Chapter 27: Surgery

Lin Sitian cried at the surgery door—eyes swollen, trembling.
Buried in Zhou Sheng’s neck—”Grandma…”
Half – hour prior—found grandma collapsed, called Zhou Sheng, ambulance.
Neighbors: elderly woman, young mom. No relatives nearby—only her (17) and Zhou Sheng.
Called Cousin (no answer), dad (answered by a woman—promised to tell).
In hospital—only her and Zhou Sheng. Paid, signed (emergency procedure).
Cold corridor—surgery lasted 2+ hours. Dazed—she told him: “Go home—parents wait.”
He: “Told them—classmate’s emergency. Stay.”
She: “9 PM—no dinner.”
He: “Hungry?”
She: “Wait for grandma.”
He: “Stay—buy food.”
Left—she sat alone, cold, phone dead.
Footsteps—middle – aged man (dad).
“Dad!” She cried, hugging him.
He: “Phone off? Grandma?”
She: “In surgery—found her collapsed.”
He comforted: “Safe—dad’s here.”
…
Zhou Sheng returned with food—saw them crying.
She introduced: “Classmate—monitor.”
Zhou Sheng: “Uncle—good.”
Dad: “Thanks—classmate.”
Zhou Sheng: “Milk, bread—you two eat. Go home—surgery long. Need energy.”
Left—wished grandma well.
…
Thursday, Friday—she skipped school.
Text: “Grandma’s surgery successful—pancreatic cancer, late stage.”
Zhou Sheng’s messages: no reply.
Teacher: “Pre – contest prep?”
He: “Okay—distracted.”
Teacher: “Pre – contest paper—done?”
He explained: “Remove complex The outside heart is devoted…”
Teacher: “Impression—six minutes?”
He: “One minute texting her—next time, focus.”
Teacher: “Check answers—don’t waste time.”
He: “Good.”
Asked: “Lin Sitian—how long absent?”
Teacher: “Dad said family issue—no time. Back next week.”
He: “Thanks.”