Chapter 63
In the end, Land Rover was successfully rescued but remained in a temporary state of unconsciousness.
As Fan Xing looked at the lifeless figure lying on the hospital bed, he sighed in relief but also felt a deep discomfort.
Land Rover had been brought to the hospital by the police. After cutting his wrist, he laid by the sink, letting the tap water flow onto the wounded area to prevent blood clotting. Coincidentally, the neighbor downstairs had a leaking issue, and when they noticed the red water, they panicked, thinking there might be a murder upstairs, and promptly called the police.
It was this twist of fate that saved Land Rover’s life. If there hadn’t been a water leak downstairs, his life might have truly been lost today.
What could have driven Land Rover to such a decisive act?
Even though Fan Xing knew he had some psychological issues and occasional extreme tendencies, it seemed implausible for him to resort to ending his life over a minor setback.
Unless…
Fan Xing’s heart sank suddenly, but at that moment, there was a faint sound from the hospital bed. He looked up to see Land Rover opening his eyes. With a pale complexion, his dark eyes seemed devoid of any emotion as he blankly stared into space.
“Senior Brother,” Fan Xing softly called out.
Land Rover finally reacted upon hearing the voice, his eyes moved and landed on Fan Xing’s face. However, his expression was vacant, as if he didn’t recognize Fan Xing.
“Senior Brother, how do you feel?” Fan Xing cautiously inquired.
Land Rover blinked his eyes slightly, shifted his gaze away, and then stared at the ceiling, evading the question. “Oh, Xiao Xing, it seems I’m still alive.”
“Senior Brother, you…”
“Thank you. I was impulsive for a moment, regretted it later, but by then the sleeping pills had taken effect. I thought of seeking help, but it was too late. Fortunately, fortunately, I didn’t die.” While Land Rover spoke, he kept staring at the ceiling. A faint smile gradually appeared on his lips, but there was no warmth, and his entire demeanor seemed even colder.
Fan Xing initially expected Land Rover to be disappointed for being rescued. After all, the method of suicide he chose was quite decisive.
The process of cutting one’s wrist is extremely painful, and most people attempting wrist-cutting don’t end up succeeding because the artery is deep, and a considerable force is required. The most challenging part is enduring the slow drain of one’s blood, witnessing death approaching step by step. Few can withstand such fear, so most people attempting wrist-cutting will choose to self-rescue.
Land Rover, however, had swallowed a handful of sleeping pills in advance to prevent self-rescue.
The fact that Land Rover, who chose such a method for suicide, felt fortunate after being rescued was unexpected for Fan Xing.
But what worried Fan Xing more was why Land Rover impulsively chose to attempt suicide.
“Senior Brother, have you encountered any difficulties? Even if you were impulsive, you shouldn’t do something like this.” Since Land Rover seemed relatively calm, Fan Xing thought maybe they could have a normal conversation.
“It’s nothing. I just got stuck in my thoughts for a moment. Oh, by the way, I had planned to have dinner with you. Sorry for missing it. I’ll treat you to a meal another day.” Land Rover’s tone lightened, as if he had overslept and missed a meeting with Fan Xing. However, he obviously didn’t want to dwell on the topic of his suicide attempt and quickly changed the subject.
Fan Xing, not wanting to potentially upset him, went along with the change of topic. However, he couldn’t shake off the growing unease in his heart.
Land Rover’s behavior was too abnormal. What was he calculating in his mind?
“Alright, I’m fine. You can go back. You have classes early tomorrow.” Land Rover seemed genuinely concerned about Fan Xing’s well-being.
“I’ll stay with you. Your hands can’t move right now, and it’s not good to be alone. I checked earlier, and I can stay overnight here. Besides, I can’t make it back to school in time now.” Land Rover’s family wasn’t around, and even if they were, he probably wouldn’t have contacted them. Apart from Fan Xing, there was no one else to stay with him.
