Chapter 2134: Terminal Stage

Gao Zhe let her hold him, his hands never leaving, his head lowered, neck bent, his gaze fixed on her.

If Lu Zhenzhen had been more observant…

She would have surely noticed that Gao Zhe hadn’t glanced at the operating room even once.

Mother Lu was helped over by Nan Jiaojiao, and upon seeing the words “In Surgery,” her whole body went limp, nearly unable to stand. Gao Zhe patted Lu Zhenzhen, signaling her to let go, then took long strides to stabilize Mother Lu, slowly guiding her to sit on a chair.

“Ah Zhe… Ah Zhe, what’s happened to your father?”

Mother Lu grasped Gao Zhe’s hand, “He’s always been healthy, had regular check-ups, never sick when he was young. He was fine, so how could he suddenly be vomiting blood?”

Gao Zhe remained silent.

“Did you ask the doctors? What are his symptoms? Is it serious?”

Gao Zhe glanced at Mother Lu’s hand tightening around his, she was unaware of how much strength she used. Her slender fingers managed to leave red marks on his wrist.

“Not yet, the doctor is still inside. Please wait, Mom. I’ll ask as soon as the doctor comes out.”

“Oh…”

Mother Lu nodded, her grip slowly loosening. Even seated, her body was too frail to support itself without leaning on Nan Jiaojiao.

She dared not look at the operating room, her head bowed. After a long while, she remembered her daughter, looking just as overwhelmed beside her. She raised her hand, gently nudging Gao Zhe, “I’m fine, go be with Zhenzhen.”

“Mom.”

A bottle of water was handed over, and when Mother Lu looked up, it was Zhenzhen.

“Drink some water, there’s still a wait.”

Mother Lu was stunned, “Zhenzhen, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Lu Zhenzhen sat down beside her, “I’m worried you won’t hold up. Maybe you should go home; I’ll notify you if there’s news.”

Mother Lu felt heartache seeing her daughter, realizing she’d grown enough to become the family pillar. She wanted to comfort her, hoping her distress wouldn’t frighten her daughter, only to find it was her daughter holding up first.

Mother Lu shook her head, “I can’t go home at ease. I need to stay here to know the news about your father immediately.”

“Hmm.”

Lu Zhenzhen nodded, saying no more.

After a long pause, she suddenly remembered the bottle of water in her hand, unsuccessfully trying to open it, unable to find a place to put it down, she continued clasping it. She asked Nan Jiaojiao, “Do you want to go home? Give Bo Yanching a call so he doesn’t find an empty home.”

“I texted him. I’ll wait a little longer, until Father Lu comes out.”

Lu Zhenzhen nodded, Gao Zhe stepped over, and without raising her head, she leaned towards him.

After a long time, the light in the operating room finally went out.

Gao Zhe was the first to greet it.

The doctor’s voice was quiet, yet each word hit like a drumbeat on the heart.

Advanced gastric cancer…

The Lu family felt their world crumble.

Mother Lu couldn’t accept it, fainting on the spot. Gao Zhe carried her to a room, arranging for a nurse, then hurriedly returned to get Lu Zhenzhen. Just as he stepped out, he saw Lu Zhenzhen come over, leaning against the wall. She hadn’t burdened Nan Jiaojiao with all her weight.

“Where’s Dad?” Gao Zhe asked.

Lu Zhenzhen shook her head, stunned, “He’s been pushed to ICU, I was just going to find the doctor, I’ll ask…”

Gao Zhe lifted her up, “Stay with Mom in the room, I’ll go.”

Her throat was tight, words churned but couldn’t hold back, “It’s late-stage, is there no cure?”