Ye Wan returned to her room. Lin Zehan's call came through, his first words an apology.
"Ye Wan, I'm truly sorry. I apologize on behalf of my parents."
"No need." Ye Wan understood Lin Zehan's stance, but she couldn't accept apologies on behalf of others. She couldn't forgive those who had disregarded her brother's life.
"This weekend is your birthday. I've personally designed a party for you. Would you be willing to attend?" Lin Zehan knew Ye Wan would likely refuse, especially after the recent unpleasant events.
"Yes, I'd like the party to be held at the Lin family's residence." Ye Wan agreed readily.
Lin Zehan was taken aback, thinking he'd misheard. "What did you just say?"
"I will attend my birthday party, and I hope it can be held at the Lin family's for this birthday of mine," Ye Wan repeated.
"Okay, okay, no problem. I'll tell Mom this good news right away. She'll be so happy," Lin Zehan said excitedly.
"I'm tired and want to rest early. Goodbye." Ye Wan hung up the phone.
...
Ye Wan communicated with her brother's attending physician again, confirming that his physical examination was all normal and the surgery could proceed as scheduled. Preparations were underway on their end.
The surgery could finally commence, but she didn't have the surgical fees. The one million she'd gathered earlier had all been returned to Fu Huaishen. Now, with the surgery imminent, earning the money was impossible. She could only borrow it.
Her brother's illness couldn't be delayed. All her hard work these past few years was for her brother's recovery. As long as she could save her brother, she'd do anything.
But borrowing money from whom was the problem. Ye Wan leaned against the headboard, lost in thought, names flashing through her mind, only to be dismissed. She had grown accustomed to relying on herself for everything and truly didn't want to trouble others.
When Gu Yunting entered, he saw her staring blankly at the headboard and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing," Ye Wan replied, getting up to go to the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, she sighed in relief. She unbound her hair, brushed it, used the toilet, and then prepared for bed.
Gu Yunting had already occupied one side of the bed. She had no choice but to lie down on the other. Gu Yunting reached out and turned off the light, then pulled her into his embrace. He lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead, her scent filling his senses, making him feel exceptionally at ease.
"Don't you have anything to explain to me?" Gu Yunting asked, holding her tighter.
Ye Wan knew he was asking about her brother. Considering how long she might have to stay at the Gu residence, and not wanting their relationship to deteriorate, she decided to explain her brother's situation to him.
Gu Yunting had already thoroughly investigated everything about Ye Cheng. He just wanted to see if she would still hide anything from him. Seeing that her explanation today matched his findings exactly brought him some comfort.
"This is the last time. Don't hide anything from me again!" Gu Yunting grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up as he warned her.
"...Understood." Ye Wan didn't want to confront him right now, so she agreed.
"Starting tomorrow, wake up early to exercise with me," Gu Yunting said.
"Huh? My health is fine, I don't need to exercise." Ye Wan didn't want to exercise. She was already exhausted from school and her part-time job; she didn't need exercise.
What could a young master like him understand about the hardships of a person like her, living at the bottom? Her daily commute to her part-time job on the bus already depleted her energy.
"You can't even handle a single day of good health and faint?" Gu Yunting's hand moved to her waist, massaging her dimples.