Chapter 8, when the sky darkens to a certain extent, the stars will shine brightly

"I like you; it is a life filled with emotions, but I need to live in a life of reason." Qiu Zhuoping turned and walked towards another corridor, "By the way, Liu Jiaran and I plan to get married next week. If you want to come, you are welcome to join us"

"Zhuo Ping." Xu Lian Shu knocked on the door and walked in, followed closely by Chen Yi Ying

From that day on, Qiu Zhuoping became cautious and anxious about gains and losses. He sold the villa and moved in with his father. He began to learn how to cook in order to take better care of his father

Uncle Qiu, could you tell me about two years ago...

Uncle Qiu, how have you been lately? I heard that you were ill, so I specially took the time to come and see you.

Thus, Qiu Zhuoping always pretends to be indifferent in front of her, is it for self-protection

The voice of the nurse on the phone lingered in my ears: "May I ask if this is Mr. Qiu Zhuoping? Your father is currently in the emergency room..."

Father Qiu nodded and returned to the ward to rest with them

Chen Yiying entered the city center hospital carrying fruit. After inquiring with the nurse at the front desk, she walked towards Mr. Qiu's ward with Xu Shushu. When they entered the ward, Qiu Zhuoping was feeding his father porridge, while Mr. Qiu was mumbling incoherently.

Chen Yiying rubbed her forehead, but when she looked up, she saw Qiu Zhuoping with blood all over his mouth

Dad, mother is no longer here, have you forgotten?

"Uncle Qiu, are you awake?" Yi Ying asked with some surprise

During this period, the hospital and nurses came to give Mr. Qiu a physical examination. Mr. Qiu's health was generally fine, and he could be discharged at any time. However, the doctor suggested that it would be best for Mr. Qiu to stay in a nursing home under such circumstances, as Qiu Zhuoping could not be with his father all the time, and the nursing home would provide professional care. Qiu Zhuoping was somewhat resistant, but Mr. Qiu happily agreed, stating that he also wanted to meet more friends of a similar age to chat about life.

I no longer hold any resentment towards you, and you need not blame yourself any further. I know that you have always been helping us, and I am aware of your kindness towards me. I will remember what I have said." Qiu Zhuoping slowly spoke as he watched Yiying and his father walk away

Two years ago, my father's company encountered financial problems, which caused him great stress and led to a heart attack that landed him in the hospital. This happened right after the interschool friendship competition had concluded. I stayed by my father's side, watching over the company he had worked so hard to build. I did not want to be a burden to you, so I chose to leave. " Qiu Zhuoping spoke slowly, yet he did not elaborate on the specific reasons for his departure, as it was the topic he was least willing to discuss.

Qiu Zhuoping slightly bent down to pick the flower, then stood up and tucked the fresh flower into Chen Yiying's hair by her ear

Due to her height, she did not crash into Qiu Zhuoping's embrace, but instead bumped her head against Qiu Zhuoping's front teeth. Qiu Zhuoping covered his mouth and staggered back a few steps, as if he had been struck by a shot put, and soon his upper lip began to bleed

After Chen Yiying fed Qiu's father the congee, he soon fell asleep. Qiu Zhuoping covered his father with a blanket and took Chen Yiying out of the ward.

Alright, since my brother Zhuoping is a man of his word, could you promise me for next week...

This was his first hesitation regarding his own decision, and his hesitation was soon brought to an end by a phone call from the hospital, prompting him to hurriedly make his way to the hospital

Liu Jiaran's words touched Qiu's father, whose expression seemed quite complex, and Yiying seemed to see him trembling

Upon learning of Mr. Qiu's hospitalization, Xu Shushu called upon the on-leave Chen Yiying, hoping to use this opportunity to mend their relationship.

But when she truly stood before him, she uttered an inspirational quote: "The sky darkens to a certain extent, and the stars will shine brightly."

Liu Jiaran, this is the hospital, we can discuss any matters separately later. Qiu Zhuoping furrowed his brow slightly, hoping that Liu Jiaran could also remain calm while maintaining his own composure.

