I furrowed my brow and waited until the child left before stepping into the hospital room.
Seeing that my brother was in better condition, I asked how he got hurt.
" sis," he said sheepishly, "I didn't mean to climb over the wall."
"I just slipped."
I gave a noncommittal hum in response.
Although I was suspicious, I chose not to press further.
With a serious tone, I said to him, "You shouldn't skip classes anymore or climb walls, understand?"
"What if something happens to you? What am I supposed to do?"
" sis..." my brother exclaimed, his eyes reddening.
My nose felt a bit tingly too.
"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore." I sniffed and tried to smile. "You need to focus on getting better. Don't worry about the money."
"My parents and I will figure something out."
He nodded in agreement.
"I'm quite busy with work right now and can't come often," I said. "If you need anything, just call me, and I'll find a way to get here."
"Got it, sis."
After pondering for a moment, I called my brother's homeroom teacher, Teacher Chen.
"Hello, Teacher Chen," I said politely. "I'm Li Ming's sister. I wanted to ask how the school is handling my brother skipping classes."
"Li Ming is currently in the hospital," I added. "Will the school expel him directly?"
"We plan to handle this matter after the new semester begins," Teacher Chen said, "As for how we will address it, we haven't decided yet."
"However, based on past situations, there may be punishments such as a major or minor demerit."
Hearing this, I felt somewhat relieved; as long as I wasn't expelled, that was good enough.
"Teacher Chen, my family's situation is quite difficult," I said sincerely. "We haven't gathered enough money for my brother's medical expenses, and the doctor said he might end up disabled..."
"We plan to visit Li Ming at the hospital tomorrow," Teacher Chen replied. "Please tell us the specifics."
I quickly agreed.
After hanging up the phone, I let out a sigh of relief.
Although Teacher Chen's words made me anxious, they also gave me a glimmer of hope for raising funds.
The next day, Teacher Chen indeed came, bringing along three classmates.
"Teacher Chen, would you like some water?" I enthusiastically poured them some.
Teacher Chen asked me about my family situation, and I answered truthfully.
After listening, Teacher Chen's expression turned sympathetic.
I stood by with a smile, watching them chat.
Half an hour later, as Teacher Chen and the others prepared to leave, my brother suddenly asked, "Why isn't He Qingze here?"
Teacher Chen paused for a moment before explaining, "He is about to transfer schools."
"Why?" my brother asked in shock.
"Does transferring schools mean we can't be classmates anymore?" Teacher Chen asked in response.
My brother's eyes instantly turned red, and he lowered his head, falling silent.
"Well, we're leaving now," Teacher Chen said. "You take care and rest well."
"Goodbye, Teacher Chen," I said as I saw them out.
Returning to the hospital room, I found my brother sitting on the bed, looking lost and dejected.
"Are you close with He Qingze?" I asked tentatively.
He nodded slightly.
Curiosity piqued, I continued, "How did you skip class?"
"We wanted to sneak out through the back door to play games," he whispered. "But I slipped."
"Why didn't he help you?"
"He tried, but he couldn't hold on."
"Then why was he fine?"
"He... he managed to steady himself and didn't fall."
A spark of inspiration flickered in my mind.
"You rest well; I'm heading back now," I told my brother.
As I reached the door of the room, I heard him call out, "Sister!"
I paused and turned back to look at him.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing... nothing at all," my brother hesitated.
I frowned slightly and turned to leave.
In the following days, I began to deliberately show my anxiety in front of him.
"The medical expenses are still not enough," I sighed. "The doctor said the best treatment period is next week. If we can't raise the money in ten days, your leg might never heal."
"Sigh, by then you might have to sit in a wheelchair."
"If it comes to that, I'll go confront the school authorities," I gritted my teeth. "Even if I have to escalate it to the education bureau, I will make them give you a fair deal!"
My brother was moved by my words and exclaimed, "Sis, please don't do anything reckless!"
"What else can I do?" I replied with a bitter smile. "Should I just watch your leg become useless?" My brother reassured me that it would be fine.
I sighed again, "Yeah, it will be fine. You rest for a bit; I'm going outside for some fresh air."
When I returned, he hesitated before speaking. "I... I have something to tell you," he said cautiously. "Can you call our parents over?"
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