Chapter 36: Little Cabbage of the 80s
Today, An Ran was feeling quite excited. She was finally allowed to get out of bed and move around freely.
This progress was all thanks to the ticulous care of Grandma Li and Shen Yang. Without them, how could she have recovered so quickly?
An Ran thought with gratitude in her heart. Without Grandma Li and Shen Yang taking such good care of her every day, it would have been impossible for her to recover so fast. Or worse, she might have been kicked out of the hospital for not being able to afford the dical bills.
And then there were the doctors and nurses in the hospital—without their dedicated care and their efforts to stop her from sneaking out, how could she have healed so thoroughly?
After expressing her gratitude inwardly, An Ran decided it was ti to go outside. It was about ti she ventured out on her own.
Actually, ever since she had access to a wheelchair, An Ran could have gone outside, but people tend to take things for granted once they’re within reach. Instead of cherishing it, she’d set her sights on the next goal: going out on her own.
Now that she’d achieved it, she wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. Who knows? Once discharged, she might never get the chance to co back.
“An Ran, where are you off to? Just able to walk and already heading out?”
A fellow patient greeted her warmly as he saw her pushing the door open. He’d been staying in the room next to An Ran’s for a while. Every day, he could hear An Ran bantering with Shen Yang or acting coy and playful with Grandma Li.
Over ti, he’d grown curious about what An Ran looked like, but since her injuries were severe and she couldn’t leave her room, he hadn’t had the chance to et her properly.
Today, he’d heard her laughing loudly early in the morning and confirming several tis with Dr. Jiang whether she was truly allowed to move around freely. Her voice was filled with excitent and joy.
Hearing that had made him happy too. He knew An Ran would definitely co out today. Her previous jailbreak attempts had made her sothing of a legend in the ward.
He didn’t even have to guess—An Ran would surely head out. So, he’d waited by the door early, and when he heard her room door open, he quickly opened his own, pretending to bump into her by chance.
“Hehe, yes. Dr. Jiang told today that I’m allowed to move around freely,” An Ran replied a bit sheepishly. But why was she feeling guilty? She’d gotten official permission to go out—she should be confident! Why was she being timid?
It must be because of her antics from before, she thought angrily.
“I heard about that. Where are you headed? I’d like to go for a walk too. Mind if I join you?”
The fellow patient found her slightly annoyed expression quite endearing and quickly invited her to explore the hospital together.
“Sure, let’s go together. I’m An Ran. How should I address you?”
Finding his suggestion agreeable, An Ran imdiately accepted. She then realized she didn’t know his na and promptly asked.
“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. Hello, I’m Xue Ming,” he said with a gentle look in his eyes.
“Xue Ming—what a nice na!”
An Ran gazed at him, montarily srized by his gentle deanor. His warmth, his face, his physique, and that smile—it all reminded her of a prince.
“Thank you, An Ran, for the complint. So, where should we start?”
Seeing An Ran’s dazed expression amused Xue Ming. He’d encountered plenty of people who were smitten by his looks, but soone this openly and unabashedly obvious was a first. He didn’t dislike it, though—in fact, it made him a bit proud, though he wasn’t sure why.
“Uh… I’m not sure where to go. I just wanted to get so fresh air,” An Ran stamred, snapping out of her daze.
She scolded herself inwardly for being so blatant. He’s handso, but she should show so restraint! At least Xue Ming didn’t seem bothered.
“I’m familiar with this place. If you don’t mind, I can show you around,” Xue Ming offered.
“That would be great. I’ll follow your lead, Brother Xue,” An Ran said and agreed readily.
She hadn’t really taken note of the hospital layout herself since Shen Yang was always the one pushing her wheelchair.
“Then, Ranran, follow . Let’s start with the hospital garden,” Xue Ming said naturally.
“Ranran… uh, Brother Xue, isn’t that a bit too familiar for soone you just t?” An Ran asked, feeling shy.
“Is it too familiar? I thought you calling ‘Brother Xue’ ant we were already friends,” Xue Ming replied, pausing and looking at her with a hurt expression.
“Of course, we’re friends! You can call whatever you want. As long as it makes you happy, that’s what matters,” An Ran said hastily, unable to bear his disappointed look. Her words ca out without much thought, as she just wanted to ease his mood.
“Ranran, it’s touching that you value so much as a friend. I’m very happy. Let’s go explore,” Xue Ming said, his expression softening with a smile.
“Of course! I, An Ran, treat my friends like family. You won’t regret it,” An Ran said confidently, feeling a bit carried away. But who wouldn’t? Being complinted by a charming guy was hard to resist.
“Mm, I can already feel it. Being friends with you is delightful,” Xue Ming replied with another warm smile.
An Ran smiled back, slightly lost in his gentle expression but more composed this ti. As they walked, An Ran’s thoughts wandered to the mission she’d been assigned.
Ever since she was hospitalized, her system, 225, had gone completely silent. No matter how many tis she called for it, there was no response. Did sothing happen to it?
Unaware of her thoughts, Xue Ming kept an eye on her, gently guiding her to avoid bumping into anything. When they passed other patients and nurses, Xue Ming greeted them politely, even signaling them to stay quiet to avoid disturbing An Ran’s train of thought.
Many who wanted to greet An Ran refrained upon seeing Xue Ming’s gestures, letting the pair continue their stroll in peace.
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