As another day passed, Shen Duoyi checked the time and asked, “Don’t you have a meeting today?”

“I do,” Qi Shi'an replied, “but I’m thinking of postponing it. There’s a consultation coming up, isn’t there?”

“I’ll manage here.” Shen Duoyi sat by the hospital bed, his laptop on his lap. “You’ve done a lot already. Don’t let this disrupt your other responsibilities. I’ve sent the proposal to the client, and I’ll try to set up an appointment at the office in the next couple of days.”

Qi Shi'an thought for a moment. “Send it to Zhang Yiming’s email. Let him handle the meeting. Given the situation, he’d be happy to help.”

Shen Duoyi had been keeping vigil at the hospital every day, occasionally returning to the office to handle urgent work, leaving him with little room to breathe. Yet Grandpa Shen’s gradual recovery, even something as minor as sitting up from a reclined position, strengthened his resolve bit by bit.

“Grandpa, does your hand hurt?”

With the IV needle inserted into the back of his hand, Grandpa Shen waved dismissively as he leaned against the headboard. “No, it doesn’t hurt, and I’m not uncomfortable. Stop fussing over me like I’m some treasure.”

Stirring a bowl of egg custard, Shen Duoyi replied, “Who’s fussing? Do you think you’re some kind of deity?”

Grandpa Shen rolled his eyes. “You’re not even going to work, staying here all day. You’ve just become a supervisor, haven’t you? Your colleagues and boss might start to have opinions. And then there’s Xiao Qi, coming to the hospital every day. I feel bad about it.”

Shen Duoyi scooped up a spoonful of custard and fed it to Grandpa Shen. “Grandpa, stop worrying about these trivial things. I can handle it. If work gets delayed, I can catch up. If I lose the job, I can find another one. But I only have one grandpa, and I can’t afford to take any chances with you.”

Grandpa Shen was about to sigh, but Shen Duoyi stopped him with a spoon.

“Stop sighing. I don’t like hearing it,” Shen Duoyi said seriously, looking at the old man. “National Day is coming up. If you recover well, we’ll be discharged before the holiday. So, you need to stay happy, eat well, and drink enough.”

“Got it.” Grandpa Shen’s eyelids drooped, and though he seemed devoid of energy, he was intensely observing Shen Duoyi. The calm and steady words of his grandson reassured him. His beloved grandson was indeed strong.

The week in the hospital felt like an eternity. Shen Duoyi brought a radio from home, playing storytelling programs to accompany Grandpa Shen. Sometimes Qi Shi'an joined them, and the three would discuss what they listened to.

On weekends, the hospital was quieter, though the ward remained the same. Grandpa Shen changed into fresh patient clothes and sat by the window, staring blankly outside.

The autumn air was cool. Shen Duoyi entered wearing his knitted sweater, sleeves rolled up, and caught sight of Grandpa Shen’s hunched figure. The frailty of the man, sitting quietly, was heart-wrenching.

“Grandpa, what are you mumbling about?” He approached, moving in front of Grandpa Shen. “The sun is lovely today. Do you want to go outside?”

Grandpa Shen grasped the foot of the bed. “I do. Northern autumns are windy, but today I haven’t felt a breeze. I want to bask in the sun.”

Shen Duoyi borrowed a wheelchair from a nurse and pushed Grandpa Shen downstairs to the garden. The pavilion wound around a few corners, and a dozen gray pigeons dotted the lawn. Many elderly people were also enjoying the sun, though most appeared weak and listless.

They found a quieter spot under a large locust tree, its leaves filtering the sunlight. Shen Duoyi remained silent, sitting by Grandpa Shen’s side, as if echoing the times when, as a child, he did his homework at the desk with Grandpa Shen silently accompanying him.

“Duoyi!”

The sudden shout startled both Shen Duoyi and Grandpa Shen, who turned toward the voice. Standing a few steps away under the pavilion was Grandpa Huo, upright and holding a file folder.

Shen Duoyi immediately stood to greet him. “Grandpa Huo, what brings you to the hospital? Are you feeling unwell?”

Striding over with brisk steps, Grandpa Huo exuded energy. He patted Shen Duoyi’s shoulder in reassurance. “I came to pick up my health report. I heard from Shi'an that your grandpa is hospitalized, so I thought I’d stop by.”

Grandpa Huo approached Grandpa Shen’s wheelchair, bent his straight back, and greeted, “Old pal, how are you feeling? I was just thinking about inviting you to go fishing.”

Shen Duoyi introduced them. “Grandpa, this is Shi'an’s grandfather.”

Grandpa Shen extended his emaciated right hand for a handshake. “I’m doing fine. I’ll be out by National Day.”

