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Song Zhi was always good at saying things to provoke him.
After hesitating for a moment, he still dialed her number.
After several rings, a man answered.
“Hello?”
Hearing this voice, Jiang Yanzhou frowned and coldly asked: “Where’s Song Zhi?”
The person seemed startled by his tone. After hesitating for a while, he timidly whispered: “Sister Song Zhi is taking a bath; she might not be done for a while. Could you call back in half an hour?”
Jiang sneered: “Who are you?”
Xiao Xu’s neck and back were drenched in cold sweat. When did Song Zhi meet such a terrifying person? Even though they hadn’t met face-to-face, just hearing his voice over the phone made Xiao Xu feel as if the man would appear with a knife any second, mercilessly cutting his throat.
Before he could respond, Song Zhi came out of the next room wearing pajamas, her head wrapped in a dry towel: “Xiao Xu, who’s calling?”
Xiao Xu didn’t expect her to finish so quickly today. Usually, it took Song Zhi an average of one hour to bathe, but after working out, she only needed half an hour to finish.
Feeling relieved, Xiao Xu was about to hand the phone to her: “I don’t know, just a very fierce man.”
A very fierce man calling her at this time could only mean one person.
She rolled her eyes: “Hang up and block the number.”
Xiao Xu froze, not quite understanding: “What?”
“I said hang up and block the number.” Song Zhi went back into the bathroom to blow-dry her hair, her voice fading into the distance.
Xiao Xu belatedly nodded, then politely apologized to Jiang Yanzhou. After a moment’s hesitation, he kindly added: “Sister Song Zhi really dislikes men who persistently chase her. I hope you won’t bother her again.”
Beautiful people never lack admirers, especially someone like Song Zhi, a heartbreaker.
Her suitors lined up endlessly; every day, there were countless wealthy second-generation heirs waiting in sports cars outside her company building.
However, Song Zhi wouldn’t even give them a glance.
Wanyue said she wasn’t single, and her boyfriend’s identity was probably even more extraordinary.
________________________________________
On the other side.
There were no lights on in the car; Jiang Yanzhou’s face looked terrifying, the phone still pressed to his ear, not yet put away.
The last sentence spoken by the man echoed in his ears like a boast.
The force on his left hand gradually increased, as if trying to crush the phone.
The shadows of passing lights outside the window flashed by quickly. He slightly raised his eyes.
His chest felt blocked, his breathing became increasingly labored, and waves of dizziness assaulted him, his vision gradually blurring.
Jiang Yanzhou reached out to steady himself against the car door, barely managing to stay upright.
Zhang Yi noticed something was wrong and glanced back.
Jiang Yanzhou’s face didn’t look good.
He quickly pulled the car over, opened the back door, and got in: “Boss, are you alright?”
Jiang Yanzhou straightened his upper body, waved his hand, and just as he was about to speak, a sudden intense palpitation hit his chest, and the dizziness became stronger.
Zhang Yi had followed Jiang Yanzhou for many years and understood his personality well.
Not talkative, aloof, and sparing with words.
From scheming aristocratic families to cutthroat business circles, there were no shortage of people eyeing him, eager to pull him down.
His entire life had been one of constant tension, leaving no room for relaxation.
Such a person couldn’t afford to have weaknesses.
Even when in extreme pain, he would say he was fine.
After a moment of silence, Zhang Yi decided on his own to change their destination from the company to the hospital.
It wasn’t until the car stopped at the hospital entrance that Jiang Yanzhou belatedly noticed.
His cold gaze swept over Zhang Yi, who opened the car door for him. The latter stood there with his head bowed, not daring to breathe.
Jiang Yanzhou was indeed a terrifying person, but this terror wasn’t superficial—it was the primal nature of a beast within.
Fortunately, he didn’t pursue it further.
Or perhaps, he was too weak to bother.
________________________________________
After a preliminary examination, the doctor lowered his head to write the medical record: “This is due to insufficient rest and a sudden rush of anger causing fatigue and dizziness. Young man, while working, you must also take care of your health.”
He handed the medical record to Jiang Yanzhou: “You need to receive intravenous fluids for three consecutive days. Rest well these days, and try not to get too angry.”
The latter calmly thanked him, then rose and left.
The nurse administering the IV was a young girl who kept stealing glances at his face. Her hand, which was tapping for a vein, trembled slightly with nervousness.
