Summer in Your Name - 34

Zhang Shu looked at her for a few seconds, then walked out.

Wang Wei slung an arm around Zhang Shu’s shoulder, sighing, “You’ve really stirred up some big trouble this time, kid. You better not let this mess up both of your studies, how am I supposed to explain that?”

“She hurt her leg, not her brain,” Zhang Shu replied.

Wang Wei was still worried. “Running back and forth to the hospital, plus the mental toll, it’s bound to have an impact.”

“She’s not as fragile as you think,” Zhang Shu said.

“Hm?” Wang Wei didn’t catch that.

Zhang Shu shook off his arm. “I said it won’t happen, so it won’t.”

“With that cast on, it’ll be almost final exams by the time it comes off. How’s she supposed to keep up like this?” Wang Wei sighed again.

“I’ll make sure she can,” the boy said, leaving the words hanging as he turned and walked away.

Wang Wei rubbed his nose. What do you do when a student gets all deep and brooding like that?

“Hey, Zhang Shu!” Wang Wei suddenly realized he was turning left to head upstairs. “Where are you going? Not back to school?”

The boy’s voice drifted back, “You go ahead first.”

---

Zhang Shu entered the department head’s office alone. The director, assuming it was about Sheng Xia, stood up with a kind expression. “What’s wrong, young man?”

“Sheng Xia… can she get some painkillers?” Zhang Shu asked.

The doctor frowned. “It’s possible, but not strictly necessary. It’s normal to feel some pain after the anesthesia wears off.”

“If there are no side effects, can you give her some?”

The doctor said, “She didn’t say she was in pain.”

“She’s sweating from it. You call that not in pain?”

The boy’s urgent tone was intimidating for his age. The doctor was at a loss for words. How do you explain to a kid that, You are not a fish, how do you know the fish’s pain?

---

Sheng Xia frowned as Zhang Shu returned.

Xin Xiaohe was puzzled too. “You didn’t leave?”

Zhang Shu sat on the bed next to hers, saying lightly, “Old Wang’s too noisy. Didn’t want to hear him nag the whole way.”

Xin Xiaohe snorted, nodding in agreement. “True, that’s a half-hour trip. It’d drive anyone crazy.”

The hospital room fell quiet for a moment until a nurse pushed the door open. “Sheng Xia, right?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s move to the infusion room for some painkillers.”

“Didn’t say I needed any earlier,” Sheng Xia said.

The nurse smiled. “Your classmate said you’re sweating from the pain. I can see it too, your face is pale. Why didn’t you say anything? Pain varies from person to person. If you don’t speak up, the doctor can’t tell.”

Sheng Xia froze, and Xin Xiaohe also looked surprised, both turning to Zhang Shu.

The boy was holding his phone horizontally, already deep into a game, clearly prepared to wait a long time.

The nurse added, “You’d better eat something first. One of you, go grab her some food.”

Zhang Shu closed the game and was about to stand when Xin Xiaohe said, “I’ll go. You’re… more attentive. Stay here.”

“Thanks, Xiaohe. I’ve really troubled you today,” Sheng Xia said, her voice weak. Seeing everyone bustling around for her, including Zhang Shu…

She wasn’t used to troubling others. It always made her feel indebted.

“Don’t say that, and no more thank-yous!” Xin Xiaohe said, heading out. “I’ll be back quickly.”

The nurse went to prepare the medication, and Xin Xiaohe left. Sheng Xia reached for her crutches, but a warm presence suddenly drew near, and the next moment, her body was lifted into the air…

Zhang Shu carried her to the infusion room. The observation infusion room had smaller beds than regular wards, three to a room. It was empty now.

He gently placed her on the bed, grabbed the pillows from the neighboring bed to prop behind her, then went to fetch her crutches.

He carried her so effortlessly, like it was second nature. Honestly she could’ve walked herself.

Sheng Xia kept her head down, deciding not to start a conversation and risk awkwardness.

“Sheng Xia,” he suddenly called.

“Yeah?” she responded instinctively, looking up.

Their eyes met. She saw him purse his lips before speaking. “I’m sorry.”

Sheng Xia’s fingers twitched.

Why was he…

“I didn’t protect you. I’m sorry.” He met her confused gaze and repeated himself, his tone earnest.

Today, she wrote: A path of splendor and blooming flowers—let’s witness it together. 

In Zhang Shu’s mind, he pictured her standing at the end of a grand avenue, wearing a beautiful dress, holding a bouquet, smiling quietly.

But in reality, she’d been crushed under him on the ground, her face twisted in pain…

All day, that expression of hers haunted him.

For some reason, a thought surged in his heart: he never wanted to see her in pain again.

It hurt him. He wouldn’t allow it.

