Chapter 154 See the hope

Words : 1213 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

As June arrived, the weather became increasingly oppressive. This heat didn’t just make one physically uncomfortable; it frayed tempers as well. Bao Mi was one of these agitated souls, and she was particularly on edge. Besides her father’s condition showing no signs of improvement, a fly had suddenly started buzzing around her. Not a detestable fly, perhaps, but an incredibly annoying one. "Ji Ping, can you tell me what it is you like about me? I’ll change it," Bao Mi finally snapped, her voice a low growl directed at the man relentlessly fawning over her. The young man named Ji Ping, however, didn’t get angry. He just chuckled, set down the ice cream and drink he was holding, and returned to his Office Desk. Everyone else in the office laughed. One person—whether intentionally stirring trouble or genuinely speaking up for Ji Ping, it was hard to say—called out loudly, "Bao Mi, Ji Ping is a good lad! Why don’t you two try dating?" The others chimed in with laughter and teasing remarks, though who among them was truly sincere, no one could tell. Bao Mi worked in a Subordinate Department of a provincial Department. The work was light, the pace relaxed—perfect for someone like her, who had few ambitions. But with too much leisure, people tended to gossip. Her office was exactly like that; men and women, old and young, everyone was incredibly nosy. Any whiff of news in the workplace, they were always the first to know and the first to spread it. The man who had just spoken, for instance, wasn’t old—only in his thirties—but he was as catty as they come, with an exceptionally loose tongue. Bao Mi was fuming. Her earlier outburst felt like punching cotton—utterly unsatisfying, leaving her chest tight with frustration. Now, his comment made her feel even more stifled and exasperated. Just then, she saw a figure flit past the office doorway and quickly rose to follow. The man who had spoken earlier watched Bao Mi leave. Holding his blue-and-white patterned teacup, he slowly walked over to Ji Ping and whispered, "Ji, do you really like our Bao Mi? She’s a year older than you, you know." Ji Ping didn’t speak, merely nodding with a faint smile. The man chuckled. "Young man, you’ve got guts." He gestured with his chin. "See that? Bao Mi just went to request leave. She’s taking her father for a Check-up. Such a golden opportunity—aren’t you going to make a move?" Ji Ping’s eyes lit up. He stood and said, "Thanks, Zhang," then immediately headed out to find their leader. The man watched Ji Ping’s retreating back with a smirk, took a sip of tea, and, humming softly, returned to his own desk to stare at the erratic red and green lines on his computer screen. Bao Mi was incredibly frustrated. So frustrated, she felt like hitting someone. It had been a month. The medicine she’d gotten for her father was almost gone, yet his condition hadn’t improved in the slightest. He still couldn’t speak, one hand remained curled like a chicken’s claw, and he was still confined to a wheelchair. Just like before. And now, this exasperating person, Ji Ping, was constantly around. She’d tried countless methods, even resorted to harsh words, but he simply wouldn’t back down. Now, he’d actually followed her home. Good girls fear persistent guys. He was the epitome of that. Bao Mi inserted the key into the lock but didn’t immediately open the door. Instead, she turned and asked, "What is it you like about me?" Ji Ping smiled faintly and said softly, "You’re beautiful." Bao Mi was momentarily speechless. She had braced herself for all sorts of slick, flirtatious replies, but she hadn’t anticipated such a simple, direct answer. "My Dad has Paralysis." "I know." Bao Mi shook her head. "You don’t know. You truly don’t understand what this means." "I do know," Ji Ping said earnestly. "He has difficulty moving, can’t manage his personal hygiene, and needs constant care. I can help you with that." Bao Mi felt like this young man was driving her crazy. "What are you after?" "Because you’re beautiful." Neurological disorders. Bao Mi fell silent, turned, and gently twisted the key. The moment they stepped into the room, the potent aroma of Chinese herbal medicine assailed their nostrils. Ji Ping’s nose twitched slightly. Bao Mi noticed it from the corner of her eye but said nothing. "Dad," she called out, setting down her Bag and keys before heading to her father’s bedroom. She turned her father over, as she always did, and changed his adult diaper without a hint of squeamishness, her movements practiced and fluid. She had been performing these tasks for nearly One year. Ji Ping stood behind her, looking somewhat helpless, wanting to assist but unsure how. After changing her father’s diaper and clothes, Bao Mi wheeled the wheelchair closer. She struggled to lift her father into it; her father tried to help with his good hand, but to little avail. Ji Ping finally saw an opportunity to help. Working together, they easily transferred the man to the wheelchair. "Thank you." "Sorry," Ji Ping said, "it’s my first time, so I’m a bit clumsy. I’ll get better with practice." A sudden, inexplicable wave of irritation washed over Bao Mi. "Dad, we’re going to Provincial First Hospital today for your Check-up. I heard there’s a good old Chinese doctor in Yilver City nearby. We’ll go see him tomorrow." Ignoring Ji Ping, Bao Mi spoke to her father and began to wheel him out. "Bag... not... taken." The sudden Voice made Bao Mi freeze mid-step—confused, bewildered, and utterly incredulous. Ji Ping also stepped forward, crouching by the wheelchair, and stared at Bao Mi’s father in astonishment. "Bag... not... taken." Ji Ping leaned in closer, then abruptly turned to Bao Mi. "Your Dad can talk?" "Obviously!" Bao Mi exclaimed, suddenly agitated. She let go of the wheelchair handles and knelt before her father, her voice trembling as she asked, "Dad, you can talk?" "Can... can..." Bao Mi was suddenly overwhelmed, unsure what to do, her mind reeling. Doctor Du Heng was so young, and his medicine hadn’t been very expensive; over time, the little faith she’d had in him had dwindled to nothing. Her original plan had been to take her father to Provincial First Hospital for a Check-up today, and then go to nearby Yilver City to try the old Chinese doctor. But now that her father was suddenly speaking, she was at a complete loss. "Go... Doctor Du..." "Yes, yes! Dad, let’s go find Doctor Du again! He can definitely cure you!" Bao Mi stood up, her excitement palpable. As she grasped the wheelchair handles again, her whole body trembled. It felt as if she wasn’t pushing the wheelchair, but rather that the wheelchair was supporting her, keeping her from collapsing. Ji Ping glanced at the ecstatic Bao Mi. Though he couldn’t fully share her experience, he was genuinely happy for her. He quickly got up to help open the door and then lock it. When they reached the Car, he lifted Bao Mi’s father directly into the back seat. This made what was usually a strenuous task surprisingly easy. She thought she could see hope.

Chapter 154 See the hope

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