Chapter 28 - Deeply In Love With You [Quick Transmigration]

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Chapter 28: Let's Give It A Try (2)

 

 

Not long after, Zong Que returned, stepping inside to see Lin Heng watching him intently. He walked closer and asked, "What do you need?"

 

"What did my dad say to you?" Lin Heng asked.

 

"Just talked about the surgery and hospitalization fees. He said he'd pay me back," Zong Que replied.

 

"You turned him down, didn't you?" Lin Heng smiled.

 

"Mm. But from now on, the hospital and medication fees will be covered by your dad."

 

Lin Heng looked at him. That ache in his heart mingled with a flutter of warmth, making him both uneasy and quietly hopeful. "Zong Que, I want some water."

 

Zong Que stood up, found a paper cup, opened a new bottle of water, and pressed the button to heat it.

 

Once it reached a suitable temperature, he filled the cup halfway and walked to the bed. Supporting Lin Heng's neck, he gently helped him sit up and handed him the cup. "Don't drink too much."

 

Lin Heng accepted the cup and tested the water with his lips. "I thought you might feed me."

 

"Your hands aren't hurt," Zong Que replied.

 

"But most people assume someone in a hospital can't take care of themselves." Lin Heng chuckled.

 

"Only the people who care about you would do that." Zong Que glanced toward the door, referring to Lin Heng's mother. "They were really worried while you were in the Operating Room."

 

"I know." Lin Heng finished the half cup of water. "But I don't regret it."

 

If he hadn't rushed in front of the car, Zong Que—who had been standing with his back to it—would likely have been seriously injured. Trading his leg for Zong Que's safety… it was worth it.

 

"You got lucky this time," Zong Que said. "What if it hadn't been a fracture? What if you'd lost your leg?"

 

Lin Heng opened his mouth but hesitated. "I…"

 

If it had come to amputation, he could still study and work—he believed that. But his parents would be heartbroken, and others would look at him differently. Even so, in that moment, he couldn't have just stood by and let Zong Que face danger.

 

"Even if it hadn't been you, I still would've helped." Lin Heng's voice was soft. "So you don't need to feel guilty. I chose this."

 

He was his parents' treasure—just like Zong Que was his grandmother's. Every life was precious. One leg in exchange for one life… that was a bargain he would make every time.

 

"Get some rest." Zong Que took the cup from his hand and gently helped him lie back down.

 

"Where are you going?" Lin Heng asked as he watched him walk away.

 

"To call home. I'll be staying at the hospital for a while," Zong Que replied, pulling out his phone.

 

"Don't tell Grandma I got hurt," Lin Heng reminded him.

 

"Mm. I'll just say there's something going on at school and I'm staying at your place." Zong Que opened the door and stepped out.

 

On the other end of the call, the old woman didn't suspect a thing. She just nagged a little more than usual. "As long as you're home safe. When will you be back?"

 

"In about a week. Things are a bit busy lately," Zong Que said.

 

"You said you'd bring Little Class Rep some buns, but you forgot again after dinner. I'll steam some more next time you come home," she grumbled affectionately.

 

"Alright. You rest early," Zong Que said, waiting until she hung up before heading to a nearby supermarket to pick up some basic supplies. Then he returned to the hospital.

 

He opened the ward door as quietly as possible. The boy lying on the bed didn't stir. When he got closer, he saw that Lin Heng had already fallen asleep.

 

His hair was still damp, and exhaustion clung to his face like a heavy veil. The corners of his eyes were faintly red—traces left behind by tears.

 

Zong Que sat beside the bed, draped a dry towel over Lin Heng's head, and began gently drying his hair. The ends of his hair brushed against his cheek, and Lin Heng turned his head slightly, as if trying to shift positions. But his injured leg was suspended, and he couldn't move. Even with his brows furrowed, he seemed trapped in a dream, unable to break free.

 

When the towel had done all it could, Zong Que turned on the hairdryer and used the gentlest heat to finish the job. Only when the strands were completely dry did he stop.

 

[You're a natural at this caregiver thing, Host.] 1314's voice chimed in as it observed the now fluffily dried hair. [Though honestly, his hair looks like a golden lion's mane now.]

 

Zong Que paused mid-motion with the hairdryer, then quietly tidied up Lin Heng's tousled locks. Only then did he turn off the lights and lie down on the companion bed nearby.

 

The night passed peacefully. Despite being in an unfamiliar bed, he slept well.

