Zhang Xin’s voice sounded hoarse from fatigue, she softly said, "The doctor mentioned that the elderly are prone to osteoporosis which can easily lead to fractures. It’s not a major problem; with some care, she’ll recover. You don’t need to worry, I’ve already hired a care worker, and I’ll stay here to accompany her."
Zhang Xin casually told Qu Chaozong at that time, "I know you’re worried about your mom. Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of everything. You don’t need to worry about anything; I’m here."
Qu Chaozong held his phone, listening to Zhang Xin speak, but his voice was choked up in his throat, unable to even utter the words "thank you."
The mother he’d been anxious about all night was efficiently cared for by Zhang Xin, running around in the middle of the night.
Qu Chaozong finally said, "I’m on my way back, should be there in about three hours."
After hanging up the phone, Qu Chaozong rubbed his face vigorously with both large hands, trying to mask a moment of emotional breakdown, his gaze was scattered, his chest felt warm, with a warmth flooding through.
In his life, aside from his mother, Shi Yang was the person he cared about the most, never having room for anyone else. Now, Zhang Xin insisted on forcefully inserting herself as that third person.
This person persistently wanted to attract him, refreshing her presence again and again, making him care, making him pay attention. Why is she so annoying, making people want to pull her over into a tight hug, give her a hard kiss, and curse her a little!
Just after Qu Chaozong hung up, Shi Yang’s father called, saying Mrs. Qu had already been taken to the hospital by Qu Chaozong’s friend. He stayed behind to handle the emergency center and fire brigade matters. Now everything is sorted, he wanted to inform Shi Yang not to worry too much.
With the worry subsiding, Shi Yang let out a long sigh of relief, feeling snug at heart. His father had run around in the middle of the night without complaint, dutifully handling matters. This is his biological dad; if it were anyone else, who would care about such minor things.
Shi Yang hadn’t expected to receive the fatherly love he longingly hoped for as a child even after growing up.
He matured, becoming more rational about many things, and his feelings for his father gradually began to change imperceptibly. Perhaps humans are emotional creatures, needing emotional comfort. Therefore, once one’s heart is warmed, some previously critical resentments and obstinate feelings gradually melt away.
When Shi Yang and Qu Chaozong arrived at the hospital, it was already dawn. Mrs. Qu looked haggard, lying in bed covered with a clean, white blanket. Zhang Xin was wearing a fitting dress with a pair of cropped pants revealing half her calf, slippers on her feet, sitting by the bedside and looking up at the IV. A stranger, a middle-aged woman, was busy tidying things up around the room, everything in good order.
Hearing movement, everyone turned to look simultaneously.
Mrs. Qu spotted Qu Chaozong and her eyes reddened, her voice hoarse as she called, "Son," unable to speak from her excitement.
Zhang Xin quickly stood up and made space.
Qu Chaozong’s eyes were red as he approached the bedside, gently asking, "Mom, how are you? Is the pain bad?"
Mrs. Qu held his hand, her excitement easing from seeing him, and shook her head, "I’m fine. I was careless and scared you, didn’t I?"
Qu Chaozong forced down the burning sensation at his nose, tugged the corners of his mouth, revealing a somewhat forced smile, "How could I be scared? I knew you would be alright."
Qu Chaozong said with self-reproach, "It’s all my fault. I wasn’t by your side to take care of you."
Mrs. Qu patted his hand and looked up at Shi Yang, "See, because of my little incident, I caused you all to get up in the middle of the night; must be exhausting, huh?"
Shi Yang hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Auntie, why say that? You’re treating me as an outsider."
Mrs. Qu smiled, "Alright, alright, I won’t say it again, I promise."
Shi Yang stayed with Mrs. Qu and chatted.
Qu Chaozong and Zhang Xin stepped into the corridor to talk.
Zhang Xin asked, "Do you have a cigarette? Give me one."
Qu Chaozong searched his pockets, suddenly remembering they’d smoked at a restaurant earlier and Wang Tianyu had pocketed the rest. He pulled his hand from his pocket, "Let me go buy some?"
Zhang Xin glanced at the sky beginning to lighten, "Forget it, I was just saying it casually, I can do without, no need to fuss."
Zhang Xin leaned against the windowsill, slightly turned, looking at Qu Chaozong, "The doctor said it’s a calf fracture, stay in the hospital for two days for anti-inflammatory injections, then you can go home for recovery. It’ll take three or four months to fully heal, don’t worry too much."
Qu Chaozong nodded, gazing deeply at Zhang Xin.
Zhang Xin gazed back, studying him for a moment, then said, "Whatever you do, don’t say thank you. I hate that."
Qu Chaozong had a faint expression, "Then what do you like to hear?"
Zhang Xin squinted playfully, "Do you dare say what I like to hear?"
Qu Chaozong was silent for a while, slowly said, "Not that I don’t dare, just haven’t thought of it."
Zhang Xin teased him deliberately, "You actually thought about it? Okay, go ahead, tell me why you haven’t thought of it yet. Are you afraid I’ll sleep with you and you’ll be responsible?"
Qu Chaozong glared, "Stop fooling around! Can’t you talk properly?"
"Haha..." Zhang Xin suddenly laughed, "How am I not talking properly? I like you and want to chase you, so naturally I want to know what’s on your mind. Why not tell me what’s on your mind?"
Zhang Xin turned her body and leaned towards Qu Chaozong, "Was it touching that I took care of your mom tonight?"
Zhang Xin smiled knowingly at Qu Chaozong, suddenly pressing her hand on his chest, "Honestly, did you feel a bit moved by me? Are you suddenly realizing that I’m actually quite good? Pretty, good figure, and sincerely like you? Did I touch your heart a bit?"
Zhang Xin laughed so broadly that her mouth couldn’t close, "You don’t have to worry too much; I like you, will definitely be good to you, all willingly done. But, if you really want to repay me, I would gladly accept your offer."
Qu Chaozong paused, turned to face Zhang Xin again, and asked, "Really?"
Zhang Xin was surprised, "What?"
While Zhang Xin was momentarily stunned, Qu Chaozong stretched out his hand, hooked her neck, and kissed her.
This was the first time Qu Chaozong actively kissed Zhang Xin, completely catching her off guard, feeling like she was dreaming, with not a trace of realism.
Zhang Xin had always been plotting to tease him verbally and take advantage, only once had thick-skinned success kissed him, never expecting Qu Chaozong to take the initiative to kiss her. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel✦fire.net