You are my heartbeat

The weather was gloomy that day. Inside the car, Mother Shen spoke softly to her eldest daughter, who had made the sudden decision to leave for another city two months ago.

"When you get there, give us a call," she advised, her voice filled with concern.

"Hmm," Shen Ning responded absently, gazing out the window.

"Take care of yourself. Eat on time. Study well."

"Hmm."

"If you're not happy, why do you want to be so far away from us? I don't understand you at all." Mother Shen grumbled, her eyes fixed on her daughter.

Shen Ning remained silent, her gaze distant. She couldn't bring herself to explain. Her younger sister, Shen Qiao, glanced at her, understanding the pain behind Shen Ning's quiet demeanor. She knew her sister was heartbroken and just wanted to escape.

Suddenly, Shen Ning turned to her father. "Dad, stop the car for a moment."

Shen Jiming looked startled by the request. "What's wrong?"

Shen Ning shook her head. "Nothing. I'll be back soon." She got out of the car and walked towards the telephone booth across the road.

She dialed the familiar number, and after a few rings, the call was answered.

"Hello? Who's this?" Mu Chen's voice came through.

"Mu Chen, goodbye," Shen Ning said, her voice thick with emotion.

Goodbye. May we never meet again. From today onwards, you are no longer part of my future.

She ended the call and stepped away from the booth.

Suddenly, a loud screeching sound broke through the air—a large truck had lost its brakes and crashed into her. Blood began to pour from her head.

"Ning'er! Xiao Ning! Open your eyes! Don't sleep!" Mother Shen screamed, frantic as she cradled her daughter in her arms.

"Jiming, quick, call an ambulance!" Shen Jiming's hands were trembling, his fear overwhelming. He regretted letting her get out of the car.

At the hospital, three hours later, Father Shen stood anxiously outside the operation room. The doctors emerged, and he hurried over to them.

"The patient lost a lot of blood. For now, she's been transferred to the ICU. Another surgery is required to prevent a clot from forming in her brain," the doctor explained, removing his mask.

"W-when?" Shen Jiming's voice wavered with panic.

"It can't be delayed much longer. At least within a week," the doctor said, his voice grave, before walking away.

Everyone's faces drained of color. They knew this was no simple surgery, and they didn't have the money for it.

Shen Huilan, Shen Ning's eldest aunt, stepped forward. "Brother, should I ask Ting to transfer some money?"

"It still wouldn't be enough," Shen Jiming replied, shaking his head. "And he'll need that money for himself soon. I can't ask him for it." He felt helpless, knowing his nephew had recently gone abroad and didn't earn much yet. Without enough funds, they couldn't even start the surgery.

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