Noticing her subtle emotional changes, Jiang Yanzhou raised his eyes and looked at her.
Meeting his gaze, the young nurse hurriedly lowered her head, her face flushing to her ears. She softly murmured: “It... it might hurt a little. Please bear with it.”
From inserting the needle to finishing, he didn’t utter a word.
The young nurse saw the man behind him step forward to hold the IV bag for him.
He walked ahead, dressed in a deep gray bespoke suit, broad-shouldered and long-legged, exuding a cold and noble demeanor.
Watching them walk away, the young nurse excitedly ran to another nurse to share her recent experience: “Ahhhh, my patient earlier was so handsome, and he definitely looks like a rich second-generation heir; his watch was a Swiss handcrafted model.”
The nurse who had just finished changing another patient’s medication quickly stretched her head to look, but unfortunately, she only caught a glimpse of his back: “Why didn’t you ask for his WeChat? What a great opportunity!”
The young nurse blushed shyly: “I... I didn’t dare.”
________________________________________
Zhang Yi followed behind Jiang Yanzhou, holding the IV bag, not daring to breathe loudly.
He had followed Jiang Yanzhou for so many years, and this was the first time he’d seen him get angry enough to end up in the hospital.
Someone who usually controlled his emotions well actually had a day when he lost control.
From earlier until now, he had maintained a dark expression.
The distance from the hospital to the company wasn’t far, about half an hour away, and the IV bag was still half full.
Only a few employees working late shifts or overtime remained in the company.
Jiang Yanzhou entered the office, and Xu Zhi was already sitting there waiting, likely for some time.
Crossing his legs, acting like a big shot.
Jiang Yanzhou glanced at his posture but didn’t say anything.
Chewing gum, Xu Zhi smirked at the IV bag beside Jiang Yanzhou: “President Jiang is still hard at work, coming to the company even when sick to bully diligent employees like me.”
The diligent employee he referred to was naturally himself.
His nightlife had just begun when a phone call ruined it.
He had to get off that female model.
Naturally, he was furious.
Thus, he wanted to use sarcasm to provoke this young president.
The latter, however, remained unmoved. With a slight lift of his chin, he coldly mocked: “Indeed diligent—stealing company secrets, reselling them, you must have made quite a bit.”
Xu Zhi had already guessed that Jiang Yanzhou had called him to the company late at night because of this matter.
Even if he had done it, so what? He had no evidence, so why should he be afraid?
“The company president can’t slander employees just like that. The law doesn’t care how much money you have. If I sue you for defamation, what do you think the verdict will be?”
Jiang Yanzhou’s lips curled slightly, but his eyes were filled with coldness: “Then guess, leaking commercial secrets, what should the verdict be?”
In the comparison of their auras, Xu Zhi was clearly overshadowed.
Even knowing he had no evidence and couldn’t do anything to him, Xu Zhi still felt uneasy because of his smile: “Everything requires evidence.”
“Evidence.” Jiang Yanzhou repeated the last two words of his statement, smirking. He opened the drawer and threw over a pile of photocopies and a USB drive, “Chat records, call recordings, and transaction records. If anything’s missing, you can tell me, and I’ll try to accommodate you.”
Xu Zhi skeptically stood up to check. His face turned yellow, then black, and finally pale.
Whatever remaining confidence he had disappeared. He spat out his gum and came over to apologize: “I... I was momentarily possessed by a ghost, so I... you know, I’ve been with the company for so many years.”
“Being with the company for so many years means even a dog would be tamed.” Jiang Yanzhou lowered his voice and leaned closer to him, “You’re not even as good as a dog.”
Fear exploded like shattered glass bottles, its fragments piercing every corner of his being.
His reason for doing this was because he despised Jiang Yanzhou.
He arrogantly believed his abilities weren’t inferior to his; it was just that he lacked a powerful father.
Why should he climb step by step from the lowest rung, while others, from birth, reached pinnacles others couldn’t reach no matter how hard they tried?
The new project overseas had been under development for three years; Jiang Yanzhou staying abroad last year was for that project.
This leak directly caused the project to be shelved.
Xu Zhi wasn’t entirely motivated by money; he wanted Jiang Yanzhou to witness firsthand the feeling of something he worked so hard on being rendered useless overnight.
But he forgot that the loss of this money meant nothing to Jiang Yanzhou.
As for himself, he might end up ruining his entire life.
