Chapter 216 Chapter 216 She Always Called Me Taotao
Chapter 216 She Always Called Me Taotao
The reason a surprise is called a surprise is because it happens suddenly, leaving one with no time to prepare.
The elevator traveled quickly from the first floor to the eighth, but to Su Tao, it felt like an eternity.
She paced back and forth, circling the center of the elevator, her boots tapping rhythmically against the floor.
Her palms were clenched so tightly that a bit of sweat trickled out from nervousness and anticipation.
She hadn't prepared herself for Chi Xiaocheng to wake up at this moment.
Even though Professor Su had said that, given Xiaocheng's condition, she might awaken in the next few days.
But Su Tao subconsciously thought of it as Professor Su's way of comforting her. She understood how much influence hope could have on a person, so she was grateful to the professor.
Clinging to that sliver of possibility, she had been browsing gifts online.
The gift wasn't even chosen yet, she was just routinely visiting Xiaocheng in the hospital, never expecting that accident and surprise were hidden in this ordinary routine.
Su Tao stopped walking, watching the elevator ascend floor by floor.
It went from the fifth floor to the sixth, and then, after a long wait, the number changed to seven.
Su Tao took a quick deep breath, thinking of a decision she'd made, and her heart began to pound uncontrollably.
"Confess, confess, confess..."
"What should I say when I confess? Is 'I like you' enough?"
"What about the sense of occasion? But Xiaocheng just woke up and must be weak, should I care for her first or confess first?"
"What kind of expression will she make then? Will it be one of relief and happiness? She'll definitely be happy, since she's always hoped that I would like her."
Su Tao muttered to herself at lightning speed. With a "ding," the elevator arrived. As the doors slowly opened, Su Tao bolted out.
Room 806, straight ahead to the end and then the first room around the corner!
She even forgot for a moment that she was in a hospital, that her long strides might disturb the other patients.
It wasn't until a nurse stopped Su Tao, holding a finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. "Please keep your voice down, this floor is for seriously ill patients who need a lot of rest."
"I'm so sorry!"
Su Tao apologized immediately, slowing her pace.
She just wanted to see Chi Xiaocheng so badly, to hear the other girl call her "Tao Tao" in that affectionate, joyful way.
Before she even reached the corner, she saw Professor Su hurrying towards her, looking a little unwell.
He saw Su Tao and paused in surprise. "Miss Su, you're here so early today?"
"The café started its holiday break today, I had nothing to do, so I came to keep Xiaocheng company. I heard Xiaocheng woke up?"
Professor Su pursed his lips slightly, nodding gently. "Yes, she's awake, but she's currently having her medication and equipment changed by the nurses. Please wait a moment before you go in."
"Oh... okay!"
Su Tao nodded vigorously, her anticipation undiminished, not noticing the professor's hesitant expression.
The latter sighed softly. "You can go in after the nurses come out, but please prepare yourself mentally. Although she's awake, her condition isn't optimistic. Try not to upset her."
"Okay."
Watching Professor Su leave in a hurry, Su Tao's eyes were filled with confusion.
Waking up was already the best news, so why did he say her condition wasn't optimistic?
If he meant that lying in bed for a whole month had weakened her body, then Su Tao could understand.
But that wasn't a problem, she would take care of Xiaocheng!
Slightly suppressing her impatient heart, she waited patiently.
Before long, the ringing of her phone interrupted Su Tao's eager mood.
She noticed the number and, feeling both fortunate and anxious, walked to the balcony where she wouldn't disturb the other patients.
She answered the phone.
A kind, somewhat elderly voice sounded on the other end. "Is this Xiaotao? I hope I'm not bothering you by calling at this hour?"
Su Tao smiled, her tone relaxed. "Don't worry, Auntie, you're not bothering me at all. It's winter break, I don't have anything to do. What could possibly bother me?"
The caller was Chi Xiaocheng's mother, who had also been instrumental in raising Su Tao. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her half a mother.
Although Mother Chi's voice was kind, there was still a hint of worry in it. "Xiaotao, the reason I'm bothering you is that I can't get through to Xiaocheng's phone. And I haven't heard her mention you lately. I just wanted to ask if you two had a fight. We haven't heard from her in so long."
The familiar question gave Su Tao pause.
She remembered when Chi Xiaocheng had been a yandere, and Mother Chi had called with similar questions.
At that time, Chi Xiaocheng was also in the hospital, seriously injured with an unknown prognosis.
Lacking confidence, she had told a lie, and, torn with guilt, had been unable to face Mother Chi.
But things were different now. Thinking of the fact that Chi Xiaocheng was already awake, Su Tao said with a smile, "Auntie, don't worry, how could we fight? Xiaocheng is very clingy with me, she's always called me Tao Tao affectionately."
"She's in the hospital for medical reasons, and the doctor said she can't use her phone, so her phone is at home."
"That's good." Mother Chi breathed a sigh of relief, sounding much lighter. "Are you two coming home for the New Year this year?"
"Well..." Su Tao hesitated. "I need to confirm Xiaocheng's condition with the doctor. If Xiaocheng is doing well, then we'll definitely go home for the New Year."
"How about this, in a few days, Xiaocheng and I will give you a video call."
"Okay, okay, it's been so long since we've seen you, your uncle and I miss you both!"
The small talk was all about everyday matters, but it was full of hope for the future. This time, Su Tao didn't shy away.
Xiaocheng was awake. If she was well enough, then she would take her home for the New Year.
After the confession, she would also tell Uncle and Auntie when she returned home.
She wanted to take care of Xiaocheng for the rest of her life!
And then she would prove to Uncle and Auntie that she had the ability to take care of Xiaocheng for the rest of her life!
As they chatted, a nurse slowly walked out of Chi Xiaocheng's room.
Pushing a large pile of equipment, her expression showed the joy she felt because of Chi Xiaocheng's awakening and recovery.
While making polite excuses to Mother Chi to end the call, Su Tao quickly walked to the door of the hospital room.
Inside, the girl she had been longing for was sitting on the bed, her petite frame hidden by a blue and white hospital gown.
Chi Xiaocheng's hands were folded in her lap, and she was looking out the window at the birds flying by.
The morning sun and gentle breeze favored this delicate girl, like a soft hand that stirred the pure white curtains and stirred her still-smooth, lustrous, tea-colored hair.
The small glimpse of her profile was beautiful and picturesque.
The excitement and agitation in Su Tao's heart slowly calmed at this moment.
Surprise and anxiety transformed into happiness, and tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.
All kinds of emotions ultimately transformed into the gentlest gaze.
The scene before her was not a dream.
Su Tao took a deep breath and gently knocked twice on the door frame, attracting Chi Xiaocheng's attention.
"Xiaocheng..."
Su Tao just wanted to speak, but Chi Xiaocheng spoke even faster.
She managed a relaxed, dependent smile. "Su Tao-jiejie, you're here."
The words made Su Tao's foot falter.
Su Tao...older sister?
Shouldn't it be Tao Tao?
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