'What a lovely day!'
A nurse in pure white attire thought to herself happily, pushing a cart filled with food trays and bottles of medicine. She couldn't stop herself from smiling, thinking back to her soon-to-be husband and his goofy grin. As she walked, the phone in her pocket buzzed. Looking left and right, seeing no one, she sneakily took out her phone and quickly read it.
[Quickly come home today, I have a surprise for you.]
Her smile widened. This fool, thinking she hadn't realized his silly little plan yet? Huh! She already saw that tiny ring box he forgot to hide, standing so boldly on the bedside table. After her boyfriend came out of the bathroom and saw the ring box he left behind... She couldn't forget how his face paled in horror as he scrambled to swipe it away out of sight. It was too comical.
As her mood surged, her pace also quickened, eager to finish her shift.
However, once she walked closer to the assigned room, she heard a loud argument echo in the hallway. A one-sided argument should be more accurate. The nurse's face went cold.
Tsk, must be those troublemakers again, coming to pick on her patient!
Once she stood before the front door, the voices only got louder and louder. She took a deep breath. Calm down Han Yaoyao, you are a nurse... be professional... be professional.
Han Yaoyao didn't mean to eavesdrop, but it's not like the other party planned to lower their voice either.
"Wang Liu, you are a disgrace to the family. Freak, you little monster! Why don't you die in that crash? Stop pulling our Wang family down!"
Han Yaoyao recognized those people as her patient's family. She only saw them once in months, but every time they appeared, they only visited so reluctantly and shouted at the patient like a mad dog. Seriously? Where's their manner? Spouting curses at the bedridden patient like a barbarian, those bastards!
Speaking of the patient, it's a poor young man. He got into an accident years ago, after being admitted to the hospital, he can barely walk ever again. He is very introvert and rarely speaks to anyone. But that's understandable... from a healthy boy to a sickly man, the whole ordeal must be very traumatic to him.
Han Yaoyao lamented, regardless of what her thoughts about the patient's family were, she continued to put on a gentle smile and pushed the door in. But it seems this time the scene is worse than usual.
"Look at this contract, sign it." The woman in her 30s' slammed the paper down. "Father promised to give you a sum of money to live your entire life." She snorted, raising her chin haughtily, her eyes filled with contempt toward the sickly man. By her side is a young girl who stood there with her eyes darting nervously, tugging at her own sleeve with pursed lips. Her face is roughly 80% of the woman, but her temperament is the opposite, timid and shy.
The patient who is the target of the woman's sharp tongue is a pale-skinned young man with uncombed black hair, wearing the faded blue hospital gown. His pitch-black eyes contained only calmness, like a still lake that never rippled. He didn't even read the paper, picked up the offered pen and signed it randomly before giving it to her. His expression is one of 'that's it?'.
The woman is obviously dissatisfied with his reaction, she snatched the contract back and continued to talk shit with the ferocious spirit of a rattling machine gun.
The other cousin who came with her is a lanky, short man, he grabbed her arm with a placid smile. "Alright, alright, calm down now, Yalin. It's not good to be angry, right? Xiao Liu has already signed the contract, he is now no longer our family ah, there's no point in reprimanding him. Come on, let's go."
The woman looked at the sick young man sharply one last time, she muttered through her gritted teeth.
"Don't come back again, you will only make your mother cry."
She turned on her heels and dragged the little girl with her, she bumped into Han Yaoyao who stood at the door and walked past her without sparing a glance. The man followed out, giving Han Yaoyao a look over and left.
The corner of Han Yaoyao's lips twitched slightly. What a bunch of shit-eaters.
She couldn't help but glance at the patient; her gaze softened subconsciously as she pushed the tray in. The patient still wore the same expression, calm in and out, never changing. His lips were flat, and his eyes were staring straight at the book in his hands, looking unbothered by everything. The room was dim and dark as usual. Naturally it had a beautiful view outside, but the patient always closed the curtain shut, not letting any bits of sunlight in. Even the sounds of birds chirping and cheerful chattering noises of passersby couldn't be heard, it's like the room has become a separate space from the outside world, closed off, and lonely. Although the hospital room was white and clean, the air in this room was very gloomy and depressing. Han Yaoyao sighed internally, they said that a room reflects its owner's heart... her patient is too pitiful, ah! She had try to subtly suggesting the patient to see a therapist, the patient said: I am normal.
