DCTMOAS Chapter 31

Dctmoas:
The night before surgery was destined to be sleepless. Add an uncomfortable hospital bed to that, and Chu Cheng barely got any rest on his first night after admission.

At 8 a.m. sharp, he opened his eyes. It was the same time as his usual first period at school.

He got out of bed to wash up and noticed the bed next to his was still empty. The patient who’d gone for physical therapy yesterday never came back—he must have gone home instead.

He should’ve known better than to trust his uncle’s talk about nightly rounds. Now look—he hadn’t even had the surgery yet, and he was already bored of being stuck in the hospital.

About ten minutes later, Chu Cheng walked out of the bathroom, his hair still dripping wet—only to find a new, sharply dressed figure in the room.

“You’re really early.”

The other person replied jokingly, “I was afraid you’d run away if I came late.”

Chu Cheng wiped the water droplets from his cheeks with a towel and chuckled, “Uncle, I’m not a kid anymore.”

Knock knock—

A nurse knocked on the door, glanced at the nameplate by the bed, and called out to confirm, “Chu Cheng?”

“Yes.”

The nurse walked over to the windowsill, set down a medical tray, and informed him, “The surgery is scheduled for around 1:30 in the afternoon. The anesthesiologist will come by soon to do a pre-op anesthesia assessment. I’ll place an IV line for you first.”

“Okay.” Chu Cheng rolled up his sleeve cooperatively and asked, “Will I need a lot of IV fluids after the surgery?”

“Of course.” Smiling at the handsome patient who still didn’t quite seem aware of his situation, the nurse replied, “You’ve been fasting since this morning. For the next three to four days, you’ll be relying on IV fluids for nutrition. As for when you can eat and drink again, as well as any restrictions or things to be cautious about, the doctor will explain everything in detail after the surgery.”

Not eating for days and relying entirely on IVs? Just thinking about it made him wince.

Chu Cheng simply listened, his expression turning into a mask of suffering as he forced a smile. “Thanks for the help.”

“No problem. Be careful when moving around—don’t let the needle get caught on anything. Call me if you need anything.” The nurse finished placing the IV line, secured it with a waterproof adhesive, and left with the tray.

In the few minutes it took for the IV to be placed, Director Jin’s phone rang twice.

Chu Cheng noticed the look of indifference on his uncle’s face, but his slightly agitated page-flipping betrayed his mood. He couldn’t help but say, “If you have something to take care of, go ahead. I’ll stay in the room and wait for the assessment.”

“No rush.” Director Jin just glanced at his phone and locked the screen.

Chu Cheng didn’t say more and casually picked up one of the books on the bedside table. They had been bought by the secretary to help him pass the time.

Strategies of the Warring States, Guiguzi, The Six Secret Teachings, The Art of War, Tao Te Ching…

What the hell?

Chu Cheng frowned. Either the secretary was just doing the bare minimum or he was secretly rebelling.

After a long and torturous wait, at 1 p.m., Chu Cheng was finally hooked up to an IV and escorted out of the room by a nurse.

“Take some tissues and bring a jacket for him,” his uncle and the secretary followed behind, helping carry his personal items.

Probably trying to ease the pre-surgery nerves, the nurse holding the IV started chatting with Chu Cheng. “How old are you? Still in school?”

Chu Cheng smiled. “Nope, I’m quite grown already.”

The nurse looked surprised and stared at his youthful, handsome face. “I thought you and your dad both looked pretty young.”

“He’s my uncle. I’m a high school teacher.”

“You look way too young for that. A high school teacher?” The nurse quickly shared the news with her colleagues, adding with a touch of disbelief, “If you said you were a high school student, I’d believe it.”

“Chu Cheng, come sign this first, then head straight in. Family members will wait outside,” the head nurse said as she carefully double-checked the information outside the operating room.

Through the window, his uncle reminded him, “Don’t be nervous. I’ll be waiting out here for you.”

“Got it.” Chu Cheng waved his hand.

Two younger surgical nurses then approached him, gently guiding him toward the pre-op disinfection area. Their voices were soft: “Please put on shoe covers and a cap, then lie down inside and wait a little. Our chief surgeon will be here soon.”

The pain from the last time he had a gastroscopy was still vivid in his mind. Chu Cheng had a strong aversion to the operating table. He took several deep breaths to calm himself and tilted his head back, watching as the anesthetic was slowly injected into the IV saline.

He heard the beeping of machines, the murmurs of doctors preparing, and the sounds of surgical tools being moved—then gradually lost consciousness.

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“Chu Cheng—”

In a daze, Chu Cheng heard someone softly calling his name. A sliver of filtered light broke through the darkness in front of him, accompanied by unfamiliar voices nearby.

“The patient is waking up. The family can come in now.”

