Chapter 220: Echoes of Comfort

Jiang Jingshi’s voice trembled more and more, gripped by fear of the future.

Only when she felt Lin Zheng Ran’s tight embrace and his hand gently stroking her head did she start to calm down.

From far behind the car, Pan Lin glanced back, though she couldn’t see what was happening inside or hear the sounds.

Yet she knew Boss Jiang must be feeling utterly helpless right now.

The driver asked quietly, “Pan Jie, what happened?”

Pan Lin shook her head. “Don’t ask. If anyone inquires about Boss Jiang’s whereabouts lately, especially the Second Miss or the old chairman, don’t mention we came to the hospital today, got it?”

“Of course.” The driver sensed something major had occurred, especially since even Pan Jie’s eyes were red and teary.

In the back seat of the car, after a while, Jiang Jingshi cried so hard she was shaking, her strength fading away.

Her soft, slightly wavy long hair was scattered all over Lin Zheng Ran’s clothes.

She whispered gently, “This is the first time you’ve ever held me like this for real. Before, it was always by accident—this is the first.”

Lin Zheng Ran said steadily, “Jiang Jie, have you calmed down?”

Jiang Jingshi kept her face buried in his chest, not looking up, her expression hidden.

“How can I calm down? According to the doctor, I won’t even be able to get out of bed soon. This morning, I thought it was the happiest day in the last two months because you’d come, and then this had to happen.”

As she spoke, Jiang Jingshi suddenly shifted from tears to a wronged, bittersweet smile.

“But I must be sick, because even now, I’m a little glad. I never imagined you’d actually hold me like this, even if it’s just to comfort me because of my illness—but I…”

Her fingers gripped Lin Zheng Ran’s back tightly. “But I’m content with that.”

Lin Zheng Ran let out a soft sigh, soothing her still slightly trembling body.

“Jiang Jie, if you’re calm now, can you listen to what I have to say?”

Jiang Jingshi just replied, “Mm, go ahead.”

“Your condition isn’t hopeless. Give me some time—at most a week, at longest a month—and I can find a way to get you back to how you were before.”

Jiang Jingshi didn’t react with shock or argue; she didn’t even speak.

She just sniffed and continued resting against Lin Zheng Ran’s chest.

Seeing she didn’t respond, Lin Zheng Ran asked, “Jiang Jie? Did you hear what I said?”

Her voice hoarse from crying, with Lin Zheng Ran’s shirt soaked in tears, Jiang Jingshi said:

“I heard, but do you think I’m that easy to fool? I’m not some three-year-old girl. This hospital has experts from all over the world—if they can’t fix it, no one can.”

Lin Zheng Ran was at a loss for words.

Jiang Jingshi went on softly, “I trust you completely, but… I can’t just throw away all reason.”

Lin Zheng Ran felt sweat on his forehead for no reason.

It did sound ridiculous to claim a cure after the doctors said it was impossible.

But his words weren’t just empty comfort—he meant them.

Lin Zheng Ran said, “Look up at me first.”

After a moment, Jiang Jingshi slowly lifted her head, her peach blossom eyes red and swollen from crying.

Tear streaks still clear on her cheeks.

As the eldest daughter of the Jiang Group, she rarely showed vulnerability to anyone, but in front of the guy she liked…

In his arms, Jiang Jingshi had laid bare all her inner fragility.

Lin Zheng Ran wiped the tears from her eyes, marveling at how flawless Jiang Jingshi’s features were, even when she’d been crying.

As his fingers brushed her eyes, Jiang Jingshi felt a bit shy, her lashes fluttering as she glanced away from his gaze.

She avoided his eyes.

Lin Zheng Ran smiled. “Remember when you first saw me at the Taekwondo competition hall? You didn’t think my team would win, right?”

Jiang Jingshi said weakly, “Why bring that up now…”

“What I’m saying is, I’m not lying. It might sound illogical or unconvincing, and even the doctors say there’s no precedent, but in the two years we’ve known each other, have I ever let you down? I’ve always followed through on what I said.”

Jiang Jingshi frowned in confusion and looked back at Lin Zheng Ran.

Gazing into his eyes.

To her, Lin Zheng Ran had always seemed mature, with a reliability beyond his years.

Even though he was a few years younger and hadn’t lived through much, he handled everything with an easy confidence.

And over the time they’d known each other, he’d never made a promise he couldn’t keep.

“Are you serious? But the doctors at this hospital…”

“I know. I’ve never doubted the Jiang Family’s or your influence, so this hospital must be top-notch worldwide. But sometimes, what others can’t solve, I might be able to—as long as you trust me.”

Lin Zheng Ran continued, “Because with a condition like this, mindset matters a lot. If you believe in me, I can focus on finding the cure.”

Jiang Jingshi didn’t know what to say. Logic told her Lin Zheng Ran’s words had no basis—he was too young and from the wrong background to handle such a rare illness.

But looking into his serious eyes, her emotions stirred, giving her a spark of hope. And he’d repeated that one phrase twice, which was rare for him.

Lin Zheng Ran went on, “At fastest a week, at slowest a month—give me time. If you’re scared, Jiang Jie, you can stay at the hospital. Take the meds as long as the side effects aren’t bad. After a month…”

Before he finished, Jiang Jingshi covered his lips with her hand:

“Sis… Sis is a bit lost on what you’re saying. You brought me to the hospital, found out it’s an incurable disease, and now you say you can fix it.”

She lowered her head, her eyes shimmering with tears.

“I get why people call women fools. It’s impossible, but I’m willing to believe you. Looks like I’m not that smart either—just a silly woman.”

Lin Zheng Ran objected:

“Don’t say that. Trust depends on the person. Some people just talk big, but others really have the means. Of course, right now it’s all words—what matters is what happens later.”

Jiang Jingshi stared at him with a curious expression, then suddenly smiled through her tears. “You can really cure it?”

“Yes, really.”

“Then what do you need? Money?”

Lin Zheng Ran explained, “I don’t need any of that. Just time. As long as you believe me, keep your spirits up during this period, and don’t let your body break down from sadness.”

Jiang Jingshi recalled getting lost in the residential area as a child and how he had led her out of it. If he saved her from this illness too, who else could she follow for life? He’d be giving her a second chance.

“Sis believes you… I’ll do as you say.”

They looked at each other, Jiang Jingshi’s eyes trembling and her heart racing as she slowly placed her hands on Lin Zheng Ran’s shoulders, straightening up and leaning in with her scented red lips.

She seemed to wait for his response.

When she felt his hands gently wrap around her waist, she kissed him joyfully.