Chapter 127
Huo Youcheng was the only one in the intensive care unit, and as soon as Ye Zhi entered, he was intimidated by the plethora of medical equipment, making his steps cautious. The nurse led him inside, and he soon saw the person lying on the hospital bed.
All four limbs were wrapped in bandages, and his handsome features were obscured, only his eyes, nostrils, and lips were visible, with even his chin covered.
Although Ye Zhi could imagine that his injuries were severe, he hadn’t expected them to be this severe, and his heart tightened suddenly.
The nurse said, “Although his vocal cords weren’t injured, speaking will be difficult for him, and swallowing will be challenging. You can use a cotton swab dipped in water to moisten his lips, but remember not to say anything too stimulating.”
Ye Zhi nodded in thanks, picked up the cup placed nearby, and took out a fresh cotton swab, wetting it with water. As he moved to apply it gently to Huo Youcheng’s dry lips, their eyes met.
Seeing him, Huo Youcheng’s eyes expressed joy.
A genuine, happy smile.
Ye Zhi didn’t know how to face this, so he quickly averted his gaze and softly asked as he rubbed the cotton swab on Huo Youcheng’s dry lips, “Does it hurt anywhere?”
Huo Youcheng emitted a low “mm” sound, looking like it was quite a struggle. Seeing him about to say more, Ye Zhi quickly intervened, “Rest for now, don’t talk, it’ll be uncomfortable.”
But Huo Youcheng didn’t listen, weakly uttering each syllable, “Did you like the surprise I prepared for you?”
The surprise had long turned into a shock, and even if this accident hadn’t happened, the outcome wouldn’t have been as Huo Youcheng had hoped. Thinking of this, Ye Zhi’s emotions became so complex that he didn’t know what to say. Under the expectant gaze of the other, he could only nod gently, “I liked it.”
Other than that, there was no other answer.
The affection between him and Huo Youqiao had ultimately been interrupted by this sudden accident, and neither of them, no matter who, could easily take another step forward.
Huo Youcheng’s vitality was very tenacious. Despite sustaining such serious injuries, after lying in bed for two months, he was already able to sit in a wheelchair. The recovery of his brain injury went relatively smoothly, and both arms, which had only suffered minor fractures, had already regained their mobility, leaving only his legs still undergoing treatment and repair.
The process of treating and repairing his legs was lengthy and extremely painful because almost all the bones in his legs were shattered. If it weren’t for today’s advanced medical technology, his legs probably wouldn’t have been salvageable.
Every treatment session felt like Huo Youcheng’s legs were experiencing the fracturing process again. The painful and itchy sensation made him extremely uncomfortable, and every time he came out of the treatment pod, his hospital gown would be soaked with sweat, making him look extremely disheveled.
Seeing him come out once again, Ye Zhi couldn’t help but feel a sense of panic when he saw how wet his hair and neck were. He couldn’t conceal the expression of distress on his face. On the other hand, when Huo Youcheng saw him, he quickly concealed the pain on his face and smiled brightly, waving at him, “Zhizhi.”
Ye Zhi took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his face and neck. During this time, he had been very dutifully fulfilling the obligations of a partner. Although there were four caregivers taking turns to look after Huo Youcheng, and Ye Zhi didn’t need to worry about anything, he still came every day and waited outside during his treatments.
They had now become a celebrated couple, a prodigal son repenting and a steadfast partner, a tale of love told far and wide. Qing Qing had heard others’ discussions outside and specifically mentioned them to Ye Zhi. Ye Zhi wanted to feel happy after hearing it, but other than complex emotions, he felt nothing in his heart.
Was Ye Zhi touched by what Huo Youcheng had done for him?
He wasn’t touched at all.
But he had to be touched. With things having progressed to this stage, he no longer harbored hope of being with Huo Youqiao. Now he could only bury his true feelings deep down, disguise himself, and become a suitable partner for Huo Youcheng.
The hospital was too far from the Huo family, but it was very close to Huo Youcheng’s new home, so Ye Zhi moved out. Of course, the work contract between him and Huo Youqiao was terminated because of this incident, and Huo Ran was now cared for by a professional nanny.
After this incident, reducing contact was the most natural thing to do.
There had been no mention of “breaking up” between him and Huo Youqiao. In fact, since the accident, they hadn’t even had the opportunity to be alone together. They both deliberately avoided each other, tacitly treating the intimacy of that period as if it had never happened.
Ye Zhi didn’t know if Huo Youqiao had ever been upset, but he knew he was very upset.
At first, he was so upset that it felt like there was a boulder lodged in his chest, making it easy to feel suffocated. However, no matter how sad and upset he felt, he couldn’t repair the diverged path between them.
