Volume One, Chapter Six: Acceptance by Gu's Mother

In the following days, Feng Xi continued to shuttle between the school and the hospital as usual. Apart from assisting Gu Qingchen with his rehabilitation exercises, she made no excessive demands. Every evening, she was served exquisite and delicious meals. Notably, except for the first day, the three of them always ate the same dishes.

Life was relatively comfortable and carefree. Although Gu Qingchen refrained from flaunting his wealth, one meal was more than enough. Feng Xi’s money remained untouched, which made her quite happy, and her fear of Gu Qingchen gradually diminished.

Soon, Feng Xi encountered a formidable obstacle.

It was a Saturday, and Feng Xi went to the hospital as usual. In the corridor, she noticed a bodyguard stationed at the door and guessed there might be a visitor inside.

Quietly, she tiptoed to Gu Qingchen’s bodyguard and whispered, “Brother Wu, is there a guest inside?”

Bodyguard Wu lowered his head, his expression stern, and said in a low voice, “The madam is here.”

Madam? Could it be Gu Qingchen’s mother? The legendary only daughter of the Zhou family?

Feng Xi hesitated, unsure whether to enter. Yet, her feet had already turned in that direction, and she hurried forward without delay.

But just as she took a step, someone grabbed her collar from behind.

Bodyguard Wu gently tugged her collar with two fingers, turning her around. “Assistant Ding specifically instructed that when you arrive, you should go straight in.”

“Ah?” Feng Xi inwardly groaned. If she really were a caregiver, meeting the madam wouldn’t be a problem. But she knew well that she was only a lookalike of the former beloved, which qualified her for the role.

The contrast was stark. The former beloved had abandoned Gu Qingchen, and perhaps his mother, out of concern for her son, might vent her resentment on Feng Xi. The former beloved held a noble status, whereas Feng Xi was just a poor student, a mere substitute. Gu Qingchen might not even defend her.

Entering now would mean pure scolding.

Bodyguard Wu released Feng Xi’s collar and opened the ward door. Feng Xi felt her knees go weak. “Maybe I should wait a while longer,” she said.

Leaning against the wall outside the door, feet together and lips pressed tightly, Feng Xi knew this door was one she must not cross; she lacked the courage to recklessly face the tiger’s lair.

Yet, Ding Wen had already come out. Seeing Feng Xi standing by the wall, he smiled helplessly. “Come in. Mr. Gu has been waiting for you for quite some time.”

Feng Xi shook her head. “Isn’t there a guest inside?”

Ding Wen grasped Feng Xi’s wrist and pulled her into the ward without waiting for a reply. As they walked, he said, “Madam’s not some fierce beast. What do you have to be afraid of?”

Before Feng Xi could answer, she was dragged inside.

Gu Qingchen sat in his wheelchair. Opposite him was a beautiful woman with a kindly face; their brows bore a faint resemblance.

Feng Xi dared not raise her head. Twisting the corner of her clothes nervously, she muttered, “Mr. Gu.”

A gentle laugh echoed in the room, warm and clear. “Such a timid one? Little girl, lift your head.”

Feng Xi’s eyes darted about; judging by Madam Gu’s tone, there was no displeasure. Cautiously, she raised her gaze and met Gu Qingchen’s cold eyes. The man nodded, and only then did Feng Xi dare to look at Madam Gu directly.

Madam Gu wore a sable fur coat, her face both familiar and kind. Her eyes resembled Gu Qingchen’s but were much gentler, with faint age spots at the corners. Her skin was smooth and full, her makeup flawless, betraying no hint of her being in her forties or fifties. Only the purple, high-necked floral sweater revealed a glimpse of her pale neck, marked by a few shallow wrinkles.

Indeed, neck wrinkles were the most telling signs of a woman’s aging.

Madam Gu seemed suffused with maternal radiance, which eased Feng Xi’s fear somewhat.

“She does look quite similar,” Madam Gu remarked, appraising Feng Xi from head to toe. To an outsider, such scrutiny might feel humiliating, but Madam Gu’s expression was tender, and Feng Xi felt no discomfort.

Inwardly, Feng Xi thought, Of course she looks like me. If not, how could I be standing here? You know how devoted your son is.

Feigning innocence, Feng Xi gazed at Madam Gu with a puzzled expression.

Gu Qingchen’s voice interrupted, “Do you have other matters to attend to?”

He was trying to send her away, but Madam Gu showed no displeasure. “Why? Am I not allowed to see my precious son? I’ve only been here a short while.”

“Look, I’m fine,” Gu Qingchen said.

Madam Gu suddenly fell silent, then sighed deeply. “You should be better by now.” She turned to Feng Xi. “Thank you, little girl. Qingchen has a difficult temper. I appreciate you taking care of him.”

Feng Xi was stunned. She had only cared for Gu Qingchen for his money, without much genuine effort. She couldn’t claim gratitude. Madam Gu’s words left her somewhat embarrassed. “You’re too polite, madam.”

“Just call me aunt,” Madam Gu said, rising and patting Feng Xi’s hand. “Oh dear, why are your hands so cold?”

Feng Xi, prone to cold limbs, rubbed her hands sheepishly. “It’s cold outside.”

Madam Gu said no more but patted Gu Qingchen’s shoulder. “Tomorrow is the old madam’s birthday. Since you’re better, you must go.”

Gu Qingchen frowned. “I won’t go. The old lady won’t be happy seeing me like this.”

“What are you afraid of? You’re not going to be unable to stand forever. The old lady is more understanding than you think. You must go tomorrow, or I’ll hold the birthday banquet right here in your ward.”

Madam Gu left, and the room fell into an eerie silence. After a long while, Gu Qingchen let out a self-mocking chuckle.

Feng Xi looked at the man in the wheelchair, sensing he had lost all hope. He huddled inside the chair, head bowed, his broad shoulders trembling as he laughed.

“Feng Xi,” Gu Qingchen suddenly spoke.

“Hmm?”

“Do you think I still have a chance to stand again?” His voice was tinged with despair, as if he already knew the answer before asking.

For a poorer family, surviving a car accident was a blessing; for a modestly wealthy one, saving the leg was luck; for the wealthy, affording long-term rehabilitation made standing again a miracle.

Gu Qingchen might be the miracle of miracles—not only able to afford years of rehab but also the finest doctors and expensive new medicines. Even giving up would be difficult.

Feng Xi wanted to be objective, but Gu Qingchen’s obvious despair and loss of hope in recovery was unacceptable. If he didn’t recover, what use would she be?

“You have a great chance,” Feng Xi said slowly and clearly.

Gu Qingchen looked up. Feng Xi continued, “Many people have struggled for years without standing again, but it’s only been a few months for you. You can feel the difference every day, can’t you?”

A flicker of light appeared in Gu Qingchen’s eyes. Seizing the moment, Feng Xi pressed on, “Besides, when I studied medicine with my grandfather, I saw many patients who were given no hope but went on to create miracles. Things that defy common sense—that’s why miracles happen.”

Her gaze was resolute. They looked at each other through a long silence until Gu Qingchen finally smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting to reveal white teeth. The smile was as light as a gentle breeze, carrying a hint of release.