One month after the surgery, Bai Tao could finally walk independently. Although her movements were slow, she no longer needed assistance.
Slowly, she took a few steps along the wall. When she lifted her head, tears sparkled in her eyes. Excitedly, she opened her arms wide towards the person in front of her. “Brother—”
Bai Yang was equally excited, and he immediately stepped forward, tightly embracing his sister. He kissed her forehead and said, “Tao Tao, you’re doing amazing!”
With tears and smiles on her face, Bai Tao’s dimples were just like Bai Yang’s, adding a touch of sweetness and cuteness. “Brother… sniff… I was so scared before that I wouldn’t become normal again….”
Bai Yang’s heart ached from her words, and he gently comforted, “How could that be possible? You are so strong willed. You will definitely get better.“
With the help of professional trainers and nutritionists, Bai Tao recovered quickly. Bai Yang’s classmates learned about his sister’s situation and brought flowers and fruits to the hospital to visit her.
Upon seeing Bai Yang, Ji Xiaoyun immediately punched his chest, saying, “You didn’t tell me your sister woke up, such an important matter. Are we not friends anymore?”
Bai Yang smiled and took the punch in stride. “I’m sorry I was just too excited, I forgot.”
Ji Xiaoyun wanted to punch him again, but seeing Shao Cheng standing not far away, she hesitated and patted his shoulder gently instead. “Okay, okay I forgive you.”
Zhao Ruotong also came, her eyes slightly red with guilt. She said, “I heard that Song Chi caused trouble for you again. It’s all my fault…”
Bai Yang disliked seeing girls cry, so he quickly reassured her, “It’s okay. I’m tough and recovered a long time ago. Besides, Shao Cheng already took care of it for me.”
He was referring to the incident where Shao Cheng had threatened Song Chi. However, Zhao Ruotong was surprised and said, “Ah, you already know that Shao Cheng beat up Song Chi? He told me not to tell you, but he ended up revealing it himself…”
Bai Yang was taken aback. “What? Shao Cheng beat up Song Chi?”
Zhao Ruotong immediately covered her mouth and mumbled, “If you don’t know, I won’t say anything. Otherwise, Shao Cheng will know you heard it from me.”
Bai Yang pleaded, “you have to tell me. When did he do this?.”
With his earnest gaze fixed on her, Zhao Ruotong surrendered. “Okay, okay, I’ll tell you. But promise me you won’t say it was me who told you.”
Bai Yang nodded quickly.
“Well, it’s like this. After Shao Cheng told me about Song Chi trying to get someone to beat you up, I was obviously furious. So, I staged a little drama according to Shao Cheng’s plan.”
“A drama?”
“Yes. Song Chi’s dad often gives gifts and treats to my dad. You know that, right? Song Chi is always causing trouble, but if it weren’t for his dad cleaning up his messes, he would’ve been expelled long ago. That day, Song Chi’s dad invited my dad for a meal, so I deliberately arranged to meet Song Chi outside that restaurant. Shao Cheng was hiding nearby just in case. I timed it so that when my dad and his dad were coming out, I started arguing with Song Chi. When my dad and the others asked, I cried and told them about all the disgusting things Song Chi did to me before. My dad was furious and demanded an explanation from Song Chi’s dad on the spot. Otherwise, he threatened to expel Song Chi from school. His dad was so angry that he smacked Song Chi on the spot. That guy turned pale!”
Zhao Ruotong was getting a bit excited as she recounted the story. Remembering that scene filled her with immense satisfaction. Bai Yang then asked, “What happened next? What did Shao Cheng do?”
“After that incident, Song Chi’s dad cut off his credit card, and he was determined to completely cut him off. Now he’s living a miserable life. Without money, those friends of his who used to hang around him are nowhere to be found. Shao Cheng got in touch with many people who had been bullied by him before and had them beat him up every now and then. It’s really satisfying!”
Zhao Ruotong’s excitement was evident. However, Bai Yang began to worry, “Did Song Chi tell his family? Could Shao Cheng get into trouble?”
