Lu Zhilan is a tennis prodigy and Lu Xia's older cousin. Zhilan was expected to become a professional athlete until a career threatening injury. With no other choice, she's forced to go to Germany for surgery and rehabilitation. She's been there for...
"Well, Zhilan. I think your time here will be coming to an end soon. Perhaps in about another month or two." Doctor Martin told her.
Zhilan nodded, but she found the news to be a bit sad as opposed to happy.
"Thank you for all your work and advice, Doctor. It's been very helpful to my recovery."
He smiled and left her room.
Another month or so. Am I ready to go back home?
She pulled out her phone and sent an update to everyone.
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"You seem a bit distracted, are you all right?" Siyang asked.
Zhilan had barely touched her food as they sat for lunch. "I'm fine. I was just thinking."
"About what?"
"What comes next. When recovery is over."
He sighed. "Are you leaving soon?"
"No, I'm just thinking about what happens when that time comes."
A beat of silence followed and Siyang put down his chopsticks.
"Would it really help you to agonize over something that hasn't happened yet, Zhilan?"
She chewed on her bottom lip as she thought about it. "I suppose not, but it's going to happen sooner or later. Haven't you thought about it?"
He shook his head no, but he was lying. He had thought about it. While he was itching to go back home, he wasn't sure if he was ready for it yet. When he came to Germany, he had expected to simply receive his treatment. Meeting and befriending Lu Zhilan was not something he saw coming.
"It's better we don't think on it. We should enjoy the present before thinking about the future."
Zhilan nodded and gave him a small smile. "I guess you're right. We should enjoy what happens now."
She picked up her chopsticks and started eating.
Siyang watched her for a moment before he continued with his lunch.
After they finished, they went outside for their usual walk.
"Hey, I was thinking we should do something fun later on." Zhilan stated as she walked ahead of Siyang.
"Like what?"
"How about we watch some movies after dinner? Yingjie gave me some DVDs before he left and I have a laptop. We can watch in your room or mine."
He looked at her as she stopped to touch the flowers as she usually did. She loved doing that.
"Siyang?"
He cleared his throat after he realized he was staring. "Right, movies. That sounds good."
Zhilan beamed. "Great! Do you want to hang out in your room or mine?"
"We can stay in yours if you want."
She looked at him, deadpanned. "Why do you always do that?"
He adjusted his glasses. "Do what?"
"You always choose what makes me comfortable. I'll go to your room."
"If that's what you want."
She answered by flicking his forehead. He laughed as he gently swiped her hand away.
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"Is that a pork belly pillow?" Zhilan asked as she seated herself on Siyang's bed.
He chuckled as he remembered the package Huang Jing sent him. "One of the club members gave it to me. I wasn't sure why, but I figured I would keep it."
"Can I use it for now? It seems soft." She asked as she eyed the pillow.
He handed it over to her and she hugged it while she set up a movie. He sat next to her as she put the laptop on both of their extended legs.
Siyang suddenly became aware of how close they were on the small bed. They were shoulder to shoulder and their legs were touching. Then, he was felt a weight on his shoulder. He looked to see her head on it.
"You don't mind that I use you as a pillow, do you?" Zhilan asked as she watched the laptop.
He scoffed. "Why would I? You went ahead and did it anyway."
She looked up and her eyes glinted with mischief. "I feel like you let me do what I want too easily."
"Would you prefer that I try and stop you?"
Zhilan hummed. "You could, but that's not a guarantee I'll actually listen to you."
"Exactly."
"Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? If I recall, you're here because you don't listen to people either."
He let out a laugh. "I thought we were watching a movie. How did we get to this?"
Zhilan laughed. "To be fair, you kind of started it."
"I did nothing."
"Right and I didn't try hiding from you the first day you came."
Siyang turned to her. "Wait. That day you were in the courtyard. Did you know the nurse was looking for you?"
She shrugged, but her face said that she did.
"You acted like you knew nothing. You're trouble, you know that right?"
"Don't act like you've never hidden from anyone."
He couldn't argue with her. The smirk on her face said she knew she won.
Author's Note
I thought I was gonna do this in 1 part, but I lied to myself lol. It might be another field trip situation. There might be a tiny bit of angst in the later chapters, but it's going to be like a drop. After that, I'm planning so many chaotic times for them. I hope you enjoyed! - Violet