Leaking commercial secrets, once shackled, he would never be hired by a major company again.
That meant his life was essentially over.
The only option now was to beg for mercy from Jiang Yanzhou.
He cried sincerely, pleading just as earnestly, but he overlooked what kind of person Jiang Yanzhou was.
He leaned back against the chair, completely unmoved.
Instead, he showed some disdain: “Throw him out. Seeing anyone surnamed Xu makes me irritated.”
This was said to Zhang Yi beside him.
The latter responded and was about to move forward when Jiang Yanzhou added: “Wait.”
Both people in the office paused, watching him silently.
Jiang Yanzhou looked at Xu Zhi and coldly said: “Take out the garbage you spat out too.”
Referring to the gum he had just spit out.
________________________________________
The new character’s persona was somewhat complex.
Internally gloomy and cold, but outwardly skilled at disguising himself.
Self-disciplined and positive,
Loving life and small animals.
Director Luo hoped Song Zhi could try Sheng Yan’s hobbies before filming began.
For example, fitness and pet ownership.
________________________________________
Fitness was manageable, but as for pet ownership...
Song Zhi had always been afraid of dogs since childhood. She still dared not go to Jiang Yanzhou’s house because he had two Dobermans.
Xiao Xu consoled her: “Don’t worry, dogs are cute. Besides, the dog Sheng Yan keeps in the drama is a Samoyed, very obedient.”
Song Zhi uncertainly asked: “Is a Samoyed a big dog?”
Xiao Xu nodded: “Yes, it is quite large.”
“Wuuwuwu, I’m even more scared.”
Xia Wanyue’s younger sister happened to have a Samoyed. To help Song Zhi get into character, she drove over today to borrow the dog.
No matter how scared, Song Zhi had to overcome this psychological hurdle.
Xiao Xu suddenly remembered yesterday’s phone call and curiously probed: “Sister Song Zhi, who was the man who called you yesterday?”
They were about to go out for a walk with the dog. Even though she was afraid, she still had to look stylish while being afraid. Song Zhi was carefully selecting earrings in front of the dressing table without looking up: “My ex-boyfriend.”
Xiao Xu froze: “Didn’t you say yesterday that your ex-boyfriend passed away young?”
She sighed: “He didn’t die completely; he came back to life.”
Xiao Xu: “...”
He knew Song Zhi’s words weren’t trustworthy.
Xia Wanyue soon brought the dog over—big, white, fluffy, panting with its tongue out as she led it in.
Xia Wanyue turned around to close the door. As soon as she loosened her grip on the leash for a moment, the Samoyed happily ran to Song Zhi, wagging its tail furiously.
Terrified, Song Zhi kept retreating onto the sofa: “Wuuwuwu, Xiao Xu, take it farther away.”
Xia Wanyue walked over: “I worried it might be shy when I came here, but it seems to like you quite a bit. You’ll take it for a walk nearby later.”
Just hearing those words made Song Zhi’s hair stand on end. She was on the verge of tears: “Do I really have to take it out for a walk?”
“What else?” Xia Wanyue firmly shoved the leash into her hands. “Director Luo is notoriously picky and strict. He chose you because he thought you fit the role. If you’re afraid of dogs, then your portrayal of the character won’t be complete. Let me warn you, whether we succeed or fail depends on this. You better work hard.”
Song Zhi shakily grabbed the leash: “Then... I’ll try my best.”
With the most cowardly tone, she spoke the most cowardly words.
To help Song Zhi overcome her fear, Xia Wanyue let her take the dog out alone.
Afraid of being recognized, she covered her face tightly with a hat and mask.
The Samoyed was extremely excited as soon as it stepped outside, running everywhere. Song Zhi’s petite frame couldn’t hold it back, and she was completely dragged along.
This was just after dinner, and many people were walking their dogs. Every breed imaginable was present.
Cowardly ones, aggressive ones, temperamental ones—all kinds.
Song Zhi thought she must not have checked her almanac before going out today. As soon as she stepped out, she encountered two dogs fighting and even biting each other.
Their barking was terrifying.
The owners didn’t know where they had gone, and everyone around was afraid of getting involved, detouring to avoid trouble.
Scared, Song Zhi wanted to turn back, but there was no way behind her.
Shakily, she moved to the corner, fearing that their peripheral vision would catch her.
Standing there, she saw a somewhat familiar face.
Still those seemingly freshly awakened eyes.
