Chapter 98

“It’s roughly like this,” Jiang Ji tilted his head and took a few sips of water. “At that time, I was working in a nightclub during the night shift. Since no one was at home at night, I let her stay there. When I returned home during the day, she had already conscientiously gone out to play. Later, when I got a singing gig at the Red Lure Bar, Sister Ying provided the two rooms on the second floor of the bar, just like what you saw.”

After listening to Jiang Ji recounting this past, Qin Qingzhuo remained silent for a while.

He thought about what Li Zi said; indeed, he was already living a difficult life, yet he still supported a sick little girl. This was something not everyone could do. Jiang Ji, however, spoke about the matter with a calm tone from beginning to end.

“Did you ever think about sending her to an orphanage?” Qin Qingzhuo said this sentence, paused, and added, “I mean, considering you’re carrying a heavy debt burden and already living a tough life.”

“I thought about it. I mentioned it to her at the beginning, but she resisted and didn’t explain why.” Jiang Ji’s gaze lowered slightly. “Later, during our conversation, I inadvertently found out that she probably has parents, but they might not treat her well or want her. So, I guessed that the reason she didn’t want to be sent to an orphanage was probably the fear of being discovered. Once found, she might be sent back to her parents. However, she didn’t want to talk about it, so I didn’t ask further.”

Qin Qingzhuo nodded and after a while, he asked again, “Has Jiang Bei disappeared before?”

“Yeah,” Jiang Ji responded. “Frequently.”

“Why?”

“Because she doesn’t want me to spend money.” Jiang Ji sighed. “Kids, they think it’s fine to skip a few dialysis sessions. So, as the day to go to the hospital approaches, she tries various ways to disappear in advance. She can delay it as much as possible, which means fewer dialysis sessions for her.”

So, that’s how it is… Qin Qingzhuo felt a bit uneasy.

At the same time, everything that seemed off before suddenly had an explanation.

For example, why Jiang Bei, who was usually lively and clever, suddenly got lost before the recording of “Endless Night” in the competition…

Or why, when they arrived at the hospital gate that time, Jiang Bei, who was clearly clutching her stomach in pain, suddenly shouted loudly, “My stomach doesn’t hurt anymore”…

Qin Qingzhuo looked at Jiang Bei on the hospital bed. She was still sleeping soundly. A child’s sleep was naturally deeper than that of an adult, and with Jiang Bei’s current weak condition, even though the two had been talking quietly by the window just now, Jiang Bei wasn’t awakened.

Taking his gaze away from Jiang Bei, Qin Qingzhuo looked at Jiang Ji. “Do we need to register for the kidney transplant?”

“Kidney transplant matching registration,” Jiang Ji said. “It’s been done.”

“And it never matched successfully?”

This time, Jiang Ji didn’t immediately answer; instead, his brow furrowed gradually.

Qin Qingzhuo had a vague speculation in his heart.

After a moment of silence, Jiang Ji took a deep breath before speaking, “There was a successful match before, but at that time, I didn’t have the money, so I gave up that opportunity.”

Qin Qingzhuo’s heart sank a bit as his speculation was confirmed. It took him a while before he continued, “When was it?”

“In July of this year,” Jiang Ji said.

July of this year… Qin Qingzhuo thought, it was just a month before the recording of “Restless Band” program.

In his mind, the image of Jiang Ji when they first met, with a face that said “this damn world”, along with the initial photo taken without permission and the arrogant threat, seemed to have an explanation for everything.

“I saw a news report before,” Jiang Ji said softly after a moment of silence, “Some people have been waiting for over a decade and still haven’t found a kidney source. I wonder if they missed that chance, will they still have the next opportunity.”

Qin Qingzhuo held Jiang Ji’s hand lightly and sighed softly.

At this moment, he didn’t know what to say. Comforting words like “you will definitely get through this” or “there will be another chance” seemed too feeble.

After a while, he looked at Jiang Ji and asked, “Have you been unable to sleep since last night?”

Jiang Ji responded with a soft “yeah”.

“Take a rest for a while,” Qin Qingzhuo said, “This matter can’t be rushed.”

The conditions in the single-person ward were much better than downstairs, with a special companion bed next to the patient’s bed. Jiang Ji had indeed been exhausted since yesterday, and he fell asleep soon after lying down.

Qin Qingzhuo sat by the bed, watching Jiang Ji until his breathing slowed down and he fell into a deep sleep. Then, he slowly withdrew his hand from Jiang Ji’s and stood up. He helped Jiang Ji tuck his exposed hand back under the blanket, leaned down, planted a very light kiss on his forehead, then picked up his phone. As he walked out of the ward, he scrolled through his contacts.

Jiang Ji slept for nearly two hours this time. When he woke up, it was already dark outside.

Perhaps because he had just talked about past events, he saw many previous scenes in his dreams.

So when he opened his eyes and saw Qin Qingzhuo entering the room, outlined by the dim light inside, for a moment, he couldn’t distinguish which part was from his dream and which part was real.

