Chapter 34: The Little White Cabbage of the 1980s
A month later, An Ran found it unbearable to stay bedridden. Aside from trips to the restroom—with assistance, of course—she wasn’t allowed to leave the bed. This level of care and attention was starting to stifle her.
An Ran longed to leave the hospital, to breathe fresh air, or at the very least, to take a few steps outside. However, Shen Yang and Aunt Li were unyielding in their vigilance, taking shifts to watch over her and stop any attempts at independence.
Aunt Li, the woman who had brought An Ran to the police station and continued bringing als, was a retired teacher living with her husband. Her two children were far away—one working abroad and the other in Beijing. With nothing to occupy her at ho, Aunt Li enthusiastically took on the task of caring for An Ran, finding a sense of purpose.
Shen Yang also kept a close watch, especially at night. His role as a police officer reassured everyone, so no one objected when he began staying overnight.
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Despite the care, An Ran couldn’t stay idle. Feeling slightly better, she decided to attempt a nightti escape, reasoning that no one would be around to stop her.
“Alright, if no one’s stopping , I’m going! 1… 2… 3… Nobody’s here. Haha, clever !”
An Ran whispered to herself as she cautiously moved towards the door. Every step was deliberate, mindful not to aggravate her injuries.
She was almost there, just about to reach the door handle, when it moved on its own. The door opened, and a nurse walked in.
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“An Ran! Why are you out of bed? You’re not supposed to move around. If your wounds reopen, it won’t be a joke!”
The nurse was stern, her tone laced with worry.
This particular nurse had been assigned by Shen Yang to keep an eye on An Ran. She was thrilled at the opportunity, viewing it as a chance to talk to the handso police officer under legitimate circumstances.
But seeing An Ran out of bed startled her. If anything happened to An Ran, she’d have to answer to Shen Yang. She quickly helped An Ran back to bed.
“You’ve got it wrong. I just wanted to use the restroom. Don’t overthink it. Hehe…”
An Ran’s awkward laughter did little to cover her embarrassnt. She couldn’t believe her luck—so close to freedom, yet foiled at the last mont.
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An Ran’s little escapade caused quite a stir. Doctors had predicted she wouldn’t be able to get out of bed for another month and a half. Yet, here she was, moving on her own after just two weeks.
When Shen Yang arrived at the hospital the next day, a group of nurses sward him, recounting An Ran’s nightti adventure. So exaggerated, claiming she was walking as if fully recovered.
While Shen Yang dismissed the exaggerations, he gleaned the essential fact—An Ran had managed to get out of bed. This both surprised and concerned him. He thanked the nurses and headed straight to the attending doctor’s office.
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“Dr. Jiang, are you there?”
Shen Yang knocked on the office door.
“Co in.”
Dr. Jiang, who was reviewing An Ran’s latest test results, invited him in.
“Dr. Jiang, I wanted to ask about An Ran’s condition. I heard from the nurses that she’s already able to move around.”
Shen Yang’s tone was urgent, reflecting his worry.
“Yes, Officer Shen. I just heard about it too, and I’ve been reviewing her reports. We even conducted another round of tests.”
“And? What’s the result? Is she fully recovered?”
Shen Yang’s question carried a mix of hope and apprehension.
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Dr. Jiang glanced at the report, his expression contemplative.
“Well, her recovery is certainly remarkable. But…”
The doctor paused, leaving Shen Yang in suspense.
When Shen Yang visited Dr. Jiang to inquire about An Ran’s condition, the doctor expressed his surprise at her rapid recovery.
“How can she recover so quickly? Her indicators are still poor, and there’s no sign of full recovery on the reports. I suspect it’s due to her remarkable resilience and willpower,” Dr. Jiang concluded after thoroughly reviewing her test results.
Shen Yang reflected on An Ran’s determined attitude—her ability to argue with him while enduring imnse pain. Feeling a pang of sympathy, he nodded in agreent.
“Thank you, Dr. Jiang. I’ll make sure she doesn’t move around until you say it’s safe,” Shen Yang assured him, his tone resolute.
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After being caught trying to sneak out of bed several tis, An Ran beca the talk of the hospital. Patients, staff, and visitors often joked about whether she would attempt another ‘prison break’.
When Dr. Jiang ca to check on her, he smiled and asked, “An Ran, how are you feeling today? Have you been behaving and staying in bed?”
An Ran put on her best innocent act, pulling her blanket up as if to emphasize her obedience. “I’ve been very good, Dr. Jiang. I haven’t thought about sneaking out at all.”
Despite her words, the doctor couldn’t suppress his laughter.
“Alright, let’s get your check-up done.”
As Dr. Jiang examined her, An Ran couldn’t help but blurt out, “Am I well enough to leave the hospital now?”
The doctor chuckled.
“You just said you weren’t thinking about leaving, and now you’ve revealed your true intentions!”
Realizing her slip, An Ran quickly tried to cover it up, her face turning red.
“No, no, I didn’t an that. Please check , Dr. Jiang.”
Dr. Jiang played along.
“Perhaps I misheard. Alright, let’s proceed.” After completing the check-up, he noted her impressive recovery and said, “You’re doing well. Just a few more days, and you can be discharged.”
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That afternoon, An Ran waited for Aunt Li to bring lunch as usual. However, when the door opened, it was Shen Yang who entered.
“Where’s Aunt Li? What’s for lunch today?” An Ran asked, expecting the familiar routine.
“Aunt Li couldn’t co today. It’s just ,” Shen Yang replied, a hint of mock annoyance in his tone.
“You took ti off again? You really don’t have to go through all this trouble for ,” An Ran said, feeling a mix of guilt and gratitude.
“It’s no trouble. And I have news for you—the beggar who attacked you has been found. We’re about to apprehend him,” Shen Yang announced.
“Really? That’s amazing! How did you find him?” An Ran asked eagerly.
“I’ll explain later. First, how about I take you out for a al?” Shen Yang suggested.
An Ran was skeptical.
“Take out? You’ve been forbidding to leave. Now you want to take out? Are you serious?”
Shen Yang smiled.
“Of course, I’m serious. I never lie.”
An Ran gave him a side-eye, recalling the white lie he told the hospital staff about her being his sister. While she appreciated the intention, it was still technically a lie.
Watching Shen Yang leave the room to make arrangents, An Ran didn’t say anything but thought to herself, Let’s see if he really ans it this ti.
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