Chapter 139: The Kiss

The woman who entered was none other than Xu Shu.

Seeing it was her, I felt awkward but not panicked. Whether I smoked or not was my own business; Xu Shu could offer advice, but she had no right to interfere. Xu Xin, however, was startled. She hurriedly hid the pack of cigarettes and the lighter behind her back, offering a sheepish smile. "Sis, how come you... came here?"

Xu Shu turned her gaze to her younger sister, her voice sharp with agitation: "Xiao Xin! How can you be so thoughtless? Your brother Tang Qian must not touch tobacco or alcohol while he is recovering. Do you realize you are harming him?"

Xu Xin stammered in a panic, "I... I... uh, you guys talk, I’m going outside with Sister Tang Ying!" Without daring to look at her sister again, she rushed out of the room. Tang Ying then poked her head in, gave us a mysterious smile, and quietly pulled the door shut, leaving Xu Shu and me alone in the ward.

Xu Shu finally looked at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of reproach and helplessness. I watched her calmly, even taking a provocative drag from the cigarette in my mouth.

After a long silence, Xu Shu let out a low sigh and sat gently on the edge of my bed. She reached out, took the cigarette from my lips, silently flicked off the long ash, and then placed it back into my mouth. She tried her best to speak gently: "Tang Qian, take my advice. Finish this one, and don't smoke anymore, okay?"

I smiled and slowly shook my head.

There was a hint of resentment in Xu Shu's eyes. She sighed again and murmured, "If it were Jingjing here asking you to quit, would you... still refuse?" As I took another puff, she took the cigarette from my lips again, holding it between her fingers.

I exhaled a cloud of smoke slowly and said with a smile, "Jingjing would never force me to do something I don't want to do!"

Xu Shu lowered her head and whispered, "Is that so?" A moment later, she looked up at me, her gaze now resolute. "Tang Qian, it’s not that I’m forcing you, but your current physical condition doesn't allow you to smoke. For your own sake, and for Jingjing’s, you should cherish your health. You need to strive to get better as soon as possible, you know? I know it’s hard to quit, especially for a chain smoker like you, so as a friend, I will try my best to help you. I’ll buy you plenty of fruit and snacks to keep your mouth busy. If you feel bored, I can come keep you company every day, chat with you, tell you jokes, or even sing for you. For the sake of your health, I’m willing to do anything. As long as you promise me, will you quit smoking?"

After she finished speaking, she put the half-smoked cigarette back into my mouth. But this time, I didn't inhale. I had never realized before that the high-and-mighty superstar Xu Shu could have such a gentle side. Her words left me so moved that I couldn't speak. It was the first time I felt she was treating me with such care—a bond that went beyond mere friendship. Had I not already given my heart to Jingjing, I might have been unable to stop myself from saying, "Marry me! I’m willing to quit smoking for you!"

But thinking of Jingjing, my heart sank. I knew I shouldn't let my thoughts wander like this. Jingjing had shown me such deep devotion; how could I let my heart waver toward another woman? Yet, no matter what, Xu Shu had once been my dream, my greatest love. It was impossible for me to remain indifferent to her.

I smiled and said, "Xu Shu, thank you! But you are about to go to the United States to film a movie. This period is crucial for you. You have to familiarize yourself with the script, study English, and so on. This is the best opportunity for your career to take a major leap forward. Aren't you afraid of delaying it because of this? So, I appreciate your kindness, but I really don't want to drag you down because of me. Let me be!"

Seeing that I remained unmoved after all she had said, Xu Shu grew anxious. She suddenly grabbed my hand and insisted, "Filming a Hollywood movie is certainly important, but how can that compare to you? You are my... friend. You once risked your life to save me. If it’s for you, I am willing to... give it up!"

In that instant, I was utterly overwhelmed. Xu Shu! Why didn't you tell me these things sooner? Why are you stirring up these fantasies in my heart now? Don't you know how much I once suffered for you? Do you really want me to suffer for you again?

I suppressed my inner turmoil, masking my pain with a smile. "You win! I can't stand up to you—the smoking... I'll quit, okay?"

"Really?" Xu Shu was so happy she almost jumped up, a beautiful, flower-like smile blooming on her face. She first snatched the remaining cigarette butt from my lips, then laughed, "That’s wonderful! I... I’ll go buy you some food right now. What would you like to eat? I’ll buy it all for you!"

***

Seeing how happy she was, I gave a bitter smile. "Whatever! I don't really have any other preferences!"

Xu Shu stood up and said, "Then I'll go buy a whole bunch, and you can pick what you like!" With that, she walked to the door, looking happy. Suddenly, she stopped, turned back to look at me with sparkling eyes, her face showing an indescribable sense of impulse.

She hesitated for a long time, then suddenly turned back, knelt on my hospital bed. I didn't understand what she was doing and asked, "What's wrong?"

