Under the careful care of Shao Cheng and Aunt Fang, after a few days, Bai Yang’s external injuries had mostly healed. However, another worrisome matter followed closely, causing him anxiety.
Bai Tao’s surgery was scheduled for two weeks later.
During this time, Bai Yang repeatedly confirmed the risks of the surgery with the doctor. After receiving affirmative answers, he finally signed his own name on the family agreement.
But when the actual day of the surgery arrived, he was still nervous.
When the nurse came to take Bai Tao into the operating room, his hands unconsciously gripped the railing of the bed, his mind filled with worries and anxiety.
Seeing the nurse’s worried expression, Shao Cheng walked over and held Bai Yang’s hand, comforting him, “It’s going to be okay.”
Although it was a simple statement, it inexplicably brought comfort. Bai Yang then let go of his grip, following the nurse to the entrance of the operating room. He watched the door close, saw the light above turn on, and felt as if all his strength had drained away, slumping tiredly onto a nearby waiting chair.
“I only have her left, she’s my only remaining family..” Bai Yang clenched his fists against his forehead and closed his eyes. She has to survive.”
Shao Cheng didn’t say anything, he just patted Bai Yang’s back.
Bai Yang looked at him gratefully. “Thank you for coming with me. You should go back and rest early. I’ll be fine waiting here.”
During this time, Shao Cheng had almost always accompanied him to the hospital. Even the doctors wondered when they had become so familiar. Shao Cheng had already done a lot for him and his sister. This major surgery would last for more than ten hours, and now it was late at night. He didn’t want to burden Shao Cheng with staying up late.
“I don’t mind,” Shao Cheng said, “you head to the waiting room and take a nap. I’ll wake you up when it’s over.”
Bai Yang shook his head. “I want to wait here.”
“Suit yourself.” Shao Cheng crossed his arms and leaned against the back of the chair. “But if you feel tired, just lean on me.”
Bai Yang’s heart warmed, and he smiled back. “Okay.”
At that moment, Shao Cheng’s phone rang. He answered and chatted for a couple of minutes. Bai Yang could tell they were talking about his sister’s surgery. After Shao Cheng hung up, Bai Yang asked curiously, “Who was that just now?”
Shao Cheng replied calmly, “My dad.”
Bai Yang was surprised. “How did your dad know?” Even if Shao Cheng’s dad was the dean, he couldn’t possibly inquire about every surgery.
“I told him about you and your sister’s situation.”
“I see. Your dad is really kind. Please thank him for his concern on my behalf.” Bai Yang said sincerely. It was impressive that Dean Shao took the time to ask about the surgery of his son’s classmate’s family, considering how busy he was.
Shao Cheng smirked and ruffled Bai Yang’s hair. “You can say it to him in person.”
Bai Yang thought it made sense. Such an important matter should indeed be expressed in person to be more sincere. He nodded, “Sure, I’ll buy a gift and personally thank your dad.”
Shao Cheng chuckled softly. “Sounds good.”
Bai Yang felt that Shao Cheng’s expression was strange, like he had heard something particularly funny, but he couldn’t figure out what was amusing about his own words.
By the time it was around four or five in the morning, his eyelids were fighting to stay open. Bai Yang had a regular sleep schedule, so staying awake until now was quite a feat. His head felt heavy, and little by little, unable to resist the drowsiness, he fell asleep.
This sleep was not restful at all. He was subconsciously worried about his sister’s surgery, and he had a jumble of random dreams. When he opened his eyes, he wasn’t quite sure where he was.
“What time is it…” he mumbled to Shao Cheng, still in a daze.
“It’s eight in the morning,” Shao Cheng’s voice remained calm and composed, but there was a hint of weariness on his face.
Bai Yang shifted, suddenly realizing he was resting his head on Shao Cheng’s leg. He quickly sat up, apologizing, “Sorry… I didn’t mean to sleep for so long. You should go and rest as well.”
Shao Cheng moved his legs, which had gone numb, and said, “It’s alright. It should be ending soon.”
It had been a day filled with too much, but Shao Cheng’s presence was like a potent tranquilizer. Bai Yang gradually relaxed in this warm and powerful embrace, shedding his worries and only feeling sweet heartbeats and deep affection.
He kissed Shao Cheng’s chin lightly and wrapped his arms around him, then closed his eyes and peacefully drifted back to sleep.