 

What woke Zong Que was the soft, restrained sound of breathing—pained, almost suppressed. He opened his eyes and turned toward the other bed. Lin Heng's brows were tightly furrowed, clearly struggling against the pain now that the anesthesia had worn off.

 

"Does it hurt a lot?" Zong Que asked.

 

"Mm," Lin Heng replied through clenched brows.

 

"I'll go get the doctor." Zong Que got up and left the room.

 

The doctor arrived quickly. After administering a painkiller injection, Lin Heng visibly relaxed. Meanwhile, Zong Que attentively listened to the doctor's instructions.

 

"Painkillers shouldn't be given unless necessary, and make sure he takes this medication after meals," the doctor said. "Also, even though it's not a serious injury, I recommend staying in bed for the entire week. Only after that can he get up—even just to use the restroom."

 

"Not even for the restroom?" Lin Heng couldn't help but ask.

 

"Right. If you want the wound to heal well, you'll have to behave. Family members need to be strict too," the doctor said.

 

"I understand," Zong Que nodded.

 

He went to get the medication and picked up some breakfast on the way back. But while the food sat neatly on the table, the boy in bed had his gaze fixed out the window.

 

"Eat first," Zong Que said.

 

"I'm not hungry." Lin Heng inhaled deeply.

 

A week of being bedridden meant every bodily need would have to be managed there. He had wanted to spend more time with Zong Que, but would this kind of closeness only drive him further away?

 

"What do you want to eat?" Zong Que asked. "Your mom said whatever you're craving, she'll have someone bring it—three meals a day."

 

"It's not about the food. I…" Lin Heng's voice faltered as he glanced at Zong Que, cheeks flushing, then turned back to the window. "Don't you really get it?"

 

"This is just something patients can't help. You don't need to feel ashamed," Zong Que said calmly.

 

"But…" Lin Heng's fingers tightened.

 

"You can also hire a caregiver. If this makes you uncomfortable, we can switch to someone else." Zong Que stood up as he spoke.

 

But just as he turned away, Lin Heng reached out and grabbed his hand. His cheeks were flushed red, the corners of his eyes stained with a bashful pink.

 

"No need."

 

A caregiver would be a stranger. Letting one clean and care for him would be even harder to accept.

 

His palm was slightly damp. Zong Que had only ever seen him bright and bold or gentle and soft. This vulnerable version of him felt rare and unfamiliar.

 

"If you need anything, just tell me."

 

"Mm." Lin Heng's face was still flushed as he lowered his voice the moment Zong Que sat back down. "I… need to go to the bathroom…"

 

His voice was barely audible. Without careful listening, it would've been missed entirely.

 

"Mm." Zong Que picked up the urinal, helped him sit up, and handed it over. "You can cover yourself with the blanket. I'll clean everything properly afterward."

 

Lin Heng's fingers trembled slightly. Blushing, he looked up at the man supporting him, whose eyes were turned politely aside without a trace of emotion.

 

"Don't talk right now."

 

"Mm," Zong Que replied, keeping his gaze on the door.

 

The room fell into quiet. Even beneath the blanket, some sounds were hard to conceal.

 

Lin Heng had hesitated, but when the tissues were quietly handed to him, he sighed in resignation and passed the urinal back.

 

Well, there went all his courage.

 

Zong Que laid him back down gently, took the urinal into the restroom, cleaned it thoroughly, and then washed his hands. He returned with a small basin and some hand soap.

 

Lin Heng resisted the urge to hide under the covers, washed his hands, wiped his face with a towel, then leaned back against the pillow to accept the breakfast.

 

No matter what, he still had to eat. But compared to usual, the way he picked at the food was no different from a chick pecking at grain.

 

"Doesn't taste good?" Zong Que asked.

 

"Don't ask," Lin Heng replied, casting him a look.

 

Zong Que changed the topic. "What do you want for lunch?"

 

"Nothing. Can I just get on IV fluids for the next few days?" Lin Heng asked hopefully.

 

"No," Zong Que shot him down without hesitation.

 

Lin Heng looked at him quietly. "I just didn't want you to be put off."

 

"I won't be," Zong Que said.

 

Sickness and aging—everyone would face them eventually. Being cared for was a part of that, and there was no shame in it.

 

Lin Heng let out a long breath and slid down in the bed, pulling the blanket up to his nose. "I want to sleep for a bit."

