Spend Summer Chapter 8

Cannot Be Wasted

Seeing Shen Wan collapsing toward the ground, Ji Zhao’s heart leaped into her throat, and she immediately ran over to catch her.

Shen Wan fell right into Ji Zhao’s arms, but Ji Zhao had no time to feel happy; her face was deathly pale.

Carefully laying Shen Wan on the ground, Ji Zhao patted her face and shouted, Wanwan, Wanwan, wake up!

Hearing Ji Zhao’s anxious cries, everyone crowded around.

Wang Fei immediately pulled some candy from her pocket and knelt on the ground. I have candy here, try this.

Ji Zhao didn’t have time to say thanks as she grabbed it and put it into Shen Wan’s mouth.

The blurriness before her eyes gradually faded, and her vision became clear again. The first thing she saw was Ji Zhao’s anxious, bloodless face.

Shen Wan glanced around. She was surrounded by people, though they stayed a bit back to ensure the air kept circulating. Their faces were all filled with anxiety and concern.

Shen Wan shook her head gently and said, I’m fine, just low blood sugar. Thank you, everyone.

Even after hearing Shen Wan say this, the others didn’t disperse. They called out, Sister Shen, is that enough candy? We have more if you need it. The doctor will be here soon. Just tell us if you need anything.

At the mention of a doctor, Shen Wan’s expression changed slightly. She wanted to refuse, but knowing it would be useless now, she swallowed her words.

She added, Thank you. I’ll help everyone with the cleaning later.

The students waved their hands dismissively.

It’s fine, it’s fine. We didn’t really do much.

That’s right. Sister Shen, you should focus on recovering first.

Exactly, take care of yourself!

Shen Wan felt a warm current flow through her veins to her limbs, dispelling the coldness in her body. Her eyes grew moist, the corners tinged with the color of a sunset.

Since coming to Class 3, she found that her frozen heart had actually begun to melt—subtly, yet unmistakably.

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Shen Wan straightened up from Ji Zhao’s arms. Just as she was about to thank her, she saw that Ji Zhao’s face was still pale. She frowned and blurted out, Are you okay?

Ji Zhao’s fingers, which were touching the ground, twitched slightly. She reflexively forced a smile. I’m fine, I was just worried about you.

Shen Wan still didn’t relax. She stared at Ji Zhao for a long while, only looking away when the ambulance arrived with its lights flashing.

Lin Jiayue, who was crouching behind them, immediately continued stroking Ji Zhao’s back once Shen Wan looked away.

The paramedics stepped out of the vehicle with practiced efficiency. One walked up to Shen Wan and half-knelt. Where do you feel unwell?

Shen Wan shook her head and said, I’m alright. I just felt a bit dizzy from low blood sugar earlier. There’s no need…

Just as she was about to refuse, she suddenly heard another paramedic’s voice nearby. Hello, do you feel unwell anywhere?

Shen Wan turned to look at Ji Zhao. There was a paramedic in front of her as well.

Seeing Ji Zhao’s usually rosy cheeks now pale, Shen Wan couldn’t bring herself to say the words of refusal.

She didn’t care about herself; she was used to it and didn’t want to waste money. But if it was Ji Zhao, Shen Wan couldn’t accept it.

So, she spoke up. Let’s go, okay?

Ji Zhao turned her head, and their eyes met. Seeing the deep worry in Shen Wan’s eyes, Ji Zhao nodded. She knew that if she didn’t agree, her little desk mate wouldn’t go to the hospital.

Li Yuanfang came running over from the office in a hurry, her hair a mess. Without even catching her breath, she asked, What’s the situation?

A nurse gently helped her catch her breath and replied, It’s nothing serious, but it’s better to go to the hospital for a check-up.

Li Yuanfang nodded repeatedly. Yes, yes, let’s do that.

Li Yuanfang supported Shen Wan and Ji Zhao as the three of them boarded the ambulance.

The doors closed, and as the vehicle drove out of the campus, the students watched with concern.

Lin Jiayue clenched her hands tightly, not daring to let go.

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Upon arriving at the hospital, Shen Wan stepped out of the vehicle and urged Ji Zhao to get checked. Go get checked, quickly.

Ji Zhao smiled and shook her head, her tone as cheerful as ever. I told you I’m fine. You should get checked first.

Shen Wan shook her head in refusal. I don’t need to. I know my own body. There’s no need to waste this money. You are more important.

Ji Zhao’s heart felt as if it were wrapped in a thick layer of frosting, leaving no gaps. Wanwan said I’m more important! She said I’m more important!

To be honest, this was the first time Ji Zhao had heard Shen Wan speak with such emotion and say so many words at once. But how could it be a waste?

Ji Zhao countered without hesitation, It’s not a waste!

Shen Wan paused. This was indeed the first time she had heard Ji Zhao speak to her in such a firm and angry tone.

Shen Wan nodded and echoed, Mm, it’s not a waste.

The words were unintentional, but saying them made her heart skip a beat, touched by a slight stir of emotion.

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Li Yuanfang walked back from the doctor and made a time-out gesture between the two of them. She said seriously, That’s enough. Shen Wan, come with me for the check-up.

With that, she grabbed Shen Wan’s wrist and pulled her toward the blood-drawing station.

Before Shen Wan could react—without even having time to say goodbye to Ji Zhao—she was pressed into a chair by Li Yuanfang.

She looked up at Li Yuanfang, who had a serious and solemn expression.

Knowing she couldn’t refuse, Shen Wan obediently extended her arm.

