Chapter 40
Unable to conceal his emotions, Ye Zhi could only lie down. Perhaps Huo Youqiao noticed his red-rimmed eyes, or perhaps he didn’t, but he silently turned off the light and left the room.
Ye Zhi took two days off from work due to his illness. Since he applied for leave just before starting work, his supervisor’s attitude was not good. “Remember to submit a sick leave certificate when you come back.”
“Okay, thank you.” Ye Zhi was actually feeling sore all over. Taking sick leave meant not only a deduction from his salary but also a reduction in his attendance bonus, which was quite a significant amount for him. Due to his relationship with Zhou Shaohui, who often asked him for money or to pay bills, Ye Zhi had never been able to save any money, so his life was quite tight.
Ye Zhi knew that this wasn’t good, but the habit he had developed since childhood was not easy to change. Whenever Zhou Shaohui sternly commanded him, he couldn’t refuse.
He was so weak that he was beyond redemption.
After Aunty Wang sent Huo Ran to school, she would return home and only come over in the afternoon to cook dinner, as there was usually no one at home for lunch except on weekends. When Ye Zhi came out of his room, it was already nine o’clock. He thought he would have to make breakfast himself, but to his surprise, there was meat porridge warming in the rice cooker, with a note attached that simply said, “Remember to eat.”
And at the bottom was the name “Huo Youqiao.”
The man was dignified and handsome, and his handwriting was as forceful as his personality, exuding a sense of grandeur. Ye Zhi stared at those three words for a long time before carefully folding the note and putting it in his pocket.
After eating the porridge and taking the medicine, perhaps due to the painkillers taking effect, the wound on his forehead didn’t hurt as much. Ye Zhi decided to take another nap.
When he woke up, he felt that there was someone in the room because he could hear voices outside. Ye Zhi was a bit puzzled and suddenly afraid that it might be Huo Youcheng who had suddenly come back. He turned pale with panic and sat on the bed, not wanting to go out.
The fear of Huo Youcheng had started to develop about three years into their marriage. Before that, Ye Zhi had fantasized about moving the other person and had been very obedient. He was naturally kind, and after becoming a wife, he became even more submissive. He tried his best to satisfy any request the other party made, and when it came to household chores, he was diligent and clean. He even learned many recipes. As long as Huo Youcheng wanted to eat something, he was willing to cook it no matter how late it was.
But Huo Youcheng didn’t like him.
Ye Zhi had grown accustomed to Huo Youcheng’s sarcasm and didn’t feel too uncomfortable, but what made him fearful was the unbearable sexual intercourse.
The rough way of sex made Ye Zhi fearful after just a few times. He didn’t want to experience it again after feeling like he was being tortured from the inside out once. But unfortunately, Huo Youcheng was nevSecond Brotherntle with him, so Ye Zhi was afraid.
Later, he even felt that it was better if the other party didn’t come back.
Huo Youcheng seemed to be holding a sword over his head, and Ye Zhi couldn’t escape. He just hoped that the sword would fall later.
Survival instincts were innate.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Ye Zhi was startled. In a panic, the door handle was twisted open.
When Ye Zhi saw that it was Huo Youqiao standing in front of him, his heart came alive again.
“I had lunch from the restaurant delivered; are you hungry?” Huo Youqiao’s tone was very gentle, but due to his low and powerful voice, it created a stronger sense of distance.
He was a mythical figure, and with his own identity and status, he always seemed unapproachable, so Ye Zhi had felt nervous just saying hello to him before. He didn’t know when they had become comfortable enough to sit at the same table and eat together.
Actually, they could have done it before, but Ye Zhi was afraid of arousing the other party’s disgust, so he always avoided him cautiously.
The food was still warm. Judging from the logo on the packaging, it was delivered from a restaurant known for its health-oriented meals. Ye Zhi moved to set the table, but Huo Youqiao had already separated their meals, placing a bowl of soup in front of Ye Zhi. “Bone broth, it’s good for the recovery of wounds.”
“Thank you.”
“No need to be so polite all the time.” Huo Youqiao glanced at him. “After you finish eating, I’ll help you change your dressing.”
Only then did Ye Zhi realize that Huo Youqiao had come back at noon not only to bring him lunch but also to change his dressing.
He had never been cared for like this before, and Ye Zhi’s heart was filled with warmth. Though he was still nervous, when Huo Youqiao chatted with him about topics related to Huo Ran, he was able to respond confidently.