He calmly greeted her: “Good afternoon.”
Song Zhi was puzzled: “What are you doing here?”
He didn’t answer but instead asked: “What about you?”
Song Zhi glanced at the dogs biting each other in front of her: “I’m afraid of dogs.”
His expression unchanged, he calmly replied: “I’m afraid too.”
…
The Samoyed’s strength was immense. Perhaps seeing other dogs fight, it also got excited and broke free from Song Zhi’s grasp, charging forward.
Its little butt wagged innocently.
A dog like that wouldn’t last a bite from them.
Song Zhi hurriedly chased after it: “Fanfan, come back!”
She couldn’t outrun the Samoyed. It charged forward, barking at them, effortlessly drawing all attention to itself.
The scene instantly descended into chaos.
…
Xia Wanyue arrived immediately after receiving Song Zhi’s call.
Fortunately, the dog wasn’t seriously injured, just a small patch of fur pulled out.
The dog, tongue hanging out and seemingly carefree, wagged its tail at He Hanyang, who had just saved it from danger.
Instinctively, he stepped back, clearly afraid of it.
Xia Wanyue uneasily glanced at He Hanyang’s bitten hand: “I’m really sorry. We will take full responsibility for your mental distress compensation and medical expenses.”
He didn’t hesitate to nod in agreement.
Song Zhi felt guilty inside; after all, He Hanyang got bitten because of her.
“You need to get the vaccine as soon as possible. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
He Hanyang looked down at Song Zhi and nodded: “Thank you.”
Xia Wanyue couldn’t believe how coincidental this was—Song Zhi meeting He Hanyang under such circumstances.
She hoped that some rumors would come out of this encounter.
Recently, leaked videos of the two caused quite a stir online.
There were already many CP fans for them, and their super topic quickly climbed into the top ten overnight.
These CP fans often gradually turned into fans of the female lead, and He Hanyang clearly didn’t mind these developments.
Later, she planned to let the PR team handle things slightly, naturally boosting Song Zhi’s popularity among female fans.
She quickly said: “You focus on taking him to the hospital. Walking the dog isn’t urgent.”
Xia Wanyue rarely showed such enthusiasm. Song Zhi sensed there might be some conspiracy but was too lazy to think about it. With her brain, even if she racked her brains, she wouldn’t figure anything out.
It took about half an hour to drive to the hospital.
Though Song Zhi was supposed to take him, she lacked a driver’s license and didn’t know how to drive.
In the end, He Hanyang drove despite his injury.
Song Zhi once thought about getting a driver’s license. Jiang Yanzhou even hired a private instructor for her, with daily lessons of one or two hours.
After crashing countless bumpers, the instructor refused to teach her anymore, even when Jiang Yanzhou offered several times the original fee.
“Earning more money is useless if you don’t live to enjoy it. This girl shouldn’t drive. With all your wealth, just hire a driver for her. I’m afraid if she ever gets her license and drives, something might happen... Then you’d be widowed.”
Hearing this, Song Zhi decided against pursuing a driver’s license again.
Jiang Yanzhou indulged her.
If she wanted to learn, he let her; if not, then no pressure.
Capitalists’ methods of buying people over always worked wonders.
Song Zhi wondered why she thought of him again, suddenly feeling inexplicably irritable.
He Hanyang glanced at her sideways and pulled out a pink-wrapped lollipop from his coat pocket: “Eating sweets can make you feel better.”
Song Zhi curiously accepted the lollipop, surprised to find such a girlish side to He Hanyang.
“Do you eat candy when you’re in a bad mood?”
He shook his head: “I eat candy when I want to curse.”
“Can eating sweets really control emotions?”
“It can shut me up.”
“...”
They arrived at the hospital. After Song Zhi registered for him, they went to the second floor to wait in line for injections.
He needed five shots in total, starting with two today—one on each arm.
There were quite a few people in line, and all the chairs were occupied except for one.
Song Zhi intended to let the injured person sit, but he took off his jacket, placed it on the seat, and looked at Song Zhi: “Sit.”
Song Zhi was taken aback.
He calmly added: “I noticed you haven’t sat down yet. Do you have a phobia?”
________________________________________
That patient came again today.
The young nurse was extremely excited. She secretly checked his medical records yesterday.
His name was Jiang Yanzhou. His name matched his elegant demeanor.
Knowing he needed another shot today, she even voluntarily gave up her day off.
