After Guoguo handed him his phone, he stared at Xu Wennuan's photo on his screen before unlocking it and opening his call log. He scrolled across the screen for some time before Wu Hao's name came up.
After he had lost his mobility, he had been completely out of touch with most of his friends, particularly those who worked or socialized with Xu Wennuan, because he didn't want her to know that his legs were paralyzed. If he had not met her by coincidence that afternoon, he would probably never have considered contacting Wu Hao again in his lifetime. Letting out a soft sigh, Lu Bancheng quickly tapped Wu Hao's number and typed, "Her leg is injured and she can't drive her car. Come pick her up." After adding his address, he sent the message. Following that, to assure Wu Hao that he was telling the truth, he lifted his phone and sent a photo of Xu Wennuan.
After seeing the notification that his messages had been successfully sent, he closed his chat window and, to avoid the phone call he expected from Wu Hao, he pressed the button to turn off his phone, but before he could tap the confirm button, Wu Hao's call came through. Without answering, he pressed the button and placed his phone aside.
Guoguo pushed his wheelchair over and, with her help, Lu Bancheng sat back into it. Not in a rush to head back to the living room, he remained at the balcony and stared down at Xu Wennuan.
Wu Hao arrived much quicker than Lu Bancheng had imagined. As Lu Bancheng watched each movement, Wu Hao stood in front of Xu Wennuan and bent his body over, said something to her, and subsequently picked her up.
Lu Bancheng balled up his fists tightly and stared fixedly as Wu Hao carried Xu Wennuan farther away. Even after they had disappeared from sight, he continued to stare in a daze at their path.
If someone had told me I'd ever be envious of anyone in my lifetime, I would not have believed him, but if I had to pick someone, it would only be Wu Hao.
When they were together, I envied how Wu Hao had a rightful place by her side.
After they broke up, I envied the 10 years' worth of beautiful memories they had shared.
Now, I envy Wu Hao taking care of her while I am worthless and can do nothing for her.
"Brother Bancheng, it's time for your medication," Guoguo said as she returned to his side with a glass of water and some pills.
Lu Bancheng shot her a faint smile before taking the pills and popping them into his mouth. He then held onto the glass of water and chugged it in a desperate gulp. He swallowed the pills so quickly that he choked. Throwing his head back, he began to cough violently.
"Brother Bancheng, are you alright?" Guoguo hurriedly reached out her hand and lightly patted his back.
Lu Bancheng continued to cough without speaking and merely waved his hands at her to indicate that he was fine. After he stopped coughing, he drank another two gulps of water before he returned the glass to Guoguo.
Guoguo took the cup, washed it, and then returned it to the dining area. She then walked back to Lu Bancheng to push him back to the master bedroom to get some rest but, when she returned to his side, she fell into complete silence.
Lu Bancheng sat in his wheelchair staring down at his paralyzed legs. She clearly watched a teardrop fall from the corner of his eye and land on the scar on his thigh.