Chapter 5

Chapter 5

That night, Ji Huaike slept in the study.

I was very considerate and didn’t disturb him.

Early the next morning, he left for the office as usual, carrying the trash bag from his study in his hand.

Heh. So careful. So cautious.

When he saw the empty dining table, no longer laid out with the nutritionally balanced breakfast it usually had, he couldn’t help but frown slightly.

But he didn’t question or blame me. Instead, he looked at me with concern.

“Ah Ran, are you feeling unwell today? I told you long ago that you can sleep in a little in the morning. You don’t need to get up at four or five every day just for me. I can grab something downstairs at the company.”

I rolled my eyes inwardly and didn’t answer him. Instead, I turned and went into the kitchen, then brought out the Chinese medicine I had brewed for him.

“Careful, it’s hot.

“If you’re in poor health, don’t go to the company. We can find a reliable professional manager to run it. It would be the same.”

Ji Huaike took the bowl of medicine and, out of habit, drank it down in one go. When he handed me the empty bowl, he shook his head. “How could that be the same? While my body can still hold up, I should handle the company’s affairs first. That way, when I’m gone and it’s handed over to you, you won’t have to worry so much.”

I lowered my eyes slightly, hiding the mockery in them.

He picked up the briefcase by the entryway and began changing his shoes. Just as he was about to step out the door, I spoke and stopped him.

“Huaike…”

He turned back to look at me, a little puzzled. “What is it?”

I swallowed the bitterness in my throat and forced myself to ask,

“Is there anything you want to tell me? Or is there anything you’re hiding from me right now?”

I stared fixedly at him, not looking away.

The air seemed to freeze in that instant. The hand he used to hold the trash bag tightened unconsciously.

The muggy, damp wind from outside swept into the living room through the open door, but even that couldn’t break the icy atmosphere between us.

I was giving him a chance.

A chance to come clean and explain himself.

If he dared to openly admit the mistake he had made and sincerely apologize to me, then for the sake of the fact that he was dying, I might forgive him.

Ji Huaike’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He avoided my gaze and asked instead, “Did someone say something to you? Why would you suddenly ask that?”

Seeing that I stayed silent, he continued, “Aside from work, I’m with you almost all the time. You even know how many times I go to the bathroom in a day. What could I possibly be hiding from you? If you don’t believe me, I can swear to you.”

I pressed my trembling lips together and forced a smile. “I didn’t hear anything. But I’m afraid you’re carrying something alone deep down, and I want to tell you that no matter what it is, I can bear it with you. No matter how much time the doctor says you have left, I’ll never give up on you, just like three years ago.”

He froze. Gradually, his eyes grew a little moist.

“Jiang Ran, thank you. In this life, marrying you has been enough for me. Don’t worry. I won’t give up on myself until the very last moment. I’ll keep going with treatment and stay with you for a little longer.”

I looked at the man in front of me, so moved by his own words, and my disappointment became complete. “Then hurry to the company. Remember to take care of yourself.”

Ji Huaike nodded, turned, and stepped out the door.

As the door closed, my heart sank to rock bottom.

But at the same time, it made my next actions even firmer and more decisive. I no longer had the slightest hesitation or conflict left in me.