Standing Next To You-Chapter 39: Grandma Bei’s illness

While eating, Grandma Bei noticed that Bei Sangyun was just swallowing down her food without chewing it properly. Grandma Bei paused. Her hand trembled as she gazed at Bei Sangyun.

She watched her granddaughter finish her food in two minutes.

When Bei Sangyun put down the empty bowl, Grandma Bei asked while holding back her tears.

"....How long has it been since your illness relapsed?"

Bei Sangyun paused. She smiled lightly, "It’s not been long. It just relapsed from time to time. I will return to normal soon."

Grandma Bei held her hand. "How long has it been since then?"

"Grandma, how are you going to eat if you are going to cry? Do you easily cry now?"

Bei Sangyun wiped away Grandma Bei’s tears.

Grandma Bei did not notice the tears she was holding back had fallen. But she did not care about them now as she looked directly at Bei Sangyun with heartache. "It must have been tough for you...."

Bei Sangyun shook her head, "As long as I have you Grandma, it won’t be tough anymore."

Bei Sangyun assured Grandma Bei, but Grandma Bei’s heart wasn’t settled. "Since we are going to look for a bigger hospital, let’s get you checked too. I am sure there are ways to cure your illness."

Bei Sangyun knew her illness was a hopeless case. But to put Grandma Bei’s heart at ease, she had no choice but to agree.

Grandma Bei had been tired all day. After fishing in the early morning, she underwent emotional upheaval. Later, she left the village and went to the hospital for a medical check-up. She had been through a lot today.

When the night came, Grandma Bei slept deeply.

Bei Sangyun lay on the bed beside Grandma Bei. She stared at her sleeping grandmother with a longing look as she held her aged hand.

’How long had it been since her illness relapsed?’

To be honest, it had been so long since her last relapse that she couldn’t remember when it started.

Upon arriving at the Lin mansion, her illness would occasionally relapse. Particularly when she experienced stress and pressure, her symptoms would persist for three consecutive days.

However, it had become worse after the news of her Grandma Bei’s death. For three whole months, Bei Sangyun could not taste anything. She did not have an appetite to eat in the first place and everything she tasted was like dirt.

Time passed and not only her insides were crumbling. But her mind as well. Her illness became worse. Her illness would last for half a year, for a year, and for years.

Until she got used to swallowing the food that tasted like clay just for the sake of providing nutrients to her body. She preferred eating liquidated food as she could not stomach eating solid food. She did not like the feeling of chewing clay.

For the last five years of her life, Bei Sangyun lived without experiencing what sweet, sour, or spicy tasted like. The sensations of the food before her were a distant memory. This continued until her body weakened to the breaking point.

And even now, that reality persists.

Bei Sangyun’s fingers traced the contours of Grandma Bei’s hand, a gentle touch filled with reverence and affection.

But it doesn’t matter anymore. So what if she had forgotten how sweet tasted like? She had something far more precious—her grandmother. Her sole ally and companion in this vast world.

With Grandma Bei’s presence, a newfound determination ignited within her. She would nourish herself wholesomely, even without the pleasure of tasting.

Curling her arms around Grandma Bei’s arm, Bei Sangyun drifted into slumber, her head resting on her grandmother’s shoulder. Her sleep mirrored that of her childhood days.

After an extended period of turmoil, the once-lost spirit of Bei Sangyun finally found solace in a serene slumber.

....

In the early hours of the morning, the two set out for the larger city.

Their destination was the city’s biggest hospital. Hours passed as they waited, the anticipation growing heavier with each tick of the clock.

At last, the wait ended, and they received the results.

".... Your grandmother has been diagnosed with late stages of pancreatic cancer." the experienced doctor disclosed as they reviewed the medical findings, delivering the crushing blow to Bei Sangyun.

Bei Sangyun’s expression barely shifted, a mask concealing her true emotions, yet her clenched hand betrayed her internal turmoil.

In truth, she had anticipated this outcome. Her grandmother’s passing had been abrupt, too sudden. Bei Sangyun had even considered digging up the ground to autopsy her grandmother’s corpse just to find the reason behind her death.

And now, the revelation affirmed her suspicions. Cancer had been the culprit all along.

