Illness

Many a time he was hospitalized for his chronic illness. The leaders from where he works, his neighbors and friends were used to it. Few came to see him. As a result, he felt very lonely and disappointed.

However, this time, he had an ominous feeling. After he stayed in hospital for only a few days, people came to see him in an endless stream. The leaders and colleagues from where he works, his neighbors and friends, and some people with whom he never had any contact or even talked in the past have gone so far as to come to see him. Everyone was holding large and small bags—fresh flowers, fruits and all kinds of beautifully packaged nutritious food were piled up in the ward. Everyone said the same words of comfort. Even the hospital leaders came to greet him in person—the sort of treatment that had never been shown before by the warm and thoughtful medical staff, which made him even more frightened.

He muttered to himself. It seems that his days are numbered this time! The more people comforted him, the more desperate he felt.

Soon, his son who had been working far away from home for a whole year and had never came home also rushed over. Isn't it obvious?

He took his son's hand and asked desperately, "son, tell me honestly, how many days do I have?"

The son leaned down and said softly, "Dad, what are you talking about? It's okay! The president of the hospital said that you're okay. You can go home in a few more days."

He was in a worse mood and couldn't restrain himself: "sonny, don't lie to me again! This time so many people came to see me, and you were so busy that you even made a special trip back. I must have reached my deadline and won't live for a few days!"

The son smiled and whispered in his ear, "Dad, I'm transferred back to the city to be the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee."

Shit, I thought I was dying!

You see, this is a very special phenomenon in China!

This passage describes a person's feelings of fear and despair during their hospital stay due to their worsening condition. The care and enthusiasm shown by the people around them, on the other hand, only intensify their worries. Finally, when they ask their son how many days are left, the son reveals that they have actually been transferred back to the city as the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, making them realize that their concerns were unnecessary.

This passage conveys the protagonist's fear and helplessness regarding their illness, as well as their doubts and misunderstandings about the concern shown by the people around them. The final twist humorously reveals their misunderstanding, providing a dramatic effect for the readers.