The White Olive Tree

Chapter 68

September is nearing its end, and the weather is starting to cool down.

On the thirtieth day, as usual, Song Ran took Li Zan to Jiangcheng for a check-up at the Jiangcheng Military Hospital.

The doctor, already familiar with him, said with satisfaction when measuring his weight, "Not bad, 62.3 kilogram. A Zan, you need to continue working hard."

Li Zan listened to the doctor's cajoling tone, finding it somewhat amusing, and nodded in response.

"Eat more, pay attention to a balanced diet. You need to gain at least another 10 kilograms. Also, engage in some moderate exercise. But given your current health condition, just take a walk for an hour or two every day. Other activities like running or push-ups are not allowed."

Li Zan said, "Got it."

The doctor separately advised Song Ran to be mindful of the approaching autumn, to be cautious about the cold. Li Zan's body tends to be more uncomfortable on rainy and cold days. When the body is not well, the mental resistance also drops sharply, making it more susceptible to negative emotions.

Song Ran assured the doctor that they would take care of it. She thought, thankfully, they have underfloor heating at home.

After various tests, the results still fell far short of health standards, and signs of improvement were minimal.

Song Ran felt worried but had mentally prepared herself. Restoring physical fitness was not something that can be rushed in a year or two. Moreover, bringing him back to his physical state from a year ago was now impossible.

She didn't have high expectations; she just hoped he could experience less pain and fatigue.

After the medical examination, they went to see a psychologist.

Song Ran waited outside the consulting room for an hour or two.

When the doctor came out, the information was similar to the last time. His condition was challenging to treat effectively at the moment, and they can only observe and prevent regularly.

The doctors in Jiangcheng and Liangcheng had the same opinion, suggesting that he could be admitted to the hospital to restrict his movements. However, considering their remote rural location with little impact on others and Li Zan's strong aversion to hospitalization, the doctors did not insist.

The doctor emphasized to Song Ran again that even without external stimuli, aside from danger and fear, joy and happiness could also become triggers. Li Zan might struggle to distinguish reality from imagination, believing that all tranquility was just his imagination. In such a situation, encountering external stimuli again could lead to a breakdown with unimaginable consequences.

"You must make him perceive as much as possible that he is in the real world. Although it may not be very effective, at least it will help him avoid stimuli."

"I will," Song Ran assured.

After leaving the hospital, it was almost lunchtime.

Having been staying in the countryside, Song Ran wanted to take Li Zan to the city, but she was afraid of unexpected incidents.

After some consideration, she took him to the outskirts of his high school campus. Tomorrow would be the last day before the National Day holiday, the final day of classes. The sound of books echoed from the teaching building.

There was still some time before class ended. The fried chicken shop across the street was quiet.

Perfect.

They found a window seat and ordered fried chicken, fries, and cola.

In early autumn, the sunlight wasn't too harsh, gently enveloping the two. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the green trees provided shade, and the street was quiet and spacious. The wind rustled through the treetops. The security guard at the entrance was setting up a ladder to hang the national flag.