He tried to open his eyes, vision still blurry, and vaguely saw an extraordinarily handsome face leaning close beside him.

That didn’t look like his uncle. The facial features were sharper, younger.

Who…

“Chu Cheng, are you feeling any discomfort?” It was his uncle’s voice.

Chu Cheng shook his head slightly. “I woke up too fast. Thought I saw my colleague.”

The next second, a very distinct voice spoke: “You didn’t wake up too fast. The anesthesia hasn’t worn off—you’re still out of it.”

Chu Cheng squinted and shifted a little, feeling sore and weak all over. In his groggy state, he mumbled, “Is that really Mr. Yu? Can’t be… Shouldn’t he be at work?”

“Don’t move.” Yu Siting quickly grabbed Chu Cheng’s wrist to stop him from rubbing the IV site, and patiently replied, “School let out early today—it’s Friday. Did you forget?”

“Mmm…” Chu Cheng blinked slowly, his eyelashes fluttering as only a thin sliver of his eyes remained open. “Then why are you two standing together? Like copy-pasted versions of each other in those stiff uniforms. I thought I was seeing double.”

He wasn’t wrong.

The two men were both dressed in sharp black shirts. His uncle wore a formal business outfit, while Mr. Yu’s had two stylish stripes that made it more casual and artistic.

Chu Cheng’s mind might’ve been foggy, but his ability to roast people remained sharp and sincere.

Yu Siting and Director Jin exchanged a glance but had no comeback.

A moment later, his uncle broke the silence. “Because we were both waiting for the same person. Alright, just lie down and stop talking.”

On the other side, a doctor called out, “Can a family member of Chu Cheng please come over?”

“I’ll go, Director Jin. You stay here with him,” said Yu Siting as he gently handed off Chu Cheng’s wrist.

“Okay,” his uncle nodded.

The doctor, sitting at a computer, printed a few report sheets and handed them to Yu Siting. “We’ve just removed adenomatous polyps from the patient’s stomach. The procedure went very well. Let me explain a few important things you’ll need to watch out for.”

“First of all, the patient definitely can’t eat anything today — it’s best not even to drink water. If he’s really thirsty after the surgery, the nurse can use a cotton swab to moisten his lips, or he can hold a sip of water in his mouth without swallowing.”

“Tomorrow, he can start drinking water again. The family should prepare a straw so he can sip slowly. But no solid food yet — he can have some lotus root starch with no residue. Three days later, he can start on liquid food, or the family can make some light soup with low oil and salt.”

“After seven days, switch to soft, mushy foods. By the fifteenth day, he can eat rice and stir-fried dishes, but he must follow a strict diet — no seafood, spicy food, fried food, or anything raw or cold. Only after a full month can he return to a normal diet…”

As the doctor spoke, he was marking up the form with many notes. Yu Siting listened attentively the entire time.

“That’s all for now. Once the patient wakes up, he can be sent back to the ward.”

“Alright, thank you, Doctor.” Yu Siting took the form and helped push the stretcher out of the operating room and into the elevator.

Lying flat on his back, Chu Cheng stared up at the swaying half-hanging oxygen tube above him. Turning his head slightly, he saw two tall figures standing together, seemingly discussing the doctor’s instructions.

“You two seem kind of close,” Chu Cheng asked.

Yu Siting paused his conversation with Director Jin and responded naturally, “Not really, we just met. We just talked a bit while you were in surgery.”

Chu Cheng gave his uncle a suspicious look. “Do your two families have business dealings?”

His uncle also shook his head. “No, but maybe we could in the future.”

“That’s strange,” Chu Cheng muttered to himself.

Two people who aren’t particularly sociable somehow getting along so well — it was rare.

While they were talking, the elevator reached the ward.

While helping to transfer Chu Cheng from the stretcher to the bed, the head nurse reminded them of the precautions again.

“For the time being, he should avoid eating foods like lotus root slices or celery — anything that pulls or has rough fiber. That’s because we placed several micro titanium clips in his stomach to stop the bleeding. We need to prevent anything from scraping them off. And of course, he should avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of bed rest. Once the wounds in the GI tract heal, the clips will naturally fall off.”

“Got it. Thank you so much,” Chu Cheng said with a polite smile as he saw her out.

The familiar ringtone rang again — another call from his uncle’s phone. Since morning, his company had been calling nonstop.

Chu Cheng felt that he had already taken up enough of Director Jin’s time and didn’t want to hold him up any longer. So he said, “Uncle, if you have work, you should go. The surgery’s already done, so no need to worry about me.”

Just as Director Jin was about to say it was fine, Chu Cheng continued, “This is my closest colleague. Didn’t you see him come visit me first? He’ll stay with me for a while — he’ll definitely take good care of me.”

