0106: Bai Xiaoxiao and Ji Yun

The two of them arrived outside the hospital room. The door was open; this large ward was not a private room but had three beds, with people coming and going frequently, so it was usually left open.

They walked in, and Xu Lin immediately spotted Bai’s father lying there. Sitting beside him was someone—not Bai’s mother, but Bai Xiaoxiao.

Bai Xiaoxiao had her back to them, but Bai’s father saw them and immediately tapped her.

“Xu Lin, if you’re coming, just come—why bring stuff?” Bai’s father called out loudly, pretending to scold.

“It’s nothing valuable, just some meat and milk. Meat and ribs—you can cook them at home and bring some for you to eat, uncle.”

“Alright, alright. Xiaoxiao, take it and don’t just hold it all the time!”

Bai Xiaoxiao took the items, glancing awkwardly at Xu Lin before accepting them.

Xu Lin smiled casually. As soon as he entered, he noticed that by the other two beds were large bags of gifts brought by visitors.

Though Bai’s father didn’t seem like the type to care about appearances, as an adult, some pride was unavoidable.

After Bai Xiaoxiao accepted the items, she noticed Ji Yun behind him. Ji Yun gave her a slight nod and smile, and Bai Xiaoxiao hurriedly nodded back, a little uneasy.

Such a beautiful girl, with better skin and stylish clothes—was she Xu Lin’s sister? Or... his girlfriend?

“By the way, who is this?” Bai’s father asked. Although Xu Lin was teased by his coworkers as a son-in-law, Bai’s father himself felt it was too soon for his daughter to be dating.

Seeing Xu Lin bring along a girl his age today was somewhat a relief. If they helped, he could remember the kindness, but he truly couldn't bear the thought of his daughter being out there.

“She’s my friend, Ji Yun.”

“Hello, uncle.”

“Well, you both sit down quickly. Xiaoxiao, you stand for a bit.”

“We’re fine standing.”

“How can you let your benefactor stand?” Bai’s father waved his hand, and Bai Xiaoxiao obediently brought two stools behind them.

Xu Lin and Ji Yun sat down, watching Bai’s father, whose legs were suspended but whose face still bore a smile. They could feel the resilience of this gaunt man.

“How’s your recovery coming along, uncle?”

“Nothing much. It was painful at first, but after the surgery, it’s been fine. Except I can’t move around yet. Just half a month more, then I’ll be discharged.”

“That’s good. When you’re discharged, I’ll arrange a car to take you home.”

“No, no. You already took care of the mother and daughter that day and even covered their medical expenses. I can’t trouble you anymore!” Bai’s father said quickly, his face serious, giving no room for argument.

“Don’t buy things next time. I asked Xiaoxiao, your family isn’t wealthy. When I’m better, I’ll try to pay you back next year. I can’t let this money drag on.”

“Uncle, don’t mention it. It’s not much. No rush, no rush.”

“I’ve only got one daughter in my life, but I didn’t raise her with luxury. I really feel guilty,” Bai’s father sighed as he glanced at his daughter.

“Dad, I’m not worried about food or clothes.”

“But... huh... oh, I need to use the bathroom. Your mom forgot to change my diaper when she left today.”

Bai’s father awkwardly waved his hand, about to press the nurse call button.

Xu Lin hurriedly steadied him. “Don’t move yet. Do you need to pee or poop?”

“Pee. I can manage myself.”

“Don’t strain your back. I’ll help you. Senior Bai, Ji Yun, please step outside and pull the curtain.”

“Xu Lin, are you sure? I can do it.”

“You’re a girl, hurry out.”

“Don’t. I’ll call the caregiver!” Bai’s father felt touched but also a bit embarrassed since Xu Lin wasn’t someone he knew well.

Yet, for someone like Xu Lin, who didn’t mind the mess and treated him kindly, he was deeply moved.

Many can give money or material help, but personal care is rare—let alone this kind of care.

Suddenly, he felt it wouldn’t be bad if this kid became his son-in-law—kindhearted, good-looking, well-educated family, and surely with good parents.

Xiaoxiao wouldn’t be bullied either. He even heard her grades were quite good. It was just...

No, wait! Just now, he was thinking that no matter the kindness, he had to repay it with his old bones. And now he found himself admiring this kid even more... sigh!

Xu Lin helped inside while Bai Xiaoxiao pulled the curtain around the bed, then led Ji Yun outside.

But the space between them felt frozen, neither wanting to speak first. After half a minute of silence, Ji Yun finally broke the quiet.

“Um, Senior Bai.”

“Huh?! Ji Yun, do you have... something to say?”

“You can just call me Ji Yun. By the way, Senior Bai, your exam scores were good this time?”

“Yes, but I still need to work hard.”

“Mm.”

Then the awkwardness returned. Ji Yun glanced sideways at Bai Xiaoxiao—tall and thin, with a delicate face.

But would Xu Lin like this type of girl? If not, why was he so concerned?

Though she didn’t doubt Xu Lin’s kindness, as she said herself, no one is completely kind without some purpose.

“Senior Bai, how do you know Xu Lin?”

“Ji Yun, we really have no relationship!” Bai Xiaoxiao immediately took a step back.

“What are you talking about?” Ji Yun gave a puzzled look.

“Xu Lin is kind, but we’re just ordinary classmates! Don’t blame him. If you ever want to talk, just tell me, and I’ll keep my distance from him!”

In just two seconds, Bai Xiaoxiao fired off this rapid speech like a machine gun, leaving Ji Yun stunned.

Her expression shifted from timid to frightened and pitiful—this wasn’t acting but an instinctive aura, making Ji Yun feel a pang of sympathy.

She understood more now: Bai Xiaoxiao, Senior Bai, was not simply introverted but fragile and insecure.

“Senior Bai, don’t be nervous. I haven’t misunderstood you two. I just wanted to know how you and Xu Lin know each other—nothing else.”

“Really?”

“Really. You don’t have to be afraid, Senior Bai. Is someone bullying you?”

Ji Yun reached out and held Bai Xiaoxiao’s hand. The first thing she noticed was how rough and cold it felt.

“Why do you and Xu Lin both think that... no one is bullying me,” Bai Xiaoxiao murmured, rubbing her other hand, which was equally rough.

But the hand holding hers was soft and delicate, like silk... Indeed, only such a girl could be...

“Senior Bai, you’re very beautiful.”

“Hm?” Bai Xiaoxiao buried her head in her chest, quietly looking at Ji Yun, who smiled gently and took her other hand.

“You’re beautiful. Don’t hang your head. Why lower your gaze? You’re more beautiful than many others. Don’t be afraid or insecure.”

“Mom said showing your beauty... is dangerous.”

“Maybe she’s right, but you need to know one thing: you have to be confident! You don’t have to flaunt your beauty for others, but you must know you’re excellent!”

“I... but I...”

Bai Xiaoxiao raised her head slightly, looking into Ji Yun’s sparkling eyes, wanting to say something but unable to find the words.

“Looks like I have to show you how good your foundation really is. It won’t cost much—just a little effort. Trust me once.”

“But I really don’t need it.”

“Just listen to me once, okay?”

Seeing Ji Yun’s bright eyes, Bai Xiaoxiao finally gave in, nodding helplessly.