Chapter 29: Shameless, shameless

When Lin Moran opened her eyes again, it was pitch black.

She couldn’t see anything.

She reached out in panic, grasping at nothing.

Panic welled up inside her. Had she gone blind?

She couldn’t go blind. Her son’s illness wasn’t cured yet; she needed to focus on his treatment.

Suddenly, a strong, firm hand grasped hers.

The palm was calloused, a little rough against her skin, but the roughness brought a sense of reassuring security.

“The doctor said to use an eye mask for protection. You can take it off later. Don’t worry, it should be fine.”

A strong, deep male voice sounded beside her.

Lin Moran instinctively pulled her hand away, trying to escape.

The person sitting beside her was Gu Jingyao.

The image of him in her mind hadn’t been a hallucination, but real?

“You rescued me?”

Lin Moran asked softly.

Silence hung in the air for a while before a low, apologetic voice responded, “Moran, I’m sorry.”

Lin Moran lay there, stunned, her heart churning. After a while, she spoke calmly, “There’s no need for apologies. This was inevitable; it had to happen.”

“This has nothing to do with you.”

Wang Yuanwu dared to touch her but didn’t kill her.

She would definitely get revenge on the Wang family later!

Gu Jingyao clenched his fists, a mix of emotions swirling within him.

Lin Moran would rather endure it than rely on him.

She even dismissed his apology, claiming it had nothing to do with her.

Lin Moran fell into a deep sleep again. When she woke up, the eye mask was gone.  As she opened her eyes, she saw the soft glow of the evening sun, the red hues painting the trees and hospital windows outside.  A wave of relief washed over her; she could see everything.

Except for some eye strain and slight tears, she felt fine.

Her gaze drifted to Gu Jingyao, sitting beside her, his posture tall and straight.  Noticing she was awake, he smiled slightly, his usually stern face softened.  His voice was gentle as he asked, “How are you feeling?”

His voice was low, his eyes warm. Lin Moran felt dazed, the reality of the situation still sinking in.

“The doctor said that if you don’t feel too bad, you can be discharged today.”

Gu Jingyao’s voice was as low and gentle as ever.

Lin Moran looked at him suspiciously. Had he been at the hospital with her the whole time?

“I feel fine. I’ll go see the doctor to arrange discharge.”

As Lin Moran tried to get up, a gentle but firm hand rested on her shoulder, followed by a cool voice laced with displeasure, “Lin Moran, is the man by your side so useless?”

Watching Gu Jingyao stride away to find the doctor, Lin Moran sighed deeply.

The discharge procedures were completed quickly. When he returned, Gu Jingyao carried a bowl of porridge. “I just went to the hospital cafeteria. It’s almost dinner time. I got you a bowl of porridge. Eat something; you’ll need the energy to walk.”

Lin Moran’s gaze lightly swept over the porridge in his hand. She said softly, “I’m not hungry. You don’t have to be so polite.”

Her distant tone was like needles piercing Gu Jingyao’s heart. His handsome brow furrowed.  “We might have to walk back later. If you don’t eat, and you can’t walk, I’ll have to carry you.”

Then, with earnest sincerity, he asked, “Do you want a princess carry or a piggyback ride? I’ll make preparations in advance.”

Lin Moran’s heart inexplicably fluttered. She looked up, decisively taking the porridge from him and taking a large gulp. “This porridge smells good. I’ll have some.”

Gu Jingyao’s lips curved into a faint smile.

“How much is this porridge? I’ll pay you back when we get home.”

Lin Moran said, her tone cold yet sincere, her words clear and distinct.

Gu Jingyao’s expression changed.  She wanted to pay for a bowl of porridge?  Lin Moran was beyond detached!

This distance, this insurmountable gulf, lay between them.

Gu Jingyao gritted his teeth. Without a word, he scooped Lin Moran up from the chair and carried her out of the ward in a princess carry.

Lin Moran’s eyes widened in surprise. She struggled, “Gu Jingyao, put me down! What are you doing? I don’t need you to carry me!”

“Go ahead and struggle.  See if you can get away.”

Gu Jingyao’s facial features were sharp, reflecting the firmness and inviolability of a soldier. His expression was calm, like a cold, hard rock.

His attitude was firm and direct: If you let me carry you, I will; if you don’t, I will anyway.  No discussion.

“You…”

How could Lin Moran possibly escape?

She hadn’t rested properly for days and had little strength left.

Nestled in Gu Jingyao’s arms, she felt like a helpless chick, unable to move.

“You can shout louder.”

Gu Jingyao not only didn’t mind the escalating situation but actively encouraged Lin Moran. “The louder you shout, the more likely people are to help.”

Lin Moran felt utterly helpless.

She noticed onlookers gathering in the hospital.

“My wife is angry, upset. She’s usually very well-behaved. This time, it’s my fault; I caused her suffering.”

“My wife is weak; I have to carry her.”

Gu Jingyao explained to the onlookers as he walked.

“Look how good your husband is! Tall, strong, and his grip is steady.”

“Yeah, what’s there to be shy about? He’s your husband.”

“You’re so lucky to have such a good, strong husband.”

Lin Moran wanted to cover her face.  Only two words could describe Gu Jingyao: shameless and audacious.

She hadn’t struggled much, yet she was surrounded by onlookers.

If she really shouted, even more people would gather, and they would all side with Gu Jingyao.

“Gu Jingyao, you’re really good at this.  Aren’t you tired of these tricks?”

Last time, he played the pitiful victim, using the aunties to get into her house.

Now he’s using this tactic again.

“A necessary measure.”

Once away from the crowd, Gu Jingyao immediately resumed his cool demeanor, his voice cold. “Comrade Lin, don’t just think about paying me for the porridge.  Pay for the princess carry too.”

“Furthermore, there may be outstanding accounts between us.  Consider what you still owe me in favors or goods, and settle it to avoid future complications.”

Lin Moran.

“No, I don’t want money for the princess carry. You carry me back. Otherwise, consider it a debt.”

Lin Moran chuckled, “Gu Jingyao, me carry you? You’re so tall and big, how can I carry you? Can you be any more absurd?”

“Of course.  And repay the ambiguous feelings you had while struggling in my arms.”

Lin Moran’s breathing involuntarily quickened, her chest rising and falling as she glared at Gu Jingyao in shame and anger.