Han Yaoyao: Yes yes, you are very stable.. heartbroken mother noises
Han Yaoyao glanced at the book in the patient's hands and routinely asked the same question, already knowing the answer. She wasn't blind and could see the title clearly "What are you reading?"
"The Fallen World," The patient who never spared her a glance no matter what she asked before suddenly lifted his eyes, responding quietly.
Han Yaoyao smiled patiently, "Which chapter?"
"960"
"..." Woah, very fast. Didn't you get the book yesterday? Did you binge reading all night?
Han Yaoyao suddenly felt a motherly urge to chide this silly child, "Xiao Liu, it's not good to stay up late, you know? You will get sick easily."
The youth's brows frowned slightly, breaking the calm face. In the end, he didn't say anything.
Han Yaoyao sighed at this obedient-looking but secretly willful boy, she ruffled his head affectionately. The patient's face scrunched up slightly, but he didn't avoid her hand, he's pretty much used to it now.
"Okay, stop reading now, it's lunchtime." She placed each bowl onto the bedside desk one by one. "I have to go now. Eat well, Xiao Liu. If there's anything, just call this sister Yaoyao okay?" She winked, chuckling and ruffling the patient's head again until his hair became so messy it was like he just survived a typhoon. He winced, throwing her a stare. Han Yaoyao let go and held her hands up in defeat.
After that, the nurse left, leaving the patient alone.
-----
Wang Liu really couldn't understand his cousin's contempt, and it's not like he cared either. Whether or not he is in the Wang family, it doesn't matter. At least his father wasn't too bad, gave him enough funds to easily live well for his entire life.
The Wang family might not be the richest in the city but is still one of the most influential clans. They invested in a huge business; spending some money on a waste like him wasn't much of a big deal to their finances. As for what kind of big business... well, Wang Liu has no idea.
"Brother, brother, what was that paper just now?" A head of black fluff poked out from under the bed, tiny hands clinging to Wang Liu's arm. A pair of beady dark brown eyes stared at Wang Liu like a curious little milk cat, rubbing the contract paper curiously.
The little boy around the age of 15 looks almost the same as Wang Liu, like they came out of the same mold, making him look like a younger and more bubbly version of Wang Liu. But their temperaments clearly contrasted. The boy has a bright and lively energy of a mini sun bulb, while the older man is calm and mature.
However, only when Wang Liu is with his little brother would he show his carefully hidden childishness.
He smiled, ruffling the boy's head, "Don't worry about it".
"Stingy!" The boy pouted, "I don't like Aunty Yalin, she's so mean. The nurse is much kinder than her! Why can't she be our aunt?"
"Her name is Han Yaoyao".
"Yeah, Nurse Yaoyao! I want a new auntie! I want a new auntie! I want a new auntie!"
Wang Liu sighed, kneading his temple. This little rascal, really...
Wang Liu ignored his little brother's complaint and began to pack his stuff into the backpack he previously asked the nurse to buy for him. Wang Liu didn't have many items with him to pack, just some daily necessities and spare clothes. Little brother came over to take a look, he frowned in confusion.
"Brother, why are you packing up?" Little brother was shocked: "Are you leaving me behind?!"
Wang Liu smiled wryly, "Silly boy, we are no longer Wang family".
"...?"
"That means they won't bother us anymore. Say, didn't you mention wanting to go to the amusement park before? Brother will take you there tomorrow". Wang Liu grinned, "Let's go and have some fun".
Little brother's eyes shone brightly, his tiny body trembled, barely holding back the excitement.
"Yes, yes, yes! Want to go! want to go!!"
"Good, now go back to sleep, let your brother have some rest, okay?"
Little brother nodded eagerly and wrapped himself in the blanket. He rolled to under the bed and curled up underneath with a grin. Wang Liu shook his head. Really, why is he so excited over this little thing?
Wang Liu returned his gaze back to the book, finally, inner peace. His eyes fell to a certain part.
'And then... the cruel truth finally hits him.'
'All along, the most trusted person he has left is the one who hurts him the most.'
