On the night before the surgery, the hospital corridor was oppressively quiet. The pale, harsh lights cast an unsparing glow on the floor, reflecting Chén Zhāoyáng's exhausted yet resolute figure. He sat on the bench outside his father's room, staring intently at the door as if he could pierce through it to see his father sleeping peacefully, silently praying that tomorrow's operation would go smoothly.
Lín Xiǎotáng walked over on tiptoe, sat down beside him, and handed him a cup of warm water. "Chén Zhāoyáng, have a sip of water. Don't be too nervous, Uncle will be fine," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of weariness yet brimming with care for him.
Chén Zhāoyáng took the cup, gave her a grateful look, and took a small sip. "Xiǎotáng, thank you for staying with me all this time. I just can't help worrying—the risks of this surgery are too high, what if..." His voice trembled slightly, unable to bring himself to voice that terrible outcome.
Chapter 43