the hospital and even discussed the shop renovations with Zhou Li.
Zhou Li suddenly said, “I sold the shop yesterday. And I also sold the house on the top floor in Gu City yesterday.”
Gu Changheng, who had been excitedly discussing the renovations, fell silent.
Then Zhou Li continued, “The treatment level at this hospital isn’t good. I’ll take you to a hospital in Beijing or Shanghai for treatment.”
TL: Chocolate fudge, I’m crying!
😭😭😭😭