After he put down the takeout box, Chen Bai started the car again.
It was just as silent in the car as when they left the hospital.
"China World Hotel, Beijing" wasn't far from Ji Yi's house. Just around ten minutes later, the car turned into the neighborhood and stopped in front of Ji Yi's building.
Chen Bai got out of the car and helped Ji Yi open her car door as he picked up the takeout box.
After Ji Yi got out, Chen Bai immediately handed the box to Ji Yi. "Miss Ji, here's your takeout. You have to eat something for dinner."
Ji Yi didn't take it. "I don't have an appetite. You guys take it back with you and eat it."
"Even if you don't have an appetite, you have to eat some. Otherwise, your stomach will feel unwell..." Chen Bai wanted to persuade her a little more when He Jichen pushed the other door open and got out of the car.
Chen Bai stopped speaking and waited for He Jichen to walk over to him and Ji Yi before he cried, "Mr. He."
He Jichen didn't say anything but reached his hand out towards Chen Bai.
Chen Bai knew what He Jichen meant and immediately handed him the takeout box.
After He Jichen took it, he turned around and faced Ji Yi. "Let's go. I'll take you upstairs."
"No, it's..." Before Ji Yi could say "fine," He Jichen grabbed her wrist and walked into the building holding her hand.
He Jichen had been to Ji Yi's house before, so he took her down a recognizable path and reached the door of her family's house.
He Jichen wasn't in a hurry to leave, so after Ji Yi pulled out the keys and opened the door, he pushed the door open and stepped in.
He put the takeout box down on the dining room table and checked the temperature. Then he told Ji Yi as she sluggishly removed her shoes: "Eat the food while it's still hot."
Ji Yi didn't say anything. She walked into the house after putting on some slippers.
He Jichen took two steps towards her and said, "After dinner, take a hot shower and go to bed early."
Ji Yi gently nodded. Her eyes were still a little sore and swollen. She averted her gaze from He Jichen to the television unit beside her.
"About your mum - don't worry. Dr. Xia will take good care of her." After a pause, He Jichen then said, "Chen Bai will handle the discharge papers tomorrow. You don't have to go all the way back to take them home. I'll ask Chen Bai to drive them back."
The more meticulously attentive He Jichen was, the more Ji Yi's heart hurt. She was afraid she would lose it in front of He Jichen, so her fingers couldn't help but clutch onto her sleeve tightly.
The room was silent for a while when He Jichen spoke up again for the umpteenth time. "What happened today will never happen again. Later, I'll ask Chen Bai to get some people to watch over your family tomorrow. When you and your parents are out, they'll follow along..."
Ji Yi really didn't want to listen anymore so she interrupted He Jichen. "Thanks."
He Jichen fell silent.
He stared at Ji Yi unwaveringly for a while. When he was sure there was nothing else he needed to say, he bid her farewell. "I'll be off then."
Ji Yi let out a soft. "Mm."
He Jichen stood on the spot for some time before he walked over to the door.
Just as He Jichen was about to shut the door behind him, he turned to glance at Ji Yi.
Ji Yi didn't look at him, but she could sense he was staring at her.
She thought He Jichen would say something, but after some time, the entrance area remained silent.
After some more time passed, the door closed gently. He Jichen left without saying a single word.