Qin Qingzhuo came back with dinner and fruits, putting down the lunchbox and carrying the fruits as he headed to the bathroom.

Standing in front of the sink washing the fruits, the door was pushed open, and Jiang Ji walked in, standing behind him and hugging him without saying a word, just lowering his head with his chin resting on Qin Qingzhuo’s shoulder.

“Did you sleep well?” Qin Qingzhuo turned his head slightly and asked.

“Yeah.” Jiang Ji paused for a moment before speaking softly again, “When I saw you come in just now, I thought I was dreaming.”

“You thought it was a dream that I came to accompany you at the hospital?” Qin Qingzhuo asked casually.

“I thought the idea of us being together was a dream.”

“You…” Qin Qingzhuo smiled, thinking that Jiang Ji looked quite fierce when he was about to hit someone, but now he seemed like a vulnerable little creature, letting down his guard and feeling insecure.

“By the way,” after washing the fruits, Qin Qingzhuo closed the plastic box and wiped his hands with a tissue, “I just saw Cheng Yun downstairs and talked to him about Jiang Bei. Although he’s not a nephrologist himself, he has family members who are experts in this field and knows many doctor friends. He can help Jiang Bei contact several hospitals in other cities simultaneously, which will increase the chances of a successful match. So don’t worry, there will definitely be a second chance.”

Jiang Ji nodded, and the slightly stiff ends of his hair brushed against Qin Qingzhuo’s ear.

After a while, he spoke in a very low voice, “Qin Qingzhuo, why are you so good?”

“No matter how good I am,” Qin Qingzhuo raised his hand and touched the side of his neck, “I still couldn’t save another little girl.”

“Who said that,” Jiang Ji said, “You clearly saved one.”

Qin Qingzhuo hmm’ed in confusion.

“I didn’t tell you just now,” Jiang Ji continued, “When I saw Jiang Bei faint, I didn’t want to bother with her at first. But when I was about to leave, I suddenly remembered the person who helped me outside the music store, so I took her to the hospital. So, Qin Qingzhuo,” Jiang Ji pulled his arms around him closer, “it was actually you who saved Jiang Bei.”

Qin Qingzhuo was taken aback for a moment. Jiang Ji’s explanation made him feel like fate was quite miraculous.

When he helped up the little boy who had been kicked down outside the music store, he never would have imagined what would happen next.

“I dare not take such credit for myself,” he shook his head, smiling, then turned his head and asked, “Are we going to keep hugging like this?”

“Just a little longer,” Jiang Ji said softly.

Qin Qingzhuo didn’t move, allowing Jiang Ji to continue holding him like this.

Qin Qingzhuo didn’t move, allowing Jiang Ji to hold him like this.

After hugging for a while longer, Jiang Ji held Qin Qingzhuo’s shoulder, prompting him to turn around and leaning in to kiss his lips.

The light pecks, compared to the previous kisses with a hint of desire, felt more like an affectionate tenderness.

At that moment, the door suddenly opened. Qin Qingzhuo was startled, subconsciously turning his head to look.

Jiang Bei stood at the door, sleepy-eyed and dazed.

Their eyes met, and Jiang Bei pointed inside, “I need to use the bathroom.”

Having slept all afternoon, her throat was hoarse from sleep.

“Go ahead.” Jiang Ji’s tone was casual as he led Qin Qingzhuo out, holding his hand.

Exiting the bathroom, Qin Qingzhuo closed the door behind them and lowered his voice when they reached the window. “What should we do?”

He didn’t have much experience dealing with children, so he felt quite nervous at the moment.

“It’s okay,” Jiang Ji appeared calm, “We just kissed, that’s all.”

Qin Qingzhuo’s occasional nervousness was quite vivid. He reached up and ruffled his hair, then leaned in to kiss him again. “Teacher Qin, don’t be so nervous.”

“Don’t do anything rash,” Qin Qingzhuo glanced at the bathroom, “I’m afraid of corrupting the child.”

Jiang Ji thought for a moment before saying, “I’ll talk to her later.”

“How will you explain it?”

“I’ll tell her that we’re in a romantic relationship and kissing is normal,” Jiang Ji said calmly, “She shouldn’t be surprised if she sees it.”

“…,”

After a moment of silence, Qin Qingzhuo said, “Let me handle it. I’ll figure out what to say.”

After a while, the bathroom door was pushed open, and Jiang Bei walked out slowly.

Now she seemed more awake than before, having slept all afternoon, her spirits seemed to have improved somewhat.

She walked over to Jiang Ji and extended her hand, “Phone.”

Jiang Ji took out his phone from his pocket and handed it to her. Jiang Bei took the phone and was about to turn around and leave.

“Wait a minute,” Jiang Ji stopped her, “I have something to tell you.”

“Oh,” Jiang Bei stopped in her tracks, deftly opening the game interface on the phone, “Go ahead.”

Qin Qingzhuo squatted down in front of her, speaking gently, “Jiang Bei, do you know what relationship your brother and I have?”

