Chapter 2The Kite and the String

I secretly visited Julian a few more times later and asked his attending physician about his condition.

Julian's ward was lively. No matter when I went, there was always someone by his bed, men or women, chattering away.

This was expected. Julian had been popular since childhood. Wherever he went, people would soon gather around him in a circle.

He had always been the center of attention.

The last time I went to the attending physician, the doctor rubbed his temples with a headache: "Actually, the patient in Bed 2 isn't seriously injured, just a minor fracture and a mild concussion. He's recovering very well.

"I know you care about him, but can you send a representative to ask about his condition? Otherwise, I have to repeat the same thing five, six, seven, eight times a day. Isn't it affecting other patients' families consulting about conditions?"

I didn't dare say I wasn't actually a family member, so I could only apologize repeatedly and back out of the doctor's office.

Then I made eye contact with Julian, who was walking in the corridor.

Three people were with him: one holding the IV drip, one supporting his arm, and another following leisurely.

It looked quite like stars surrounding the moon.

I also heard Julian say with disdain: "I'm injured, not crippled. Can you let go of me? I can walk by myself!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw me.

I only hated that the hospital corridor was too wide, leaving my panic and awkwardness nowhere to hide.

Standing there for a while, I finally spoke first: "Long time no see."

"Julian, who's this?"

Julian looked at me, his expression indifferent: "Someone from my hometown."

"Looking so affectionate, I thought it was your ex-girlfriend."

Julian and I had depended on each other for over twenty years. I wore his only down jacket; he wore my only scarf.

We shared a plate of egg fried rice and slept under the same quilt.

Now, we were just people from the same hometown.

I clutched my phone tightly and turned to leave.

Julian stopped me: "Wait."

He asked if I had paid his hospitalization fees.

"I saw the call log with you on my phone. The hospital called you, right?" Julian said. "Are you still using that bank card? I'll transfer it directly to you."

"No need." I refused. "If anything, I should transfer money to you."

Julian paused.

"I spent so much of your money back then, I feel quite embarrassed. Give me a card number, I'll pay you back."

Hearing this, Julian's friend laughed: "Thinking of paying back after so many years? So insincere? How much interest do you plan to give?"

Julian glared at that person, his expression cold.

"Ignore him." Julian said, "No need to pay back."

I scratched my head and said, "I have to pay it back."

I never had a psychological burden using Julian's money before. I accepted everything he bought me as a matter of course.

At that time, I felt we were family. His money was mine, and when I made money later, it would naturally be his.

But since we've separated, financial dealings should be settled clearly.