The man sat down in the chair. Today he dressed casually in a white shirt without a tie, rolling up his sleeves for convenience in applying the tourniquet.
His wrist was pale, and even the wrist bones were exquisitely beautiful, captivating anyone’s attention.
In this world, there truly exist flawless individuals.
The intravenous needle slowly entered his vein, but he didn’t even flinch.
The young nurse loosened the tourniquet, tidied up, and reminded him: “Rest well these days.”
He quietly acknowledged, then stood up.
The young nurse’s heart suddenly raced. Finally, she found an excuse to talk to him.
Clearly, the man didn’t want to stay long. Today, he came alone.
He walked out holding the IV bag by himself. From behind, there was something pitiful about his silhouette.
In the adult world, nothing was simple. Even when sick, there was no one to accompany him.
The young nurse sighed and was about to follow him.
As he walked, he suddenly stopped.
His gaze landed on the waiting hall of the infectious disease department nearby.
For the rabies vaccine, both arms needed a shot. After He Hanyang came out, his arms felt like they had been punched, aching terribly.
Seeing him struggle to lift his hands, Song Zhi suddenly felt a surge of guilt.
For an esports player, hands were crucial.
“Will you not be able to play games now?”
Her pretty face filled with remorse.
Just being bitten by a dog wasn’t like breaking a bone; resting for a few days would restore him.
He Hanyang paused silently: “It’s fine. Worst case, I’ll switch careers.”
Damn.
Even more guilt-ridden.
He was a world champion, just twenty years old, at the peak of his career. If he had to retire early because of her...
...
She dared not think about it.
She repeated what Xiao Xu told her yesterday: “Don’t worry. Medicine is so advanced now; there will be solutions.”
He Hanyang nodded: “Hopefully.”
Today, there were quite a few people. Song Zhi feared being recognized if she stayed longer, so she suggested: “Let’s leave first.”
He Hanyang still nodded: “Okay.”
Song Zhi turned around, heading towards the elevator.
Her eyes met those of the man standing opposite her.
With one hand bandaged and the other holding the IV bag, he stood silently, looking at her.
Four words immediately popped into Song Zhi’s mind—haunting presence.
At this moment, she should have turned around stylishly, not sparing him a glance.
But Song Zhi strangely couldn’t move her feet.
Jiang Yanzhou was also an extremely disciplined person. No matter how busy his work was, he persisted in fitness and morning runs.
He rarely got sick, let alone needing hospitalization for IVs.
________________________________________
Jiang Yanzhou quietly watched her, his eyelashes fluttering lightly. He took a step forward but seemed to remember something and stopped.
He knew Song Zhi didn’t want to see him. The tighter he pushed, the faster she would run away.
Below his fair and slender neck, the prominent scar became even more noticeable under the bright hospital lights.
Memories of that scar resurfaced untimely.
Her grandfather was renowned in traditional Chinese painting. During that time, people came every day hoping to become his disciples.
One person came particularly frequently.
He seemed persistent, repeatedly asking her grandfather to accept him as a student, even promising that once he became famous, he wouldn’t forget his benefactor.
But her grandfather always shook his head and refused.
Out of curiosity, Song Zhi asked her grandfather after that person left: “Why won’t you accept him?”
Her grandfather only said one sentence: “People who are too eager for quick success cannot paint traditional Chinese paintings well.”
Song Zhi grew up surrounded by love. She naturally believed everyone in the world was kind-hearted.
But until that fire completely consumed her home.
She heard her father calling her name and her mother crying her heart out.
It felt like hell.
She could see nothing; everything was covered in thick gray smoke and scorching heat.
She didn’t know where her parents or grandfather were. She didn’t even know where she was.
Would people go to heaven or hell after death? They discussed this topic extensively in class yesterday.
Song Zhi naturally believed that people would go to heaven after death.
“Hell is for devils. If humans go to hell, aren’t they just like devils?”
Turns out, real devils do exist.
She heard that the person, enraged by her grandfather’s repeated rejections, set fire to their house at night while everyone was asleep.
Song Zhi inhaled a lot of smoke, her consciousness gradually fading.
Before completely losing consciousness, she felt herself enveloped in a very warm embrace.
The owner of that embrace babbled incoherently: “Song Zhi, don’t sleep.”
“It’s okay. Everything will be fine.”
