Chapter 170 Favor
Otaru City, City Hospital.

Fujii Juman doesn't like places like hospitals.

The place is filled with the pungent smell of aging, death, grief, and disinfectant.

Here, even if the July sun is as scorching as it can, it can hardly bring any life into the room.

"Swish!"

Fujii Itsuki pulled open the gauze curtains, letting the sunlight in and into the house.

He put the carnations in a vase and placed it where the light could shine through.

He returned to the bed and sat down, picking up the fruit knife beside him and the apple in the fruit bowl, and peeled the apple carefully.

On the hospital bed, Dean Hanashiro, who had already taken off his reading glasses, looked at the slightly blurry figure in his sight and smiled kindly.

"Tree."

"Yes, here you are."

"How's work going lately?"

"Work. Of course it's good." Fujii Itsuki said in a low voice.

"Are you busy on weekdays?"

"As the homeroom teacher and also the advisor to the wind section, I'm definitely going to be busy. And it's the end of the semester."

"It's good to be busy."

"Um"

Lying on the hospital bed, the gray-haired Hanayo Fujii looked up at the ceiling of the hospital.

Silence brewed in the air between the two.

"I'm so sorry. Shu finally gets to rest on the weekend, but you still have to come visit an old man like me. I'm really a burden to you."

"Dean, you——! Hey! Dean, what are you saying?" Fujii Itsuki was very anxious.

Upon hearing this, Fujii Hanayo smiled at Fujii Itsuki again.

At this time, the wind blew in.

The gauze curtains behind him were swaying and the sunlight was shining.

Seeing this child grow up to where he is now.

Hanayo Fujii was extremely relieved.

"Shu, I have to admit that I am old now."

"Then you should rest more!" Fujii Itsuki became more and more anxious. "Don't worry so much. You even have to do the laundry yourself. If it weren't for Aunt Keiko, you fainted in the welfare home this time--"

"You know, I can't sit still."

"."

What else can Fujii Itsuki say?
I can only sigh.

"Let's not talk about my old bones anymore. Let's talk about you, Shu. I want to hear about your school life. How are you doing in school?"

"Well, not long ago, he led our wind band to perform at the Nakajima Festival. Everyone said that Tachibana Kita was going to make a comeback. In June, we went on a school trip to Tokyo. The school was very generous and everyone had a lot of fun.

"It's July now. Muzi and I are preparing for final exams and the county competition. This is already the last weekend of this semester."

Fujii Itsuki spoke slowly, and Fujii Hanayo looked at him, feeling more and more relieved the more she looked at him.

"Tree."

"here I am."

"I still remember when you were little you said you wanted to be a teacher. I asked you why, and you said there were many pitiful children in the welfare home, but because of the environment they were in, their personalities became withdrawn, perverse, and some of them had bad personalities.

"Then, you said you wanted to be a teacher and try your best to guide more people on the right path in life.

"You said this was your dream. I thought it was just a joke that children often make, but I didn't expect you to actually realize it."

Fujii Itsuki laughed.
In fact, judging from what I have done recently, I am unqualified as a teacher.

He even doubted whether he could fulfill his dream of "guiding".

咚咚
"Family members, the patient's family members."

The nurse's voice came from the door of the ward. Fujii Itsuki nodded to the dean and stood up and walked away.

Outside the door, the nurse was holding a clipboard.

"A family member of the patient?"

"Yes, I am."

"Come with me and see the attending physician. He will explain the patient's condition to you in detail."

The nurse did her job efficiently and quickly and left after she finished speaking.

Fujii Itsuki quickly chased after him and asked:
"Is it serious? Don't worry, I can handle the consequences. Please tell me, nurse."

"Don't worry, just listen to the doctor's explanation. Go ahead."

When they arrived at the attending physician's office, the nurse opened the door for Fujii Itsuki and he walked in.

The doctor was an old doctor who looked to be in his sixties.

Such a doctor would at least make people feel more at ease.

Of course, the most important fundamental reason is that Otaru’s resources are divided among big cities, and few young doctors come here to work.

Fujii Itsuki sat down in front of the doctor's desk. The doctor asked about Fujii Itsuki's identity again. After confirming it, he handed him a case report.

Fujii Itsuki picked up the report, took a look at it, and almost stood up.

"Cancer?!"

"It's a carcinoid."

