Chapter 98
Ye Zhi saw Qing Qing again.
This time, he came with Cheng Yanzhou, holding a large bouquet of fragrant lilies. Qing Qing was dressed simply: a beige turtleneck sweater and jeans, giving him a youthful, almost student-like appearance, which complemented his delicate and beautiful features.
Ye Zhi’s injury forced him to either stand or lie prone, as sitting required maintaining an unusually straight posture to avoid pulling on the wound. As a result, he spent most of his days standing. Seeing Qing Qing enter, Ye Zhi recognized him and, unusually, smiled warmly, greeting him, “Hello.”
Huo Youcheng, standing nearby, was somewhat surprised.
Ye Zhi had smiled infrequently recently, except when Huo Ran visited. Most of the time, his expressions were minimal, clearly troubled by the situation with his family. Huo Youcheng attributed this to his distress over his family’s affairs and didn’t take it personally. Now, seeing Ye Zhi smile, Huo Youcheng’s mood also lifted. He chuckled, “You remember him?”
He suddenly recalled the circumstances of their first meeting and felt embarrassed about his past misdeeds, awkwardly rubbing his nose.
Qing Qing’s face reddened slightly as he, too, remembered and greeted Ye Zhi. “I tend to leave a lasting impression, Second Young Master knows that,” he said, his voice soft and pleasant.
Huo Youcheng knew this well. Qing Qing’s beauty had initially tempted him, but that was in the past.
Cheng Yanzhou, more relaxed, said, “We heard that the Second Young Master has finally settled down, so we came to congratulate you and wish you a speedy recovery. You both look well.”
Huo Youcheng punched Cheng Yanzhou’s shoulder lightly, “Thanks to you.”
The hospital room was the most luxurious available, akin to a suite, with two rooms: one for Ye Zhi and the other for the caregivers. Ye Zhi, unfamiliar with Cheng Yanzhou, exchanged pleasantries but had little to say. Cheng Yanzhou gestured for Qing Qing to stay with Ye Zhi while he discussed business with Huo Youcheng.
With the door closed, the conversation in the other room became inaudible. Qing Qing put his coat aside and flashed a bright smile at Ye Zhi. Ye Zhi returned the smile and spoke warmly, “Thank you for the umbrella last time. I never got a chance to return it. If you could leave an address, I’ll send it back or deliver it when I’m discharged.”
Qing Qing quickly replied, “It’s just an umbrella, no need to trouble yourself. It’s not anything special, just keep it.” He then moved to help Ye Zhi, “Isn’t standing tiring? Do you want to sit? Does the wound hurt? I heard you had a lot of stitches and it was quite dangerous. I was really worried when I heard, but seeing you now, I’m relieved. Also, you don’t need to be so formal with me. We could be friends, you know.”
Feeling warmth at Qing Qing’s kindness, Ye Zhi said, “Standing is more comfortable for now. Are you sure about the umbrella?”
“Really, no need to return it. I have plenty at home.” Qing Qing noticed the fruit baskets nearby and, after asking, picked an apple to wash and peel, chatting as he did, “I happened to see you that day, but I would have given the umbrella to anyone standing in the rain like that. By the way, were you looking for something important that day?”
Ye Zhi paused, nodded slightly, and his voice softened, “Yes, I found it.”
Qing Qing laughed, his smile still pure despite past experiences. “Must have been something important. Was it a gift from Second Young Master?”
Ye Zhi didn’t know how to respond, but Qing Qing took his silence as confirmation, smiling cheerfully. “I’ve heard that Second Young Master is generous, but also that he hasn’t always treated you well. But now, it seems like you’ve weathered the storm, and he’s truly in love with you. I heard from my husband that he even formally declared your status in his social circle.”
Qing Qing’s tone was sincere, even a bit envious. Many recent visitors shared similar sentiments.
After five years of a neglected marriage, Ye Zhi’s patience had finally paid off. Everyone saw him as fortunate.
However, there were those who maliciously speculated that Ye Zhi had cleverly traded a minor injury for Huo Youcheng’s true affection, thinking it a worthwhile exchange.
“I heard he’s planning a wedding and is asking for suggestions on the best venue.” Qing Qing handed him a slice of apple, blushing slightly. “Actually, I have a task today. Your husband asked my husband to find out if you have any preferences.”
Ye Zhi paused, the bite of apple halted, “A wedding?”
“Yes, a wedding,” Qing Qing nodded, biting into his own apple. “Compared to a marriage certificate, a wedding shows more sincerity. It seems Second Young Master wants to make up for everything he’s missed.”
Ye Zhi should have been happy, but he felt no joy. The things he had once longed for now failed to move him.
He understood why.