Fortunately, the hospital had a simple single bed for overnight stays. After setting up the bed, Fan Xing washed his face in the bathroom and then went to the hospital cafeteria to buy breakfast for Land Rover, bringing it back in a thermos.
Land Rover continued to sleep, undisturbed by Fan Xing. Fan Xing left a note on the thermos, “Senior Brother, I’m heading back to school for classes. I’ve arranged for a caregiver to come; they should arrive when it’s bright outside. I’ve bought breakfast for you, remember to eat it. I’ll come to see you after school.”
After completing these tasks, Fan Xing quietly left the hospital room.
When he stepped out of the hospital, it was still dark, and the temperature had dropped significantly compared to daytime. A chill breeze seeped into his neck, making him hastily wrap his clothes tighter. He quickly hailed a taxi and headed towards the school.
Upon getting into the car, he checked the time. It was already half-past five. He decided to send a message to He Qingmo, “Brother, are you awake?”
As soon as he sent the message, He Qingmo’s call came in. His deep voice resonated, “How is it going?”
Fan Xing had informed He Qingmo about Land Rover’s situation last night. Waiting outside the emergency room of the hospital at that time, Fan Xing felt a bit scared. The feeling was similar to when his grandmother was suddenly admitted to the hospital, and he helplessly waited outside, fearing the worst news from the doctors.
Last time, he had no choice but to repeatedly silently chant in his mind, “It’s okay, it’s okay. Everything will be fine, definitely, definitely…”
But this time, he had another option—to call He Qingmo.
In reality, at that moment, he genuinely hoped He Qingmo could be by his side, so he wouldn’t be as frightened. However, in the end, he didn’t let He Qingmo come over because he didn’t know the reason behind Land Rover’s suicide attempt.
The complicated relationship between Land Rover and He Qingmo, though one-sided from Land Rover’s perspective, was undeniable. He Qingmo’s presence could potentially affect Land Rover’s emotions.
So, Fan Xing just made a phone call, allowing He Qingmo to accompany him with some words. Although He Qingmo felt distressed, he understood that Fan Xing was strong and didn’t need help with everything. Therefore, he didn’t insist on coming over. However, he also hadn’t slept much that night.
So, when Fan Xing’s message came in, he immediately returned the call.
“Senior Brother is still sleeping. I’m heading back to school now. Recently, I’ve been staying out late, and I’ve missed morning runs a few times. The counselor already warned me yesterday, and I missed returning to the dorm again last night. I must make it back today for the morning run.” Fan Xing hadn’t slept well; his throat felt dry and husky, and his voice carried some fatigue.
He Qingmo sighed with some helplessness but consoled him softly, “It’s alright. I had a good rest last night. I can take a nap during the lunch break, so it’s okay. Actually, I’m more concerned about Senior Brother Land Rover; his situation is really strange. I feel like he’s calculating something.”
Fan Xing had suspected this after Land Rover’s strange reaction when he woke up last night. Thinking about it now, Land Rover’s appearance, seemingly smiling but with an empty expression, was even more chilling than when Fan Xing saw it last night.
“I always feel like he suddenly didn’t want to die because he felt unwilling! I feel like he’s…” Fan Xing’s uncertain words hesitated on his tongue, remembering the taxi ride, he quickly swallowed them back.
But He Qingmo understood what he meant, “Seeking revenge?”
“Yeah. He didn’t tell me why he attempted suicide, as if he didn’t want others to know. But I guess… it’s related to that matter. Brother, do you think he knows?,” Fan Xing speculated. Last night, he had already entertained this thought because he could only imagine that the reason prompting Land Rover’s decisive suicide attempt was related to Xiao Yu’s despicable actions!
Now, recalling Land Rover’s strange reaction, Fan Xing’s suspicions grew.
However, he couldn’t understand how Land Rover could know. Even if Xiao Yu was a scumbag, he wouldn’t make such a thing public, so very few people should know about it. Maybe only Xiao Yu himself and his most trusted people, and perhaps He Qingmo and him.