The two individuals stopped in the deserted corridor, and Qiu Zhuoping made a request for Yiying to temporarily take care of his father

That day was also the most complex day of emotions he had ever experienced in his life. Numerous memories of his father and mother surged into his mind, with his mother's vague smile and his father's increasingly weathered face alternating in his thoughts. He feared that his mother would take his father away prematurely, terrified of losing the last family member he had. He stood outside the emergency room for a full twenty-four hours, waiting for the red light to turn green. When his father was pushed out of the emergency room, his eyes were deeply sunken, as if he hadn't slept for several nights. The nurses and doctors on duty looked at him with pity. He stood outside the emergency room for a full twenty-four hours, waiting for the red light to turn green. When his father was pushed out of the emergency room, his eyes were deeply sunken, as if he hadn't slept for several nights. The nurses and doctors on duty looked at him with pity.

When Zhuoping was twelve years old, Yueju was hospitalized for acute meningitis. At that time, he and Jiaran were participating in a large badminton competition at school. Father Qiu suddenly recalled clearly the events from over a decade ago, "Yueju had been on the hospital bed twice; once was during the difficult birth of Qiu Zhuoping, and the other was for the surgery for meningitis. The first time, she opened her eyes and smiled at me. But the second time, she was unable to get up from the hospital bed again"

I have experienced despair twice. The first time was when my mother passed away; the second time was when my father remained in the emergency room without coming out. I was separated from them by just a door, and behind that door, I did not know whether it was heaven or hell, which filled me with an inexplicable fear and helplessness

"Why is she not here anymore? She clearly sewed a button on my clothes for me yesterday," said Qiu's father as he searched for his clothes. "Where is my suit? The button on it was sewn by your mother yesterday"

When he was young, his father rarely returned home due to work commitments, only resting at home when he was seriously ill. His mother would make congee for him and prepare nutritious meals. At that time, Qiu Zhuoping often thought that it would be better if his father were frequently ill, as this would allow him to spend more time with him and his mother, and he could often see his mother's warm smile. However, later on, his mother left them first, and the bond between father and son lost its anchor. At that time, Qiu Zhuoping often thought that it would be better if his father were frequently ill, as this would allow him to spend more time with him and his mother, and he could often see his mother's warm smile. However, later on, his mother left them first, and the bond between father and son lost its anchor. Eventually, they began to live apart.

Ah, you are bleeding, let me help you wipe it. Yiying fumbled through the pockets of her clothes, only to realize that she was wearing a dress today and had no pockets to hold tissues

Liu Jiaran's gaze searched the yard, and after confirming the target, she walked straight over.

He was so cautious, yet he still found it difficult to avoid sitting in the hospital corridor again, enduring a long wait

Father Qiu smiled and continued, "When Yueju was nearing the end, I called Zhuoping and asked him to come quickly. However, Zhuoping was in a competition, and it was Jiaran who answered the phone. In order to ensure Zhuoping won that match, she did not inform him in time that Yueju was in the hospital. By the time Zhuoping returned home, Yueju was already in the morgue"

Then you need to get better quickly, and once you do, we will go home. Yiying blew on the porridge in the spoon and brought it to Mr. Qiu's mouth

Moon Chrysanthemum, I would like to go outside and bask in the sun, as we haven't enjoyed the sunlight for a long time

Father Qiu would tell her many stories about his past with Yueju. How they met, how they fell in love, and how they struggled together to this day. Father Qiu's memories seemed to regress to the time when Yueju was still alive; sometimes he would suddenly wake up from his afternoon nap, searching everywhere for Yiying. Later, Qiu Zhuoping and Yiying took turns staying by his side. When he was in good spirits, he would call Yiying by her name, but when he was confused, he would look at Yiying and ask Qiu Zhuoping to call her mother. Father Qiu's memories seemed to regress to the time when Yueju was still alive; sometimes he would suddenly wake up from his afternoon nap, searching everywhere for Yiying. Later, Qiu Zhuoping and Yiying took turns staying by his side. When he was in good spirits, he would call Yiying by her name, but when he was confused, he would look at Yiying and ask Qiu Zhuoping to call her mother

Qiu Zhuoping, why don't we start over? Just consider it as me pursuing you, be my boyfriend! The words of Qiu's father echoed in Yiying's mind, happiness must be fought for by oneself, one must muster the courage, and cannot always live in fear

Chen Yiying opened the curtains and saw a convertible sports car parked at the entrance of the apartment. Xu Shushu, in the driver's seat, waved at her with a phone in hand

"Qiu Zhuoping, I am now agreeing to date Zhong Jialiang, you can go live your ideal life!" Yi Ying shouted angrily at Qiu Zhuoping's back. What she did not expect was that Zhong Jialiang was standing just one meter behind her. After finishing her harsh words, she turned around and saw him, wishing there were a hole in the ground to hide in.