Hearing that, Yu Siting nodded in agreement, “Don’t worry, Director Jin. I’ll stay here.”

Director Jin had left his project last minute to check on his nephew, but now he really did have urgent matters to attend to. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded. “Alright, I’ll go take care of things and come back later. You get some rest.”

Chu Cheng looked obedient. “Mm, I’m tired — I’m going to sleep soon.”

Director Jin added, “I’ve arranged for a hospital caregiver through my secretary. Don’t worry, they won’t bother you unless necessary — they’ll be stationed right outside your room. Once Xiao Yu leaves, just press the call button for small things, and call me directly for anything major. Don’t hesitate.”

Chu Cheng: “Got it.”

Then his uncle handed Yu Siting a business card and said, “Thank you — I’ll make sure to thank you properly another day.”

“You’re being too formal,” Yu Siting replied, using Chu Cheng’s words, “We’re very close colleagues.”

Yu Siting saw Chairman Jin off and returned to the hospital room. When he came back, Chu Cheng was already giving him that familiar scrutinizing look.

“You sure took your time saying goodbye.”

Yu Siting spread his hands. “I told you before, your uncle has good taste. That means we share the same taste and temperament. Is it so strange that we got along?”

“You’d better not try guessing what he’s thinking,” Chu Cheng warned kindly—after all, the man had just called his car a piece of junk yesterday.

“It was just small talk,” Yu Siting said casually.

Chu Cheng kept staring at him and finally brought up something he’d noticed earlier. “Came empty-handed? Not even a fruit basket?”

Yu Siting shot back, “You think you’re in any condition to eat anything?”

Chu Cheng chuckled. “Whether I can eat it or not isn’t the point. It’s the thought that counts.”

“Fine,” Yu Siting gave in, tucking the blanket around him as he replied, “I’ll bring something thoughtful next time.”

Chu Cheng stretched his limbs slightly, trying to ease the physical and mental fatigue of the day. With a nasal, tired voice, he said, “I’m fine now. You don’t need to stay. I’ll call the caretaker if I need anything.”

“Aren’t you the one who said I should look after you?” Yu Siting pulled a plastic stool over and sat beside the bed. “I made a promise to Chairman Jin—I’m not about to break it.”

Chu Cheng said, “I was just making polite conversation.”

But Yu Siting looked serious. He stared at the bed as he spoke, “So, was I really the first one to visit you? Or am I the only one besides your uncle? Judging by all this, I’m guessing you didn’t even tell your parents?”

Chu Cheng gave a vague reply, “Mhm—”

“Chu Cheng, I don’t get it. Why didn’t you want me to visit you? You said you’d tell me once the surgery was scheduled, and you didn’t even mention it in your leave request,” Yu Siting’s tone was genuinely concerned. “Did I do something wrong?”

Chu Cheng hadn’t expected him to care this much. He was stunned for a moment before responding, “No, don’t get the wrong idea. It’s not just you. I didn’t want to tell anyone or see anyone.”

Yu Siting didn’t understand.

So Chu Cheng lowered his voice and tried to explain, “Just think of me as someone with social anxiety. I don’t like troubling people, and I’m not fond of all the visiting and attention.”

Maybe because he’d had to deal with too many formalities as a kid, Chu Cheng didn’t like the rituals of socializing, nor the forced pleasantries and exchanges.

To him, life was life, work was work—there was no need to mix them with social niceties.

“For example, if I’m sick and my colleagues come to visit, they bring flowers and gifts. It takes their time and money, and to me, it just feels tacky—and like I owe them something.”

Knock knock—

Just as Chu Cheng finished speaking, someone knocked on the hospital room door and poked their head in.
“Hello, is this the room for a flower delivery ordered by Mr. Yu?”

Chu Cheng: “…”

Yu Siting stood up and stepped forward. “That’s for me, thank you.”

Chu Cheng watched him take the bouquet, so embarrassed that his expression nearly froze.

Yu Siting, however, stayed calm. He held the flowers in his arms and examined them.
“I was in a rush earlier and didn’t have time, so I ordered a bouquet online. Yeah, it’s a bit cliché, but it adds some color to the room. Here you go—your ‘favor owed.’”

He had ordered a bouquet of Siberian lilies with a gentle fragrance, complemented by green lisianthus. The white and green tones were soft yet bright, evoking a sense of resilience and vitality.

Chu Cheng reached out to take it and brought it to his nose for a sniff. “They’re actually quite pretty. I mean it.”

Yu Siting smiled. “Mm, that was a good bit of consolation. I’ll take it.”

Chu Cheng, feeling conflicted, shrank back under the blanket.
“I’m still under anesthesia… can you not hold this against me?”

Yu Siting replied mildly, “Alright.”

