— “Marry me, and I will protect you for a lifetime.”

These words may sound light, but living up to them is very difficult.

Yet, in that particular environment, Shen Nan still made the promise to Zhou Zuizui. She didn’t know whether he said it to comfort her or for some other reason, but he did say it.

Shen Nan paused, his gaze heavy as he stared at her for a few seconds, then nodded.

Zhou Zuizui smirked and said, “Alright, I’ll go back with you.”

After arranging everything at the small tavern, Zhou Zuizui set off with Shen Nan the next day to return home.

When Ai Zeyang learned that Zhou Zuizui was also heading back to Beicheng, he was astonished and immediately changed his flight to be on the same one as theirs.

Throughout the flight back to Beicheng, Zhou Zuizui remained in a bad mood, her usual playful self subdued into silence. Even Ai Zeyang, known for his constant joking, felt hesitant to speak to her.

After landing, the three of them got into a car and went home together.

Ai Zeyang’s driver came to pick them up. After Zhou Zuizui got in the car, she turned her head to look out the window, her eyes slightly flickering. It had been too long since she last returned.

When she left two years ago, she was in a daze, leaving the ancient town without even taking a good look at the city’s scenery and bustling streets.

She focused intently on the outside view, leaving Ai Zeyang no chance to speak, and Shen Nan remained silent throughout, only giving Ai Zeyang’s driver the address.

They were all quiet until they arrived.

After Zhou Zuizui thanked Ai Zeyang, she went inside the apartment with Shen Nan.

She looked up at the apartment building in front of her. Her previously gloomy mood brightened a bit. She raised an eyebrow and teased Shen Nan, “Captain Shen, haven’t you made any progress after all these years? You still live here?”

Zhou Zuizui had been to this place before.

Shen Nan glanced at her with a cold expression and scoffed, “Sorry for the inconvenience.”

Zhou Zuizui was left speechless. It was like hitting a punching bag made of cotton—there was nothing to critique.

Shen Nan’s place had been unoccupied for two years.

When he bought it, it was meant to be a place for occasional use, not a permanent residence. After meeting Zhou Zuizui, he had brought her here a couple of times, and she stayed for a while, but after she left and Shen Nan took a mission, the apartment was left unused.

Only today, Shen Nan had called someone to come and clean the place. So when they opened the door, the apartment was spotless, even the floor was shining.

Zhou Zuizui had minimal luggage, just a small suitcase that Shen Nan carried for her. Once inside, they changed shoes without mentioning who would sleep where. Zhou Zuizui automatically took her suitcase to the guest room.

Shen Nan watched her with raised eyebrows but didn’t stop her.

After they had tidied up, Shen Nan asked, “Do you want to rest, or go to the hospital?”

Zhou Zuizui hesitated, then met Shen Nan’s gaze silently and said coldly, “Let’s go to the hospital.”

Whether early or late, it needed to be done.

After eating a little outside, they drove to the hospital.

The weather in Beicheng was not good today, with a continuous drizzling rain, and the temperature was more than twenty degrees colder than in the ancient town, extremely cold.

Zhou Zuizui had changed into a black wool coat and put on a hat, exuding a distant aura as she sat in the car, eyes closed in a state of relaxation. Shen Nan occasionally glanced at her, frowning but not saying much.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Shen Nan went to park the car.

“Which ward is the patient in?”

Shen Nan replied, “Third floor, room 301.”

“Okay.” Zhou Zuizui grabbed her bag and walked away.

Shen Nan didn’t stop her; sometimes, people need space to handle certain matters.

Zhou Zuizui went upstairs directly to the third floor. Once she stood in the hallway, she put her hand over her racing heart to calm herself.

You’re here to see them suffer, not to let them see you suffer. Remember, you must not lose your composure.

After giving herself a mental pep talk, Zhou Zuizui slowly walked to the door of room 301. As she approached, she heard voices from inside.

“Mrs. Zhou, you’re awake.”

“Yes.” Mrs. Zhou’s voice was very gentle.

Another person said with a smile, “Since you’re awake, have something to drink. The doctor just came by and said you’re recovering very well.”

“Really?” Mrs. Zhou smiled warmly, sitting up on the bed and leaning against the headboard, propped up with a pillow.

Mrs. Zhou looked out at the drizzling weather and sighed, “It’s raining again. I wonder when it will stop.”

“Yes,” said an aunt beside her. “The rain hasn’t stopped for a long time. It feels like it’s been ages since it rained so continuously.”

……

Zhou Zuizui paused at the door and exchanged a glance with Shen Nan, who had followed her.

Shen Nan rarely smiled, but his face softened significantly as he approached Zhou Zuizui and extended his hand, saying, “Let’s go.”

Zhou Zuizui looked down at his broad hand, feeling a touch of emotion… Shen Nan’s presence gave her the courage to go inside. She paused, placed her hand in his, and let him hold it.

“Thank you.”

She was genuinely afraid she wouldn’t be able to control herself coming here.

The two of them knocked on the door, and someone inside looked over and asked, “Who’s there?”

When the door was opened, the woman named Mrs. Zhou’s pupils contracted slightly upon seeing Zhou Zuizui. She then put her hand over her heart, looking at Zhou Zuizui with immense excitement, and said, “Chui Chui?”

Zhou Zuizui gave a mocking smile and walked in with Shen Nan.

She sat down on the sofa by herself.