“It’s fine. It was just an accident, not your fault,” Sheng Xia said, unsure of what else to say.

Zhang Shu wasn’t great at this kind of talk either. He coughed awkwardly, shifting in his seat.

The infusion room fell silent again.

Outside in the corridor, hurried footsteps approached, followed by muffled arguing from the neighboring observation room, a man and a woman, their voices deliberately low but still audible.

They must have been arguing the whole way and hadn’t managed to stop in time.

“Sheng Xia’s not here? Isn’t this the observation room? Or is it a different one?”

“Wang Lianhua, if you can’t speak calmly in a bit, it’s better if you don’t speak at all. Look at what you’ve turned our daughter into! Sheng Xia used to be such a lively kid!”

“Oh, you raise her then! Does she even want to live with you? What’s wrong with Sheng Xia now? Isn’t it good for a girl to be a bit obedient? What’s so great about being lively? I was lively, I was reckless, and look at me, betraying my whole family to marry into yours!”

“We’re talking about the kid! Why drag all this up? You don’t have to make it sound so ugly. Solving problems is what matters!”

“Solving problems? If you didn’t create them, would we even need to be here? You think your daughter doesn’t attract enough attention? For years, I haven’t dared buy Sheng Xia a single normal skirt. And look at the clothes your wife got her!”

“Wang Lianhua!”

“Take your daughters and raise her yourself if you’re so great! Don’t leave her with me and complain about how I’m raising her!”

“Enough! Stop arguing here.”

“You care about appearances? I don’t!”

“Fine, say what you want, but not here. Can we talk later?”

“You think I want to argue? You started it! Which ward is she in? Did we get the wrong one?”

“Wait for Li Xu to park and come up. He’ll know. Just calm down and control your emotions.”

“No need for your concern.”

Their voices were low, both sides furious yet restrained, almost hissing. But the infusion room was so quiet that every word carried clearly.

Perhaps it was the IV drip chilling her veins, but Sheng Xia felt ice-cold all over, her eyes growing warm and a sour sting spread through her nose.

Zhang Shu turned and saw the girl’s eyes, red and brimming with tears.

She tilted her head back, trying to force the tears away, but once the floodgates opened, they wouldn’t close so easily. She lifted a hand to wipe her face, but Zhang Shu quickly stood and grabbed her IV hand.

“Don’t move. There’s a needle,” he said sharply.

In the next moment, Sheng Xia was pulled into a crisp, clean embrace. The boy’s movements were gentle yet controlled, his hand cradling the back of her head. Her face pressed into his chest, the scent of sun-scorched grass filled her senses.

From above, she heard his low voice, the vibrations resonating from his chest: “I don’t have a tissue… but you can cry.”

It was as if a dam had burst. Zhang Shu’s shirt was instantly soaked.

At the same time, Sheng Xia felt a warmth over her ears as his large hands gently covered them. A faint ringing, like tinnitus, grew closer before fading into calm.

She cried silently.

This was the second time she’d cried in front of him.

The last time, he’d said, I don’t have tissues, please don’t cry…

The infusion room door suddenly swung open. Sheng Xia hurriedly pulled away from Zhang Shu's arms, looking toward the entrance in a panic.

Xin Xiaohe stood gripping the door handle, eyes wide, her expression screaming, What did I just walk into? Should I leave?

Sheng Xia sniffed, leaning back against the bed’s pillow.

“Zhang Shu…” Sheng Xia’s voice was barely a whisper.

Xin Xiaohe looked at the two, puzzled by their secretive air.

“You go out first, okay?” Sheng Xia said, glancing at the door connecting to the observation room. “My mom… she might take it out on you.”

Zhang Shu understood. Her parents probably wouldn't want to see the ‘culprit’. “It’s fine. I should take responsibility.”

Responsibility? For what?

Li Xu’s voice came from next door, saying Sheng Xia was just here earlier and he’d ask the nurse.

Sheng Xia grew anxious, pushing at Zhang Shu. She was sitting on the bed, he was standing, and her hands landed on his… lower abdomen.

Zhang Shu’s brows furrowed, but a silent laugh flickered across his face. Before he could tease her, he caught her anxious, helpless expression.

He softened, ruffling her hair. “Alright, I’ll go.”

Xin Xiaohe stood frozen at the door, nearly dropping the takeout box in her hand. What in the world is going on here?

Sheng Xia was stunned too, her scalp tingling as if his touch had set her alight.

How could he…

But now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. Zhang Shu left the infusion room cooperatively, and Sheng Xia exhaled in relief. Facing Xin Xiaohe’s teasing winks, she didn’t have time to explain. She cleared her throat and called out, “Mom, is that you?”

