Chapter 5 — Promising You a Lifetime of Peace

Shen Mengchen was an up-and-coming young actor, and Jiang Dao had been his devoted fan for seven full years. Her expression shifted instantly.

Can a mere gesture from Wang Tu be enough to buy me off?

Oh, that is right.

Wang Tu suddenly poked his head out from the kitchen, wearing an apron around his waist and holding a spatula in his hand.

Jiang Dao, there is a gathering tonight, and Meng Chen will be there. Are you going?

The cold, aloof facade Jiang Dao had struggled to maintain all afternoon finally shattered completely. Her voice was stiff, as if forced through clenched teeth.

Hmph, does he really think I care that much?

Moments later, she quickly pulled out her phone to scan the QR code displayed on the screen. A WeChat friend request popped up instantly. Leaning against the sofa, I watched the two of them interact, a sudden wave of quiet warmth filling my chest. Wang Tu carried a bowl of congee out and set it before me.

Drink this. Your complexion does not look good at all.

I scooped a spoonful into my mouth. My stomach churned violently, but I forced myself to swallow it down.

It is delicious.

He glanced at me, saying nothing more.

13

Ever since we officially got together, Wang Tu’s clinginess far exceeded anything I could have ever imagined. I gathered all the medicine scattered around the apartment and hid them in the crossbody bag I carried everywhere. Even after being with me, Wang Tu often felt as though none of this was real. Sometimes, waking up in the middle of the night, he would instinctively reach out to pinch my cheek just to be sure. I was both exasperated and amused.

Wang Tu, if you keep acting like this, I am going to lose my mind!

Wang Tu withdrew his hand in sheepish embarrassment, only to pull me tightly into his embrace the next second.

Xiao Ning, why don't we register our marriage right now? We can hold the wedding soon!

I will give you a wedding fit for the century!

I fell silent for a moment before forcing a faint smile.

Very well, let us wait until my novel is finished.

When will it end? he asked.

Soon.

Yet I had no idea how it was supposed to end. I had no earthly clue what kind of conclusion I should arrange for the male lead who had been modeled entirely after him. After all, I could not even see the final chapter of my own life. That night, after he had fallen soundly asleep, I dragged myself to the bathroom to vomit. When I crept back to bed, he tossed and turned, murmuring something incoherent under his breath that I could not quite catch. I lay down beside him. In his slumber, he sleepily reached out and pulled me into his arms, his chin resting softly against the crown of my head.

Xiao Ning... do not leave...

I remained perfectly still, wide awake until dawn.

14

Normally, Wang Tu was exceptionally busy. Between filming movies, attending events, and shooting commercial endorsements for major brands, his schedule was relentlessly packed. Even so, he video-called me every single night, simply to report his whereabouts and schedule. That evening, his video call came through just as I dragged myself back from the bathroom after another bout of vomiting. Hurriedly swallowing two pills, I swiped to answer. On the other end of the screen, Wang Tu was bundled up in a thick black puffer jacket, his dark hair dusted with tiny snowflakes.

Xiao Ning, it is snowing here!

As soon as I am done with this batch of work, I am bringing you here to go skiing!

The man’s eyes were shining brightly, full of the unfiltered enthusiasm of an overgrown boy. I covered my mouth, desperately trying to swallow down a fit of coughing.

Alright.

Not long after we hung up, he posted a new update on his social media. It was a photo of two little snowmen standing side by side, accompanied by the caption:

Hoping to spend year after year by your side.

The comment section was flooded with playful teasing from fans and friends.

This is the first time I have ever wanted the snow to melt so quickly.

He is completely wrapped around her little finger now.

Such a sharer, I wonder if his girlfriend can handle it?

Clutching my aching stomach, I laughed until tears streamed down my face. Once the call finally ended, I vomited yet again. This time, there were streaks of bright red blood mixed in. I stared at the crimson traces in the basin for a long time before wiping them away with a tissue, letting the water run, and returning to the bed to lie down. The next morning, a message arrived from him: I dreamt of you last night. I dreamt that you walked away, and I chased after you all night long without ever catching up. I replied: Dreams are always the exact opposite of reality. He answered instantly: That is wonderful then. We still have to spend year after year together.

15

The day Wang Tu's mother sought me out, I had just stepped out of the hospital gates. She spoke with a direct, uncompromising candor.

Xiao Ning, this hospital belongs to my family.

Hearing those words, my palms broke out in a cold sweat and my mind went utterly blank. Wang Tu had never once mentioned which hospital his family owned. My most recent follow-up examination report had been processed right here in this very building. It was written in black and white: terminal stage stomach cancer, with clear signs of widespread metastasis.

Does Xiao Little Wang know about this?

I shook my head, taking a long, agonizing moment before I could force the words past my tight throat.

Auntie, I am so sorry... I knew keeping this from him was not fair...

By the time I finished, my voice was trembling uncontrollably. My hands, hanging limply at my sides, clenched into tight fists.

I will leave him.

Wang Tu’s mother sighed softly, reaching out to gently pat the back of my hand.

You foolish child, I am worried about you.

I raised my head to look at her. She offered a gentle smile, faint wrinkles creasing the corners of her eyes.

I knew that boy liked you back when he was in high school.

He is an adult now. As for matters of the heart, I have no intention of standing in his way.

Gazing out the window, her voice grew very soft.

It is simply that some things ought to be spoken of plainly. It is for the best, for both of you.

When you came for your checkup last time, I was the one who asked the doctor to prepare that report for you. Given your current condition, the best course of action is to be hospitalized as soon as possible.

I nodded mutely.

I know.

She slipped a business card into my hand.

This is my private number. Whenever you need help, just call me, no matter when.

I accepted the card, my fingertips ice cold. After leaving the coffee shop, I stood by the roadside letting the wind blow against my face for a long time before finally sending a message to Jiang Dao. I took a photograph of the medical report and sent it over. After a long silence, Jiang Dao sent a voice message back.

Ning Ning, today is not April Fools' Day. Do not make jokes like this.

A long while later, a second voice message arrived, her voice completely choked with tears.

Ning Ning, stay right there in your apartment and wait for me.