Xu Shu leaned over and whispered in a very soft voice, "Don't misunderstand. I don't want to ruin the relationship between you and Jingjing. I’m just so happy, I wanted to give you... a little encouragement!"

As soon as she finished speaking, her soft lips pressed against mine.

My mind exploded like a bomb! My thoughts went blank instantly, and I was so shocked that I even stopped breathing. Xu Shu only kissed me lightly before pulling away immediately. With a flushed face and a shy smile, she said, "It's a secret! Don't tell Jingjing! You have to work hard; I believe you will succeed!"

After saying that, she immediately got off the bed, opened the door, and called out, "You two, come with me to buy some things—both of you!"

I was left alone on the bed, dazed, my mind a complete mess for a long time...

More than half an hour later, Xu Shu and the others returned, carrying four or five plastic bags. I took a glance, not even knowing what hodgepodge of items they had bought. I looked up at Xu Shu and found she had returned to normal, smiling as she opened the bags one by one. My younger sister sat by the bed with a mischievous grin and said, "Big brother! What kind of magic potion did Sister Xu give you? A super chain-smoker like you is actually going to quit? My god! It’s incredible! It’s truly shocking! If the sun rises from the west tomorrow, I wouldn't even be surprised..."

I gave a wry smile. "Would it kill you to say one less word?"

Xu Xin also came over and said, "Exactly! Brother Tang Qian is already suffering enough, and you’re still being sarcastic. You really have no conscience!"

My sister replied, "I’m just expressing my surprise! Sigh! It seems no one can resist the charm of Sister Xu!"

Xu Shu walked over and playfully tapped Tang Ying, saying, "Stop the nonsense!" She then placed the bag in front of me and asked, "Tang Qian, come and see what you’d like to eat."

I noticed Xu Xin standing aside, looking at her sister with a complex expression, clearly preoccupied. I sighed and said, "Whatever, my cravings haven't kicked in right now, I don't need anything."

I didn't touch the snacks or fruit, but my sister started eating them without hesitation. Xu Xin picked up a bag of potato chips and nibbled on them half-heartedly. Xu Shu sat beside me, chatting away.

But my mind was elsewhere.

I really didn't understand what that kiss from Xu Shu meant. According to her, it was a kiss of gratitude and encouragement, devoid of romantic feelings. But surely she could have kissed my forehead! Kissing on the lips is something that would make anyone misunderstand! Although this wasn't our first kiss, this time was fundamentally different from the last. Didn't she realize this would cause me great distress? Did she think physical contact between a man and a woman's lips was just a casual thing?

Xu Shu! What exactly are you thinking? What are you trying to do? Why, just when I have accepted Jingjing, do you come to tempt me?

My head was pounding. At that moment, I missed Jingjing terribly. Jingjing! You aren't by my side, and I am in so much pain. I want to see you again! If only I could be with you, none of these troubles would exist!

Seeing me lost in thought, Xu Shu assumed I was having a craving and grabbed an apple, asking, "Is it starting to get hard? Should I peel a piece of fruit for you?"

I forced a smile. "No need! I promised you, so I won't smoke. But I’m tired and want to sleep. You all... should head back!"

Xu Shu paused for a moment, then said, "Oh... let me help you lie down."

With Xu Shu's help, I lay flat. She tucked the blanket in for me, waved at the two sisters, and quietly slipped out of the ward, turning off the lights on her way.

Lying in the hospital bed, I wasn't actually asleep, but my mind was in such a chaotic state that I didn't know what to think. As time passed, my eyelids grew heavy. My body was already weak, and my spirit was low, so I drifted off to sleep before I knew it.

That night, for the first time, I had a dream in the hospital. I dreamed of a dense forest where I was walking happily hand-in-hand with Jingjing. Looking around to see that no one was there, I pressed Jingjing against a towering tree, gazed at her with deep affection, and said, "Jingjing! I love you!"

Jingjing's face was filled with happiness and joy. She shyly whispered, "I... I do too!"

My heart surged with emotion. I leaned down and kissed her sweet lips. We closed our eyes, tasting each other's tongues, kissing deeply and selflessly...

After a long while, we parted. I opened my eyes and was shocked to discover that the person in my arms had turned into Xu Shu! Her face was flushed, and she whispered to me with infinite shyness, "It's a secret! Don't tell Jingjing!"

I was startled and woke up with a jolt!

Opening my eyes, I was still in the hospital room. It was pitch black, and vaguely, I saw a long-haired woman sleeping soundly beside the bed.

I reached out, wanting to push aside her disheveled hair to see who it was, only to suddenly realize that I could move my own hand. A wave of joy washed over me as I held my bandage-wrapped hand in front of me. I thought to myself: at last, I no longer need someone to feed me.