Wang Li's mouth twitched, miserable. How... miserable.
Wang Li described the protagonist briefly, such a bright and brilliant person. Wang Li absentmindedly rubbed the page, wondering what this kind of person used to be like before their fall.
The Fall of the World didn't catch Wang Li's attention that much, but it was this protagonist who has 'fallen' over and over again that made Wang Li continue to read. This damn boring book.
The Fall of the World? Hehe, more like The Fall of the Protagonist.
This protagonist is really something, it's as if he had killed the author's parents. His childhood was miserable, he had no one to rely on, could not trust anyone, and was betrayed and heartbroken by his beloved. The whole world is against him. Wang Liu couldn't help but think, does this author have nothing to do but torture the protagonist all day? More than 80% of the book is about the journey of the protagonist filled with tears and sugar suffering, very flavorful.
Wang Liu snapped the book shut and put it away. There are only a few chapters left, he should be able to finish it tomorrow. Wang Liu wondered what the ending was going to be like. But judging from the story so far, 5 out of 5 must be a bad ending. Wang Liu really couldn't see how it's going to achieve a happy ending without uprooting the whole plot and shredding the book into pieces, then burying it underground to be fertilizer for trees.
Wang Liu looked out of the window and sighed emotionally, tomorrow is going to be the start of his new life.
-----
Standing at the front gate of the hospital, Wang Liu faced a dilemma. He stared at the nurse speechlessly, both of them pulled the backpack back and forth. Little brother looked at the two, his eyes followed the backpack, left here, right there. The boy laughed at his brother's sour face.
"Come here, let Sister Yaoyao carry it for you."
"It's only a single backpack, not heavy at all, Miss Han."
"Just call me Sister Yaoyao."
"Okay, Miss Han."
"..."
Han Yaoyao smiled helplessly and decided not to push it anymore, she let go of the backpack. Han Yaoyao suddenly frowned, her previous mischievousness disappeared. Han Yaoyao asked him with concern, "But are you sure you really want to be admit out?"
Wang Liu nodded, "I'm fine, Miss Han. My body is well".
"Don't forget to come take medicine on schedule, okay?"
"Okay".
"Remember to stay hydrated and eat three meals on time, okay?"
"..Okay"
"Don't forget breakfast! Don't eat dinner at night!"
"....Okay"
"Listen to Sister Yaoyao carefully, Xiao Liu! Don't sleep late again!"
Han Yaoyao shouted after Wang Liu, while the latter quickened his pace and fled as if he were being chased by a dog.
After getting on the bus, Wang Liu slumped on the seat weakly. He heaved and coughed, breathing heavily with sweat soaking his shirt as if he just fell into a pool.
Little brother poked out from under Wang Liu's seat, grinning up at Wang Liu. Wang Liu rubbed his soft head, "Sit properly. Why are you staying under there?" Little brother giggled and hid under like a mole.
People nearby glanced at them and cautiously avoided the two.
After Wang Liu was allowed to discharge out of the hospital, he planned to find an apartment far away from the Wang family's territory to stay. The further, the better. His little brother doesn't like Aunt Yanli and that uncle who's as smug as a fox.
Wang Liu decided to close his eyes and rest for a while until the next stop. It sucked; his body was still too weak... just running a few steps, and he was already on the verge of face planting onto the floor. Good grief, his body has recovered somewhat to a manageable range over the years. Otherwise, the doctor wouldn't even let him out. Wang Liu can still remember the time when he was younger; he tried to sneak out of the hospital. Ran past the panicked nurses and doctors, then ended up rolling down the stairs like a wheel.
Wang Liu recalled it back to the past.
His family wasn't from the main branch of the Wang family; his small family of three may not have been filthy rich like them, but the family was able to live comfortably without worrying about food to eat or a roof to sleep under each day. His parents loved him; his father always accompanied him, and his mother, although barely present, often came back from abroad with lots of gifts and toys to pamper the young Wang Liu.
Wang Liu grew up in a loving house; at least, that would continue to be so if not for an unfortunate accident.
His parents tried visiting young Wang Liu before, but after learning about his son's condition and weakened body, Wang Liu rarely ever saw their faces again. Wang Liu could even count on his two hands how many times they had called him over the years.
