At the hospital’s VIP ward .
Shen Liangchuan’s eyes were closed and he was pale from the great blood loss .
The doctor instructed, “It’s fortunate that the patient didn’t suffer any internal organ injuries . But because the wound is quite deep, he’ll need to stay and be monitored to ensure there’s no internal bleeding . During this period, he is not to take part in strenuous exercise and needs to avoid getting his wound wet to prevent infections . ”
Qiao Lian took in every word that the doctor said and nodded in silence .
After the doctor had given his instructions, the group of people filed out . Now it was only Qiao Lian and Shen Liangchuan in the ward .
She looked at Shen Liangchuan lying on the hospital bed and recalled the moment Song Yuanxi plunged the knife into him .
She remembered him saying to Song Yuanxi, “A life for a life, is that enough?”
Those words were solemn and moving, but also very decisive . There was an underlying tone of aggressiveness and impatience .
Qiao Lian took a deep breath and walked to his bed . She took his hand, placed on the blanket, and put her own face against it .
Shen Liangchuan, why are you this silly?
Did you do that because of me?
Qiao Lian could not define the emotions she was feeling .
Ever since she had found out Song Yuanxi’s sister was his first love, her feelings had been complex and complicated until now .
She took a deep breath, knowing that no matter what the future held, the journey had to continue .
It was not until noon that Shen Liangchuan woke up .
At this point, Xia Yehua had rushed over to the hospital .
Her eyes were bloodshot from having stayed up all night .
The moment she stepped into the ward, she talked endlessly, “Such big issues going on at home and all of you tried to keep me in the dark . I only just found out that Liangchuan was injured . ”
Her eyes were swollen, and she obviously was unwell . Qiao Lian did not speak a word but glanced at Shen Liangchuan .
Shen Liangchuan smiled and said, “Mom, I’m fine . It’s just a minor injury . ”
Xia Yehua would only be convinced that it was nothing too serious after she had read through his case notes and spoken to the doctor .
She sat on the ward sofa and frowned deeply . “This is all my fault . I watched Yuanxi grow up . She’s been kind-hearted since she was little . I’d never have imagined she could have such a cruel side…”
Qiao Lian glanced at Shen Liangchuan .
But she did not say a word .
Shen Liangchuan pursed his lips, however, he did not ask about Song Yuanxi .
Xia Yehua paused, obviously expecting the inquiry, but when neither of them showed any willingness to play along . She offered the information, “When I got home last night I realized that Yuanxi… she is… mentally ill . Even if we were to charge her for aggression, I don’t think the police could prosecute her . In the end I took her to the hospital . Following the diagnosis, I’ve now placed her in a rehab home . ”
She sighed, feeling a tangle of emotions towards this girl she had looked after for eight years .
“I’ve given instructions to the people in the rehab home . They will watch over her and not let her out . ”
Upon hearing this, Qiao Lian was stunned .
A rehab home was just a better-sounding term for a mental institution .
Because of her history of aggression now, she would certainly be put under close supervision at the rehab home . This would not be too different from being in jail .
Or it could be even worse .
But she had brought it upon herself .
The atmosphere in the ward was charged with gloom at this thought .
Qiao Lian glanced at Shen Liangchuan . He too couldn’t have imagined that Song Yuanxi would lose her sanity .
Was he now feeling partly responsible and bearing the weight of guilt?