“Don’t worry. He won’t dare. Those people who beat him up were all victims of his bullying. It’s justified, and if Song Chi dares to speak up, he’ll expose all the bad things he did before. He won’t want to anger his dad at a time like this.” Zhao Ruotong reassured, “And he probably knows that it was Shao Cheng’s idea. Those people who beat him up also give him money for medical expenses. At first, I didn’t understand, but later, Shao Cheng told me the whole story. He said he wants to settle all the scores for you, whether it’s the beatings you suffered or the emotional torture you endured. He wants you to completely sever ties with Song Chi.”
Bai Yang felt relieved upon hearing this and thanked her profusely. He was overwhelmed by gratitude that continued to linger in his heart.
Shao Cheng was always like this, silently smoothing out everything for him. It was like the time he had discussed with Song Chi to prevent him from bothering him, or now, taking revenge for him without his knowledge. There were probably many instances like this, all hidden in Shao Cheng’s deep affection. Bai Yang could only remain unaware.
While the others were gathered around Bai Tao’s hospital bed, Bai Yang quietly approached Shao Cheng and discreetly pinched his hand.
Shao Cheng raised an eyebrow, looking slightly puzzled.
Meeting his gaze, Bai Yang gave a faint smile and whispered, “Although you might be tired of hearing it, I still want to say… I really like you and appreciate all you’ve done for me.”
Shao Cheng didn’t react much, perhaps having heard those words one too many times. He simply responded with a casual “Mm.”
Bai Yang turned his head away, still wearing a slight smile on his lips. He thought he was hiding it well, but the dimple that appeared, half-hidden and half-revealed, gave away his sweet feelings. He continued feeling elated and suddenly, Shao Cheng turned around, leaned close to his ear, and said, “follow me.” Then he walked out of the hospital room.
Confused, Bai Yang followed him.
Fifteen minutes later, when Bai Yang walked out of the neighboring empty hospital room, his cheeks were reddened to an unnatural degree, and his lips had transformed from a pale color to a radiant, glossy red. He used the excuse of the hot weather to deflect questions from the others.
One by one, Bai Yang’s classmates left after visiting. Bai Tao needed rest, and as before, Aunt Fang stayed behind to take care of her. Before leaving, Bai Tao held her brother’s hand, her eyes shining brightly as she asked, “Brother, when can I leave the hospital and live with you?”
“Soon,” Bai Yang said, stroking her silky hair. He then thought about his current living situation at Shao Cheng’s house. If Bai Tao left the hospital, she would likely have to go to Shao Cheng’s house as well. Shao Cheng wouldn’t let him move out, and he wouldn’t feel at ease with Bai Tao living alone outside. But this would mean that Bai Tao would probably figure out his relationship with Shao Cheng…
He glanced at Shao Cheng, who was not far away, and pondered how to broach the topic with his sister. However, Bai Tao beat him to it. “Brother, I heard from Aunt Fang that you’re living at Shao Cheng’s house?”
Bai Yang could only answer, “Yes.”
Bai Tao leaned in closer, whispering, “I think although Shao Cheng looks stern, he should be a good person. Also, it seems he really likes you.”
Bai Yang choked, “…How did you figure that out?”
“Once I woke up and saw you sleeping by my bedside. I was about to wake you, but I saw Shao Cheng walk over, pat your hair, and kiss your ear… Then he said goodbye to me and carried you out.”
“…”
He did wake up a few times in Shao Cheng’s car or house. However, he didn’t expect Shao Cheng to display such intimate actions so openly. At this point, even a seven- or eight-year-old child could probably tell what their relationship was.
Bai Yang chuckled helplessly. “So, you’ve known all along?”
“Of course.” Bai Tao giggled mischievously, then asked seriously, “Brother, do you like him?”
“Yeah… I do.”
Bai Yang admitted it openly, and the siblings exchanged a meaningful glance, sharing a smile that revealed matching adorable dimples.
