IJLHTW - 69

Huo Mingzhou’s injury was sustained in the line of duty, and furthermore, two peacekeeping soldiers had sacrificed their lives, shocking the entire nation. Even domestically, people were closely following the situation there. So, after they were settled in Uganda, the country quickly prepared a plan to bring the seriously wounded back to China.

While the special plane from China had not yet arrived, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs learned of their arrival in Uganda and immediately dispatched personnel to offer their condolences.

“I want my father back to China as soon as possible,” when the staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked how they could help her, she had only one request.

The staff understood her feelings as a family member and comforted her, “Miss Huo, please rest assured. The nation is very concerned about the condition of all the wounded and will do its utmost to save them.”

The embassy also arranged a hotel for them, the best hotel in Uganda.

Although they arrived in a hurry, Yi Zechen quickly packed a few clothes. Back at the hotel, he even accompanied her when she went to shower.

Huo Ci had been quiet all day, her expression indifferent. Only when she was at the hospital earlier, looking at Huo Mingzhou through the glass, did she show a tender expression.

Whether at the hospital or in front of the embassy staff, she behaved with grace, composure, and restraint.

But when the water poured down from overhead, Huo Ci suddenly cried.

Her tears flowed continuously with the hot water, so much so that she didn’t even notice it herself at first. She closed her eyes, leaning against Yi Zechen. He held her, their hot, warm skin pressed tightly together. More than any other time, Huo Ci’s heart was in agony.

Seeing him lying there, motionless, his face pale, even the slight rise and fall of his chest invisible.

In her mind, no matter when, Dad was always a big tree, sheltering her from wind and rain. Even though she had been angry with him for so many years, she knew he was there, respected by everyone, doing the work of saving lives and helping the injured.

Suddenly, her big tree had fallen.

And it might even never wake up again.

“Huo Ci,” Yi Zechen’s voice was in her ear. Since her father’s accident until now, he had been by her side.

Huo Ci couldn’t imagine how she would have gotten through this time if he hadn’t been there.

She held him tightly, tears continuously streaming down her face. She was actually weaker than anyone, terrified of loss.

“Don’t be afraid. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side,” he knew that nothing he said now could console her, but he still wanted to reassure his little girl, tell her not to be afraid.

No matter how many storms there were in this world, he was willing to be by her side.

After Yi Zechen carried Huo Ci out, he looked for a hairdryer to dry her hair. But Huo Ci hugged him, leaning on his shoulder, her body trembling incessantly, yet not a single sob escaped her lips.

He just held her quietly. In this distant foreign land, he held the person in his arms, wanting to hold a whole world so tightly.

________________________________________

On the third day, the special plane took off, flying back home.

Huo Ci and Yi Zechen, as family members, were allowed to return with them. Huo Ci wanted to accompany Huo Mingzhou, so she took this special flight back to the country.

Once on the plane, Huo Ci could finally see him up close.

Huo Mingzhou’s current condition was not suitable for long-distance travel, but in a place like Uganda, the medical standards were ultimately not as good as in China. At this moment, the National Health Commission had already organized a specialized medical team specifically to treat those injured in South Sudan.

Huo Mingzhou had gone as part of the national medical team. Now that something had happened to him, the country would not abandon him; on the contrary, it would do its best to treat him.

Huo Ci, on the other hand, could not do much for him. At this moment, she only needed to quietly stay by his side.

As the plane soared into the clouds, she gently turned her head to the person beside her: “Dad, we’re finally going home.”

She had been waiting for his return in China, but she never expected that she would be the one to personally bring him home.

Upon arriving at the domestic airport, hospital vehicles were already waiting on the tarmac. Several leaders from the National Health Commission were present, personally welcoming the returning medical team members who had been injured this time.

Shen Fangtang was not surprised when he saw Huo Ci.

When she had first arrived in Uganda, news had already been sent back to China, stating that Dr. Huo Mingzhou’s daughter had arrived in Uganda. Shen Fangtang had kept this a secret until now, not daring to let Liu Ruhan know.

Shen Fangtang, however, took an extra look when he saw Yi Zechen.

That day, the reason he called Yi Zechen first was that he felt he was mature and steady, able to consider the bigger picture, and at least capable of persuading Huo Ci. But he hadn’t expected that Yi Zechen would be the one to take her away.

They had left the country directly on a private plane.

Huo Ci wouldn’t have had the capability to arrange a private plane and a flight route to Africa within a few hours.

So, as soon as he learned of this, Shen Fangtang understood that it must have been Yi Zechen’s doing.

“It’s been tough,” Shen Fangtang shook hands with the returning comrades, then walked up to Huo Ci and Yi Zechen, saying, “My car is outside. I’ll drive you back; no need to trouble your driver with the back-and-forth.”

Yi Zechen had originally planned to have his driver pick them up, but since Shen Fangtang offered, he glanced at Huo Ci. She nodded tiredly; the continuous flying over the past few days had been exhausting.

