At home, Yu Han's mind was consumed by the weight of Li Hao's words, the pain still simmering like an open wound. The label "orphan" cut deep, piercing his heart like a cold, unforgiving blade.
As he sat in silence, memories of his parents flooded his mind, and the ache of their absence felt like a fresh blow.
"Maa..pa..."Yu Han said in soft voice.
Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he recalled the warmth of his mother's touch and the strength of his father's guidance. The emptiness that followed their loss seemed to yawn wider, a chasm that threatened to swallow him whole.
Li Hao's careless words had ripped off the scab, exposing the raw, tender flesh beneath, and Yu Han felt himself drowning in the sorrow that had been his constant companion since their passing.
Yu Han sat in his room, overcome with depression, then Yang Zi knocked on his door, breaking the silence. "Hey, come out and eat dinner," Yang Zi said.
Yang Zi had ordered takeout from nearby restaurant.
Yu Han reluctantly got up and joined Yang Zi, but as they began to eat, he winced in discomfort. The bandage on his neck, covering the wound, made every movement painful, and swallowing food became a struggle.
Noticing his distress, Yang Zi quickly intervened. "Here, try this porridge instead," he said, handing Yu Han a warm, soothing bowl. "It's easier to swallow."
He continued "Tommorow, I'll take you to the hospital, you have to change your dressing and we'll brought some medicine too."
Yang Zi's gentle words and thoughtful gesture brought a small measure of comfort to Yu Han's frazzled nerves.
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[ At Li Hao's home]
Li Hao stepped into his room,he was really tired because of today's assault, he took out his coat and threw it on the floor, then suddenly his eyes landed on the medicines and ointments arranged neatly on his bedside table.
A faint memory stirred – the doctor's words, a reminder to take care of Yu Han. Li Hao's gaze lingered on the bottles and packets, his expression unreadable.
For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, his fingers absently reaching out to touch the ointment. Again the memories of applying it to Yu Han's face flashed in his mind.
But then, in a sudden burst of anger, he swept his arm across the table, sending the medicines crashing to the floor. The sound of shattering glass and scattering packets seemed to echo his turmoil – a mixture of frustration, concern, and resentment.
Li Hao's eyes flashed with a complex emotion, his chest heaving with a deep breath as he stood there, surrounded by the scattered remnants of pills and medicines.
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[ At hospital]
The next morning, Yang Zi accompanied Yu Han to the hospital, where a doctor carefully examined the wound on his neck and changed the dressing. The doctor prescribed some pain medication and advised Yu Han to stick to a liquid diet for the next few days to minimize discomfort while swallowing.
"Take it easy, Yu Han, come regularly for check up and dressing" the doctor said reassuringly. "You'll be back to normal in no time." Yang Zi nodded attentively,
"I'll take care of him"
"Thank you doctor ". Both said in unison.
Making a mental note to take care of Yu Han's meals and ensure he followed the doctor's instructions.
Both bid farewell and showed their gratitude.
As they left the hospital, Yang Zi supported Yu Han's elbow, helping him navigate the crowded corridors.
"Feel better now?" Yang Zi asked, concern etched on his face. Yu Han nodded slightly, the pain medication beginning to take effect, and Yang Zi smiled softly in response.
As they stepped out of the hospital, Yu Han's phone buzzed in his pocket. He took out his phone from pocket and hesitated for a moment before answering, his heart sinking as he saw his store manager's number on the screen. Then, he answered it,
"Good morning sir...."
"Yu Han, you're fired. Don't bother coming back to the store."
The manager's tone was blunt, devoid of empathy.
Yu Han felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his mind reeling from the sudden blow. He stood frozen, the sounds of the hospital surroundings fading into the background as the manager's words echoed in his mind.
Yang Zi, noticing Yu Han's stunned expression, reached out to steady him, concern etched on his face.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly, but Yu Han just shook his head, still trying to process the news.
Yu Han's face fell as he recounted the conversation with his store manager to Yang Zi.
"He fired me," Yu Han said, his voice laced with disappointment and frustration.
Yang Zi's expression turned sympathetic, and he placed a reassuring hand on Yu Han's shoulder.
"Hey, it's okay. These things happen. We'll figure something out," Yang Zi said, trying to calm Yu Han down.
But Yu Han's mind was already racing ahead. Without another word, he shook off Yang Zi's hand and said," I have to go."
After this he took off towards the store, determined to plead his case to the manager.
Yang Zi called "Yu...Yu Han...", but Yu Han didn't look back.
When Yu Han arrived at the store, he paced towards manager's office,his manager was unyielding. "I told you, you're done. Don't make a scene," the manager sneered.
"Sir please listen to me one time...sir..."
But Yu Han wouldn't back down. He persisted, his voice rising in desperation, until the manager's demeanor turned ugly.
With a sudden snatch, the manager grabbed Yu Han's collar and yanked him forward, only to shove him roughly outside.
"Ahhhh..." Yu Han scoffed with pain.
Yu Han stumbled, his feet scraping against the pavement as he struggled to regain his balance.
The manager's parting words were like a slap: "Don't show your face around here again"
In a moment, all humiliation and pain he had tolerated, now comes to end. He told himself "That's enough."
The dam had finally burst. Yu Han's patience had worn thin.
With a fierce determination burning in his eyes, he stood up, his body electrified with a newfound energy.
The words that spilled from his lips were a declaration of liberation, a defiant shout to the world:
"IRESIGN!"
His voice trembled with rage and indignation, but beneath it, a spark of self-respect glowed, illuminating a newfound path forward. The words hung in the air, a challenge to the forces that had sought to break him. Yu Han's shoulders squared, his jaw set, as he took a step forward, leaving the shadows of his past behind.
As Yu Han strolled along, a spring in his step, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and satisfaction.
"Yes, I resign from my fear"
"Yes, I resign from my humiliation"
"No one has the right to bring me down"
"NO ONE".
His heart swelled with joy, and he lifted his face to the sky, letting the warm sunshine dance across his features.
The vibrant surroundings seemed to mirror his mood, with blooming flowers and lush greenery whispering words of encouragement.
The air was filled with the sweet songs of birds, and the gentle rustle of leaves seemed to chant a triumphant refrain:
"You've overcome your fears, and you're stronger than you think!"
Yu Han's smile broadened as he breathed in the fresh air, feeling invigorated and empowered.
Every step he took seemed to echo with confidence, as if the world itself was celebrating his triumph.