People around Xiao Yu certainly wouldn’t casually reveal this matter, and neither did he or He Qingmo. So, how could Land Rover possibly know?
Fan Xing couldn’t figure it out.
On the other end of the phone, He Qingmo paused for a moment before responding, “Hard to say. I’ll have someone check it. Don’t worry about it. Focus on your classes.”
“Yeah, I know. Brother, you probably didn’t sleep well last night either, right? Take good care of yourself. I’ve reached the school. Hang up, Brother. Goodbye.” Fan Xing had already arrived at the school and hung up after paying for the taxi.
He Qingmo didn’t linger either. He got up after Fan Xing left, didn’t even have breakfast, and went out immediately.
Instead of going to the company, he drove straight to a well-known wealthy villa area in the west of the city.
Upon reaching the destination, he finally took out his phone and dialed a number. In a short while, Xiao Yu, disheveled and still sleepy, walked out. Uncovered parts of his clothes displayed various suggestive marks, revealing how he spent the night.
Seeing He Qingmo’s car approaching, he walked over, leaning against the car, lowered his head to light a cigarette, took a deep drag, and showed a satisfied expression after exhaling. Then he knocked on the car window.
He Qingmo had been watching him since he left his house, his expression dark and unclear.
At this moment, Xiao Yu impatiently urged him, and only then did he take a deep breath, suppressing the anger within, and got out of the car.
Xiao Yu leaned against the car, smoking with an air of self-satisfaction. His peach blossom eyes roamed up and down, left and right, appraising He Qingmo with a teasing smile, “Hey, rare visitor, coming to apologize and make amends with this young master? Aren’t you afraid your little wife will get angry? He probably thinks I’m scum. Apologizing and making up with me behind his back, be careful tonight, you may not get to bed.”
Since their last fight at He Qingmo’s home, where He Qingmo basically fought one-sidedly, they hadn’t been in contact.
Xiao Yu knew He Qingmo well. Despite his not-so-good reputation, deep down, he was considered an upright gentleman. Xiao Yu knew that after what he did, He Qingmo would look down on him. So, he wouldn’t deliberately put himself in an embarrassing situation by making up behind He Qingmo’s back.
Unexpectedly, He Qingmo took the initiative to find him. The tables had turned.
Without wasting words, He Qingmo, with a cold expression and indifferent tone, delivered a straightforward message, “Lu Chi committed suicide.”
“What?” Xiao Yu’s self-satisfied demeanor instantly collapsed. He looked at He Qingmo in disbelief, his hand holding the cigarette unconsciously clenched, as if trying to make a fist, and he seemed to want to tighten it. “Are you kidding me?”
“Wrist-cutting, overdose of sleeping pills, dual-method suicide, absolutely confirmed,” He Qingmo’s expression remained cold and calm, but his words were even more provocative.
Xiao Yu’s cigarette fell, and he seemed to be in a state of confusion.
Staring at him, He Qingmo’s deep eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment. He continued, “I guess you’re not upset about his suicide, considering you have no feelings for him. So, the reason you’re so nervous now is probably because you know he committed suicide because of you. Did you tell him the truth?”
Xiao Yu slowly crouched down, holding his head, seemingly immersed in deep self-blame.
He really didn’t expect it, really.
After a while, he helplessly spoke, “How could I have thought he would commit suicide because of this? I just… wanted to show off, to tell you all that even if this matter is exposed, Lu Chi can’t do anything to me. How could I have known he would commit suicide?”
He Qingmo’s eyes flashed with a cold light. He reached out, grabbing Xiao Yu’s collar, pulling him up. With a punch, he struck Xiao Yu’s stomach, cursing, “Scum! Just for a show-off? To whom? Do you know he has severe psychological problems? If he really dies, you’ll be a murderer!”
The words fell, and He Qingmo landed another punch.
Holding his stomach in pain, Xiao Yu still seemed dazed, caught in a deep self-blame.
