Shu Qianzhi’s face was deathly pale, yet even in this state, she couldn’t elicit a trace of softness from the person before her.
Meeting Ji Zechen’s utterly detached and emotionless gaze, Shu Qianzhi suddenly felt the man beside her was a stranger—or perhaps she had never truly known him at all, merely deluding herself into thinking she understood him.
Whether it was the overly cold air conditioning or her own psychological state, a sudden chill seized her, trembling uncontrollably. The burning pain in her elbow sharpened. She bit her lip, weakly hugging her arms in a pitiful gesture, and whispered hoarsely, “I’m sorry, brother…”
As she spoke, tears unexpectedly welled up and fell, startling even herself. Realizing they were genuine, she felt absurdly melodramatic and hastily wiped them away, forcing the sobs back.
While scrubbing at her damp cheeks, she stammered in a raspy voice, “So… are you sending me away?” Her tone dripped with desperation as she pleaded, “Please don’t make me leave, brother… You’re all I have left…”
“Tch.” Ji Zechen stared at her, remaining silent for a long moment. Only he knew how violently irritated he felt, with no outlet for his frustration.
Shu Qianzhi, unable to read his mood, dared not speak recklessly. She lowered her head like a chastened child, sinking under the weight of physical and emotional exhaustion.
Then, a tissue was thrust before her.
She lifted her tear-glazed eyes to meet Ji Zechen’s slightly softened expression, her gaze swirling with unspoken emotions. He snorted coldly, “You’re noisy. Keep crying and I’ll throw you out of the car.”
“Huh…” Shu Qianzhi accepted the tissue, momentarily stunned. His words suggested he wasn’t planning to abandon her—had she overthought things?
Stealing a glance at his stern face, she cautiously straightened up. Pouting with lingering sorrow but gradually reclaiming her usual demeanor around him, she mumbled, “I wasn’t crying.”
Silence descended again in the spacious car—the very stillness she usually hated now brought relief, allowing her taut nerves to finally relax.
Clutching the tissue, she focused on steadying her breathing. Perhaps she had indeed overreacted. Maybe Ji Zechen hadn’t seen Shu Mingkai at all. Maybe his anger stemmed solely from her sudden disappearance causing him unnecessary trouble. His earlier fury had been palpable, but now it seemed to have subsided—even offering her a tissue. Did that mean she’d successfully appeased him again?
She couldn’t be certain, no longer possessing such confidence.
As tension ebbed from her body, warmth gradually returned, though the cold air still seeped viciously into her wounds. Her arm grew numb, the pain now diffuse and untraceable. Knowing her low pain tolerance, she tucked her elbow closer to her chest, shielding it from the biting chill.
Ji Zechen caught her movement from the corner of his eye and finally remembered the injury on her arm. He had noticed her pale and weak expression all along, yet he hadn’t shown any reaction. Only a dull weight pressed against his chest, as if something were suffocating him.
The entire journey passed in silence between them.
When the car entered the Ji family villa, the butler respectfully opened the car door for Ji Zechen. Without even glancing back at Shu Qianzhi, he stepped out and strode away.
Shu Qianzhi remained silent, watching his retreating figure through the car window with a dazed expression.
It wasn’t until Wan Feng came to open her door with his usual demeanor, “Miss, let’s get out,” that she responded, “Alright.” With Wan Feng’s support, she exited the car. The warmer temperature outside provided some comfort to her.
“Your hand is injured. I’ll have Aunt Chen come apply some medicine for you,” Wan Feng whispered softly as he helped her indoors, careful not to startle her.
But Shu Qianzhi wasn’t paying attention to his words. Her focus was entirely on the staircase before her – the very steps where Ji Zechen had ascended and disappeared from view.
He must care about her, right? Otherwise he wouldn’t have specifically waited for her at the commercial district entrance, nor would he have gotten so angry.
Since this started because of her, if matters weren’t completely resolved, wouldn’t it become even more difficult for their relationship to progress further?
The answer was undoubtedly yes.