“That’s good! Let’s celebrate the holiday together.” Grandpa Huo, his voice loud and clear, settled onto a nearby bench. “Duoyi, Shi'an is looking for you in the ward. Go see him.”

Shen Duoyi left. Grandpa Shen, unsure of how to address Grandpa Huo, asked, “How old are you?”

“Seventy-something. I’ve lost count,” Grandpa Huo chuckled. “I drink and smoke, so I might look older than I am.” Pulling out his health report, he added, “These biannual checkups are such a hassle. Why live so cautiously? When it’s time to go, it’s time to go. Don’t you think?”

Grandpa Shen nodded. “I feel like my time has come. Heaven was kind not to take me this time, leaving me some farewell moments.”

“Don’t be so pessimistic,” Grandpa Huo said, leaning closer. “At our age, we’ve seen it all. Chewing meat is hard, our eyes blur when we admire the scenery, and we’re hard of hearing when listening to opera. If not for the kids, there’s really nothing to hold onto.”

Grandpa Shen sighed deeply. “My son and daughter-in-law passed 20 years ago. Not a day goes by when I don’t miss them. Losing a child is a pain worse than being plunged into ice water. But when I got sick, I was terrified—terrified of leaving without saying goodbye. My Duoyi couldn’t handle that.”

Grandpa Huo patted Grandpa Shen’s hand. “Old pal, what do you think of my Shi'an?”

“He’s great in every way.”

“He truly is. And he treats Duoyi wonderfully.” Lowering his voice, Grandpa Huo spoke with sincerity, “Shi'an is my precious grandson. From now on, your Duoyi will be my precious grandson too. Shi'an’s parents will be Duoyi’s parents. You need to live well, but if your time comes, don’t worry. We’ll take care of Duoyi and make sure he’s never left alone.”

Grandpa Shen’s lips quivered. Thousands of thoughts and words seemed to rush forward but ultimately condensed into the strength of his grip on Grandpa Huo’s hands—a silent but profound gratitude.

On their way back, Shen Duoyi met Qi Shi'an, and together they returned to the garden. From the corridor, they saw the two elderly men chatting. Whatever Grandpa Huo had said brought a rare smile to Grandpa Shen’s weary face.

Later, a light autumn breeze finally picked up, signaling it was time to return. Shen Duoyi pushed Grandpa Shen’s wheelchair back to the ward, while Qi Shi'an accompanied Grandpa Huo to the hospital entrance.

Grandpa Huo said, “That’s enough. My driver’s waiting. You can head back.”

Qi Shi'an asked, “Grandpa, what did you say to Duoyi’s grandpa?”

Grandpa Huo huffed, “None of your business. We had a great conversation.”

As the waiting military vehicle drove away, Qi Shi'an returned to the ward, guessing most of what had been said. Quietly opening the inner room’s door, he saw Grandpa Shen lying on the bed, while Shen Duoyi rested his head on the edge of the bed, arms crossed.

It looked like a grandchild listening to a story from his elder.

Grandpa Shen said, “When I collapsed, I couldn’t move, but I was so scared. I hadn’t said anything, and I was afraid I’d leave just like that.”

Shen Duoyi, gazing at his grandfather’s graying hair, replied, “Where would you go? You’re all I have.”

“Pfft, if I leave, it’ll be to heaven. I’m not going underground,” Grandpa Shen said, his half-closed eyes now shut entirely, his voice like a murmur. “Living to this age, leaving peacefully is the greatest blessing. Besides, your parents are waiting for me. I’ll have a grand procession all the way there.”

Shen Duoyi rested his head against the blanket corner. “Look at you, so eager to leave. Am I starving you?”

Grandpa Shen didn’t answer but opened his eyes again. “Duoyi, this illness came suddenly. There might not be time to say anything if it happens again. So, we should talk now.”

Shen Duoyi gripped the blanket tightly. “Stop. I don’t want to hear it.”

Grandpa Shen asked, “When I see your parents, is there anything you’d like me to tell them?”

Shen Duoyi trembled. “You’d probably be so happy you’d forget.”

“Do you think I’m senile? I’ll remember for you.”

Qi Shi'an stood at the door, listening as the grandfather and grandson exchanged what sounded like a farewell. His heart was a mixture of emotions. He watched Shen Duoyi finally lift his head after a long silence, his gentle yet pained eyes betraying his inner turmoil.

“Then pass on two things,” Shen Duoyi said. “Tell my parents I’m doing great.”

“Got it,” Grandpa Shen replied. “And the second?”

Shen Duoyi hesitated, his lips quivering. “Take good care of you. Keep you warm and well-fed.”

His voice cracked. “And don’t let me worry about you.”