C47. The Siblings.

80 0 0
                                    

Chapter 47: The Siblings

In Xinghu County, there existed a direct bus service to Wushi, with departures at seven in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Naturally, Song Yimo took the morning bus, enduring the three-and-a-half-hour journey that swayed and jolted her. Before the vehicle had even come to a complete stop, her gaze caught sight of Zhai Dage waving at her from outside the window.

The surprise and joy that lit up her face were unmistakable, while Zhai Mu Yang's laughter seemed to radiate even more warmth.

He had taken a seven o'clock flight and rushed from the airport to the bus station, arriving just twenty minutes prior. Fortunately, he had made it in time to picked her up.

With her bag clutched tightly, Song Yimo dashed toward him, her face alight with an enthusiasm she herself had not realized was so profound. “Zhai Dage, you really came! How did you know I was here?”

“I called Grandma,” he replied, the truth being that he had received a call from Song Yimo’s grandmother just before boarding the plane. “It’s lunchtime; let’s go eat first.”

The two of them took a taxi to the commercial street, where Zhai Muyang had checked the map and noted the proximity to the Bo Ren Hospital that Yimo was going to visit.

Understanding that Yimo preferred to avoid places that charged exorbitant prices, Zhai Muyang refrained from taking her to the upscale restaurants. Instead, they settled on a modest Chinese-Western fusion eatery and each ordered a set meal.

While waiting for their food, he asked, “Did you contact her before coming? Did you set a time for the hospital visit?”

Song Yimo shook her head. “I didn’t reach out. No matter when I try to contact her, she always brushes me off with how busy she is.”

Zhai Muyang chuckled and handed her his phone. “Call her now and set a time. Let her know we won’t wait long. Grandma mentioned you needed to buy a couple of clothing items, and there are stores nearby. If we hurry, we can still get home in time for a late dinner.”

Without hesitation, Song Yimo retrieved a slip of paper from her bag, dialed the number, and waited as the phone rang for what felt like an eternity before someone picked up.
“I’m Song Yimo, just arrived in Wushi, and this afternoon…”

Zhai Muyang hurriedly gestured, and she glanced at her watch, noting the time was a few minutes past eleven. “We’ll reach the hospital around one.”

“No need to pick me up; I’ll see you at the hospital entrance,” came the brisk reply before the call was abruptly disconnected.

As she hung up, she dialed another number. “I need to check in with Grandma,” she explained.

On the other end, her grandmother had likely been waiting by the phone, for the call connected almost immediately. “Grandma, I’m in Wu City now, yes, I called. Don’t worry, Zhai Dage came to pick me up at the station, yes, yes, okay.”

Song Yimo handed the phone to Zhai Muyang, murmuring, “Grandma wants to talk to you.”

With a smile that seemed to brighten the room, Zhai Muyang took the phone and engaged in light-hearted banter with the elderly woman, his demeanor resembling that of a beloved grandson.

Sitting across from him, Song Yimo could hear her grandmother’s hearty laughter, and the joy spread within her, as she gazed out at the bustling streets. Indeed, having a brother like this felt wonderful.

He had risen early to catch a flight, all just to be with her—something a biological brother might not have shown such concern for.

She cherished this sentiment, though she grappled with how to adequately express her gratitude; a mere "thank you" seemed utterly insufficient.

Momo's Gradual Change - VOL. 1Where stories live. Discover now