The attending doctor told him to be at ease. "Appendix carcinoid is very rare."

"Appendix?" Fujii Itsuki responded, "So does that mean we just need to remove it?"

The attending physician did not answer him directly.

"Let me first explain appendix carcinoid to you. This disease generally originates from low-grade malignant tumor cells secreted by the intestines and other organs, and grows very slowly. Although the tissue structure is similar to cancer, the chance of metastasis is lower than that of general cancer."

"In other words, this is a tumor?" asked Fujii Itsuki.

"Yes, a tumor, but the tissue structure is similar to cancer. It can also metastasize.

"The patient's recent high blood pressure is a secondary complication caused by this disease. The last time the patient came to our hospital for a physical examination, we didn't find any symptoms because the disease was still in its early stages."

"That means it can be removed in time, right?"

The attending doctor nodded and said, "We can remove these carcinoid tissue cells before they metastasize. There is a great chance of successful cure. It is called carcinoid, but it is actually milder."

Fujii Itsuki felt relieved when he heard this.

The doctor said so, and it was discovered early.

Then there must be at least a 90% chance of treatment.

"But don't take it lightly. If metastasis occurs, it will be too late to perform resection surgery. In this case, it is impossible to remove all the cancer.

"Considering the patient's condition, I suggest you transfer him to Sapporo or Tokyo for better treatment. The hospital equipment there is more targeted in the examination of this disease. There are too few cases of this disease in Otaru City, and the examination is not that thorough."

"I see. Thank you, doctor."

"No, the surgery should be done as soon as possible, and the elderly should not be allowed to work too hard. The aging of human organs is irreversible. Moderate work is good for health, but overwork is harmful to health."

Walking out of the doctor's office with the medical record, Fujii Itsuki could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

It's not really a relief.

But this result is much better than the beginning.

The earlier this disease is treated, the better.

I'll be discharged from the hospital and transferred to Sapporo tonight. Now I have to go to the front desk to pay the medical fees.

Fujii Itsuki took the elevator and came to the front desk on the first floor.

He told the nurse the dean's name.

The nurse immediately began to query the hospital system information.

"Fujii Hanayo, right?"

"correct."

"Ah, sir, the patient's fee has been paid."

"handed in?"

"correct."

"Who handed it in?"

"I'm not sure about that. I just handed over my shift, and the nurse who collected the fees has already gone home."

Fees paid?
Who paid it?
Who is it?
Before he had time to think about it, Akai Muzi hurriedly ran in from the hospital entrance, panting. As soon as she saw Fujii Itsuki, she hurried over to ask about the situation.

"How is the dean? Is he suffering from high blood pressure again?"

It was obvious that Muzi had been running all the way here.

"It's appendix carcinoid."

"cancer?!"

Fujii Itsuki explained the disease again.

"I see, it's a tumor," Akai Muzi said seriously, "So, we have to go to Sapporo for surgery as soon as possible?"

"Correct."

"The director must not have much savings. She gave all of it to the welfare home. Ah Shu, do you have enough money?"

To be honest, it's not enough and the recent expenses are a bit high.

"If it's not enough, use mine."

"Muzi, you."

At this moment.
Fujii Itsuki felt like he and Muzi were husband and wife.

She was desperately trying to find a way to scrape together the money.

Fujii Itsuki really wanted to ask again, Muzi, what exactly do you want? Why do you do this?

I haven't promised you yet, why do you keep coming to help me?

This situation has gone beyond the scope of ordinary friends.

Akai Muzi seemed to see through Fujii Itsuki's thoughts and said with a smile:
"Do we need to talk about this?"

"I bought insurance for the dean, which can reimburse some of the expenses. You can go up and see the dean first. There is no need to mention money now."

"also."

Follow Akai Muzi into the elevator.

Fujii Itsuki secretly glanced at her standing beside him.

Mu Zi’s words just now made him think of his future after marrying her.

This is probably a good example of a couple supporting each other in facing life, right?
Coupled with that drunken incident and the fact that Muzi counseled and accompanied him, Fujii Itsuki became more and more convinced that she was his girlfriend.

But can we really agree with this?

Let’s not talk about his slightly ambiguous relationship with Xiao Jiuhua recently.

Xinchun also needs to help her out of the predicament that the professor had in the past.

Chitose
I even promised Qiansui.

But if I don’t respond to Muzi, how can I be worthy of her kindness to me?
Restrictions frame the brain.

