The man’s movements were strong and succinct as he pulled Xia Chuyi’s entire body into his embrace.
The scent of male hormones, laden with a warm body temperature, enveloped her completely.
"Huo... Shiqian?" buried in his arms, she asked softly, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"It’s me." He held her tightly in his arms, freeing one hand to stroke her head.
Just two words, and Xia Chuyi’s flood of emotions seemed finally to find a vent.
She clung to the clothes on his chest, burying herself in his embrace, as tears poured forth.
"Huo Shiqian!" She managed only to call out his name before she found herself unable to speak further.
"I’m here, I’m here," he gently consoled her, patting her back, his eyes filled with pity.
As he became gentler, her tears flowed more fiercely.
"Xiao Gui, he... Xiao Gui, he..." she sobbed, unable to finish her sentence.
"I know, don’t worry, I’m here." Huo Shiqian’s big hand continuously stroked her head as he solemnly promised with a grave expression.
"Huo Shiqian..." Xia Chuyi lay in his arms, her shoulders shaking constantly, soaking Huo Shiqian’s chest with tears very quickly.
Huo Shiqian didn’t try to silence her cries; he simply let her cry.
After a long while, Xia Chuyi grew tired from her sorrow, seeming to come back to herself.
With eyes swollen as big as walnuts, she pulled back from his chest and said softly, "I’m sorry."
"It’s okay," he replied, looking calm and natural.
Xia Chuyi’s nose suddenly felt sore.
As her emotions calmed and she became more peaceful, he spoke, "I’m aware of your cousin’s situation and have arranged for a neurosurgery expert to come to Ling County to treat your cousin. With him involved, your cousin’s surgery will surely go well."
His words made her pause, then she asked in surprise, "Really?"
With Huo Shiqian arranging it, the doctor must be excellent! There might still be a glimmer of hope for her cousin!
Huo Shiqian touched her forehead and said, "I will never deceive you."
His tone was gentle but carried a very solid promise.
She paused, recalling her countless secrets... She needed Huo Shiqian to get a doctor for her cousin, but she didn’t want to lie, so she hesitated before saying, "I... will try not to deceive you."
Huo Shiqian raised an eyebrow but didn’t press her, saying, "Let’s go back and check on your cousin."
Xia Chuyi, also concerned for her cousin, nodded and followed him, saying, "Yes, let’s hurry and see how Xiao Gui is doing."
With that, he took her hand and they quickly walked towards the hospital.
Not far behind them, Xiao Wang said to Xia Chengzong standing beside him, "See? Saw the relationship between your sister and our captain?"
Xia Chengzong wore an expression as if he’d been struck by lightning.
"Come on, let’s go to the hospital too," Xiao Wang gave him a pat.
The group had just returned to the county hospital when they heard Uncle Xia deciding to transfer Zhao Xiaogui to another hospital.
"Have the family members thought this through? The risks of transferring..." After the doctor described the risks again, he said, "Of course, if your family insists on transferring, our hospital will support you."
"No! No transfer!" Xia Chuyi suddenly let go of Huo Shiqian’s hand and ran over.
"Chuyi?" Uncle Xia looked surprised to see her come out to stop it, and after the surprise, he said gravely, "Chuyi, for Xiao Gui’s situation, transferring might still offer a chance. If we don’t transfer..."
Transferring was a desperate attempt by human effort.
Not transferring was waiting for a miracle from God.
Uncle Xia dared not gamble on a miracle, it was better to take action.