Chapter 41

Recovery 

Qiao Shuyun and Zhou Su left, leaving Zhang Shiye and Xia Wanyang alone in the room. 

Zhang Shiye quietly gazed at the peaceful face of the girl lying on the bed. Gently, he brushed the stray strands of hair from her forehead, tucking them behind her ear. Leaning in, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. 

When Xia Wanyang unhesitatingly pushed him aside tonight and took that blade with her slender arm, Zhang Shiye’s heart, parched like a drought-stricken land, was suddenly flooded with warmth. Her actions filled his heart completely, and every fiber of his being seemed to chant her name. 

He loved her. This wasn’t just the affection of a short-lived half-month acquaintance. It felt like finding a lost treasure from his past life. She completed his world. 

—

Three hours later, Qiao Shuyun, Zhang Heping, and Zhang Shijing arrived at the hospital. They were accompanied by Director Fan and a few young officers. 

When the police entered, Zhang Shiye glanced at them briefly before his gaze returned to Xia Wanyang. Aunt Qiao placed down the items she brought and handed him a food container. 

“Son, eat something. Wanyang needs a blood transfusion soon, and the hospital says family members must donate blood first. You won’t last if you don’t eat.” 

Zhang Shiye didn’t respond and continued to look at Xia Wanyang. 

Director Fan approached, stunned for a moment when he saw the girl on the bed. “Xia Wanyang?” 

Everyone turned to him in surprise. Director Fan explained, “Her father and I were comrades in arms.” 

Zhang Shiye asked, “Have Li Ling and Li Yu been arrested?” 

Zhang Heping nodded. “As soon as you left, I called the police, and they were arrested on the spot.” 

Feeling ashamed, Zhang Shijing kept his head low. “Fourth Brother, I’m sorry. I never imagined Li Ling could go to such extremes for her sister. I’m definitely divorcing her. Whatever harm your fiancée suffered, I’ll take responsibility. You take care of her; I’m going to donate blood now.” 

Without waiting for a reply, he left immediately. 

Director Fan walked to the bedside. “I initially came to question the victim, but it seems Xia won’t recover anytime soon. I’ll return in a few days. Rest assured, Li Yu will be held accountable for attempted murder. As for Li Ling, she merely helped lure you to their house, so we can only detain her for a few days and give her a warning.” 

Zhang Shiye stood. “Thank you. I’ll let Wanyang know when she wakes up.” 

—

After Director Fan and the officers left, Qiao Shuyun opened the food container. “Eat something. I know you’re worried about her, but if you collapse, who will take care of her?” 

Zhang Heping handed him the iron box. “We didn’t open it. Take good care of her. Your mom will stay here with you for a while. She’s just a young girl; it’s inconvenient for you alone. Don’t refuse.” 

Zhang Shiye asked Aunt Qiao to look after Xia Wanyang while he went to pay the hospital fees and arrange for her to stay in a private ward, ensuring she wouldn’t be disturbed. 

When he returned, Zhang Shijing was sitting awkwardly in the room, pale and holding his arm. 

“Third Brother, you don’t need to apologize. Li Ling is Li Ling; you are you. What she did has nothing to do with you. I won’t hold it against you. As for divorcing her, make your own decision. Don’t do anything you’ll regret—especially for me. You have two kids to think about.” 

Zhang Shijing immediately replied, “The divorce is certain. Keeping a malicious woman at home will only harm the children. For my own sake and theirs, I’ll end it. As soon as she’s released, I’ll finalize the paperwork.” 

Aunt Qiao and Zhang Heping were relieved, fearing this incident would create a rift between the brothers. 

—

After dinner, Zhang Shijing and Zhang Heping returned home for the night, and Aunt Qiao lay down to rest. 

By 2 a.m., Xia Wanyang slowly opened her foxy eyes. As soon as she stirred, Zhang Shiye was by her side. 

“Wanyang, how do you feel? Does it hurt? Are you hungry? Do you want some water?” 

She tried to sit up but accidentally touched her injured arm, causing a sharp pain that brought tears to her eyes. 

“Hiss…” She grimaced, letting out a pained sound. 

Zhang Shiye froze, unsure what to do. His nervousness amused Xia Wanyang. 

“Don’t worry. I’m fine. It just hurts a little,” she reassured him. 

He lowered his gaze, his red eyes fixed on her. “Why did you push me away? Don’t you know how dangerous that was?” 

Because you sacrificed too much for me in our past life, and this time, I’ll protect you, she thought silently. 

Smiling slightly, she said, “Because I like you. I really like you. I didn’t want to see you get hurt. If I hadn’t pushed you, that blade would’ve split your head open!” 

Zhang Shiye took her hand and gently rubbed his cheek against her palm. “Silly girl. Do you think I don’t like you? Do you think I could just stand there and watch you get hurt?” 

“Alright, enough of that. I’m thirsty and want some water.” 

He quickly brought over a cup of cooled boiled water, carefully lifting her head to help her drink. The cool liquid soothed her parched throat. 

For a moment, neither spoke, simply gazing at each other. 

—

Over the next few days, Xia Wanyang experienced a pampered recovery, akin to confinement after childbirth—though without the freedom to walk around. Even trips to the bathroom required Zhang Shiye to carry her, with Aunt Qiao assisting nearby. 

Zhang Shiye had grown so familiar with the hospital kitchen staff that he appeared punctually at every mealtime, ensuring Wanyang was well-fed and cared for. 

Naturally, Zhang Shiye, worried she might get bored, kept finding ways to amuse her. Even Aunt Qiao joined in, sharing gossip about various families in their community to entertain her. 

Xia Wanyang’s wound had started to heal, and today was the day for her stitches to be removed. 

The same old doctor who had stitched her up walked in, teasing with a smile, “Young man, you’d better not act the way you did last time.” 

Xia Wanyang looked up at him, puzzled. “What happened?” 

Zhang Shiye rubbed his nose awkwardly. “Nothing, the doctor’s just joking!” 

As the doctor unwrapped the bandages around her arm, a ghastly scar was revealed. Zhang Shiye’s eyes reddened as he stared at it, filled with guilt and panic. She was a girl who loved looking her best, someone who’d change her clothes just from breaking a light sweat. Now, that delicate, lotus-like arm bore such a noticeable scar. He couldn’t imagine how heartbroken she’d be. 

Seeing his remorseful expression, Xia Wanyang tugged on his hand. “It’s okay. My family has a traditional scar-removal remedy. When I was little, I hit my head while playing. Look at my forehead—can you see even a trace of it?” 

“Really?” 

What remedy? In truth, it was the stream water from her mysterious space. 

Xia Wanyang nodded solemnly, and only then did Zhang Shiye seem a bit reassured. 

The stitch removal process went very smoothly. The doctor worked meticulously, removing each stitch with precision. When the final thread was snipped, the wound revealed tender pink flesh—a sign that the wound was healing well and recovering nicely. 

The doctor nodded in satisfaction, packed up his tools, and said, “All done. Your recovery is going well, and you can be discharged now. But remember, at home, pay attention to your diet. Eat nutritious foods to aid healing. Also, until the wound fully heals, avoid strenuous activities that could hinder recovery.” 

To Xia Wanyang’s surprise, Zhang Shiye had found a notebook and pen from somewhere and was diligently jotting down every word the doctor said. 

Xia Wanyang: “…”