Ming Yuqian and Fu Yinxiu all felt a mix of emotions as they witnessed Ming Yutong's hand begin to move.
Ming Yuqian noticed the subtle movement in her fingers and immediately called out to her.
Fu Yinxiu rushed to Ming Yutong's side, his attention solely on her. He, too, saw the faint tremors in her fingers, and soon, Ming Yutong's eyes fluttered open.
Her gaze was weak and unfocused at first, but she managed to look at Ming Yuqian, recognizing his presence.
"Sis! You're awake!" Ming Yuqian exclaimed with relief.
Ming Yutong's eyes slowly opened fully, and she weakly addressed Ming Yuqian, "Yuqian…"
Ming Yuqian sighed in relief, gripping her hand more tightly. "How do you feel? Is there any pain? Should I call the doctor?"
Ming Yutong shook her head gently. "I'm okay. The pain isn't too bad."
"Just glad you're awake," Ming Yuqian said, his voice filled with relief.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out softly, "Tong Tong…"
The voice and the term of endearment brought back memories for Ming Yutong.
It was a term only one person used to call her: Fu Yinxiu.
In the past, she had insisted that he call her that, a request that now seemed both distant and nostalgic.
Fu Yinxiu looked worse than Ming Yutong, with his gaunt face, dark circles, and disheveled appearance. He had clearly not taken care of himself in his worry for her.
Ming Yutong, however, remained cold and unwelcoming. She turned her gaze away from Fu Yinxiu and looked at Ming Yuqian.
"Why is he here?"
Ming Yuqian looked surprised by the question. "Sis, don't you want to see him?"
"No," Ming Yutong replied firmly. After a moment, she turned back to Fu Yinxiu and said, "Mr. Fu, please leave."
The atmosphere grew tense as Fu Yinxiu's heart sank at her words.
He had hoped to mend things, to explain, and to show his regret, but Ming Yutong's reaction left him feeling helpless and rejected.
Fu Yinxiu was taken aback by Ming Yutong's reaction.
He had anticipated a range of responses—perhaps coldness or anger—but he hadn't expected her to demand he leave so decisively.
Ming Yutong's face was a mask of frustration and pain, and her voice held a sharp edge.
Her chest heaved with each breath, and despite the pain being manageable, her agitation made it worse.
"Don't call me that!" Ming Yutong snapped, her tone cutting. "Don't ever call me that again."
Her words struck Fu Yinxiu deeply. He recalled how, before the surgery, and even before that, Ming Yutong had repeatedly asked him to leave her life, to stop bothering her.
He had hoped that upon waking, she might be more receptive, if only slightly.
But Ming Yutong's reaction was one of clear disdain and rejection. Her expression was one of contempt, as if the very sound of his voice was a source of irritation.
Fu Yinxiu's heart ached as he saw her struggle to hide her pain, both physical and emotional.
She had once cherished this nickname, had insisted he use it, and now it was a source of hurt. The way she looked at him, with such visible distaste, was a blow he wasn't prepared for.
"Tong Tong, please…" Fu Yinxiu began, but Ming Yutong's face hardened, making him falter.
She turned her attention to Ming Yutong's father and said, "Please, make him leave. I don't want to see him again."
The determination in her voice left no room for argument. Ming Yuqian, though reluctant, understood her wish and gestured to Fu Yinxiu, indicating that it was time for him to go.
Fu Yinxiu wanted to explain, to apologize, to bridge the chasm that had opened between them, but Ming Yutong's words and her clear refusal to see him made it painfully evident that his presence was no longer welcome.
As Fu Yinxiu left the room, his heart was heavy with regret and sorrow.
He had hoped for a chance to make amends, but Ming Yutong's rejection was a stark reminder of the pain he had caused and the distance that now separated them.