After getting into the car, Shen Fangtang sat in the passenger seat, while Huo Ci and Yi Zechen sat in the back. Yi Zechen had intended to sit in the passenger seat, but Shen Fangtang waved his hand and looked at Huo Ci, saying, “I see Xiao Ci is really tired. You two sit in the back. She can lean on your shoulder and rest for a bit.”

Shen Fangtang was refined and gentle, holding a high position, yet still so thoughtful and meticulous, which even Yi Zechen had to admire.

He nodded slightly in thanks.

After getting into the car, Huo Ci soon fell asleep leaning on Yi Zechen’s shoulder. Shen Fangtang looked back and softly said, “Huo Ci’s mother is very worried about her.”

Yi Zechen remained motionless, staring straight ahead. After a while, he said softly, “She’s very strong.”

At least in this situation, she had pulled through.

Shen Fangtang nodded, “Zechen, Huo Ci’s mother and I are very touched and grateful that you can be with her at this time.”

This time, Yi Zechen was silent for even longer, because the person resting on his shoulder stirred slightly. It wasn’t until he was sure she was truly asleep that he spoke again: “This is what I should have done.”

Even Shen Fangtang smiled. He was never polite in front of elders. But he admired his direct and straightforward attitude. That kind of courage was something Shen Suian lacked.

That was why Shen Suian had completely lost Huo Ci.

Regarding the relationship between his son and Huo Ci, he had never opposed it.

What truly hindered them was not his marriage to Liu Ruhan, but Shen Suian’s emotional weakness. His retreat at a crucial moment led to his complete loss. Some things, when the choice is made at the beginning, the outcome is already destined.

Shen Fangtang regretted that his son missed the girl he loved, yet he also felt fortunate for Huo Ci to meet such a man. Although he was not Huo Ci’s father, he had always treated her and Shen Qian equally.

________________________________________

Huo Mingzhou was admitted to the ICU at the hospital. After a consultation with specialists, he needed another surgery.

Huo Ci had to sign for the surgery.

This was the first time she had signed such a document. Although she had written her name, “Huo Ci,” countless times, her hand still trembled as she held the pen.

These past few days, let alone her, even Yi Zechen’s work had been affected. Yang Ming ran to the hospital several times a day just to get his signature. Huo Ci also urged Yi Zechen to go back, but for some reason, he stayed by her side, not leaving for a single step.

Actually, Huo Ci didn’t want him to leave either. She was always afraid that the next moment, she would receive Huo Mingzhou’s critical illness notice.

Fortunately, the surgery went smoothly. By the next day, Huo Mingzhou no longer needed observation in the ICU. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but even the specialists couldn’t guarantee when he would wake up. Some doctors even subtly hinted that Huo Mingzhou might become a vegetative state.

Huo Ci said nothing after hearing this possibility. She sat on a bench outside the hospital for a very, very long time.

After that, she visited the hospital even more frequently. If Yi Zechen hadn’t picked her up every evening, she would have literally lived at the hospital.

She had completely set aside the matters at the studio.

________________________________________

It wasn’t until Bai Yu personally came to find her.

“Huo Ci,” when Bai Yu entered, Huo Ci was massaging Huo Mingzhou’s calves. Because patients who lie in bed for extended periods without activity can experience muscle atrophy.

She turned and glanced, Bai Yu had brought a bouquet of fresh flowers. Knowing Huo Mingzhou hadn’t woken up yet, bringing other things wouldn’t be very useful. So, he specifically bought a bunch of flowers.

She asked faintly, “Is something wrong?”

“You need to come with me to T&A. Something’s happened with that jewelry advertisement,” Bai Yu was already flustered. If it weren’t for his consideration for Huo Mingzhou, he would have dragged Huo Ci away the moment he entered.

She turned back to look at Bai Yu, narrowing her eyes, and asked with a cold expression, “What happened?”

________________________________________

“This is Yongshi Jewelry’s latest advertisement. I believe everyone here has seen it. Whether it’s the imagery, composition, or camera work, it’s identical to our T&A’s latest jewelry advertisement,” when the operations director finished speaking, all eyes were on Huo Ci.

This advertisement was entirely overseen by Huo Ci, and even the concept was her sole decision.

Now, Yongshi’s advertisement was released today, and online promotion had already begun. Soon, broader television advertisements would follow. Yongshi Jewelry, as a domestic jewelry company, had always been known for its aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns.

The phrase “Love her, give her eternal life” was the origin of Yongshi’s company name.

Now, this advertisement was released before T&A’s jewelry advertisement, which meant the competitor had gained the upper hand.

“Huo Ci, please explain the current situation to us,” after the operations director spoke, Robert, the President of T&A Greater China, who was seated at the head of the table, looked at her and asked disappointedly.

Huo Ci was still looking at the screen.

This advertisement, from beginning to end, was planned by her, and even the use of photographic storyboards was full of her personal style.