“Don’t sleep. Open your eyes. Hold on for a bit. I’ll take you out right now.”
She slept for a long time. When she woke up, the nurses said the fire happened last month.
A lot of things happened in between.
After arranging the funerals for her parents and grandfather, Song Luo grabbed a steel pipe and beat the arsonist to paralysis.
That night, he was away studying and wasn’t at home.
When he received the news and rushed back, a family of five turned into a family of two.
Even their only surviving sister might never wake up.
The once arrogant and vibrant high school bully collapsed overnight, losing his entire family.
At nineteen years old, he simultaneously mourned three loved ones.
Those who lectured him in turns just days ago now became three black urns in his hands.
A bit heavy.
Song Zhi didn’t know what kind of feelings drove him to confront that arsonist, and she didn’t want to know.
Her gaze wandered emptily toward the ceiling.
She didn’t want to think about anything, say anything, or eat anything.
Her body was already weak, and she refused to eat.
The nurse had no choice but to call the boy who brought her to the hospital.
He stayed and took care of her for many days, disregarding his own injuries.
The doctor, concerned about his health, forcibly sent him home.
After receiving the call, Jiang Yanzhou quickly came over.
There was still gauze taped around his neck.
The nurse remembered the day this girl was brought in; the young man kept vigil by her side, his face and body covered in soot.
His coat clearly had burn marks, and blood kept flowing from his neck wound.
The doctor urged him to get stitches, but he refused to leave.
Finally, several people forcefully dragged him away.
They said the fire was so intense that even firefighters hesitated to enter. He poured a bucket of water over himself and charged in.
Fortunately, Song Zhi’s room was closest to the outside.
As he carried her out, something slashed his neck, creating a long cut that wouldn’t stop bleeding.
Yet, he seemed to feel no pain.
________________________________________
After receiving the nurse’s call, Jiang Yanzhou rushed over. Seeing Song Zhi open her eyes on the hospital bed, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. The tension built up over these days began to ease.
The nurse, fearing to disturb Song Zhi, whispered: “I’ll step out. Call me if there’s anything uncomfortable.”
Jiang Yanzhou nodded: “Thank you.”
After the nurse left, Jiang Yanzhou poured her a glass of water, half hot and half cold.
He approached her bedside: “Zhi Zhi, are you thirsty?”
She remained silent, showing no reaction.
Jiang Yanzhou’s Adam’s apple moved slightly. Since she didn’t want to speak, he didn’t force her.
Placing the cup aside, he sat on the chair next to the bed: “Tell me if there’s anything you want to eat. However, the doctor said you shouldn’t eat anything too spicy recently. My aunt makes delicious porridge. I’ll have her prepare some for you, okay?”
Still, no response.
Jiang Yanzhou tucked her blanket in: “If you don’t want porridge, I’ll buy your favorite cream cake. But you can’t eat too much. The doctor said you should eat light food.”
Song Zhi blinked, tears sliding down from the corners of her eyes.
It seemed they might have gotten into her ears.
Her hands on her lap clenched tightly into fists. Jiang Yanzhou pressed hard on his palm, as if only physical pain could alleviate the agony in his heart.
“I’m sorry,” he hoarsely apologized. “At that time... I didn’t have the ability to save your parents and grandfather too.”
He lowered his head, seemingly crying, his voice trembling fiercely.
This was the first time Song Zhi saw him cry.
He never cried before.
He seemed to have no emotions at all.
But Song Zhi couldn’t utter a word. Every time she opened her mouth, she wanted to cry.
In the quiet corridor, hurried footsteps echoed, stopping outside the ward.
The door opened, and Qin He rushed in: “Xiao Zhi.”
He must have run here after getting out of the car, still catching his breath.
Now, he looked at her worriedly.
Growing up together, in Song Zhi’s heart, Qin He held the same status as Song Luo.
Both were her brothers, her family.
That restrained emotion completely collapsed.
She hugged him and cried for a long time, sobbing uncontrollably: “Mom, Dad, and Grandpa... they’re all... they’re all...”
Qin He gently consoled her: “Xiao Zhi, don’t be afraid. Everything will be alright. Don’t be scared.”
Jiang Yanzhou watched the scene silently, rose, and placed the cooling cup of water on the table beside him.
His vocal cords, damaged by inhaling smoke, were terribly hoarse and hadn’t fully recovered.
He said: “Xiao Zhi, I entrust her to you.”