Frustrated by Xiao Yu’s reaction, He Qingmo couldn’t actually beat him to death. In the end, he gave him a good beating, threw him back into the house, and left in his car.
Listening to Fan Xing’s speculation about Lu Chi, thinking that he might know the truth, He Qingmo immediately thought that it was probably because of Xiao Yu’s disclosure.
He Qingmo grew up with Xiao Yu, and he knew Xiao Yu’s character very well.
Similarly, he also knew that Xiao Yu was a paper tiger. The most outrageous thing he had done over the years was nearly beating the driver to death after the car accident with his first love, and that was when he was jealous and in pain.
In fact, under normal circumstances, Xiao Yu, even if he was a second-generation rich kid who bullied others, wouldn’t commit serious mistakes that could affect his family’s reputation. Even if he wasn’t afraid of others, he was afraid of his old man breaking his legs.
Therefore, Lu Chi’s suicide was definitely not in Xiao Yu’s expectations but did happen because of him.
After beating Lu Chi, He Qingmo went to Xiao’s house. The old man in the Xiao family was getting older and didn’t handle matters much. He just sat at home like a Buddha, drinking tea every day. Seeing He Qingmo was particularly pleased, he pulled him to play chess.
He Qingmo patiently played a game with him and then brought up the main topic.
After briefly explaining the situation with Xiao Yu and Lu Chi, Mr. Xiao’s face turned green. He smashed the cup with a snap, “Beast! Today, I must break his legs, so he can’t embarrass us anymore.” After that, he called the butler to find Xiao Yu and bring him home immediately.
He Qingmo didn’t stop him. After Mr. Xiao gave orders to the butler, He Qingmo spoke up, “Grandpa, calm down first. The situation has come to this point, scolding or hitting won’t help at this moment. I told you about this to ask you to keep an eye on him for a while. Lu Chi seems emotionally unstable; he might resort to some extreme actions. I’m afraid he might want to seek revenge if he survives. ”
Mr. Xiao’s face darkened, “Do you mean he will retaliate against that scum?”
“Maybe.” He Qingmo said.
From Fan Xing’s description earlier, it was evident that Lu Chi apparently felt unwilling after the suicide attempt, so he was fortunate not to have died. In such a situation, he survived, and it was highly likely that he would seek revenge.
After explaining the situation, Mr. Xiao pondered, looking quite serious. After a while, he said, “Ah, the child of another family has been harmed by that scum like this. It’s normal for him to want revenge. Unfortunately, our family has such misfortune to raise such a bastard. If it were someone else’s scum, bullying our child like this, I would have killed him! But now, what can we do? No matter how scum he is, I really can’t bring myself to kill him. Qingmo, see if this is feasible. I’ll personally go apologize to him and compensate him to the best of my ability.”
Mr. Xiao has always been a clear-headed person, which is why He Qingmo came to him.
“Grandpa, stabilize things with Xiao Yu first, don’t let him run around. As for Lu Chi, it’s better not to intervene temporarily. His emotions are quite volatile, and I don’t know what he’s thinking right now. I will contact you when I confirm that he can accept your proposal. If you rush over, I’m afraid it might backfire.” He Qingmo said.
After thinking for a while, Mr. Xiao thought what He Qingmo said made sense and nodded, “Okay, do as you say. Thank you for your trouble.”
After leaving Xiao’s house, He Qingmo drove straight to Qing University.
Early in the morning, he drove from the urban area to the west city, then circled around to the south city. After all the running around, it was already afternoon when he drove to Qing University. Fan Xing was almost done with school.
He waited in the car for a while, making sure classes were over before sending Fan Xing a message—waiting for you at the entrance, hurry up, I’m starving.
Fan Xing had originally planned to go to the hospital after school, but he didn’t expect He Qingmo to come over.
And the last two words of the message, showing his hunger, made Fan Xing’s heart ache.
He didn’t know that He Qingmo had been running around all day, but the fact that He Qingmo, who was usually calm, would eagerly say he’s hungry on WeChat meant he was genuinely hungry.