 

"Alright." Zong Que got up and sat on the companion bed, making no further sound.

 

Lin Heng kept his eyes closed, but sleep didn't come easily.

 

Love was a beautiful thing. Two people, supporting each other, growing old together—it meant caring for one another, standing by each other's side.

 

His parents were deeply in love, and his mother always loved to recount how his father had cared for her during pregnancy and childbirth—how he had understood her pain, cherished her, protected her.

 

It wasn't showing off. That was just how they were—loving and sincere.

 

Maybe because of that, he too longed for someone he could lean on. But perhaps… it wasn't just that. If he only wanted someone to look after him, money could solve that. What he craved was Zong Que's gentleness, his sincerity—or maybe, simply Zong Que himself. It wouldn't work with anyone else.

 

The hospital room was quiet. Lin Heng hadn't felt sleepy at first, but somehow, at some point, he drifted off.

 

He woke to the sound of someone calling him softly.

 

"Hengheng… Hengheng…"

 

He opened his eyes to see his mother, close by. "You're here?"

 

"I brought some things. And lunch." She gestured to the food container. "You've slept too much during the day, so you won't be able to sleep tonight. Eat a little something first."

 

"Mm. Where's Zong Que?" Lin Heng asked as she helped him sit up. The bed beside him was empty.

 

"He said he needed to grab some clothes and personal items," his mother said, spooning out some congee. "He's a thoughtful one. I mentioned having an auntie bring you some bone broth, and he actually told me it's not suitable this early after a fracture. Said you need to eat light for now."

 

"Thanks, Mom. I'll do it myself," Lin Heng said, taking the bowl from her. "Did you eat?"

 

"What I eat's not the same as what you can eat, so I won't tempt you. Once you're better, we'll go out for a proper feast—whatever you want." She smiled. "Has he been taking good care of you?"

 

Lin Heng paused, fighting the heat rising to his cheeks. "Yeah. He's… been good."

 

"The doctor said you can't get out of bed for a week. Are you sure you don't want a caregiver?" she asked.

 

"No need," Lin Heng replied, a little embarrassed.

 

"Alright. If you say no, then no it is." She smiled. "I've put your clothes and bedding in the cabinet. Ask Zong Que to help change them. I doubt you'd be comfortable with me doing it."

 

"Mm."

 

"I could've asked your dad to come, but I figured you wouldn't want him involved either." She chuckled. "So I didn't."

 

"Thanks, Mom," Lin Heng said helplessly.

 

His mother was busy, and after dropping things off, she soon left in a hurry. Not long after, Zong Que returned with a suitcase. As he opened the wardrobe, he saw it was already mostly full.

 

"My mom put my stuff on the right. Left side's empty," Lin Heng said, glancing away from the TV.

 

Zong Que unpacked his things and also took stock of Lin Heng's belongings. He pulled out a full set of fresh bedding. "Want to change it?"

 

"Mm."

 

Though it was April and not too cold, Zong Que moved with care. He took the duvet, fitted it with a clean cover, and didn't rush to put it back right away. Instead, he folded the bed sheet a few times, pulled back the old one halfway, and started laying down the fresh one.

 

"Do I need to move to the other bed?" Lin Heng asked, watching his actions.

 

"No need," Zong Que bent over to finish making this side of the bed, then gently helped Lin Heng turn slightly to the side. "Don't move just yet."

 

"Okay." Lin Heng looked at the man so close he could feel his breath, holding his own unconsciously.

 

Once this side was done, Zong Que moved around to the other, gently turned Lin Heng, pulled out the old sheet, and smoothed out the new one.

 

The entire set was changed without needing Lin Heng to move much at all.

 

Once the blanket was pulled up again, Lin Heng softly tugged at the hem of Zong Que's shirt. "Thank you… for being here."

 

"It's nothing," Zong Que replied, freeing himself from that hold. He folded the used linens neatly, put them in a bag, and took them out.

 

Lin Heng stared at his fingertips, then let out a quiet sigh.

 

Care work required knowledge, yet Zong Que hadn't made a single misstep.

 

Whether it was helping him change or washing his hair, he did everything with precision and care.

 

Lin Heng had expected this week to be messy, perhaps even humiliating, but it had turned out almost dignified. Even the nurses doing rounds had praised Zong Que for how attentive and thoughtful he was.

 

He was excellent—so very excellent. The only problem was… he didn't love him.

 

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