I know that you have always resented me because of your mother's situation. Qiu Zhuoping, the inevitability of life, aging, illness, and death cannot be avoided! Back then, I had no idea that that phone call would cause you to miss seeing your mother for the last time. I have always felt guilty about this, and I have been trying to help you. But why do you still despise me? Why do you only remember my faults and not my good deeds?

"Dad, you must be tired, right? Let's go back," Qiu Zhuoping's voice interrupted the conversation between Qiu's father and Yiying.

The doctor informed him that his father had suffered from an acute heart attack due to stimulation. Although his life was saved, he must avoid any stimulation in the future and manage his condition carefully, as an episode could occur at any time

Yiying stood by watching him bend over, using the water from the direct drinking machine to rinse his upper lip

His expression was dim, concealing an unknown sorrow. Yiying wanted to step forward and give him a hug, wanting to tell him that even if everyone else left him, she would still be by his side

Under such pressure, Qiu Zhuoping awkwardly corrected his address: "Mom, please feed Dad."

"The son is truly well-behaved." Yiying served the porridge and, as if petting a small dog, gently stroked Qiu Zhuoping's head, bursting into laughter.

Qiu Zhuoping, unable to oppose his father, had no choice but to go out to handle the formalities

Mr. Qiu looked at Chen Yiying with shining eyes, his lips breaking into a smile: "Yueju, you have come!"

"Zhuo Ping, how do you speak to your mother? You don't even use a proper form of address, do you?" Qiu's father immediately reprimanded Qiu Zhuo Ping for his impoliteness

Qiu Zhuoping paused for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. He shook the water off his hands and said lightly: "Zhong Jialiang treats you quite well; you might as well consider accepting him."

Let us go for a walk over there. Yiying hurriedly turned the direction of the wheelchair and pushed Father Qiu to another place filled with blooming flowers

Zhong Jialiang sat in the chair opposite the desk, locking eyes with Qiu Zhuoping. Liu Jiaran stood beside Zhong Jialiang, gazing at Qiu Zhuoping with the same expression.

After Qiu Zhuoping left, Zhong Jialiang also came to visit Qiu's father, holding a bouquet of flowers

"Who is joking? From today onwards, I am your girlfriend. I am hungry now, take me to eat something delicious." Yiying heard Qiu Zhuoping's footsteps stop not far away, deliberately raised her voice, and took the initiative to walk in front of Zhong Jialiang, as the two of them left the hospital one after the other

After Xu Shushu arrived at his residence and set down his luggage, he dialed Qiu Zhuoping's phone, but the other party did not answer. It was not until the next morning that he received a response when he called again

Yiying was completely baffled by the phrase "Moon Chrysanthemum"

It was his father's first time entering the hospital for a major surgery. That day happened to be the day the school's badminton friendly match concluded. He didn't even have the time to celebrate with Chen Yiying before he was called away by a phone call from the hospital

Yes, I heard it was a heart attack. Would you like to go visit him in the hospital together

Why is it that all the good things are taken by you! Clearly, I have put in so much effort, yet all I receive in return is the cold shoulder from Brother Zhuoping! It is unfair, this is simply unfair! Liu Jiaran slammed the car door shut, took off her sunglasses, and tossed them directly into the unlocked car. She walked in high heels, adjusting her curly hair, heading towards the direction indicated by the nurse.

"Will you choose to continue with this contract, or will you breach it?" Zhong Jialiang responded.