Fujii Itsuki was a little confused about how to break the current situation.

It was not until he and Muzi arrived at the door of the ward that his chaotic thoughts were put aside. Because Fujii Shu was surprised to find that the person standing outside the door was not
"Mr. Nagayama?"

Nagayama Sakura bowed to Fujii Itsuki with a very approachable and friendly smile, "Mr. Fujii, and Ms. Akai."

"Who is this?" asked Akai Muzi.

"The housekeeper who has taken care of Xinchun since she was a child. You also met Muzi when you went to the Matsumae family last time, right?"

"Correct."

When Akai Muzi heard this, she suddenly realized and started to think about it.

She looked into the ward through the crack in the door again.

It's better not to watch it, but watch it.
Why are there so many people?

Xinchun, Jiuhua, Qiansui. The three girls were inside.

They all gathered around the old dean.

The old dean also seemed a little confused about the situation.

But because they were all children they had met before, they all responded happily.

Akai Muzi couldn't help but secretly glance at Fujii Itsuki.

Ah Shu, Ah Shu.

You are so sinful!

"Mr. Fujii, the young lady rushed here as soon as she heard about the dean's situation."

Fujii Itsuki realized something.

“Then what about the fee just now?”

"I paid it on behalf of the young lady."

"How embarrassing."

Nagayama Sakura shook her head. "It's just a small amount of money. The master clearly remembers Mr. Fujii's kindness and care for my lady. The master also said that the last meeting with you was not so formal. Next time there is a chance, he hopes to have a meal with you alone and discuss some things with you."

"have met before?"

"On the young lady's birthday, the master was drinking by the river."

Fujii Itsuki thought about it and said, "That's too much. That's too much."

Akai Muzi saw this scene from the side.

He fell into deep thought.
She captured the importance the Matsumae family attached to Fujii Itsuki.

After exchanging a few words with Nagayama Sakura, Fujii Itsuki and Akai Muko then entered the ward together.

"Brother Tree!"

Fujii Itsuki nodded to Chitose.

Next, the three girls asked about the dean's well-being.

Fujii Itsuki specifically explained the current situation clearly to reassure the three.

Because it was dinner time, the three of them volunteered to go out to buy lunch boxes, with Chitose being the most active. Muzi went to get some hot water, while Fujii Itsuki stayed in the ward to look after the patient.

While a few people are leaving.

Dean Hanashiro called Fujii Itsuki to his side and asked him curiously:

"Tree, what's going on?"

"Dean." Fujii Itsuki smiled bitterly.

"I know Chitose and Yue. The kid who came last time was called Matsumae Shinharu, right?"

"Yes."

"This is a good child. You can see that he is well-educated and well-mannered, and he cares a lot about an old man like me. But, the tree——"

"Dean." Fujii Itsuki's smile became more and more bitter.

"Shu, tell the truth."

Fujii Itsuki truthfully recounted what was happening between him and Kokoharu.

Everything was said.

"Bad fate."

"Dean."

"I mean, that child has a miserable life! Her mother died when she was young, her father didn't show her much affection, her friends and companions passed away one after another, and she was also bound by the family behind her. In the end, she could only find some care in you, Shu."

"That's it"

"Are you going to save the child?"

"I agree to it."

"."

Dean Huadai fell silent for a moment.

"What about Muzi?"

"Muzi, I was thinking, maybe I can find another way to save Xinchun?"

Dean Huadai sighed and said, "How stupid!"

"Shu, if you do this, no matter whether you can find a way or not, as long as you save Xinchun in the end, the forest in her heart will always have a place for you."

Fujii Itsuki: “.”

"Just think about it. You showed up when she was saddest and led her out of the predicament. You also gave her the care and intimacy and care she had never had before. Finally, you freed her from the shackles of her life. What do you think the position of a person like this in a little girl's heart would be?"

Fujii Itsuki was speechless.

It seems so.
As long as he saved her, there would always be a bond between the two of them.

This feeling is actually the same as Qiansui.

This is why I agreed to Chitose.

Wait a moment.
If I tell the dean the details of what happened between me and Jiuhua.

The dean will definitely be angry, right?
I would also scold myself, saying, "How come you have been smart for most of your life, but you are so confused in terms of love?"
"Shu, you know about Muzi's past, right? Are you still angry about her going to America?"