But she hadn’t expected such a thing to happen.

Her eyes were fixed on the screen, her hands tightly clenched.

“Huo Ci, as a senior photographer, you should understand how serious plagiarism is,” Robert shook his head, his eyes filled with regret.

At this moment, Bai Yu, sitting next to Huo Ci, defended her: “Mr. Robert, your accusation is baseless. Although this advertisement appeared online first, how can you be sure that this advertisement was shot before ours?”

“If it’s not plagiarism, then this is a serious leak, involving the disclosure of trade secrets, which I think has more severe consequences than plagiarism,” Robert looked at him, speaking bluntly.

Bai Yu paused. As for plagiarism, he naturally couldn’t believe it.

Huo Ci had worked for so many years without such rumors, and her personal style was strong; if anything, she was often the victim of plagiarism.

But when it came to leaks, Bai Yu dared not flatly deny it.

Many people in the studio had access to this advertisement, and there were so many on-site staff at the time. Who knew who the leaker was?

“Huo Ci, do you have anything you’d like to explain?” Robert asked, seeing that she hadn’t spoken.

It wasn’t until Huo Ci spoke calmly: “I’m very disappointed.”

Robert showed a strange expression, then heard her looking at him with an indifferent face, saying, “I’ve cooperated with T&A for five years. Since I entered this industry, I have never been accused of plagiarism. But a company I’ve worked with for so long has, without any investigation, put a plagiarism label on me.”

“I’m very disappointed.”

Robert didn’t expect her attitude to be so strong. He was immediately left speechless by her rebuttal.

“As for the leak, how many people in your company had access to this advertisement, and how many people were on set during the shoot? I suggest you investigate them one by one,” Huo Ci sneered.

At this point, the operations director couldn’t help but say, “Huo Ci, you can’t talk like that. Do you know this advertisement is supposed to be aired across all of Asia? Now that Yongshi has jumped ahead, the entire advertisement has to be pulled back, and even our finished hard ads need to be revised. And what about the video websites and TV stations? We’ve already bought the advertising slots, and next week is the ad’s launch date. What do we do now?”

“What to do? If it really is a leak, please confirm it’s due to negligence from our studio before holding me accountable. If it’s not, you might as well consider if this is malicious competition from Yongshi.”

After all, releasing an advertisement first not only promotes one’s own product in a timely manner but also puts a huge disadvantage on competitors.

Because they released the ad first, it would be extremely difficult for T&A to sue them for plagiarism.

“If you’re here to hold me accountable, I think you’ve come to the wrong person. Instead of discussing these things now, you might as well think about how to remedy the situation.”

________________________________________

As she walked out of T&A’s door, Bai Yu followed behind her, about to speak, when he suddenly heard Huo Ci shout furiously, “Shut up!”

Huo Ci had driven her own car there. She walked to the car, then suddenly turned around, scaring Bai Yu who immediately stopped. She looked at Bai Yu coldly and asked him, “Can you guarantee that the leak wasn’t from someone in the studio?”

Bai Yu opened his mouth but dared not speak.

Huo Ci sneered, “You can’t.”

“Then investigate until you can guarantee it,” Huo Ci stared at him.

A few hours later, Yi Zechen called Bai Yu, asking him where Huo Ci had gone. Bai Yu was greatly surprised and asked, “She didn’t go back to the hospital?”

Yi Zechen was standing in the hospital at that moment, with only nursing staff accompanying Huo Mingzhou.

After he hung up the phone, he was about to look for someone else when Yang Ming rushed over. “Miss Huo went home an hour ago.”

Yi Zechen immediately drove back himself. When he opened the front door, the silence inside was unsettling. No one was in the living room or kitchen. When he pushed open the bedroom door, he heard the sound of rushing water.

It was coming from the bathroom.

It wasn’t until he opened the bathroom door that he saw water all over the floor, and Huo Ci lying in the bathtub.

He tightly gripped the doorknob, looking at the person lying quietly at the edge of the bathtub. Her body was light and soft, still wearing the clothes she had gone out in today; her white shirt was completely soaked.

If there was ever a moment in his life that he feared the most, Yi Zechen finally understood.

It was now.

As he slowly walked over and knelt beside the bathtub, his fingers slowly reached out, hovering near her nostrils.

Suddenly, Huo Ci’s eyes opened. Those eyes, which had always been dark and bright, seemed to sweep away the previous darkness and lifelessness, rekindling their brilliance.

She calmly looked at his fingers, now close to her nose.

“Is this why you’ve been inseparable from me these past few days?” Huo Ci looked at him quietly, asking.

Yi Zechen did not answer, for he was staring intently at her. Until that exquisite, delicate face suddenly leaned in, her moist, cold lips pressing tightly against his.

“How could I bear to leave you?”

When their eyes met, those dark eyes were filled with stubbornness.

She looked at him and said seriously, “Huo Ci, how could she ever be defeated?”