Xin Xiaohe’s jaw dropped. “Whoa, no need to go that far. I just got you some food…”

“Hey, Xiaxia, where are you?” Wang Lianhua’s voice came as she followed the sound.

Xin Xiaohe was embarrassed.

Sheng Xia said, “Right next door, in the infusion room…”

Before her words could finish, several adults pushed through the door.

Wang Lianhua and Sheng Mingfeng looked slightly uneasy, likely realizing they’d been arguing right next to their daughter’s room.

They hadn’t expected her to overhear.

Xin Xiaohe greeted them awkwardly, “Hi, Uncle, Auntie…”

“Thanks for your help today, dear,” Wang Lianhua said, her voice gentle, a stark contrast to her earlier sharpness.

“No trouble at all, Auntie, you’re too polite! It’s what friends do. I got some porridge and fish, Xiaxia, eat up.” Xin Xiaohe nearly tripped over her words. Ugh, Sheng Xia’s parents have such a strong presence!

“Thank you, Xiaohe,” Sheng Xia said softly.

“No more thanking me!” Xin Xiaohe insisted.

Sheng Mingfeng noticed Sheng Xia’s red-rimmed eyes. “How’re you feeling?”

“Much better,” Sheng Xia replied, then added, “It hurt a lot earlier.”

“You cried from the pain?” Wang Lianhua asked.

Sheng Xia nodded. “Yeah.”

Wang Lianhua seemed to relax slightly, but her tone sharpened again. “How did a sports day turn into this?”

“It was an accident,” Sheng Xia said.

“Your Teacher Wang already explained,” Sheng Mingfeng said, his voice kind. “It’s okay. Sports days always come with some bumps and bruises…”

Wang Lianhua’s face darkened. “This is going to set back her studies so much. How long until the cast comes off?”

“Let her eat first!” Sheng Mingfeng cut in. “Ask the doctor about the rest.”

The room fell silent. Xin Xiaohe, an outsider, felt a bit out of place. Sheng Xia noticed and suggested to Sheng Mingfeng, “Could you take Xiaohe back to school? Maybe get her some food first.”

Xin Xiaohe waved her hands. “No need, really! I’ll grab something at the north gate.”

Li Xu escorted Xin Xiaohe out.

Outside, the evening lights were just flickering on.

“Where’s that boy from your class?” Li Xu asked.

Xin Xiaohe, a bit uneasy around such a formal adult, answered, “He left already.”

Li Xu pointed. “Is that him over there?”

Xin Xiaohe followed his gesture. Under the dim streetlights, near the building’s steps, a boy sat on the ground, elbows propped on his knees, phone tilted as he played a game.

The scene felt a bit desolate. He looked almost forlorn, like a wayward drifter, if not for his striking presence and sharp looks.

Who else could it be but Zhang Shu?

The boy seemed to keep an eye on the building’s entrance, glancing up now and then.

Spotting Xin Xiaohe, he brushed off his pants and stood, spinning his phone in his hand before slipping it into his pocket. He walked toward them.

It was a casual move, but the boy made it look effortlessly cool.

The night breeze was chilly, tugging at his thin shirt.

Li Xu sized him up secretly—such a ‘dangerous’ young man, waiting so eagerly. If Wang Lianhua saw him, she’d probably lose it.

“Zhang Shu! You’re still here?” Xin Xiaohe exclaimed.

“Nothing else to do,” Zhang Shu said, his eyes flickering unnaturally. “You’re out? Did she eat?”

Xin Xiaohe raised her eyebrows pointedly, signaling the adult behind her, then answered, “Yeah, she ate.”

Zhang Shu glanced at Li Xu, nodding as a greeting, then asked Xin Xiaohe, “What’d she eat?”

“Lean meat porridge and small yellow croaker,” she replied.

“How long’s her infusion gonna take?”

“Dunno, maybe another half hour or so?”

Zhang Shu nodded.

Xin Xiaohe turned to Li Xu. “You don’t need to take me back. I’ll head to school with my classmate.”

Li Xu offered, “Let me take you both to get some food. You’ve been looking after Sheng Xia all day.”

“No, no, it’s fine! His family… they’ve got food,” Xin Xiaohe said, not keen on spending time with an adult. She pointed at Zhang Shu. “His family’s got a restaurant, right by the school’s back gate.”

Zhang Shu shot her a look but played along. “Yeah.”

That little hole-in-the-wall place doesn’t even open at night, okay?

Li Xu pulled out some cash but before he could hand it over, Xin Xiaohe grabbed Zhang Shu and bolted. “We’re off, then!”

In a blink, they were gone. Li Xu chuckled, shaking his head, and made a mental note that the boy’s family ran a small diner.

---

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