“It’s gone.”

"What is Muzi's attitude towards you now?"

".According to what you said, Dean, Muzi's words can be regarded as my saving her."

Dean Huadai, an old man who is already in his sixties, was shocked.

"Shu Ni. Now you need to be between two people——"

Actually, there are four.
There is also a little Jiuhua and Qiansui.
But Fujii Itsuki was afraid that the dean would have high blood pressure, so he didn't dare to say it.

Fortunately, Dean Huadai was quite stable and calmed down after a while.

"This is your blessing, but also your sin and calamity."

"What do you think, Dean?"

"I still think Muzi is more suitable for you. Xinchun is a very sensible child, but Muzi is more suitable in terms of age. What's more, Xinchun's identity and your identity are also a problem."

"."

The dean is right.

"Shu, let me tell you. Now that you have promised Xinrenchun, you have to help her even if you don't want to. This is the basis of being a human being."

The dean is right.

"There is a ten-year age difference between the two of you. It's ridiculous for the dean to say that you mind. If the little girl doesn't mind, what can I say? The most important thing is how you choose between the two of you in the future."

Fujii Itsuki fell into deep thought.

Choosing either side will hurt the other.

Is it possible for both parties to have it?

Going deeper, Jiuhua and Qiansui were also together.

That's a pretty scary thought.

Fujii Itsuki thought it was impossible.

Soon, Muzi came back with hot water.

The dean was happy when he saw her.

Then Jiuhua and the others returned to the ward carrying lunch boxes.

Perhaps the dean knew the relationship between herself and them, so he spoke to them equally.

Ask about school matters, their academic performance, etc.

Fujii Itsuki was eating his lunch box and listening to the conversation.

But at this moment, he suddenly caught a glimpse of Nagayama Sakura outside the door, motioning for him to come out.

Fujii Itsuki paid attention to the people who were communicating for a second and then left the ward.

Sakura Nagayama handed Fujii Itsuki a tablet.

There seems to be some information on the top of the tablet.
"This is.?"

"Mr. Fujii, the situation is this. After learning about the dean's condition, the lady immediately asked me to investigate the information. A well-known professor at the Tokyo Medical University Hospital has a good understanding of the dean's condition. He has already boarded a plane and set off for Hokkaido."

Fujii Itsuki was very shocked.

This efficiency.
But Fujii Itsuki wanted to decline.

After all, this is a favor from the Matsumae family.
In short, you shouldn't owe it.

"Mr. Fujii, I've also learned that if the appendix carcinoid disease is not properly checked and spreads, then even after removal, there is still a risk of developing real cancer."

"Is it that serious?"

"Of course, that's what the professor said. So, Mr. Fujii, thorough treatment is necessary. Please don't refuse. If the young lady sees you sad, she will definitely be even sadder. You don't need to worry about owing the young lady anything. This is what she should do."

This is what Nagayama Sakura said.

Theoretically, I can take Sakura Nagayama's words seriously.

But is this really the case?
Can you really just ignore the favor given by the Matsumae family?
It would indeed be a little better if Xinchun did this herself.

But Xinchun is just an underage daughter of the Songqian family. She can only ask her father and her aunt for help.
In other words, this was actually Xinchun's plea to help him get the conditions.

Do you want to accept it?

If I don't accept it, and if the dean doesn't conduct a thorough investigation and the disease recurs in the future and it really becomes cancer, won't I regret it then?
Fujii Itsuki really didn't want to trouble Xinchun and asked her to ask her family for help.

but
Dean
No matter how hard it is for someone, it can’t be as hard as the dean who raised me.

The dean has suffered all her life and deserves the best care and treatment in this society.

"Mr. Fujii?"

Fujii Itsuki sighed inwardly and handed the tablet to Nagayama Sakura.

"Then it's up to you."

Nagayama Sakura smiled happily, "Please rest assured, Mr. Fujii, we will definitely give Dean Fujii the best treatment process. As for what I said to you before, Mr. Fujii, it was not false. The master wants to have a meal with you."

"."

Fujii Itsuki just nodded.

He didn't know what Matsumae Kitahiro wanted to say to him.

The only thing he knew now was that he really owed the Matsumae family a big favor.

Great favor.
It was a favor that he could not refuse with a clear conscience even if Matsumae Yoshiko asked him to get engaged to Kokoharu.

(End of this chapter)