Then, he finally left.
________________________________________
Song Luo was sentenced to seven years in prison for severely injuring someone.
Her grandmother from the countryside came to the city and took Song Zhi back to her hometown.
The bright and carefree lives of the young girl and boy were just beginning when tragedy struck.
Every time Song Zhi saw the scar on Jiang Yanzhou’s neck, she felt she owed him something.
A life.
Amidst the bustling crowd, people holding medical records had their destinations, rushing around to find departments.
Jiang Yanzhou’s gaze lingered on them for a moment, then he approached holding the IV bag.
“Song Zhi,” he stopped in front of her. “Can we talk? Just for a moment?”
Song Zhi averted her gaze: “Nothing to talk about.”
She was determined to leave him and wouldn’t let herself weaken.
By his side, she would forever be a pet without selfhood.
She was tired of living to please him, enduring others’ insults, and being someone else’s substitute.
He softly called her name: “Zhi Zhi, I...”
Before finishing his sentence, Song Zhi turned and walked away: “I have work later. Bye.”
He Hanyang glanced at Jiang Yanzhou before following Song Zhi into the elevator.
Inside the elevator, He Hanyang asked: “Boyfriend?”
Song Zhi didn’t deny it: “Ex-boyfriend.”
He nodded.
Song Zhi raised her eyebrows: “Not curious?”
“Curious about what?”
Normally, after hearing her statement, people would ask: Why did you break up?
At least Xia Wanyue and Xiao Xu reacted that way.
But thinking he wasn’t exactly normal, Song Zhi found nothing puzzling about it anymore.
The elevator smoothly descended, stopping on the third floor.
As the elevator doors opened, familiar voices filled the space.
“Yeah, it’s true. Jiang Yanzhou and her were just fooling around. Everyone in the circle knows she’s just his entertainment. And...”
Xu Lanlan paused mid-sentence.
Because she just saw Song Zhi leaning against the elevator wall, arms crossed, smiling kindly at her.
Xu Lanlan froze, not expecting to meet her here.
Her mom was sick and hospitalized, and she visited daily. Yesterday, she saw Jiang Yanzhou receiving IVs on the eighth floor.
So today, she brought Xun Yue along.
Who would have thought Song Zhi would also be here, sending a chill down her spine.
But realizing she had already broken up with Jiang Yanzhou and no longer had his backing, what was there to fear?
She straightened her neck and rolled her eyes: “Why do you keep staring at me?”
Song Zhi smiled: “Because you look good.”
Xu Lanlan sneered: “No need to tell me.”
Song Zhi moved closer, observing more carefully: “Look at those eyes and that mouth—it’s quite attractive. Too bad your mouth stinks.”
Xu Lanlan was infuriated by her comment: “You...”
Just as they were about to argue, Xun Yue intervened, pulling Xu Lanlan’s sleeve: “Stop it.”
She apologized to Song Zhi: “Lanlan’s words earlier were just to cheer me up. Where did she offend you? I apologize on her behalf.”
This was the first time Song Zhi observed her closely. Their appearances weren’t similar, but their dressing styles and tones of speech bore some resemblance.
Seeing she didn’t respond, Xun Yue exhaled deeply: “Similarly, I hope you can apologize to Lanlan.”
Song Zhi tilted her head, seemingly amused by her words. She pointed to He Hanyang beside her: “I killed your mom to make him happy. He apologized on my behalf. Can you say sorry to me too?”
Xun Yue pursed her lips, instantly turning into a spoiled brat, looking extremely aggrieved: “I just meant well. I don’t want you two to fight.”
Song Zhi smiled: “I meant well too. An orphan behavior naturally needs an orphan identity.”
In the tense elevator, He Hanyang, who had remained silent throughout, couldn’t help but laugh.
All three girls’ gazes shifted to him.
He covered his mouth and coughed: “Ignore me. Continue.”
The elevator doors opened and closed unnoticed, ascending again.
Until the crisp chime sounded, the doors opened once more.
Jiang Yanzhou had already removed the needle from his hand, probably doing it himself. A small patch of red blood still stained the adhesive tape.
Standing outside the elevator, he paused upon seeing Song Zhi.
Xun Yue, looking utterly pitiful and dripping with exaggerated sweetness, stepped out of the elevator, clinging to Jiang Yanzhou with a coquettish whine: “Big Brother Yanzhou, someone bullied me.”
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