Volume 1 Chapter 5: Indifference
The room fell into a long silence. Doctor Li looked at Ruan Yu’s innocent sleeping face and said, “This young lady may have been in an environment without human interaction for an extended period, which caused this kind of psychological trauma. That’s why she feels unnatural when interacting with others now.”
In her years of practice, she had never encountered a patient like this—frail and heartbreaking in every way.
“How can we help her recover?” When Li Xuzhou spoke again, his voice was already hoarse.
He didn’t have time to wonder why Ruan Yu was in this room; he only desperately wanted her to get better.
This was the first time Doctor Li had seen the cold and sharp Li Xuzhou behave this way, and the first time he had shown such concern for someone. As a professional doctor, she set aside her confusion and carefully advised, “Take it step by step. Don’t let her notice that someone is paying attention to her. Wait until she gradually lowers her guard, then slowly approach her.”
“You should also create some social environments for her. A bit more stimulation from people and situations is necessary; you can’t just protect her all the time…” Doctor Li remembered something and hesitated before saying, “Did Madam invite several young ladies to the estate?”
Li Xuzhou nodded.
He was already twenty-nine this year. Aside from his encounter with Ruan Yu three years ago, he hadn’t dated anyone since.
The woman he interacted with the most was a divorced employee at his company who had three children.
Although Li Xuzhou’s mother didn’t interfere with his romantic life, she was worried about his stubbornly single state. Without consulting him, she had invited several young women to their home as guests.
Under the guise of preparing for a banquet three months later and asking the young women to help her, everyone in the business world knew this was actually a search for a future daughter-in-law.
The position of Li Xuzhou’s wife wasn’t something that could be explained in just a few words—it represented supreme honor and endless wealth. Even in the event of a divorce, the settlement would be staggering.
Doctor Li was aware of this situation. Sensing Li Xuzhou’s concern for Ruan Yu, she said uncertainly, “It would be good for Miss Ruan to interact more with people her own age.”
Li Xuzhou spoke calmly, “You mean I should let the other ladies stay here to create a social environment for her, right?” He lit another cigarette.
After receiving Doctor Li’s confirmation, Li Xuzhou pursed his lips and nodded in agreement after a moment.
Originally, he had planned to go along with his mother’s arrangements temporarily, letting the ladies stay while he simply didn’t return home. Once the banquet was over, he would send them away politely.
But now, with this situation… he would have to reconsider carefully. He hoped these people wouldn’t cause trouble for Ruan Yu.
Doctor Li packed up her equipment, wrote a brief version of the precautions by hand, and left first.
Li Xuzhou sat on the edge of the bed, reached out, and gently flicked Ruan Yu’s forehead with the lightest possible touch. He sighed helplessly, “Poor thing, it’s okay if you don’t remember me… just don’t be afraid of me.”
He vaguely sensed that Ruan Yu had been forced to come here. From now on, he would have to restrain all his emotions and desires, keeping them buried deep in his heart so as not to frighten her.
After all, even a slightly intense kiss would scare her.
The next day.
Ruan Yu slowly opened her eyes, her throat feeling a little scratchy.
—Time for breakfast.
That was the first thought that came to mind.
It had been so long since she’d slept this comfortably. What bliss.
She turned her neck, snuggled into the warm bed a few times, and gradually came to her senses.
Huh?
This room… doesn’t seem to be the one Steward Zhou arranged for me.
The entire bedroom was decorated in dark tones, with minimal decorations and colors, emphasizing practicality.
Moreover, wasn’t I planning to seduce Li Xuzhou last night? How did I fall asleep!
Ruan Yu felt utterly hopeless. She lay back down on the bed, covering her entire face, and muttered to herself, “It was all a dream, all a dream… I’ll feel better after another nap.” But before two minutes had passed, she felt discomfort in her stomach.
She was hungry… Steward Zhou had said yesterday that breakfast would be ready by six. Her first priority now was to eat; everything else could wait.
Maybe Li Xuzhou hadn’t even returned yet!
She quietly comforted herself, patting her chest.
As soon as she got up from the bed, she realized she was wearing a thin spaghetti strap top. It wouldn’t be appropriate to go out dressed like this in case she ran into someone.
Just as she was worrying, a set of pajamas was placed in front of her.
Ruan Yu looked up and followed the arm to see a man in a suit looking at her expressionlessly.
The first thing that caught her eye was the man’s strikingly handsome face—clean, sharp facial lines, a high nose bridge, and narrow, long eyes that carried a hint of mature allure.
He must be nearly 190 cm tall… His posture was upright and full of strength, like a beast ready to strike, temporarily retracting its claws but unable to hide the intimidating aura around him. He felt threatening.
So tall… She remembered that man could completely envelop her body, lifting her with one hand and locking her in his embrace. His strength was immense.
Was it him? The man from that night three years ago?
Why was his gaze so cold toward her? It felt so unfamiliar…
Li Xuzhou spoke first, “Since you’re awake, go downstairs for breakfast.” Good, his first sentence didn’t reveal any concern for her. He placed the pajamas in Ruan Yu’s hand and turned to walk out.
At the doorway, he seemed to remember something and turned back, saying calmly, “Miss Ruan’s room has been moved to the west side of the second floor. You won’t mistake it again, will you?” The last sentence carried a hint of teasing. He closed the door.
Ruan Yu sat dumbfounded on the bed. She touched the soft fabric of the pajamas—light yellow with creamy white lace at the wrists.
“Am I disliked…” Her voice was muffled as she buried her face in the pajamas. Having had little contact with people for a long time, she naturally couldn’t understand Li Xuzhou’s tone.
Yesterday, she had recklessly entered his room, secretly hoping for a reunion. Deep down, she had a faint hope that he still remembered her and felt some affection for her, just as she did for him.
But today, it was clear he didn’t recognize her. His gaze was icy, as if she were a stranger!
Well, it had been three years after all. It was just one night’s experience, so it was normal for him not to remember her.
Besides… Lu Yuan had said he was eight years older than her. He must have had many such experiences.
His romantic history was surely rich, no wonder he was so skilled that night.
Was it comfortable?
Hmph, not at all!
Ruan Yu thought resentfully, her eyes quietly reddening a little.
She put on the pajamas, not noticing that all the tags had been cut off, leaving only the soft, skin-friendly side—just like Li Xuzhou’s cherished feelings.
The dining room was on the first floor. When Ruan Yu went downstairs, she realized it was still early, not yet seven o’clock.
The servants were working in an orderly manner, and only the sounds from the kitchen could be heard—water bubbling as it boiled and the aroma of food filling the entire first floor.
Ruan Yu swallowed nervously and arrived at the dining table to find Li Xuzhou already seated there. Seeing her come down, he glanced up and gave a slight nod as a greeting.
She obediently took her seat, placing both hands on her knees, her gaze fixed intently on the kitchen. Her legs couldn’t help but sway slightly, and Li Xuzhou’s lips curved into a faint smile.
Those ankles had once playfully wrapped themselves around his waist, full of mischief.
His eyes darkened slightly.
The servants quickly brought over breakfast. Last night, they had received the young master’s instructions to prepare meals two hours earlier from now on, ensuring they were always ready to serve. Even the budget for groceries had tripled.
Strange—hadn’t he never cared about meal times before?
Well, never mind. As long as the pay was good, who cared how many hours earlier they had to start?