This warm scene made Qiu Zhuoping feel as if he could see his mother's figure; when his mother was still around, she also took care of his father in this way

Subsequently, Qiu Zhuoping bypassed her to clean the bloodstains from his lips at the drinking water dispenser

That was the first time he saw his father's pale hair and the colorless, haggard face up close. He moved closer to the bedside and stayed there, taking care of his father.

No wonder she was so resistant when she invited Qiu Zhuoping to join the badminton team before; it turns out it was because of such an experience

I will go over right now

You young people should engage in activities suited for your age. I am old and should also have some friends of my own age. I am not disabled, so there is no need for you both to take turns looking after me. Father Qiu chuckled foolishly, urging them to complete the discharge and admission procedures for the nursing home

The appearance of Chen Yiying reminded him of these warm moments, allowing his heart to once again bask in sunshine and love. Perhaps, Chen Yiying is his angel, using her radiance to melt the iceberg within his heart

Didn’t Yueju say she would buy me scallion pancakes? Why hasn’t she come back?

Qiu Zhuoping glanced at the contract, which recorded an unequal treaty signed two years ago for certain reasons, and he remained silent

I am willing to be your star, illuminating your path, so that even in confusion and darkness, you will not feel alone. This is the sentence she added in her heart

The driver is Liu Jiaran, who is wearing large-framed sunglasses, and her eyes behind the sunglasses are red with anger. Zhong Jialiang informs her that Qiu Zhuoping and Chen Yiying are both at the hospital, taking care of Qiu's father as if they were family.

Yiying stopped in her tracks, listening to Qiu Zhuoping's narration

In Qiu's father's eyes, there was a glow of happiness, as if he had returned to the days long ago spent with Yueju: "Yueju, it is truly wonderful to have you taking care of me. They all said you would not come back, they are all lying."

Qiu Zhuoping set down the bowl filled with porridge, stood up, walked over to Yiying, and said: "My dad has become a bit confused; Yueju is my mother"

Alright, I will have my son assist you

"You can come down now, my car is parked downstairs at your building," Xu Shushu said as he casually pressed the horn a few times.

Yiying turned around and looked at the person she once liked, standing desolately in the interplay of light and shadow

He stood in the corridor opposite the ward, looking through the glass window at the scene of Yiying feeding her father porridge. That scene was very heartwarming, a feeling of inner warmth that he had not experienced in a long time

"Zhuo Ping, look at that beautiful flower. Pick it for your mother to wear; it will surely look lovely on her," said Father Qiu, sitting in his wheelchair, pointing at the bright red flower among the bushes.

"Do you think I would be kind enough to take care of the father of someone who left me without a word?" Yiying scoffed, preparing to turn and leave

After a while, Zhong Jialiang moved a contract in front of Qiu Zhuoping and said: "This contract was signed by you two years ago. I believe you still remember the contents on it, right?"

"Are you really going to be my girlfriend?" Zhong Jialiang, with his hands in the pockets of his suit pants, playfully raised an eyebrow and shrugged, seemingly aware of Yiying's embarrassment. He then added, "Just kidding, no need to be nervous."

The well-greened yard is bathed in sunlight, with an area as large as a football field. The mottled shadows of the trees dance on the ground, resembling layers of waves stirred by the wind. The shadows of birds flying across the sky fall on the ground and on people as well. The staff in the yard are watering the flowers, grass, and trees, while many individuals dressed in hospital gowns are taking a stroll in the yard

Zhuo Ping felt very guilty, and Jia Ran also felt very guilty. Since then, whenever there was a slight disturbance in our family, Jia Ran would ask her parents to help us—to make amends for past mistakes. However, Zhuo Ping began to dislike Jia Ran from that moment on. Qiu's father took a deep breath, gazing at the elderly couple supporting each other in the distance. If Yue Ju were still alive, they would probably be like that now too

"Yes, I have arrived. Come, let me feed you some porridge." Yi Ying smiled shyly, sat on the chair by the bed, picked up the porridge, and continued to feed Father Qiu.

He placed the bouquet into the vase on the table, glanced at Qiu's father, and then looked at Yi Ying, playfully smiling as he said: "Every time I go to the company, I never see you there; I thought you had resigned. Later, I found out that Qiu Zhuoping had given you a half-month leave."

