SWMSO – Chapter 91

The next day, Xu Meng also woke up from her surgery anesthesia. Jiang Yi brought Jiang Sixian along to visit her.

Jiang Yi sat by the bed, looking at Xu Meng’s pale face as she lay there. She couldn’t help but reach out and brush aside the short hair on Xu Meng’s forehead, smiling as she asked, “How are you feeling today, Xiao Meng?”

Perhaps because the shadow of the surgery had passed, Xu Meng lay on the bed and mimed a pull-up motion, puffing up her energy as she said, “Much better! I feel like I’ll be able to run soon.”

Jiang Yi ruffled her hair and said, “That’s good. Then hurry up and get better—maybe I can even run with you.”

Jiang Yi sat by the bed, teasing Xu Meng into conversation, and soon the ward was filled with laughter.

When Yu Yu came out of the restroom carrying a freshly washed lunchbox, she saw Jiang Yi joking around with Xu Meng and hesitated, unsure whether to approach.

Jiang Sixian, standing nearby, noticed Yu Yu and smiled, walking over to her.

She stopped in front of Yu Yu and gave her a gentle smile. “They’re chatting, and I can’t really join in. Sister Yu Yu, could you keep me company for a bit?”

Compared to Jiang Yi, Yu Yu didn’t dislike Jiang Sixian as much. Moreover, Jiang Sixian had helped them a lot during this time, so Yu Yu felt nothing but gratitude toward her.

She nodded, smiled, and agreed.

Yu Yu set down the lunchbox and walked outside with Jiang Sixian. Jiang Sixian glanced at the quiet woman beside her and smiled. “We’ve known each other for a while now, but I’ve never asked what you used to do before, Sister Yu Yu. Would it be too forward to ask?”

Yu Yu gave a faint smile, exhaustion lingering in her eyes. “I used to be a teacher at a private school, but I’ve resigned now.”

At first, when Xu Meng fell ill, Yu Yu could still manage to take care of her while working. But as Xu Meng’s condition worsened, and with Jiang Yi’s support, Yu Yu decided to quit her job to focus entirely on Xu Meng’s care.

After all, a job could always be found again, but if Xu Meng were gone, she would truly be alone in this world.

Jiang Sixian nodded in understanding and led Yu Yu to a pavilion in the hospital’s garden. After a moment of thought, she asked, “What was your major before, Sister Yu Yu?”

Yu Yu quickly grasped Jiang Sixian’s intention—she was likely trying to help her find a job. Yu Yu wasn’t so stubborn that she would refuse help. If she were, she wouldn’t have accepted Jiang Yi’s assistance in the first place.

To save Xu Meng, Yu Yu had already exhausted what little savings remained in their household. For families like theirs, even with insurance, one serious illness could drain everything.

Now that Xu Meng had undergone surgery and was steadily improving, Yu Yu had to start thinking about the future and returning to work.

Once she understood Jiang Sixian’s meaning, Yu Yu immediately switched into interview mode, listing her skills and expertise.

Jiang Sixian listened thoughtfully, then nodded. She handed Yu Yu a business card and said, “Actually, I have a friend who’s currently looking for a secretary. I think your qualifications would fit her requirements.”

“Given Xiao Meng’s condition, staying in Yuncheng for observation would be best. The medical facilities here are excellent, and it’s a good place to live.”

Jiang Sixian laid out all her suggestions: “Plus, the education environment is strong. If you’re willing to stay with Xu Meng, I can arrange for her to transfer to a school here.”

“As for housing, don’t worry. My friend is very generous—she provides accommodation for all her employees, and the salary is quite competitive.”

“I’ll send you the interview details later. If you’re interested, just call this number.”

Yu Yu took the card, smiled, and thanked her. “I’ll give it serious consideration.”

Jiang Sixian smiled back. “Then if you pass the interview, let me know. I’ll treat you to a meal.”

Yu Yu chuckled. “You’re the one helping me find a job—shouldn’t I be the one treating you?”

Jiang Sixian blinked playfully. “It’s only right. You’re family, after all.”

Yu Yu froze for a moment, then sighed softly. “Jiang Yi is really lucky to have you.” Though she resented Jiang Yi, she also knew Jiang Yi was a good person, and she hoped someone like her would find happiness.

Jiang Sixian smiled, then hesitated before asking, “By the way, Sister Yu Yu, do you have any preferences regarding your boss’s gender?”

Yu Yu was taken aback but shook her head. “Not really.”

Jiang Sixian exhaled in relief. “If you did, I would’ve liked to be your boss myself, but I was afraid you might mind. Still…”

“I should let you know—the boss you’d be interviewing with is a female Alpha. But she doesn’t like omegas. She’s a lesbian and only likes Alphas, so you don’t have to worry about… other issues.”

As fellow omegas, they both knew what “other issues” referred to. Yu Yu pressed her lips together in a small, genuine smile. “Thank you, Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Sixian sighed. “No need to be so formal, Sister Yu Yu. Just call me Xianxian.”

