NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10:
Chapter 10:
He Minglang lay on his hospital bed, wearing a blue and white striped hospital gown. His face was pale as paper, and his delicate eyebrows only made him look more fragile.
He coughed a few times, his entire body shaking, making him seem even more gravely ill. Under the hospital light, he appeared so weak that it looked like he might disappear at any moment. It was heartbreaking to witness.
“Cough, cough… Uncle Jiang, Mingxue was being childish. She spoke nonsense. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be eating instant noodles today.”
He Minglang’s eyes were strikingly beautiful, round and clear. When he looked at someone intently, they seemed as gentle as a small, soft animal.
The discomfort in Jiang Jiandang’s heart melted away. He smiled warmly and said, “Come on, eat up. You’ve had enough meat before. A few vegetarian meals will be good for you and give you some nutrition.”
“Thank you, Uncle Jiang! You’re too kind!” He Minglang’s eyes reddened. “If it weren’t for you, Mingxue and I would have starved by now.”
He tried to prop himself up from the bed, preparing to kneel in gratitude, but Jiang Jiandang quickly stopped him.
“You silly kid, why are you being so formal with me? We’re family now! Even Jiang Feng is worried about you.”
Jiang Jiandang chuckled, feeling his pride swell under He Minglang’s grateful gaze.
He was just an elementary school teacher, but when he helped others and saw their appreciation, he felt like he had found his purpose in life.
“Big brother is worried about me? Has he agreed to the donation?” He Minglang’s eyes sparkled with hope. “Uncle Jiang, I knew Xiao Feng would agree because you’ve been so good to me. Don’t worry, once I’m better, I’ll make sure to repay your kindness!”
“Of course, of course! How could Jiang Feng not agree to donate?”
Jiang Jiandang felt flattered and couldn’t bring himself to admit that Jiang Feng hadn’t agreed yet.
He Mingxue, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes.
Who was he trying to fool?
It was obvious he was reluctant to spend any more money. What’s this talk about vegetarian meals for nutrition? And that Jiang Feng agreed to donate? With his attitude, there’s no way he would!
But because He Minglang was present, she kept quiet. She wasn’t happy with how little food Jiang Jiandang had brought today.
In the past, she could share with He Minglang, and they’d both have enough to eat.
But today, she was still hungry after the meal, her stomach grumbling in protest.
She couldn’t help but feel a little resentment towards Jiang Jiandang.
As soon as he left, she spoke up with irritation. “Brother, what’s Uncle Jiang’s deal? You’re sick, and all he brings is potatoes and vegetables? Even dogs wouldn’t eat this!”
“Mingxue!!”
“What? I’m just saying Uncle Jiang is stingy. I’ve told you before, this Jiang family is no good. And now he says Jiang Feng will donate bone marrow? Please, Jiang Feng doesn’t want to donate at all. He’s just playing you.”
“Doesn’t want to donate?”
He Minglang looked shocked. “Jiang Feng… he doesn’t want to help?”
“Of course not!” He Mingxue scoffed. “He’s probably mad at you because Sister Qingya broke up with him! Honestly… with the way he is, who would even like him? Big brother, you’re so amazing. Of course, Sister Qingya likes you!”
“You… don’t speak so bluntly.”
“Hmph!”
When Xu Qingya’s name came up, He Mingxue glanced at her watch and frowned. “Why hasn’t Sister Qingya come today? Is she stuck in traffic? Let me check.”
Before He Minglang could send a message, her phone lit up. It was a WeChat notification from Xu Qingya.
[Xu Qingya: Minglang, I’m busy today. I can’t come, but I’ll visit another day.]
She wasn’t coming?
He Minglang’s face darkened.
…
Meanwhile, Jiang Feng had no interest in what was happening with them. His priority was making money.
Song Lin hadn’t saved anything.
After moving out, he could only afford to rent a tiny place.
It was dark and damp, with just an old light bulb overhead.
The walls were cracked and peeling, and there were only a few basic pieces of furniture.
Though the apartment had two bedrooms and a living room, the space was cramped and felt suffocating.
“Son, I’ll work hard selling vegetables and save up so we can rent a bigger place,” Song Lin sighed. “I only have this much for now. If you don’t want to live on campus, I can bring you food every day.”
Song Lin’s heart ached for her son, and she felt guilty.
“Mom, it’s okay. I’ll make money.” Jiang Feng said calmly, “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure we live a good life in the future.”
He knew many skills, and right now, the quickest way to make some money… was to do a couple of translation jobs.
…
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