Maybe the previous younger Wang Liu might be depressed, but the current Wang Liu didn't feel anything much. Everyone Wang Liu used to know is nothing but a stranger to him now.
However, the Wang family is quite generous. At least they tolerated him long enough until he reached 20.
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Wang, for the money; now I can go live outside for a while and take my brother to go have fun.
As for what Wang Liu is going to do after the money runs out... well, robbery isn't a bad idea.
Just kidding.
Why rob a bank? Let's make a cult and turn the believers into money cows.
Little Brother stared at Wang Liu wide-eyed through the gap between the seats. "Brother, you are thinking about bad things again. Bad, bad! Bad big brother!"
Wang Liu frowned, "Then what else are we going to do? Your brother has a sickly body, and he didn't attend college either. How is your brother going to raise you, Xiao Wang?"
"Excuse me, young man".
Wang Liu looked up.
"Is this handsome young man kind enough to lend this old lady a seat?"
A kind-looking old lady smiled at him. She stood in front of Wang Liu, leaning against the cane.
Wang Liu nodded and gave up his seat readily, "Of course, Granny."
His stop happened to be here anyway. Wang Liu walked past her and was about to get off the bus; however, when he neared the old lady, he paused. Wang Liu held her arm in place and pointed at the bamboo flute that almost fell out of her flower-patterned bag. "Be careful, Granny, you almost dropped it".
Wang Liu helped her put the flute back. "That thing looks very important to you." He glanced at the flute a few times, intrigued despite its plain appearance, and couldn't help but blurt out curiously. She smiled gently, "Yes, it's very important for my trip. Thank you, young man".
Wang Liu got off the bus, feeling quite good after fulfilling a good deed. He rubbed his nose and looked down at the wrapped candy lying in his palm. "She even gave me a candy. What a kind old lady". Xiao Wang stared at the candy intensely; seeing this, Wang Liu placed it into Xiao Wang's palm. "You can have it".
Xiao Wang instantly beamed; he didn't eat right away and tucked it away carefully in his pocket, treating it as if it were a hard-earned treasure.
Wang Liu's stiff lips tugged up into a faint smile. He began to really look forward to his new future ahead. He will try his best not to have any uncivilized thoughts like bank robbery or starting a cult and instead plans to work honestly. Wang Liu observed his surroundings; he read the street name before whipping out his phone and began to look for any available apartment nearby.
By the time Wang Liu and Xiao Wang settled into the new place, it was already dusk.
"Ah".
"Brother, what's wrong?"
Wang Liu looked down at the book blankly. "The bookmark, it's gone".
"Brother accidentally dropped it?"
"Yeah, it seems so." Wang Liu put away the book. "Maybe it's in my private room."
Wang Liu rubbed the middle of his brows in exasperation. He had only stepped out of the hospital not even a day later, and now he has to go back again...
Wang Liu sullenly rode the taxi to the hospital. For some reason, he doesn't feel so good today.
.
.
.
.
.
"Calm down! Everyone, the fire exit is this way! Patients, please stay in line, one by one, please! Line up! Line up!" The doctor shouted desperately, but despite how hard he tried, his voice was still drowned out by the tide of the panicked crowd.
"Fuck! Get out of my way!" A burly man with a bandaged forehead pushed a child to the side, uncaring whether she got hurt or not, and rushed through the crowd. The child fell and hit her side against the sharp corner of the table painfully; she broke down wailing, clutching her bruised waist with tears. Her mother, caught in the sea of people, only now noticed that her hand. Her face paled, and she screamed in horror, "Baobao? Baobao! Where are you!? Baobao!!!"
The scene is pure chaos; the crowd stepped on each other trying to go through the exit, and the doctors and nurses who tried to calm the situation directly got shoved to the ground. The crowd kept pushing and pushing; pungent sweats and even some blood mixed together messily. Bodies pressed against one another like a canned food pack full of meat, ready to burst open.
This situation can be seen on both sides of the exit.
Perched atop the rooftop across from their building, a hunched figure watched them intensely, carefully savoring the waves of despair from the prey. They breathed heavily, their entire body shaking in sheer exhilaration.
"This world is going to be such a joy."