That the kid would develop feelings for him didn’t surprise Ji Yuzhou in the least.

He was all too aware that this was the outcome he had deliberately guided when he first sought to use him.

The boy was barely an adult, lacking the discernment necessary for relationships. It was easy for him to confuse gratitude and affection. Having grown up in an environment devoid of love, even the smallest kindness was magnified and etched deeply in his heart.

This was indeed one of the dirty things Ji Yunzhou had done.

…..

A day later, Jiang Xunyu was moved from the intensive care unit to a regular ward. His vital signs were gradually stabilizing, though he remained unconscious.

Not wanting to worry Li Hanqiu, Ji Yuzhou told her that an urgent matter in the military had come up, and he would visit her later to retrieve their belongings.

Li Hanqiu grumbled for a bit, wondering aloud how even the New Year couldn’t grant some peace, but she didn’t probe further into the details.

Unable to return to Li Hanqiu’s side for now, Ji Yuzhou also lost any enthusiasm for his vacation. Once Jiang Xunyu’s condition was stable, he had him transferred to the military-affiliated hospital and returned to deal with the backlog of military documents.

Still, he visited Jiang Xunyu every day.

Jiang Xunyu’s youth allowed him to recover quickly. Coupled with advanced medical technology, the wounds on his body healed in no time. Soft, pale skin replaced the injuries on his shoulder, and his internal organs were repaired.

Yet… he showed no signs of waking up.

Ji Yuzhou knew this wasn’t something within anyone’s control, but on the fifth day of Jiang Xunyu’s coma, his frustration boiled over, and he snapped at the doctors.

That day, he went to the hospital as usual. Jiang Xunyu was lying in bed, as still and silent as when he was first brought in. His long lashes seemed to be glued shut, and no matter how Ji Yuzhou called him, he wouldn’t wake up.

When the doctors and nurses came in to check his vitals, taking his temperature and recording his heart rate, Jiang Xunyu remained motionless, compliant under their hands. Ji Yuzhou, unable to hold back, lowered his eyes, his voice cold and piercing: “When will he wake up?”

The room fell so silent that everyone’s breaths could be heard. The medical staff froze in place, avoiding his gaze and not daring to make a sound.

Ji Yuzhou pressed his fingers against his temples, his tone softening slightly. “Hmm? Why aren’t you answering?”

After a long pause, the attending doctor finally raised his head cautiously, his voice trembling. “I’m sorry, General Ji. We’ve tried every method available. The patient’s physical injuries have largely healed, but as for his mental state… there’s nothing more we can do.”

After a moment of silence, Ji Yuzhou gradually composed himself. “Understood. You can all leave now.”

The medical staff exchanged nervous glances before hurriedly filing out, leaving Ji Yuzhou alone in the room with Jiang Xunyu.

He silently sat beside Jiang Xunyu’s bed, his fingers gently brushing against the boy’s cheek. Despite the nutrient supplements, Jiang Xunyu’s prolonged coma had left him looking frail. His already thin frame now appeared skeletal.

The weather had been beautiful in recent days, and Jiang Xunyu’s room faced the sun. Warm golden light streamed through the window, softening the stark whiteness of the hospital bedding.

Ji Yuzhou’s fingers traced the contours of Jiang Xunyu’s face, his previously agitated heart gradually calming. He squinted slightly, his expression softening. Under the sunlight, his features seemed to glow with a gentle golden hue.

“Xunyu,” Ji Yuzhou’s voice was low and tender, laced with a faint hint of helplessness and an almost imperceptible longing. “If you keep sleeping like this, I might really get angry.”

….

The next day, Ji Yuzhou was having lunch in the military dining hall when he received news that Jiang Xunyu had woken up. The steaming hot dishes had just been served, but Ji Yuzhou put down his chopsticks and rushed to the hospital.

The moment he stepped into the ward, his eyes fell on Jiang Xunyu, who was half-sitting up in bed. Without the blanket covering him, the injuries on his body were even more apparent. He lowered his head, his long, fluttering lashes trembling faintly. His pale, slender arms were crossed over the blanket, and his delicate collarbones stood out starkly, making his neck appear particularly slender.

“Xunyu.”

Ji Yuzhou’s deep voice called out.

Startled, Jiang Xunyu lifted his head abruptly. His butterfly-like lashes fluttered as he blinked. After so many days apart, Ji Yuzhou finally saw those clear, untainted eyes again, as pure as a mountain spring.

Having slept for so long, Jiang Xunyu’s eyes remained pristine, unclouded by any haze.

Jiang Xunyu didn’t know how long he had been asleep, only that he’d been dreaming for what felt like an eternity. The dream had been soft and comforting, filled with the scent of the person he adored most, Ji Yuzhou. If not for the faint sound of Ji Yuzhou’s voice saying he was going to get angry, Jiang Xunyu might never have wanted to wake up.

He blinked a few times, gazing at Ji Yuzhou. “Mr. Ji…”

Ji Yuzhou approached, suppressing the anxiety and worry that had plagued him for days. “How do you feel? Is there any discomfort?”

Jiang Xunyu shook his head, then noticed as Ji Yuzhou got closer that he seemed to have lost weight. Upon closer inspection, there were even faint stubbles on his chin.

Jiang Xunyu froze for a moment, instinctively asking, “How… How long was I asleep?”

His voice was hoarse from disuse, and Ji Yuzhou, considerate as ever, poured him a glass of water. Handing it over, he replied nonchalantly, “Not long.”

Jiang Xunyu quietly reached out to touch the wound on his shoulder. There was no longer any pain. He tried moving it, and his arm rotated freely. Even with modern medical technology, it was impossible for such recovery to happen in just a day or two.  

Feeling a lump in his throat, Jiang Xunyu lowered his head. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ji… for making you worry.”  

“It’s alright.” Ji Yuzhou’s voice remained calm and steady. “You suffered this pain for my sake. I will always remember that.”  

“I…”  

Jiang Xunyu wanted to explain that it had been an instinctive reaction, but he feared revealing his true feelings and being despised by Ji Yunzhou. Hesitating for a long time, he ultimately lowered his head, saying nothing more.  

Ji Yuzhou observed the crown of Jiang Xunyu’s head for a moment, then reached out to ruffle the boy’s hair, which had grown past his ears after not being trimmed for half a month. “Still sleepy? Get some more rest.”  

Jiang Xunyu shook his head, wanting to stay with Ji Yuzhou a little longer. Even just sitting together in silence brought him immense comfort. However, his body was still weak after his prolonged coma, and before long, he drifted off to sleep, his eyes closing gently.  

Looking at his peaceful, sleeping face, Ji Yuzhou finally felt the heavy weight in his heart ease.