“I know,” Jiang Bei said calmly, “You have a sponsorship relationship.”

*literally keeping a mistress

Her words were shocking, and Qin Qingzhuo was visibly stunned for a moment.

Jiang Ji was drinking water from a mineral water bottle and choked upon hearing her words.

Fortunately, it wasn’t serious, just a cough, which seemed a bit funny after coughing. Qin Qingzhuo collected himself, “What’s a sponsorship relationship?”

Jiang Bei, waiting for a match, was absent-minded, “Anyway, it’s not a serious relationship.”

Starting off on the wrong foot, Qin Qingzhuo was a bit flustered, thinking about how to correct Jiang Bei’s skewed perception. Jiang Bei’s gaze lifted from the screen, and with her black eyes, she glanced at Qin Qingzhuo, “Just kidding, I know you guys are dating.”

Qin Qingzhuo: “…”

With the opponent matched, Jiang Bei quickly got into the game and turned to the bed, “I’m playing games, you guys continue.”

Watching Jiang Bei climb onto the bed, Qin Qingzhuo straightened up and glanced at Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji smirked, barely suppressing a laugh.

Alright, Qin Qingzhuo thought, this adopted sister, unexpectedly, has a temperament even more like a biological one.

Jiang Bei stayed in the hospital for two days and nights. Her various health indicators returned to normal, and the doctor informed her that she could be discharged.

On the afternoon of her discharge, when Qin Qingzhuo arrived at the ward, Jiang Bei was packing her things inside, while Jiang Ji leaned against the door frame, tapping on his phone screen, seemingly texting.

Qin Qingzhuo walked over to him and casually asked, “What are you doing?”

“Nothing.” Jiang Ji finished typing the last word, sent the message, and put away his phone.

“Are the discharge procedures done?”

“Done. Once she finishes packing, we can leave,” Jiang Ji said, “I’ll take Jiang Bei to stay with Sister Ying for a few days.”

“Huang Ying? Are you trying to send Jiang Bei away to avoid attention?”

“Yeah,” Jiang Ji glanced at Jiang Bei, who was packing inside the ward, “These days are the peak of the storm. Following you or me will likely attract attention. Last night, Sister Ying called and mentioned this. Jiang Bei is familiar with her from the bar and is willing to stay with her, so it’s settled.”

“That’s also good. After the finals, bring her back. Avoiding this period should be much better.” After a moment of thought, Qin Qingzhuo added, “You shouldn’t go to send her. It’s too conspicuous. There’s probably someone following wherever you go. It wouldn’t be good if they followed you to Huang Ying’s place. I’ll ask Uncle Zhao to come up and directly take Jiang Bei there. The car he’s driving today isn’t the usual one, so it shouldn’t be followed.”

“That works.” Jiang Ji nodded.

When Uncle Zhao arrived, Jiang Bei had already packed everything into her bag and put it on her shoulder. Qin Qingzhuo helped her put on a mask, scarf, and hat, wrapping her up tightly, leaving only her eyes exposed.

“Don’t run around these days, and don’t play games all the time,” Jiang Ji advised her from the side.

“Got it,” Jiang Bei replied nonchalantly, “You say this every time.”

“Yet I’ve never seen you listen.”

“Mind your own business.” Jiang Bei spoke maturely, “Have a good relationship and don’t quarrel.”

Her tone was just like that of a little adult, which amused Qin Qingzhuo.

As they walked towards the elevator with Uncle Zhao, Jiang Bei turned back and asked, “Can I go to the finals?”

“We’ll see,” Jiang Ji said.

Jiang Bei nodded and turned away.

Qin Qingzhuo could sense that Jiang Bei actually wanted to go to the finals to see Asperatus performance. He originally wanted to say “yes,” but he held back. After all, at this time, having Jiang Bei appear in public view might not be a good idea. Who knows what kind of trouble Shi Yao might cause at the event.

After seeing off Jiang Bei, the two of them rode the motorcycle back to Jiang Ji’s rehearsal room.

Getting off the motorcycle, Jiang Ji locked the bike from behind, while Qin Qingzhuo took the keys and walked over to open the door.

As the rolling shutter door lifted, Qin Qingzhuo’s phone vibrated. He took it out and glanced at it. It was a call from Li Zi.

He answered the phone, and Li Zi went straight to the point, “Qingzhuo, do you know your kid has declared war on Shi Yao?”

“What do you mean?” Qin Qingzhuo was momentarily stunned, looking at Jiang Ji who was locking the bike, “I have no idea.”

“Just check his Weibo,” Li Zi said, “It’s quite bold.”

After hanging up the phone, Qin Qingzhuo opened Weibo and searched for “Jiang Ji”.

He clicked on Jiang Ji’s profile and saw that just half an hour ago, Jiang Ji had publicly released an audio recording along with a line of text —

“Please replace Shi Yao, the head director of ‘Restless Band,’ or else Asperatus will withdraw from the finals.”

Author’s Note

Jiang Bei will become the first female top Jungler in the national server.