Chapter 38
The child, who was already six years old, knew that when injured, one should bandage the wound.
“Accidentally bumped into something,” Ye Zhi used a lame excuse. He couldn’t bring himself to tell the truth and felt relieved that Huo Youqiao hadn’t pressed for details.
“You have to be more careful, Zhi Zhi. Did you fall while walking on the road?” Huo Ran asked.
“Yes.”
“Then you have to be careful; falling down hurts a lot.” Huo Ran, with a mature demeanor, admonished earnestly. Ye Zhi felt warm in his heart. He squatted down in front of her, showing a sincere and cheerful smile. “I know, I’ll be more careful in the future.”
Huo Youqiao, caught off guard by his smile, paused for a moment before averting his gaze. “Why isn’t Ranran sleeping yet?”
“I want to wait for Dad to come back before sleeping. Will Dad tell me a story tonight?”
“Sure.”
Aunty Wang used to take care of Huo Ran when they were in another city. At that time, Huo Ran was still young, so they lived together. She was a local in Central City, so she went home every day after work. Seeing Huo Youqiao return, she eagerly said goodbye and left, leaving only three people in the house.
Huo Youqiao said, “Go lie down. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?”
“N-no, it’s okay.” Ye Zhi wasn’t as relaxed facing him as he was with Huo Ran. He was indeed feeling a bit overwhelmed, so after saying goodnight to Huo Ran, he went into the room.
He took a slow shower, avoiding washing his hair to prevent touching the wound on his forehead. The steam made him feel even dizzier. Climbing into bed without turning off the light, he heard a knock on the door.
There were two knocks, but before Ye Zhi could respond, the bedroom door was opened.
Huo Youqiao came in with a glass of water.
Alone in the cramped space, Ye Zhi felt even more uncomfortable. He hurriedly got up, but due to the sudden movement, his vision darkened. When he regained his senses, Huo Youqiao had already supported his lower back and gently placed him back on the bed.
“Thank you…” In just that moment, Ye Zhi smelled the scent of leaves again.
His heartbeat suddenly accelerated.
“Have some water.”
Ye Zhi was indeed thirsty. He wanted to take the glass, but Huo Youqiao brought it to his lips. “Drink like this.”
With his hand still supporting his lower back, Huo Youqiao could easily raise Ye Zhi slightly to help him drink water. Ye Zhi knew this was inappropriate, but perhaps because he really couldn’t refuse, or maybe because his body was too weak, he actually opened his mouth and drank most of the warm water in small sips.
After placing the glass on the bedside table, Huo Youqiao finally withdrew his arm and suddenly asked, “Do you want A Cheng to come back?”
Ye Zhi quickly said, “No need.” He lowered his eyelashes to hide his emotions. “It’s just a minor injury, and he’s quite busy; there’s no need to disturb him.”
Huo Youqiao didn’t say anything more. He just placed Ye Zhi’s communicator by his pillow and said, “If you feel uncomfortable, call me anytime.” After a pause, he added, “I’ll come to check on you once tonight.”
“No need, you’re busy… I-I can handle it myself…” Ye Zhi’s voice was very soft. “And I feel much better now, so I shouldn’t vomit.”
“I’ll come to see you. You go to sleep; I’ll turn off the light for you.”
Closing his eyelids under the other’s gaze, Ye Zhi’s heartbeat was still accelerating, loud and noisy, as if he could hear the sound of drums in his eardrums. Ye Zhi tried to control himself, hoping that the other’s hearing wasn’t too sensitive, so he wouldn’t notice anything unusual.