So, he directly handed the books to his roommate and ran to the school gate.
He Qingmo was indeed hungry. After picking him up, he went straight to a restaurant. After filling his stomach, he explained his schedule to Fan Xing.
While helping him pick out fish bones because He Qingmo found eating fish a bit troublesome due to hunger, Fan Xing, feeling sympathetic, picked out the fish bones for him.
Upon hearing He Qingmo say that it was Xiao Yu who told Lu Chi the truth, and He Qingmo warned Xiao’s family to watch over Xiao Yu, fearing retaliation from Lu Chi, Fan Xing put down his chopsticks and looked at the man, “What’s your plan, brother?”
His tone was still soft, and his voice wasn’t loud, but he felt a bit uncomfortable inside.
He Qingmo grabbed his hand, gently pinched it, and continued, “Do you think I’m defending Xiao Yu?”
“Isn’t it? Xiao Yu, this kind of person…”
“He’s scum, deserves to die!” He Qingmo interrupted him. “But Fan Xing, do you really think it’s the best choice to let Lu Chi retaliate according to his own thoughts?”
Fan Xing hesitated, and the image of Lu Chi’s wrist wrapped in a bandage suddenly flashed in his mind. They said he cut it very deep.
After a while, he sighed and shook his head, “I don’t want him to do anything extreme either. After all, if he really does something to Xiao Yu, he will end up in trouble himself. But, does Xiao Yu, this kind of person, not have to bear the consequences for his mistakes? Why?!”
Fan Xing rarely used strong language on other people’s affairs, but Xiao Yu was an exception!
Thinking of Lu Chi lying in the hospital after a near-death experience, and the person who harmed him could still be carefree, Fan Xing felt an inexplicable anger.
He Qingmo understood his feelings, pulled him to sit beside him, and explained softly, “This is my idea. Since Lu Chi already knows, let’s talk openly with him. Present the consequences, interests, and relationships to him. He’s already an adult, and he will have his own judgment. Mr. Xiao told me he wants to apologize in person, and they are willing to fulfill any of Lu Chi’s requests…”
“But…”
“But Lu Chi will definitely not accept it, right?” He Qingmo interrupted him again, pinching Fan Xing’s cheek and breaking the silence. “So, I have another proposal. I’ll help him find evidence. He can sue Xiao Yu and make Xiao Yu go to jail. But I have a condition; he needs to undergo psychological therapy.”
Actually, this was probably the best solution for now.
From Lu Chi’s suicide attempt, it was clear that Xiao Yu had caused him significant harm, to the point where Lu Chi couldn’t handle it. In such a situation, if Lu Chi sought revenge on Xiao Yu according to his own thoughts, it might be a never-ending cycle.
Nobody wanted to see such a result.
However, Lu Chi would definitely want to vent his anger. The best way was through legal means—find evidence, sue Xiao Yu, and make Xiao Yu face the consequences. This would be fair to both Lu Chi and Xiao Yu.
But considering Lu Chi’s emotional fluctuations, he might act impulsively and ruin everything. So, He Qingmo insisted that Lu Chi undergo psychological therapy, just in case.
Looking at the man, Fan Xing felt a strange feeling inside. He asked softly, “Brother, are you doing this because of me?”
In fact, He Qingmo was almost an outsider in this matter. Regardless of what Xiao Yu did to Lu Chi or whether Lu Chi attempted suicide, what did it have to do with He Qingmo?
The one truly related to He Qingmo was Xiao Yu.
He Qingmo smiled, pinching his chin, lowering his head to meet his gaze, “Helping my future brother-in-law, what’s wrong with that? Aren’t you moved yet?”
Fan Xing’s heart softened a bit. The discomfort he felt since last night seemed to gradually dissipate. Smiling at He Qingmo, he spoke in a soft and sweet voice, “Moved, thank you, brother. Oh, by the way, brother is eating fish, and I’ve picked out the bones for you.” Saying this, he pushed his own bowl towards He Qingmo.