Yu Yu hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Thank you, Xianxian. If I pass the interview, I’ll treat you to dinner.”

Jiang Sixian agreed with a hum, then added in a whisper, “Just you and me—I won’t bring Jiang Yi.”

Yu Yu froze, then looked up at Jiang Sixian’s knowing expression. A wave of gratitude washed over her.

By the time the two omegas finished their conversation, it was already afternoon. Jiang Sixian had other matters to attend to, so she returned to the ward and left with Jiang Yi.

After they were gone, Yu Yu sat by Xu Meng’s bedside and softly asked about her condition.

Xu Meng held her hand and grinned up at her. “I’m getting better. Don’t worry about me, Sister Yu Yu.”

Xu Meng was about ten years younger than Yu Yu. She looked a lot like her sister, especially when she smiled—it was almost like seeing her sister as a teenager again.

Yu Yu’s heart clenched with a dull ache. She squeezed Xu Meng’s hand and hesitated before saying, “Xiao Meng… would you like to stay in Yuncheng?”

Xu Meng blinked in surprise. “Do you have plans, Sister Yu Yu?”

Yu Yu shook her head. “I just think Yuncheng’s medical facilities are better than back home—it’s good for your recovery. Plus, the education resources are excellent. You could get into a good school.”

More importantly, now that Xu Meng’s illness was under control, it was time for them to start fresh in a new environment.

It had been so long since the incident. They could now talk about the person who was no longer here without breaking down. It was time to step out of the shadow of misfortune.

Xu Meng held Yu Yu’s hand and smiled. “If you want to stay, then let’s stay. Wherever you go, I’ll go.”

She paused, then added, “No matter what you decide, I’ll support you. We’re family, so I’ll stand by your choices.”

In this world, only the two of them were left to rely on each other.

Yu Yu knew Xu Meng had always been obedient, but hearing her say this still moved her. Her voice trembled slightly as she nodded. “Okay.”

Xu Meng grinned, then hesitated before saying, “Oh, right, Sister Yu Yu… I talked to Sister Yi earlier… about my illness.”

Yu Yu was curious. “And?”

Xu Meng explained, “I just felt like my treatment cost her so much money. I told her that once I start working, I’ll pay her back—just a quarter of the medical expenses. I don’t want… to owe her too much.”

If the debt grew too large, Yu Yu wouldn’t even be able to resent her anymore.

Though Xu Meng didn’t believe her sister’s death was Jiang Yi’s fault, she knew Yu Yu still held some resentment. As family, she wanted Yu Yu to let go of that burden and find peace.

Yu Yu fell silent for a moment, then squeezed Xu Meng’s hand. “What did she say when you told her?”

Xu Meng answered carefully, “She refused. She just called me a silly kid.”

“And she said… between family, there’s no such thing as owing or debts.”

“She said Sister treated her like family, like a younger sister. So she sees me the same way—she just wants me to be well. No repayment, no debts.”

Yu Yu was quiet for a long moment. She thought, That person really did treat Jiang Yi like family, like a sister. Even I… used to treat her that way.

But did that mean there was no resentment between family?

Of course, resentment existed—raw and alive. But because of that person’s connection, neither side could sever the bond, the love that came with being “family.” That, perhaps, was the true meaning of family.

Besides, Yu Yu also knew that Xu Meng was fond of Jiang Yi. She couldn’t bear—and wouldn’t—take away another sister who cared for Xu Meng.

After a long silence, Yu Yu finally said, “She’s right. Between family, there’s no need to keep score.”

She gave Xu Meng’s hand a light squeeze. “Don’t overthink it. Just focus on getting better. When you’re successful in the future, if she ever needs help, do everything you can for her. That’s the best way to repay her kindness.”

Yu Yu was someone who distinguished gratitude from grudges. She resented Jiang Yi, but that didn’t blind her to Jiang Yi’s kindness toward Xu Meng. Whether out of guilt or repayment, Jiang Yi had done her utmost to help them in their time of need.

Even if that help had come at the cost of her partner’s life. But as Jiang Yi had said—some things couldn’t be repaid or calculated.

Xu Meng nodded firmly. “Mm, I will.”

They didn’t bring up Jiang Yi again. Xu Meng smiled and tugged Yu Yu’s hand. “By the way, Sister Yu Yu, why did you ask if I wanted to stay in Yuncheng? You haven’t told me your plans yet. My illness is almost cured—what are you going to do next?”

They relied on each other, so Yu Yu usually shared everything with her. After a moment’s thought, Yu Yu said, “Just now… your Sister Xianxian introduced me to a job here in Yuncheng and asked me to interview for it. I’ve decided to give it a try—the pay is really good.”

She smiled. “If I pass the interview, we’ll stay in Yuncheng. How does that sound?”

Xu Meng nodded. “Okay.”

Author’s Note:
The employer for this job opportunity is kindly provided by: Chen Wanzhou.

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