Full of doubts, Lin Fang left the ward and followed Xiao Guanpeng and the unfamiliar doctor back to Xiao Guanpeng’s office. Xiao Guanpeng asked Lin Fang what she had discussed with Pi Xinhong. Lin Fang replied, “She mistook me for her mother.”
“Her mother?” Xiao Guanpeng exclaimed in surprise, while the unfamiliar doctor looked visibly uncomfortable. The chubby man burst into laughter but quickly stifled it under Lin Fang’s glare, though his shoulders still shook with suppressed mirth.
Lin Fang, also amused, said, “Yes, she called me ‘Mom’ and complained that the hospital food was terrible, asking me to bring her meals. Dr. Xiao, could Pi Xinhong have something wrong with her brain? She’s acting like she has dementia.”
Lin Fang’s grandmother had suffered from dementia, forgetting even her own son and often mistaking Lin Fang’s uncle for a laborer from her youth, while confusing her aunt for her deceased sister. Strangely, she had grown fond of Lin Yuanmin, whom she had previously disliked—though she mistook him for Lin Fang’s estranged second uncle. Even more absurdly, she persistently called Lin Fang’s second sister-in-law “Mom,” a memory that inspired Lin Fang’s fabricated explanation to Xiao Guanpeng.
Xiao Guanpeng responded, “It’s possible for patients who’ve just woken from a coma to experience fragmented memory or disoriented thinking. Pi Xinhong might be in such a state. How did you respond to her?”
Lin Fang sighed, shaking her head. “How could someone so young end up like this? Pi Xinhong is only a year older than me—will she stay this way forever? I comforted her, telling her to rest well, follow the doctors’ orders, and not move around too much. I promised to bring her good food tonight.”
Xiao Guanpeng said, “It’s hard to say. She might recover with time. By the way, I’m on duty tonight. If you’re bringing food for Pi Xinhong, could you bring me something tasty too? I love the dishes from Caixing Food.”
“Sure. I’ll head back now. The school is quite far from the hospital, so I need to prepare early.” Lin Fang felt resigned—she’d have to keep up this charade with Xiao Guanpeng until Pi Xinhong was discharged.
As she neared the corridor exit, she heard Xiao Guanpeng’s voice behind her: “Hey, she’s gone. No need to keep up the act.”
Another voice replied, “I disguised myself to avoid being recognized by suspects, not to hide from Lin Fang.” It was Qin Yi, the expressionless “unfamiliar doctor.” Lin Fang had sensed his presence earlier but hadn’t realized he was in disguise—though his reasoning made sense.
Lin Fang had gone straight to the inpatient ward without passing through the outpatient department. Now, eager to find Lin Guicheng, she took the shorter route through the outpatient hall—where she spotted him sitting on a bench, accompanied by Chen Siyuan.
Since staying at Guo Hongping’s home, Lin Guicheng had spent every lucid moment at the provincial hospital, waiting in the outpatient hall—not for treatment, but in hopes of encountering his daughter. The old monk had only told him to wait, offering no further details. The aimless vigil weighed on him, but he clung to the belief that staying close to the hospital would strengthen his connection to Lin Yuan’s lingering energy.
“It’s getting dark.”
“Let’s stay a little longer.”
Day after day, Sun Siyuan and Lin Guicheng repeated this exchange. Sun Siyuan never questioned Lin Guicheng’s purpose, silently supporting him until exhaustion forced Lin Guicheng to sleep, at which point Sun Siyuan would carry him home.
“Uncle Cheng, are you feeling unwell?” Lin Fang’s first thought upon seeing him.
“Uncle Cheng, what’s wrong?” The chubby man was startled by Lin Guicheng’s appearance.
Lin Guicheng shook his head. “I’m fine.”
“Are you waiting for someone here?” Lin Fang had a hunch.
“Yes, but I can’t explain yet. When the time is right, I’ll tell you.” Lin Guicheng didn’t hide his purpose.
Lin Fang helped him up. “I need to talk to you privately. Let’s go back.”
“I’ll carry him.” Chen Siyuan hoisted Lin Guicheng onto his back, leading the way as Lin Fang and the chubby man followed, heading to Guo Hongping’s home.
There, Lin Fang sent the chubby man to buy groceries, while Lin Guicheng found an errand to send Sun Siyuan away.
“Uncle Cheng, are you waiting for Yuan’er?” Lin Fang cut straight to the point.
“How did you know?” Lin Guicheng was surprised.
“By chance, I met her host today.” She then recounted the hospital events.
“Fang’er, you say Yuan’er is inside Pi Xinhong? How does she seem?” Lin Guicheng’s voice trembled with hope and worry.
“She’s well, though she seems childlike and timid—perhaps the sudden change unsettled her.” Lin Fang frowned.
“After years wandering with me, she’s no longer as reckless as in Lin Village. Her caution might explain her behavior.” Lin Guicheng couldn’t admit the truth: that without Pi Xinhong’s vitality, Lin Yuan’s meager energy would’ve left her mentally impaired. He steered the conversation toward seeing her.
Lin Fang shook her head. “Not yet. Pi Xinhong is under police surveillance. We need a plausible reason. I’ve arranged to bring her dinner tonight—I’ll see if I can take you then.”
“Good. I’ll cook the meal myself.” Lin Guicheng nodded eagerly, his spirits lifting.
Lin Fang continued, “The night I sent Hongping to find you, Pi Xinhong suddenly deteriorated. I suspect foul play. I’ve warned Yuan’er not to eat hospital food—I’ll deliver her meals. I checked her pulse too; she’s weak. But my skills are limited. When you see her, assess her properly so we can restore her health.”
Lin Guicheng had already considered this. Once Chen Siyuan returned, he sent him to arrange discreet protection for Pi Xinhong.
When the chubby man returned with groceries, Lin Fang left him with Lin Guicheng and went shopping for Lin Yuan’s preferred necessities.
Delivering dinner that evening, Lin Fang heightened her senses, detecting something unusual near Lin Yuan’s room.
To Xiao Guanpeng, she apologized, “I didn’t go to Caixing—just made simple congee, mini buns, and seaweed salad at Hongping’s. It’s light but suitable for Pi Xinhong. I brought extra, but you might want to order takeout if it’s too plain.”
Xiao Guanpeng, disappointed after his anticipation, said nothing and let Lin Fang proceed.
The seaweed—rich in fiber and minerals—was chosen for its healing properties. The meal, tailored to Lin Yuan’s tastes, had been prepared by Lin Guicheng.
“Yuan’er, my school is far. Would you mind if someone else brought your meals?” Lin Fang whispered while feeding her.
“Does Sixth Sister find me a burden?” Lin Yuan, fearful of abandonment, clung to Lin Fang—her only anchor here.
“Of course not! A friend who lives nearby made this food. Isn’t it delicious?”
Lin Yuan nodded. “Yes, like Father’s cooking.”
*Foolish child, it* is *his cooking—just with different ingredients.*
When Xiao Guanpeng entered, Lin Yuan fell silent. Seizing the moment, Lin Fang proposed the meal delivery arrangement. After consulting Qin Yi, Xiao Guanpeng agreed.
That night, Lin Fang stayed with Pi Xinhong.
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