Chapter 37

Huo Youqiao had already put on his coat. “Let’s go.”

When someone gives orders like this, Ye Zhi finds it hard to refuse. He hesitated for a moment and whispered, “What about Ranran? We can’t leave her alone at home.”

Huo Youqiao said, “I’ll ask Aunty Wang to stay for a while longer. I’ll take you to the hospital, and then I’ll come back.”

Ye Zhi couldn’t refuse. He felt relieved that he hadn’t transferred the responsibility to Huo Youqiao yet. Going to the hospital meant he could still contribute financially. “Let me go get something.” He stood up, took a few steps, and suddenly felt dizzy, his legs giving out, and he began to fall forward uncontrollably. Just as he was about to hit the ground, an arm wrapped around his waist, holding him firmly.

His nose filled with the scent of leaves. Slowly recovering from the dizziness, Ye Zhi realized he was nestled in Huo Youqiao’s arms, his waist encircled by the other’s arm. A low voice sounded above his head, “Are you okay?”

His cheeks flushed. Ye Zhi hurriedly tried to move away, but his steps were unsteady. Huo Youqiao grabbed his wrist again and whispered, “Don’t move around. What do you need? I’ll get it for you.”

Ye Zhi dared not look at him, nor dared to inhale the scent emanating from the man’s body. But no matter how much he tried to evade, the warmth from the other’s body still seeped into his skin, making him feel warm all over. Ye Zhi said, “I need my medical card…”

“Where is it?”

“In the drawer of the desk, on the left.”

Ye Zhi was placed back on the sofa, and the warmth from Huo Youqiao’s arm withdrew. “Wait here. I’ll get it.”

The doctor accompanied them to the hospital. Since he had driven his own car, he didn’t ride with them but followed behind.

Sitting in Huo Youqiao’s car for the second time made Ye Zhi feel uneasy. He whispered, “Thank you for your trouble.”

Huo Youqiao said, “We’re family; there’s no need to be so polite.”

Hearing the word “family” from him again, Ye Zhi’s emotions were complicated. The wound he had sustained was caused by a real family member. His mother had witnessed it but hadn’t reprimanded his brother’s behavior. As for his husband…

Even if he knew, he would turn a blind eye, perhaps even mock and ridicule.

Only Huo Youqiao cared for him.

Accustomed to being neglected and treated unfairly, Ye Zhi seemed to have grown used to it. When he was younger, he would feel sad and hurt, but as he grew older, there was only a fleeting sense of bitterness in his heart, and no more emotions. However, being accustomed to it didn’t mean he didn’t yearn for warmth. So when someone offered him warmth, he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.

Ye Zhi rarely cried. Perhaps because he knew that tears shed from his eyes wouldn’t accomplish anything, unlike Ye Mu’s tears, which could evoke pity and tenderness from others. But now, even though he didn’t want to cry, a surge of warmth welled up in his eyes. Soon, the neon lights flashing past on the street turned into a blur of tears, like shattered starlight.

As if sensing his emotions, Huo Youqiao remained silent. He turned on the car stereo, and soft, soothing music flowed out, filling the space and gradually washing away the sourness in Ye Zhi’s heart.

The doctor quickly checked Ye Zhi’s brain condition at the hospital and confirmed that he had a mild concussion.

“You need to rest, preferably lying down for two days, without moving around. I’ll prescribe some medicine for you to take, and you should come back for a follow-up examination in two days.” The doctor was efficient, then added, “Your condition isn’t serious; you can rest at home as long as someone can change the medicine on your head. What do you think? Do you want to be hospitalized?”

Ye Zhi immediately said, “No, I’ll just go back home to rest.”

The doctor nodded. “Alright.” He then looked at Huo Youqiao. “Since that’s the case, find someone to change his medicine. If he experiences vomiting at night, it’s best to bring him back to the hospital, but under normal circumstances, it shouldn’t happen.”

Apart from medical insurance, there was also a portion of medical expenses. Ye Zhi wanted to pay, but Huo Youqiao had already paid in advance. Feeling grateful, Ye Zhi regretted his clumsiness in not being able to express himself well. He could only say, “Thank you. Can you give me your account number? I’ll transfer the money from last time to you.” He was nervous and embarrassed. “I don’t have enough money right now, so I can only transfer part of it. I’ll pay you the rest when I receive my salary, is that okay?”

“You don’t need to worry about money for now.” Huo Youqiao glanced at him, then suddenly leaned over.

He approached so suddenly that Ye Zhi was taken aback. His eyes widened visibly, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe. It wasn’t until Huo Youqiao fastened his seatbelt for him that he regained his senses. His face uncontrollably turned red, and Ye Zhi stammered, “Th-thank you.”

When they arrived home, Huo Ran was still awake. She had already taken a bath and was watching TV with Aunty Wang. Hearing the doorbell, she immediately ran over, first seeing Ye Zhi, then noticing the gauze on his forehead. Her joyful expression turned into worry, and she asked, “Zhi Zhi, what happened to you?”