From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

Her words made me laugh again, but they also aggravated my wound and made it hurt again.

After calming down, I feigned surprise and said, "Oh? Even the usually fearless Miss Su has moments of insecurity?"

Su Qing rolled her eyes at me, her tone turning a few degrees more serious: "This isn't a matter of confidence. We went to the same school from elementary to high school, she was two grades ahead of me. I've always lived in her shadow since I was little."

"No matter where I go, people always introduce me as Su Wan's younger sister; no one ever really remembers my name, Su Qing."

Seeing her unusually downcast expression, I said, puzzled, "But you're very pretty too, no less so than her."

Su Qing shook her head dismissively: "Being pretty when you're young is useless. In adults' eyes, good grades are what truly matter. My pretty appearance is nothing to worry about."

That's true. What people remember from their student days is never fleeting beauty, but rather their truly outstanding abilities and achievements.

At this moment, Su Qing suddenly looked up, her expression somewhat serious: "By the way, tell me honestly, between me and my sister, who is prettier?"

I teased her on purpose, "If I said your sister was pretty, would you punch me right there?"

To my surprise, Su Qing wasn't angry at all; instead, she nodded calmly.

"That means you're not blind. I admit, my sister is indeed prettier and more outstanding than me."

"Holy crap, seriously? When did you become so insecure?"

Su Qing said seriously, "It's not that I lack confidence, it's just that I've come to terms with reality. I've never been as good as her since I was a child, and I've always accepted that."

Seeing her rarely showing weakness, I felt inexplicably soft-hearted.

The usually spoiled and arrogant Su Qing actually had this kind of grievance of living in the shadow of others since childhood.

I looked intently into her eyes and said, word by word, "Su Qing, I'm not lying to you. In my eyes, you're much prettier than your sister. I love your vibrant and lively personality; you're much more likable than her."

Su Qing glanced at me and said with a slight pout, "Don't try to comfort me with nice words. I know what's going on in my heart."

"Believe it or not, it's up to you, but I just don't like your sister's cold personality."

Su Qing instantly showed a disdainful look and teased, "Don't flatter yourself! My sister is so aloof, she wouldn't even bother with you, and you're still complaining? Have some shame!"

I suddenly felt a surge of competitiveness and deliberately boasted, "That's not necessarily true. What if your sister happens to like my type later on?"

Su Qing laughed even harder, her eyes full of mockery, and said, "Lin Ye, I've discovered that your skin is truly thicker than a city wall! I'm truly impressed that you can spout such nonsense so easily!"

Seeing her laughing heartily made me feel much more relaxed.

Of course I was just joking; I know my own limitations perfectly well.

But her teasing only spurred me on: "You don't believe me? How about we make a bet?"

"Let's bet! Who's afraid of who!" Su Qing said without hesitation. "So, what are we betting on?"

I raised an eyebrow and said, "If I really do end up with your sister, you'll have to give me a big red envelope."

Upon hearing this, Su Qing burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably, and she lay on the edge of the bed for a long time, unable to straighten up.

Looking at her unrestrained smile, my eyes softened involuntarily.

To be honest, the atmosphere at this moment was wonderful.

The quiet ward was filled with her lively and bright laughter, which swept away my fatigue of the past few days.

It took Su Qing a long time to finally stop laughing, and then she started to complain:

"Oh my god! Lin Ye, I'm truly impressed by you. Not only is your skin as thick as a city wall, but you also love to daydream!"

Without a second thought, she replied decisively, "Fine! I'll bet you! I bet you absolutely can't! If you really do end up with my sister, I'll give you a huge red envelope of 888 yuan!"

"If there's no piece, then it's ten thousand?"

Su Qing declared confidently, "That's right! An 888 million yuan red envelope, it's a deal! I bet you don't have that kind of ability!"

I smiled and shook my head, not taking it seriously at all.

It was just a joke made casually.

Besides, I didn't know her sister at all; we only met briefly that day, and she didn't even glance at me.

Moreover, I really don't like that kind of cold, aloof personality.

Su Qing's personality is quite good; she's a good match for me.

However, Fang Heng is right. If I ever have such thoughts, it's like a toad wanting to eat swan meat.

But I just enjoy chatting casually with Su Qing and joking around with her.

What's most remarkable is that she never gets impatient; on the contrary, she's very cooperative.

The simple banter and casual conversation made me feel relaxed and at ease, something I hadn't felt in a long time.

Before I knew it, the sky outside the window had completely darkened.

I then returned to a normal tone and said to her, "Stop fooling around. It's getting late. You should go back and get some rest."

Su Qing glanced at her phone, nodded, and asked, "Okay, will you be alright alone in the ward?"

I teased her on purpose, "If I said there was a problem, would you stay and keep me company all night?"

"You're ugly but dreamy!"

Su Qing glared at me with disdain, picked up her small bag from the table, and turned to leave the ward.

The ward fell silent instantly, and I unconsciously shook my head and gave a bitter smile.

I haven't been this happy in a long time. It's as if Su Qing's appearance was specifically designed to break my dull and boring life.

I really don't need anyone to take care of me. It's just a knife wound on my abdomen, and it's already stitched up, so I'm basically fine now.

I'm just a little weak, but getting out of bed and going to the toilet are no problem at all.

But to my utter surprise, not long after Su Qing left, the door to the ward was pushed open again.

The moment I saw who it was, my pupils contracted and I was startled.

It wasn't doctors or nurses who came in, nor was it my cousin or his family.

It was my ex-girlfriend, Li Meng.

I was stunned; I never expected her to come here!

You know, I had an appendectomy once before, and I needed someone to be with me during general anesthesia.

I called her, but she said she was traveling with some girlfriends in another city and couldn't come back.

In the end, my cousin rushed over overnight to help me handle everything.

The person who ignored me back then is now taking the initiative to visit me in the hospital.

The thought flashed through my mind, and I instantly understood the reason.

No need to guess, Fang Heng definitely sent her.

I stared at her coldly and spoke first, "Why are you here?"

With a gentle and obedient smile on her face, Li Meng carried a bag of fresh fruit and slowly walked to the bedside.

She gently placed the fruit on the bedside table, then pulled out a chair and sat down, speaking softly:

"I heard you were stabbed and hospitalized, so I came to see you. How are your injuries? Are they serious?"

I felt disgusted and surprised.

Having dated her for so long, when have I ever heard her speak so gently?

For a moment, I was completely dazed.

Before I could even respond, she reached out and carefully tucked the blanket around me.

"Is the air conditioning in the ward too cold? If it's cold, I'll turn it up for you."