Matters of the Heart (1)

"By the way, have you heard Ji Yuzhe is already scheduled for surgery in three months?" Jiang Yunyi asked Feng Suyin.

"Is his condition that serious?" Feng Suyin couldn't help but ask. She regretted not paying more attention to Ji Yuzhe in her previous life.

Since she and Ji Yuzhe weren't particularly close to each other, there weren't many things she knew about him. Sometimes, she wondered how someone like him could love someone like her. She couldn't help but feel guilty for being responsible for his condition. It didn't matter if Ji Yuzhe did all those things willingly because, in the end, everything was done for her sake.

"Yes, it seems like it's necessary for his recovery. His blindness was caused by the blood clot that formed in his brain. The surgery will hopefully remove it and restore his sight." Jiang Yunyi explained.

Feng Suyin felt a wave of emotions crashed over her. Guilt, sorrow, and regret mingled together in her heart. The thought of him going through a risky surgery weighed heavily on her conscience. She couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility that lingered in her heart, knowing that his sacrifices were made with her in mind.

"Do you know who the doctor will be performing the surgery?" Feng Suyin inquired, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jiang Yunyi hesitated for a moment before responding, "Dr. Zhang from the Central Hospital. They say he's one of the best neurosurgeons in the country, and he asked Ji Yuzhe to become his apprentice in return."

"Apprentice?" Feng Suyin blinked. "Did Ji Yuzhe agree?"

She knew that Ji Yuzhe was a talented surgeon, but the idea of him becoming an apprentice to someone else was surprising. It made her realize just how serious his condition was, to the point where he was willing to set aside his pride and learn from another doctor. Dr. Zhang's reputation spoke for itself, and if he was willing to take Ji Yuzhe under his wing, it meant that the surgery was indeed crucial for Ji Yuzhe's recovery.

Feng Suyin couldn't imagine how difficult it must have been for him to come to terms with his blindness and the limitations it placed on him.

Jiang Yunyi shrugged.

"He probably did. The other neurosurgeons refused to pick up his case given the complexity of his condition."

"I see," Feng Suyin murmured as she stared at her drink. If only she had been more attentive and understanding, perhaps things wouldn't have taken such a devastating turn for Ji Yuzhe.

Jiang Yunyi stared at her friend, noticing Feng Suyin's distress. She and Ji Yuzhe attended the same medical school, and she had known for a long time that Ji Yuzhe had feelings for Feng Suyin. It was amusing how Feng Suyin could be oblivious to something everyone could see. She knew the depth of Ji Yuzhe's feelings for Feng Suyin and the sacrifices he had made for her; it was a pity Feng Suyin couldn't see it. 

Alas, Feng Suyin was oblivious to this fact and ended up dating Ji Yuzhe's half-brother instead. Jiang Yunyi met Ji Hanjun several times, and although the man had quite a gentle demeanor, she couldn't shrug off the feeling that something was off. However, she couldn't voice her concerns because Feng Suyin was infatuated with him and his charming personality.

Jiang Yunyi could only wish that Ji Hanjun would treat Feng Suyin well, regardless of her opinion of him. As she watched Feng Suyin brood over her drink, she wondered if she and Ji Hanjun were doing well. With their wedding just around the corner, Jiang Yunyi couldn't see any excitement on her friend's face.

"Do you think Dr. Zhang could save his sight?" Jiang Yunyi heard Feng Suyin ask. Her eyes widened slightly with surprise.

Jiang Yunyi wasn't sure what had changed between Feng Suyin and Ji Yuzhe, but she was glad her friend started showing concern towards him. As she considered Feng Suyin's question, she took a moment to study her friend's expression. There was a flicker of genuine concern and worry in Feng Suyin's eyes, a stark contrast to the indifference she had often displayed towards Ji Yuzhe.

"I believe in Dr. Zhang's skills," Jiang Yunyi finally replied, her voice gentle yet firm. "He had performed miracles in the operating room before. If anyone can help Ji Yuzhe regain his sight, it would be him."

Feng Suyin nodded slowly; her brow furrowed in worry.

"I hope everything will turn out well for him."

Jiang Yunyi reached out and placed a comforting hand on Feng Suyin's arm.

"It would be alright, Suyin. Ji Yuzhe wouldn't accept if he thought Dr. Zhang couldn't do it. So, how's your wedding preparation with Ji Hanjun?" She asked, trying to change the topic between them.

The warmth in Feng Suyin's eyes immediately vanished, as if the thought of her being married to Ji Hanjun was a bitter pill to swallow. Her forced smile didn't reach her eyes as she replied, "It's going smoothly. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Jiang Yunyi observed her friend closely, noticing the strain behind the forced smile. She could see how Feng Suyin adored Ji Hanjun in the past, but in her opinion, it wasn't love at all. Their families mainly influenced the relationship between the two, and if Feng Suyin were to marry him, Jiang Yunyi knew she wouldn't be truly happy with him.

"You can still back out, you know," she suggested cautiously. "If you're having second thoughts about this marriage, it's not too late to reconsider."

"Are you saying this based on experience?" Feng Suyin asked in return, which Jiang Yunyi answered with a shrug.

"Maybe," Jiang Yunyi answered, "Marrying someone you don't love will only bring you misery in the long run. It's better to end things now rather than regret them later. Just think about it, Suyin. You still have time to decide before it's too late."

Feng Suyin fell into a contemplative silence, her gaze distant as she processed Jiang Yunyi's words. The weight of her impending marriage to Ji Hanjun seemed heavier now. She knew she had to end their engagement eventually, but it would be better if Ji Hanjun would shoulder all the brunt of the guilt for calling off their wedding. But she wasn't naive; she knew Ji Hanjun wouldn't take it well, and he had a temper that could flare up without warning despite his gentle facade.