"Fasten your seatbelt."
Aster started the car, then suddenly remembered something. He leaned over and took a blanket from the back seat, handing it to Nikki. "The air conditioning is a bit cold."
Nikki took the blanket and felt the lingering warmth of his body on it. The blanket had fine stitches along its edges as if it were hand-sewn, which reminded her of the scarves her sister used to knit for her when she was little.
As the car slowly started moving, she glanced casually into the rearview mirror and saw a car emerge from the shadows. Its license plate number was vaguely familiar, but it was so fleeting that Nikki couldn't see it clearly.
Aster chose a restaurant that was nearly empty at this late hour. After the two found a place to sit down, Aster took the initiative to order yam and pork rib porridge and stir-fried seasonal vegetables. He specifically asked the chef to use less salt.
As Nikki listened to him instruct the waiter, she suddenly remembered that Ben also loved pork rib porridge the most. Every time he was sick, he would insist that she cook it for him. She wondered how Ben was doing now.
Indeed, there are only heartless children in this world, but no heartless mothers. Nikki quickly dismissed the thought, a self-deprecating, bitter smile spreading across her lips. Aster caught it and asked, "What's wrong. Did I order something that doesn't suit your taste?"
"No," Nikki said. She habitually rinsed the tableware with boiling water, her movements meticulous and skillful, as if she were experimenting in a laboratory. Sensing an awkward silence, she added, "I used to come here often, and it seems like nothing has changed in the years that have passed."
As she spoke, she glanced around the room.
"Some things really shouldn't change." Aster continued. His gaze toward her carried a deeper meaning. "For example, a passion for scientific research and a reverence for life."
Nikki was taken aback. It was clear that Aster's words had a hidden meaning. The waiter brought over the porridge, and amidst the rising steam, Aster seized the opportunity to ask directly, "Nikki, are you trying to give up?"
Nikki's hand froze in mid-air, and the porridge in her spoon almost spilled out. She looked at the man in front of her. His expression was serious, devoid of his usual gentle smile.
"Sorafenib and Gamma Knife postoperative medication," he said. "This combination regimen is usually used for brain tumor patients, but your test report does not have a surgical record. The location of the growth in your brain is also very bad, making surgery unsuitable. But that doesn't mean there are no treatment options."
Nikki put down her spoon and suddenly felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She said helplessly, "That's why I chose conservative treatment."
"I know," Aster said, looking directly into her eyes. "But I also know that current medical technology can use AI to precisely locate lesions. You still have a chance."
Nikki raised her hand to interrupt at the right moment and pushed away some of the scalding hot porridge beside her. "Deputy Director Martinez, if I may be so bold as to ask, do you not have any other patients at hand?"
Otherwise, why would he meddle to this extent? Aster, realizing the meaning behind her words, said nothing.
"Whether from the perspective of doctor and patient or from the perspective of friends." Nikki's smile held a hint of nervousness, but her voice remained calm and gentle as always. "I don't think you need to persuade me anymore. The treatment offered by doctors is indeed an attempt to do everything possible to save every life. However, we all know very well that this process is comparable to torture and is extremely painful."
Chemotherapy. Anyone who hears those words will immediately think of terminal illness, physical exhaustion, and hair loss. Even without experiencing it firsthand, just watching others undergo chemotherapy is unbearable, let alone for patients who have personally experienced it. Aster pursed his lips, wanting to refute her, but he was speechless.
"I want to live, but only if I can live a healthy and fulfilling life, not struggle and exhaust myself." After Nikki finished speaking, she smiled again. "Everyone will die eventually, and the final result is the same. Only the length of time differs. Fortunately, I have some time to minimize my regrets. Isn't that enough?"
Aster's silent words were deafening. He looked at Nikki's serene smile, like a mountain after the rain, hazy yet containing boundless beauty. She was like a flower blooming in the rain, so delicate and resounding, yet broken and battered by the raging wind. Aster closed his eyes tightly, and the image of her standing on the podium seven years ago, full of vigor and confidence, floated into his mind.
"You." After a long while, he finally heard his own trembling voice. "Do you believe in miracles?"
Nikki's eyes flickered slightly, and then she smiled. Before she could say anything, Aster took her hand across the table. His deep eyes were filled with conviction and determination, and he said gently, "Whether you believe it or not, I am your miracle."
Nikki wondered if he was joking. She thought the person in front of her was teasing, but she never expected that Aster's words would become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just then, as she was about to withdraw her hand, she was interrupted by a sudden voice.
"Oh. It really is you, Sister Nikki."
It was Taryn. She walked over from the seats next to them. Because each booth was surrounded by a screen, Nikki only looked up when she heard her voice. Her indifferent face did not show any emotion, and she just gave a polite, slight nod.
"Are you having a late-night snack with your friends?" Taryn said, glancing at Aster with an envious look. "Wow, Sister Nikki, your friend is really handsome."
Aster was unaware of the relationship between Taryn and Nikki, so he smiled politely and said, "You're too kind, Miss."
Taryn smiled and then turned to look at the side. "Lucas, you saw Sister Nikki. Why didn't you come over?"
Nikki's heart suddenly tightened. She should have realized it sooner. Where Taryn was, how could Lucas not be?
Lucas walked over slowly. His cold face was expressionless, but his gloomy gaze was fixed on Nikki. His words were neither warm nor cold, and could chill one to the bone. "You really have a refined taste."
Nikki's breathing became heavy, and her fingers, which were under the table, clenched involuntarily. She maintained her composure as much as possible and replied calmly, "I can't compare to Mr. Templeton."
As expected, Lucas's expression visibly darkened.
Taryn grabbed his arm and tried to smooth things over, saying, "What's going on. We finally meet. Can't we talk things out properly?"
As she spoke, she gave Lucas a coquettish glare, then turned to Nikki warmly. "Sister Nikki, don't mind him. Ben's illness has been recurring these past few days, and Lucas has been very worried about him."
"Your son is so sick, and instead of coming home, you're here having a date with someone?" Lucas's words were laced with anger.