Chapter 128: Visiting the Sick

Yi Chen arrived at the city’s central hospital. It was not much different from the large hospitals before the apocalypse; the emergency ward was packed with long lines of people waiting to register, and the place was teeming with crowds.

Their expressions were limited to two types: either anxious or pained.

Feeling a pang of emotion, Yi Chen hurried through the crowd to the relatively quieter inpatient department. Following the room number provided by Zhou Zihao, he stopped in front of a private ward.

Chen Hong was already awake. Propped up in bed, she was on a call with Yi Zhuoming.

"...Such a major incident happened at home, and you’re telling me you can't come back for now?!"

"I really want to come back, but the project here in Xijing is tight; they won't let me go..." Yi Zhuoming’s voice came through, filled with helplessness.

"Is work more important? Have you stopped caring if we live or die?" Chen Hong’s nose stung, and she was on the verge of tears.

"These are extraordinary times, and you know that... Sigh, I’ve already petitioned my superiors, but I won’t be able to return for a few more days." Yi Zhuoming sighed.

"You’re not here when we need you most. Who else can we orphans and widows rely on?" Chen Hong persisted.

"Future Group should have people taking care of you, right? President Mu personally called to express his condolences, saying they would compensate us for the damages from the gas explosion at market value and provide some additional compensation for emotional distress."

"...It wasn't a gas explosion!" Chen Hong’s voice rose an octave.

Although she had fainted quickly, some scenes remained etched in her memory: the half-broken utility pole that had suddenly crashed onto their balcony, and the pots and pans floating in mid-air as if driven by some supernatural force. How could that possibly be a gas explosion?

"If it wasn't a gas explosion, then what was it?" Yi Zhuoming pressed.

His wife’s description of the incident at home was bizarre, and he suspected it was likely a hallucination. A mild concussion could affect one's mental state, and ever since the day the black rain fell and Chen Hong was separated from their son, Yi Chen, her mental stress had been immense, and her health had suffered, causing her to fall ill several times.

It was only recently, with Yi Chen’s letters and the news brought by Lu Yu, that she had regained her vitality, like withered wood in spring.

"You’re just too tired. Take care of yourself, drink plenty of warm water, and don't let your mind wander," Yi Zhuoming comforted her.

Chen Hong felt like cursing. She knew her husband was working hard out there. It wasn’t a peaceful era anymore, and she understood the conditions outside the inner city.

Currently, their family was lucky enough to stay in the inner city, which she believed was largely due to Yi Zhuoming’s job. Future Construction recognized his abilities, provided him with a corresponding salary, and gave them a living environment where they at least didn't have to worry about food and clothing.

However, as a woman struggling to look after a child, having gone through such a terrifying ordeal, the fact that her husband couldn't help at all and could only offer "rest and drink warm water" left her feeling both angry and cold-hearted.

After hanging up, Chen Hong felt physically and mentally exhausted. Fortunately, Yilin, who was beside her, reached out to touch her face with understanding; this small, comforting gesture warmed the mother’s heart.

There was no one else in the room. To speak freely, Chen Hong had earlier dismissed the caregiver sent by the Future Group.

"Yilin is growing up; she knows how to take care of Mom now," Chen Hong forced a smile.

"Mom, don't worry, there's still Brother," Yilin said, her eyes glistening with hope.

"Lu Yu? Didn't he get hurt too... Sigh, that poor boy was dragged into this. I need to find out which ward he's in so I can visit him soon," Chen Hong said sincerely.

She had heard the caregiver mention Lu Yu and knew he was not in good condition. Although he wasn't her son, he had helped her take care of Yilin during their time in the inner city, alleviating much of her stress. He had grown up playing with Yi Chen, and seeing him always reminded her of her own missing son, stirring up a complex mix of emotions.

Every child is a treasure to their parents. Since Lu Yu was injured at her home, she felt she owed his absent parents an explanation.

Yilin’s face turned pale as she recalled the scene of Yi Chen carrying Lu Yu away. Lu Yu’s back had been soaked in a terrifying amount of blood. She was curious and worried about how they were doing now, but she had promised Yi Chen that she would not mention what happened to anyone, especially her mother—not a single word.

Earlier, when Zhou Zihao brought them to the hospital, many people from the Future Group had questioned her, hoping to understand what had happened, as she was the only conscious witness. Yilin had kept her mouth shut, choosing to say nothing and letting them believe she was just a poor, traumatized girl whose spirit had been shattered.

But seeing her mother’s current listless and helpless state, Yilin couldn't help but bring up Yi Chen.

"It’s not Brother Lu Yu, it’s Brother Yi Chen. He will come back to take care of us!"

Seeing her daughter’s serious expression, a flicker of complex emotion crossed Chen Hong’s eyes, but then she smiled along.

"Mom doesn't ask for anything else; as long as your brother can take care of himself out there, that’s enough."

Yi Chen stood pressed against the wall outside the ward. He could hear his mother and sister’s voices clearly. Though separated by only a wall, he lacked the courage to intrude upon their normal lives.

Yi Chen felt deeply distressed. He didn't want to just walk away like this. He wanted to tell Chen Hong, "Mom, I'm back," and he wanted to pick his sister up and spin her around, but he could do nothing.

He didn't know how long he leaned against the wall, but eventually, the voices inside faded.

Chen Hong had taken medication earlier and drifted into a groggy sleep. Yilin, who had also suffered significant mental strain, felt fatigue wash over her and began to doze off against the headboard.

Hearing their steady, rhythmic breathing, Yi Chen knew they were asleep. He pulled out a note he had prepared, carefully pushed the door open, and stepped inside on tiptoe.

A son visiting his hospitalized mother should have been a mundane, everyday affair, yet he felt like a thief, forced to remain in the shadows.

After leaving the note, he took a close look at his mother on the bed, noting the new deep wrinkles on her face and the streaks of gray hair at her temples. His heart ached. He knew that previously, Chen Hong had been meticulous about her appearance; although she was middle-aged, one could never tell her actual age.

*Beep, beep, beep.* Yi Chen’s phone suddenly rang. The sound was jarring in the quiet ward, startling him so much he almost jumped.

Yilin immediately rubbed her eyes and woke up. She scanned the room but saw no one. However, the ward door was open, and a cool breeze was blowing in.

She stood up, puzzled, and saw a note on her mother’s pillow. The crooked, messy handwriting was all too familiar—it was Yi Chen’s!

"Brother!" Yilin rushed out of the hospital room, not caring that she was in a hospital, and shouted at the top of her lungs.

"...Still full of energy, as expected of my little sister." Yi Chen had already reached the corner of the stairwell. As Yilin’s clear, ringing voice echoed in his ears, a conviction in his heart grew even firmer.

Whoever the lurker was, scheming so desperately against him and his family, he would make sure it was utterly destroyed!