Chapter 196 - Blind

Inside the ophthalmology medical building…

Several experts were checking the condition of Duan Linbai’s eyeballs one by one. Hearing the few people behind them whispering, someone turned around and reprimanded, “Be quiet.”

They immediately stood against the wall. Just now, Xu Jiamu had been thinking about how to take the opportunity to slip away. But on second thought, Duan Linbai was blind now and couldn’t see. How could he recognize her? So she mustered up her courage again and straightened her back.

“Third Master Fu, please sit for a while. We still have to consult among ourselves.” The experts had finished their checkups and were now gathered around to discuss the patient’s condition.

One of the old professors pointed at a stool beside him and gestured for Fu Chen to sit down. “Jiamu, come over and pour them some tea.”

Xu Jiamu stiffened, but she still walked over obediently. She took two paper cups and poured two cups of hot tea. She placed one in front of Fu Chen and the other beside Duan Linbai’s hand.

“Thank you.” Fu Chen noticed her the moment he had entered the room. Her outstanding appearance was one aspect, and her strange actions were another. Everyone was staring at the two of them, but this young lady looked excessively frightened.

It was as though she had met a ghost and encountered something evil during the day.

After that, she kept cowering at one side, obviously appearing to have done something wrong.

He definitely didn’t recognize this person. Is she someone Linbai knows?

From the looks of it, they aren’t acquaintances.

When Xu Jiamu poured the tea, he had even taken a closer look. She did look somewhat familiar, but he momentarily couldn’t think of where he had seen her before.

“Young Master Duan.” Xu Jiamu deliberately lowered her voice and placed the cup of tea in his hand.

Duan Linbai couldn’t see, so his fingers were grabbing around randomly, and he had nearly spilled the tea. Xu Jiamu sighed and took hold of his hand…

Duan Linbai’s whole body stiffened. He couldn’t see, but he knew that the person standing in front of him was a girl. Her palm was warm and soft as she held his hand gently. Then she placed the cup of warm tea in his palm. “The tea’s not hot. Cover it with your hand first. I’ll find a straw for you.”

If someone was blind for a period of time, they would naturally know how to bring food and water to their mouth. Duan Linbai was obviously not capable of this yet.

When she touched his hand just now, she found that the back of his hand was ice-cold, and his palm was even covered in cold sweat. He looked calm, but he was actually nervous and apprehensive. Xu Jiamu didn’t have a good impression of him. What kind of good person would hit on others at a bar?

However, doctors were compassionate, so her heart still softened a little.

A minute later, Xu Jiamu found a straw and placed it in the cup of tea. “The straw is inside. Touch it with your fingers. It’s easier to drink through the straw.”

People who had just lost their eyesight could get food and water all over their bodies. A clean and neat person like him probably didn’t want to be in such a disheveled state.

“Thank you.” Duan Linbai held the cup in one hand and fumbled with the straw with the other. He brought it to his mouth tentatively and took a sip of warm tea. His throat felt comfortable.

How could Duan Linbai be that composed? His throat had gone dry from nervousness just now, so he gulped down half the cup of tea in one go.

“Do you want more?” Xu Jiamu knew that he couldn’t see her, so she felt slightly relieved. She took the nearly empty paper cup from him.

“No need.” Duan Linbai frowned slightly. “Do we know each other?”

Xu Jiamu’s fingers shook and pinched the paper cup out of shape.

“How is that possible? I don’t know you.” She threw the paper cup into the trash can and continued to stand against the wall. Her heart was hammering in her chest, feeling as though it was about to break through her slender ribs.

Even during the first time she had seen a dead person, she had never been so nervous.

Even though she didn’t care about worldly affairs, she had heard of this person before. Looking at the scene today, she also knew that she couldn’t afford to offend this person. If she had known, she would have…

… been gentler when beating him.

Duan Linbai was initially uncertain, so when he heard what she said, he didn’t think much about it.

On the other hand, Father Duan kept sighing. “This dissolute thing can’t even see now, yet he’s still flirting. If he’s so capable, why is he still a virgin to this day?”

“Get lost!” Mrs. Duan wiped her nose with a tissue. How could she take it when the person beside her kept nagging and criticizing her son?

“Don’t cry. I was just speaking casually.” He attempted to reach out to hug his wife, but she pushed him away, making him feel embarrassed.

…

A few minutes later, the result of the experts’ consultation was out. They were currently surrounding the Duan family members and discussing his condition.

“It’s just snow blindness. There are no other complications. As long as he takes good care of himself, his vision will gradually recover. You don’t have to worry…” The doctors reassured them before continuing their analysis.

When everyone’s attention was focused on him, Xu Jiamu heaved a long sigh of relief. But as soon as she looked up, she was instantly locked onto by a pair of calm yet sharp eyes.

Their eyes met. This person’s gaze was gentle and indifferent but also had a sharpness that could see through everything.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she lowered her head in panic.

