Hard To Escape • LK Adaptation

2.1

The result of going head to head with Jungkook naturally wouldn’t be good. The quick result of winning a dispute was that on the very next day, Jungkook had me go through the hospital discharge procedures.

“There is an entire set of rehabilitation facilities at home. A personal team of the most excellent and experienced doctors will also be provided for you.” He continued in a tone that allowed no resistance on my part. “Furthermore, if it’s at home, there are more areas that I can take care of. I also wouldn’t need to find the time to run off to the hospital every time. Besides, all in all, the environment of the hospital is so-so and isn’t fit for long term recuperation.

Even though I really disliked the smell of hospital disinfectant, compared to Jungkook’s house, I indeed liked this place a bit more. After all, I didn’t want to see Jungkook’s face everyday. Intuitively, I knew that he didn’t like me at all. Perhaps it wasn’t dislike, but towards me, he clearly didn’t have any deep sense of mutual affection. However, the one paying was daye¹. Regarding the decision that he’s made, I have no other choice but to stay silent.

“After returning home, you can do more of the things that you like. The psychologist has already been fired.”

At the news of my discharge, the women of the hospital unanimously urged me to stay and were reluctant to part with me. Without prior consultation, they all gathered at the hospital’s lobby and tender-heartedly planned to watch Jungkook and I leave. There was a red faced young nurse intern who dashed in front of us: “We welcome you to come again next time.”

This phrase wasn’t anything like a blessing. Jungkook’s complexion turned ugly on the spot. With no other choice, I had to appease: “When all’s said and done, I was in this hospital for one day so they don’t have to be like the specimens inside the museums who can only admire your outstanding looks from the newspaper. Rather, they can view the real, upright walking you. Thus, these words of theirs come from their hearts. It’s just that it’s quite simple and lacks sophistication. One moment of carelessness caused them to reveal their real feelings instead of holding them back.”

Yet my long bullsh** was interrupted by someone. The head doctor old Gao ran towards me with small steps: “Yan Lalisa wait. How can you leave when you haven’t thanked me, the one who dragged you back from the gates of hell and even preserved your leg?” He was still wearing his surgical attire and his face held a faint look of exhaustion. He had clearly just done an operation. To say that I wasn’t moved by him coming to see me like this would be a lie. But Jungkook’s face clearly showed impatience. He seemed to dislike old Gao.

Old Gao didn’t heed the suggestions in his look. Instead, he crouched in front of my electric-powered wheelchair: “You’re younger than even my daughter. Being this young, your recovery strength is certainly good. In the future, you will not only be able to walk, but also run and jump too. If you desire to be vigorous and lively, then you can be vigorous and lively.” After that, he stroked my head: “Before the car accident, your leg already had four regions with bone depreciation injuries. I don’t know what kind of life you lived back then.” Although his words were directed towards me, he nevertheless lifted his head to look at Jungkook as he said them.

Mischievously smiling, I answered: “It’s probably because I’m always so energetic. After I’ve completely recovered and can walk upright, I’ll definitely come to the hospital to visit you!”

When Jungkook was carrying me into the car, I could faintly hear old Gao sighing behind us. I knew that old Gao had something he wanted to tell me, but the more you know, the quicker you die. I was a person who was really greedy for life and afraid of death. I buried my face into Jungkook’s chest to escape the cold winds of early spring. Separated by a thin, navy blue sweater, I could feel Jungkook’s body heat and heart beat. His hands held me in a powerful grip. I depressingly thought that if everything were real, if there really was someone like this who would ward off the bitter cold wind and snow for me and who treated me like I was a treasure, then how great it would be.

I was muddleheaded the entire journey as I looked out the window at the flashing crowds of people. Brimming with an unfamiliar feeling, I simply closed my eyes until Jungkook once again carried me in his arms. Only then did I realize that we had already arrived at the destination. Looking all around, there was a suburban scene, but the buildings and facilities in the surroundings gave off an expensive air that couldn’t be hidden.

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