The medical staff picked up the collection tube, pressed on Shen Wan’s arm several times, then tied the tourniquet and disinfected the area.

Shen Wan watched closely, seeing the needle pierce her skin bit by bit, pull back halfway, and then pierce in again.

It took four attempts before they finally found a vein. The blood flowed from her vein into the collection tube, appearing a dark red.

After the blood was drawn, Shen Wan pressed down on the cotton swab and stood up.

Li Yuanfang had been waiting quietly by her side. Seeing Shen Wan stand up, she immediately asked with concern, How are you? Do you feel dizzy?

Shen Wan shook her head. Teacher, I’m fine. Let’s go back.

Li Yuanfang nodded. Alright then.

The two of them walked back together. Ji Zhao was sitting on a hospital bench, swinging her feet.

Shen Wan stared at her face from a distance for a while. Seeing that her complexion had returned to its usual rosy glow, her furrowed brows relaxed.

Ji Zhao’s smile was as bright as ever. Her eyes were brilliant, shining like stars or like the gentle, flowing waters of April.

She waved her arms and called out brightly, You’re back!

She walked over in three quick steps, leaning down slightly toward Shen Wan’s face to ask with concern, Drawing blood must have hurt, right?

Shen Wan leaned back slightly and shook her head. It didn’t hurt. Were you waiting long?

Ji Zhao put her hands behind her back, swaying her body to and fro as she puffed out her cheeks. Not long. But I need to go to the bathroom now. It’s your turn to wait for me.

Shen Wan thought for a few seconds, lowered her head, and whispered, How about… I go with you?

Her voice was very soft, almost inaudible in the noisy hospital environment, but Ji Zhao caught it keenly. Her smile grew even wider, revealing two small canine teeth and the dimples at the corners of her mouth.

She mimicked Shen Wan’s way of speaking, low and gentle. No need. The teacher can go with me. Your arm isn’t better yet.

Shen Wan pursed her lips and looked down in thought for a moment. Just as she was about to say she was already fine, she saw Ji Zhao pulling the head teacher toward the bathroom.

Suddenly, she felt even more defeated. She bit her lip, feeling secretly annoyed with herself for not speaking faster.

Shen Wan let go of the cotton swab pressing on the needle site and threw it into the trash can with a bit of force.

After waiting on the bench for a while, Li Yuanfang and Ji Zhao returned, chatting and laughing.

Shen Wan’s eyes lit up, and her naturally cold features took on a hint of sweetness.

Ji Zhao sat down beside her, quietly waiting for the test results to come out.

Once thirty minutes had passed, Li Yuanfang immediately took the card to retrieve the reports and led the two of them to the emergency department.

The attending physician was a female doctor. The moment she saw the test results, she frowned.

Ji Zhao’s heart tightened, and she asked anxiously, Is something wrong?

The doctor looked up. Seeing Ji Zhao’s anxious expression, she gave a gentle smile, then looked at Shen Wan. It’s nothing major, but little student, you are severely malnourished. Remember to get more nutrition. Should I prescribe some nutritional supplements for you to drink?

Shen Wan’s hands, resting on her lap, unconsciously gripped her pants, creating wrinkles. She shook her head and said, No thank you, Doctor. I’ll make sure to eat better.

Because it was an emergency, she hadn’t brought any money. She already felt bad enough that the teacher was paying for the check-up. Nutritional supplements sounded expensive, and she couldn’t possibly let the teacher pay for those too.

Most importantly, she had no money of her own, making it difficult to repay such kindness.

Perhaps sensing Shen Wan’s predicament, the doctor didn’t know how to respond for a moment.

After a while, she gave a gentle smile and said softly, That’s fine. Just remember to take good care of yourself, little student.

Shen Wan nodded gratefully and promised, I will. Thank you, Doctor.

With that, she stood up and said in a light tone, See, I told you it was nothing. Let’s go back to school.

Ji Zhao and Li Yuanfang immediately hid their pained expressions and nodded with a smile. Alright, let’s go back to school!

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By the time they got out of the taxi, it was almost time for dinner.

Li Yuanfang turned around and said, It’s already this late. The other students should be eating by now. Let’s eat before we go back. Come on, it’s my treat.

Shen Wan stood in place, dazed and unsure of what to do.

Ji Zhao clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes curving into crescents as she said joyfully, Really? Really? That’s great!

Li Yuanfang teased with a smile, It’s a lie. Are you still going?

Ji Zhao tilted her chin up proudly. Hmph, then I’m definitely going.

For some reason, seeing Ji Zhao act this way made Shen Wan feel a bit more relaxed.

She quietly let out a breath and gave a small nod. Thank you, Teacher.

Li Yuanfang reached out and ruffled Shen Wan’s hair, her tone gentle. No need for thanks. I still have to rely on our little subject representative to help me carry books. Let’s go. I know a very good place.

Ji Zhao gave a thumbs-up, providing plenty of emotional support. As expected of the best and greatest head teacher at No. 2 Middle School!

Li Yuanfang nodded with satisfaction and led the way.

Shen Wan’s stiff body finally relaxed. She watched Li Yuanfang’s back for a long time before raising a finger to press against the corner of her stinging eyes.

Ji Zhao stayed by her side quietly. Only when Shen Wan’s gaze shifted from dazed to clear did she step forward and say excitedly, Let’s go.

Shen Wan nodded and followed her.

After turning down a small alley, Li Yuanfang stepped into a small shop that looked like it had been there for many years.