Chapter 18: Learning the Diagnosis
Yun Xinyu, lost in her thoughts, wandered absently into her father's hospital room.
Her father's face, usually cheerful, now carried a shadow of sorrow and worry.
Seeing his daughter return, he straightened up and spoke gravely:
"Xinyu, tell me the truth. Do I have a serious illness?"
Hearing her father's words, Yun Xinyu instantly reacted with denial:
"No..."
"Don't lie. I've noticed inconsistencies—why chemotherapy for neurasthenia? None of my medications are for brain health."
"I've spoken to other patients here. Everyone in this ward has terminal illnesses."
"Xinyu, stop hiding it. At least let your father know what he's facing."
Her father's trembling voice deepened the sorrow etched across Yun Xinyu's face.
She didn't know how to answer. Should she reveal the truth outright?
Would he accept it?
Yet even if she remained silent, he would eventually discover it.
Perhaps he already suspected the vague truth—maybe even feared something worse than reality.
After prolonged hesitation, Yun Xinyu confessed:
"Don't worry too much. It's treatable. It's not too late—"
"Then tell me quickly! What is it?"
"Mid-stage lung cancer..."
"What?"
Though Yun Xinyu's father had braced himself for this, the confirmation still struck like a blow.
He bowed his head, muttering: "What sins have I committed to deserve this fate? Why... why..."
Yun Xinyu's heart ached unbearably. She could only repeat empty comforts about recovery chances.
After a long silence, her father finally met her gaze:
"Is the treatment expensive?"
"Not too costly. I can manage it. Don't worry about the fees."
"Don't lie again. Everyone knows cancer treatments drain wallets. Tell me honestly—what did the doctor quote?"
"Really, it's just a few hundred thousand. I can earn that."
"A few hundred thousand... How could you possibly... Don't overburden yourself. If necessary—"
"Dad, stop worrying. I can raise it. The house alone is worth several hundred thousand—we'll sell it."
"But you worked years to buy that home. How can you discard it so easily? Wait—listen. Long ago, someone owed me a major favor. She might help... I'm too ashamed to ask, but if you approach her... For her, it'd be trivial."
Yun Xinyu detected nothing unusual, assuming this referred to an old friend.
"Dad, really—it's fine. Don't underestimate me. I can earn this."
"Very well... But if you struggle, don't push yourself."
"Okay. Just focus on resting. Leave everything to me. Don't dwell on the costs—I'll handle them. Your recovery is all that matters."
Yun Xinyu forced a smile at her father.
He gazed at his resilient daughter, emotions swelling in his chest.
This child had truly become an adult.
(End of Chapter)