Chen Yiying ultimately agreed to let Qiu Zhuoping take care of his father. During the remaining week of her vacation, she went to the market with Qiu Zhuoping every day to buy some ingredients for stewing soup to cook for Qiu's father

Qiu Zhuoping, who was standing not far away, tightly clenched his fists and only after a long while did he relax them and continue walking forward

Qiu Zhuoping, you are truly heartless and ungrateful. How did I treat you when your family was in trouble? Now that you are doing well, you have turned your back on me, haven't you? Liu Jiaran stepped forward and pushed Qiu Zhuoping, wanting to vent all her grievances and dissatisfaction on him

"Zhuo Ping, if it weren't for me back then when the company faced such a significant financial loophole, would you be able to sit in your current position today? Yet you have repeatedly humiliated me for Chen Yiying, do you truly feel justified?" Liu Jiaran scoffed sarcastically as she looked at the signatures of the three of them on the contract, "Do you still remember the price to be paid for violating the initial agreement?"

Zhuo Ping likes you, I can see that. But the decision he made is beyond my authority to interfere. Yi Ying, happiness sometimes needs to be fought for by oneself, and sometimes it requires heartfelt perception. "Father Qiu sighed, "I am getting old, and many things have become clearer to me. Life is only a few decades long, and choosing the right person is very important. However, Zhuo Ping is still young, and some things may not be easy for him to let go of or understand.

The red flowers adorned with droplets of water appear even more vibrant under the sunlight, resembling the hairpin of a bride

After a drift and brake, a car came to a stop at the hospital entrance

Due to his poor health, Mr. Qiu was advised by the doctor to stay in the hospital for observation for a period of time. During this time, Chen Yiying would accompany him in conversation, feed him, and care for him as one would for a child. Mr. Qiu's favorite activity each day was sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed by her to the yard to bask in the sun

The air conditioning in the office is bone-chilling, and the atmosphere within the office is particularly grim.

"You all continue your conversation, I will go to the restroom for a moment." Yiying left the hospital room awkwardly and in a hurry, leaving Zhong Jialiang and Qiu's father behind. As she turned down the right corridor, she happened to bump into Qiu Zhuoping.

Yiying nodded with a smile and turned to shout towards the hallway: "Son, your dad is going out to bask in the sun, hurry over to help him."

Qiu Zhuoping! What is it that you are afraid to tell me? You clearly like me, yet you are so cowardly that you cannot even say the words "I like you." Now that I have taken a step back, you are putting on this kind of attitude. Are you really not planning to make up with me?

"Feed my dad, please." Qiu Zhuoping opened the insulated lunch box and handed the cooked porridge to Yi Ying.

Qiu Zhuoping's face flushed red as he turned and walked out of the hospital room, leaving his father and Chen Yiying behind

Xu Tanshu's unembellished response made Yiying feel even more anxious. Uncle Qiu had treated her to a meal and inquired about her well-being; she must go visit him in the hospital

Due to Chen Yiying's inability to cook, she mostly watched Qiu Zhuoping in the kitchen. Whenever she tried to help, she only ended up causing more trouble, and ultimately, she was prohibited by Qiu Zhuoping from entering the kitchen

Jiaran likes Zhuoping, I am aware of this and have observed it. However, matters of the heart cannot be forced or compromised. Zhuoping is accustomed to using indifference to conceal himself and does not understand how to express his emotions. Yet, I know that his heart is more fragile than anyone else's and he fears being hurt more than anyone else. He silently keeps those he cares about in his heart but does not express it.

"What? Uncle Qiu has been admitted to the hospital?" Yiying, who was comfortably lounging on the sofa while watching television and eating potato chips, suddenly sat up straight upon hearing the news of Uncle Qiu's hospitalization

Yiying smiled faintly. Since the evening party, she had not seen Zhong Jialiang. Although Zhong Jialiang had called and sent text messages to inquire about her, she had been too busy taking care of Father Qiu to respond. Now that she thought about it, she felt a twinge of guilt.

When Qiu Zhuoping arrived at the hospital, the red light in the emergency room was continuously illuminated. He was anxious and restless, yet could only force himself to remain calm as he sat on a chair in the corridor waiting. This kind of waiting reminded him of the situation two years ago