Just then, a nurse entered to administer another IV drip, breaking the awkwardness. Chu Cheng said no more and burrowed quietly into the bed.

He must have been exhausted. The tension he’d been holding since the surgery finally relaxed, and after lying still for a bit, he gradually drifted off to sleep.

That afternoon, his IV bags were changed one after another, without pause. Yu Siting stayed in the room the whole time, helping call the nurse and adjust the meds—he never left.

It wasn’t clear how much time had passed when Chu Cheng stirred slightly.

Yu Siting noticed immediately.
“You’re awake?”

Chu Cheng smacked his lips a little, opened his eyes, and vaguely saw someone sitting at the end of the bed holding a book.

“What’s wrong? Is the IV drip too cold?” Yu Siting closed the book, stood up, walked to the IV pole, and adjusted the drip rate. Then he touched the back of Chu Cheng’s hand.
“This is the last bottle. Hang in there. I’ll get you a hot water bottle.”

Chu Cheng shook his head. “That’s not it…”

“Then where do you feel uncomfortable?” Yu Siting paused on his way out, looking back in confusion.

Chu Cheng looked a bit awkward, like he wanted to say something but couldn’t.

Even though he hadn’t eaten that morning, he had drunk some water—and with all the IV fluids, his body was starting to react.

Hearing his faint sigh, Yu Siting caught on.
“You’ve been lying here for so long… Do you need to use the bathroom?”

Chu Cheng stayed silent.

“You can’t really move, can you…” The moment Yu Siting realized it, his eyes involuntarily dropped downward.
“Do you want me to get you a…”

“No need,” Chu Cheng said, closing his eyes. He didn’t have to look to know exactly what Yu Siting was searching for.

The worst part was—the secretary from Director Jin had actually prepared that thing and placed it under the bed.

“You’re the one who said earlier that I should help you pull your pants up. Why the sudden shyness now?” Yu Siting flipped the situation around as he looked at Chu Cheng, who was practically shrinking into the end of the bed.

Chu Cheng’s usually pale face had turned noticeably red.
“…Please, I’m begging you, don’t be so petty.”

“But I’m being serious. Aren’t you uncomfortable?” Yu Siting grinned, clearly enjoying himself. He didn’t mean to tease maliciously, but facts were facts.
“Don’t force yourself for the sake of pride. I can pull the curtain for you…”

“I’d rather die.” Chu Cheng cut him off before he could finish.

Still smiling, Yu Siting asked, “You’re always talking about early retirement, but now you see—being young does have its perks, right?”

“Do you have to wait until you’re completely incapacitated to retire? What kind of workplace do you belong to?” Chu Cheng snapped back without thinking.

After several minutes of deadlock, Yu Siting was the first to relent.
“Then what do you want to do? Should I… help you up?”

Chu Cheng gave a quiet “mm.”

Yu Siting stepped forward, pulled back the blanket, and gently slid his arm under Chu Cheng’s body. The moment his arm wrapped around him, he was startled by how slim his waist was.

So narrow and delicate… Who knows how much thinner he’ll get after he’s discharged?

Yu Siting’s arms were strong and solid. Before Chu Cheng could even exert any effort, he had already been lifted completely off the bed.

No wonder Yu Siting had hesitated earlier when he said “help.” This wasn’t helping—this was full-on carrying.

Yu Siting set Chu Cheng down on the floor and didn’t let go until he was steady. Then he grabbed the IV bag and escorted him to the bathroom.

Chu Cheng closed the door himself. For several minutes afterward, it was completely silent inside.

Yu Siting knocked lightly on the door.
“Are you done?”

“Give me a little more time,” Chu Cheng’s faint voice came from within.

Leaning casually against the doorframe, Yu Siting suddenly said,
“I think I understand now why you don’t like people visiting when you’re sick. If it’s just a coworker standing outside waiting while you go to the bathroom—and even checking if you’re done—that is kind of weird.”

Without waiting for a reply, he continued on his own, tone teasing:
“To avoid awkwardness, should I call myself your ‘friend’ next time I visit?”

Already embarrassed and annoyed, Chu Cheng heard his voice outside and felt both exasperated and amused. Standing at the sink, he scooped up a handful of water and splashed it all over the mirror.

Such a decent-looking guy—why did he have to come with a voice like that?

And why did all of Chu Cheng’s most humiliating moments end up in this guy’s hands?

“I swear I’ll go vegetarian for a month—if someone would just sew that man’s mouth shut.”

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Author’s Note:

[Today’s Reading Notes]

Chu Cheng, after reading Zhuge Liang’s Debate Against the Scholars:
Mmm… Controlling the conversation really is important.

Yu Siting, after reading The Art of War:
All warfare is based on deception. No move is the best move.