Fu Chen suddenly smiled and lowered his head to take a sip of tea.

After the consultation ended, the doctors prescribed some medication and instructed Duan Linbai to visit the hospital regularly for follow-ups.

“Are these medicines available in ordinary pharmacies too?” Mrs. Duan went through the list of medications. Although she breathed a sigh of relief, she was still very nervous.

“There may be some that are harder to buy. I’ll get my student to buy them and bring them to you later. They’re more familiar with which places stock up on these drugs.” The old professor passed the list directly to Xu Jiamu.

She stood rooted to the ground, motionless.

“Jiamu?” The old professor frowned.

Xu Jiamu braced herself and walked over to take the medication list.

“Buy a week’s worth first. We’ll see how it goes after the next check-up. By the way, he just lost his sight, so he hasn’t adapted in many areas. Get him a new blind cane and teach him how to use it as well.”

“Yes.” Xu Jiamu nodded silently. What she was afraid of really came true.

“Young lady, thank you so much.” Mrs. Duan was extremely grateful. In addition, her action of passing Duan Linbai a straw earlier was warm and considerate. She had a superb impression of her.

“You’re welcome.” Xu Jiamu tightened her grip on the paper in her hand.

***

After the consultation ended, Mrs. Duan accompanied Duan Linbai back home. Fu Chen took a car alone and returned to the old family residence to inform his parents. Father Duan stayed behind to entertain the experts who came today and treated them to a meal.

As soon as Fu Chen got in the car, he instructed Qian Jiang, “Help me investigate that girl called Jiamu.”

Qian Jiang’s fingers gripped the steering wheel as he frowned tightly. “Third Master, although you’re my boss, I still think I have to remind you.”

“Huh?” Fu Chen lowered his head and sent Song Fengwan a message to explain Duan Linbai’s situation.

“That female student is indeed pretty, but you can’t be fickle-minded just because Miss Song isn’t around.”

Fu Chen’s eyes grew severe. “What did you say?”

“From the moment we entered the room, you were staring at her. I saw the whole thing, and you were even smiling evilly.”

Fu Chen kept Qian Jiang by his side this whole time because he appreciated his honesty.

“Qian Jiang, I’ve really endured you for a long time.” Every time he reported Song Fengwan’s situation to him, although he had relayed the events accurately, he had nearly driven him crazy too.

“Honest words are unpleasant to the ear.” Qian Jiang’s expression was as cold and detached as usual. “I won’t do anything immoral. I won’t help you investigate that girl.”

Fu Chen smiled lightly. Have I found an assistant or invited a master?

“I’m not interested in her. I suspect that she’s the girl who beat up Linbai that day. I’ve seen the surveillance cameras, and their figures are very similar. Besides, her behavior was abnormal. I just wanted you to investigate this.”

Qian Jiang pursed her lips and didn’t speak.

“Investigate it first. It was on the day Linbai was beaten up. Tell me if anything crops up. If there’s nothing, there’s no need to report it.”

Qian Jiang nodded. “In that case, alright.”

Fu Chen sneered. No wonder Shi Fang always wants to beat him up. He really has the ability to drive people crazy.

At this moment, Xu Jiamu was riding her electric scooter through the cold wind to buy medicine for Duan Linbai.

What a sin.

All I did was beat him up once. Do I have to repay the debt?

I have to buy medicine and a four-section rubber cane, which costs more than seven hundred yuan. It’s so painful.

***

Yuncheng…

Song Fengwan and the others had already arrived home. It was the first time Huai Sheng was here. The environment was unfamiliar, so he would inevitably be reserved. Qiao Wangbei wore a scowl on his face by nature, so Huai Sheng didn’t dare to get close to him. He kept tugging at Qiao Aiyun’s clothes tightly.

Why is this whole family so scary?

The cold-faced uncle earlier is already very frightening. Why is there a black-faced god inside?

He greeted Qiao Wangbei timidly. “Hello, Uncle.”

Qiao Wangbei responded lightly. He wanted to touch his bald head, but he didn’t think it was appropriate.

“Take off your coat. Auntie will get you some snacks to fill your stomach. You’ll be able to eat soon.” Qiao Aiyun liked children, so she was naturally concerned about Huai Sheng.

This made Yan Wangchuan’s face turn even darker. Haven’t I treated her well? Why isn’t she showing me a pleasant face?

“Huai Sheng, go wash your hands first.” Qiao Aiyun pointed at the bathroom at the side.

Huai Sheng was about to go over when he was suddenly lifted by his collar. Half of his body was practically dangling in the air as he thrashed his legs around.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you there.”

Huai Sheng turned around and saw Yan Wangchuan’s cold face. He nearly cried from fright. Master, save me. It’s too scary outside the mountain. This uncle wants to eat me. I want to go back to the temple.