".....The cancer has progressed to an advanced stage, and it has also spread to other nearby organs. It’s a silent killer disease. Usually, the patient found it in their late stages because its symptoms are the same with common illnesses of people with old age...."

The doctor continued to explain, but all Bei Sangyun could hear was a distant buzz in her ears. The severity of the situation had already settled like a heavyweight in her chest. No wonder her grandmother hadn’t been able to hold on until her graduation day.

Taking a deep breath, Bei Sangyun resolved that she wouldn’t let her grandma leave her so soon.

"Is there any possibility of treatment? Can she undergo surgery to remove the cancer?" Bei Sangyun asked, a flicker of hope in her eyes.

"I wish I had better news to share. Given the advanced stage and spread of the cancer, surgery is a risky option. The tumor’s location makes complete removal incredibly challenging. Furthermore, your grandmother’s overall health and age play a significant role in assessing the feasibility of surgery."

Bei Sangyun’s grip on her hand tightened. "So, is surgery completely ruled out? This is a top-tier hospital. There must be other alternatives. I don’t care about the cost."

"Surgery might not be a viable option but if you want to take the risk, our doctors will try our best to perform the surgery. However, I can exactly say that this surgery will be a success."

Bei Sangyun’s expression shifted. The doctor sensed the heaviness of her expression and added,

"If you want a safe but sure method, we can explore other approaches to manage her symptoms and improve her quality of life. Palliative treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help alleviate discomfort and slow down the progression of the cancer. Our focus will be on providing her with the best possible care and support."

Bei Sangyun closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. This was a lot to absorb. She desperately wanted to cure her grandmother, and while surgery seemed like a quick solution, it was too risky. What if it ended up costing her grandmother’s life?

The treatment options might be arduous and lengthy, but they offered a chance to prolong her grandmother’s time, slowing down the spread of the sickness and improving her grandma’s quality of life.

"How much time does she have, Doctor?" Bei Sangyun asked in a trembling voice.

"It’s hard to predict an exact timeframe. Each patient’s situation is unique. What’s important is to focus on her comfort and well-being. We’ll work closely with you and your family to create a personalized care plan that takes her wishes and needs into account."

Bei Sangyun expressed her gratitude to the doctor and informed him that she would discuss their options with her grandmother.

Exiting the doctor’s office, she leaned against the wall for support.

Was she still too late in the end?

No. There must be other ways. Perhaps there were different medical institutions and doctors who could offer assistance for her grandmother’s condition.

....

"How did it go? Did you inquire about your condition too? You should get yourself checked as well," Grandma Bei inquired as she saw Bei Sangyun returning from the doctor’s office.

Bei Sangyun had already composed herself. She smiled lightly, "We still need for second opinion. As for my illness, they haven’t identified the issue. But there’s nothing to worry about. It is not life-threatening."

"Goodness, with such a big hospital and all their resources, how can they still be uncertain about your illness?"

Grandma Bei’s loud voice caused the other people in the lobby to look at them.

Bei Sangyun reassured her, "It’s alright. We can find other hospitals. Right now, let’s find a place to rest."

Bei Sangyun left Grandma Bei to the lobby again and to settle the payment at the cashier’s desk.

As she was about to head back to the lobby, a group of men clad in black suits entered the hospital. The person at the center was a familiar man.

That man immediately saw Bei Sangyun. His eyes turned fiery. He gestured for the men around him to surround Bei Sangyun.

Bei Sangyun instinctively glanced towards the corner where Grandma Bei had been seated. But Grandma Bei was nowhere in sight.

Where had she gone?

Bei Sangyun remained in her place and patiently awaited the group of men in black suits to close in on her.

The man at the center arrived in front of her and addressed her sternly, "Young Miss, didn’t I tell you yesterday to return? Are you really planning to rebel like this?"

Bei Sangyun locked her gaze onto the familiar face. Butler Xin seemed a lot younger and more lively than she remembered.

This Butler Xin standing before her exhibited boldness, meeting her eyes without hesitation. It was a far cry from the man who did not dare to breathe loudly in her presence.

She met his scolding with an unafraid gaze. A lazy smile formed on her lips.

"It’s been quite a while, Butler Xin."