All three women were exceptionally good-looking, and one of them was even a popular mermaid singer. No matter how much resentment or dissatisfaction Zhou Ziheng felt inside, he had to hold it in for the sake of saving face as a man.
He waved his hand, pretending to be magnanimous, completely unaware that his tightly knitted brows had already betrayed his true feelings.
After that, the three women crowded around the bedside, vying to show their concern, each unwilling to fall behind. They completely forgot about Zhou Ziheng, as if he were no more significant than an ant.
Zhou Ziheng’s inner turmoil grew, and the faint guilt he’d felt for accidentally injuring Yue Xinghe was quickly replaced by searing jealousy.
In the face of the three women’s overwhelming concern, Yue Xinghe responded with a gentle smile. “Alright, I’m not feeling any discomfort. Keep your voices down, don’t disturb the others resting.”
The three women, who had been chattering away like chicks, immediately fell silent, obediently zipping their lips.
Zhou Ziheng watched, burning with envy. One of these women was the daughter of the Elven clan leader, another was the daughter of a high-ranking official, and the third was a celebrated mermaid songstress. Each came from an extraordinary background, with flawless looks and figures. They were proud and aloof before others, rarely sparing anyone even a glance, yet before Yue Xinghe, they were exceptionally well-behaved and obedient…
Zhou Ziheng’s heart churned with jealousy. We’re all human, why is heaven so unfair, bestowing every good thing upon Yue Xinghe?
If Zhou Ziheng knew that Yue Xinghe’s current state wasn’t one of enjoyment or pride, but rather a struggle to suppress his inner impatience and physiological aversion, his resentment would surely burn even fiercer.
Yue Xinghe maintained his composure perfectly, nodding and occasionally echoing the women’s words.
No one could tell that he suffered from severe androphobia.
“Alright, if you have nothing else to do, you should head back,” Lin Luxi said quietly, positioning himself at the innermost part of the bedside. He carefully tucked Yue Xinghe in. “Xinghe’s concussion hasn’t fully healed yet. Standing this close will make him uncomfortable.”
Although reluctant and dissatisfied, the women, mindful of their image before Yue Xinghe, immediately understood and stepped back. However, they didn’t leave entirely, they sat on the couch against the wall, about a meter away.
Yue Xinghe couldn’t help but sigh in relief. He drew closer to Lin Luxi and quietly expressed his thanks.
Lin Luxi poured a bowl of plain congee from the insulated container. “I should be the one thanking you. If it weren’t for you, I’d be the one lying here now. And I’d definitely be in much worse shape!”
If he didn’t have his wood-element powers, he’d truly end up like the original character, so that statement wasn’t wrong.
When Yue Xinghe smiled, it felt as warm as being bathed in sunlight. “It’s only right. I’m your friend, if I don’t protect you, who will?”
Lin Luxi puffed out his cheeks.
Jealousy.jpg
He hadn’t felt it before, but now, thinking that Yue Xinghe was only being so good to him because of the original owner, he inexplicably felt a bit miffed.
Yue Xinghe noticed his mood seemed off. “What’s wrong?”
Lin Luxi shoved a bowl of congee into his hands. “Shut up! Drink your congee!”
The commanding, forceful tone made Gao Keyun slam the table. “How dare you speak to Xinghe like that?”
Elisa’s cool voice carried a hint of reproach. “Xinghe just woke up. Watch your tone.”
Lan Ji blinked her watery blue eyes. “Brother Yue isn’t fully recovered yet. And he’s a hero! You shouldn’t talk to him like that!”
A flicker of impatience flashed deep in Yue Xinghe’s eyes, but he spoke up for Lin Luxi. “Xiao Xi is just looking out for me. I’ve been lying down for nearly three days, and I’m starving. Thank you, Xiao Xi, for specially bringing the congee.”
Since he had said that, the others couldn’t press the matter further.
Yue Xinghe lifted the bowl and drank. After finishing two large bowls, he went to the restroom and didn’t return for over ten minutes. Afterward, the women chatted with him for a while longer before reluctantly taking their leave.
They needed to rest and would need to freshen up and dress properly before coming back in the morning.
A woman dresses to please the one she admires, especially when there were rivals as formidable as these. The three of them were already raring to go, their eyes full of wariness and hostility toward one another, eagerly anticipating the first battle tomorrow.
Zhou Ziheng didn’t linger either. He left with the women, citing the reason of escorting them back to their dorms. His intentions were practically written all over his face; everyone knew what he was thinking, but only Zhou Ziheng believed he was being discreet. He feigned grace, gesturing “after you,” and left behind the three women.
Yue Xinghe let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Finally, some peace and quiet.”
Lin Luxi cleared away the remnants of the meal and teased him, “Two campus goddesses and a mermaid songstress, none of them appeal to you?”
Yue Xinghe gave a bitter smile. “I have no intention of dating right now. Besides, their feelings for me might not even be genuine.”
It was likely because of his talent and because he didn’t fawn over them like other men did. Perhaps it was more about their unwillingness to lose and the competition among themselves that amplified their feelings toward him.
How much of it was truly genuine affection? Who could say for sure?
He was clearly perceptive.
Anyone else pursued by such exceptional women would surely be walking on air.
Still, Lin Luxi had to be sure. “Are you certain you won’t fall for any of them?”
It was already late at night, and outside the window, the leaves rustled loudly in the wind.
In the silence, Yue Xinghe seemed to see again the scene from his previous life, how he had trusted them, only to be betrayed and schemed against. The thought alone made his mental power unstable and restless again.
Yue Xinghe pressed a hand to his forehead, suppressing the nausea. He concealed the coldness in his eyes, though his tone remained as gentle as ever. “At least for the next ten years, I have no intention of being in a relationship.”
“Alright then.” Lin Luxi nodded. Now he knew how to proceed.
Yue Xinghe lay back on the bed, closing his eyes to hide the bloodshot veins spreading within them. Without a moment’s rest, he began reconstructing his mental barrier once more.
The next day, not long after Yue Xinghe had finished his medical check-up, the media swarmed in like sharks drawn by the scent of blood.
Fortunately, the school suspected that the explosion had targeted Yue Xinghe and had sent security guards to protect him. Under the watchful eyes of these burly men, the reporters, though inwardly impatient, were forced to restrain themselves, one wrong move, and they’d be tossed out like a toy in a giant’s hand.
Not long after dealing with the reporters, Gao Keyun and Elisa arrived at the ward.
They were dressed to the nines, each presenting their best selves, meticulous makeup, luxurious accessories, ethereal gowns that accentuated their figures. They were dazzling enough to grace the cover of any top fashion magazine.
Lan Ji had also wanted to come, but her agent, worried about what the reporters might say, firmly refused to budge no matter how much she pleaded. She was kept in the villa at the Alliance University reserved for distinguished guests.
Gao Keyun noticed the breakfast box in Elisa’s hand and secretly pinched Chen Jing, who had insisted on following her.
She whispered, “Why didn’t you remind me to bring breakfast?”
Now Elisa was the only one who got to shine.
Chen Jing’s lips twitched a few times. Habitually hunching her back, she accepted the fault, though it wasn’t truly her mistake, just as she always had.
Elisa stepped forward, about to take out the breakfast, when she spotted the biodegradable takeout containers in the trash bin at the foot of the bed. Without changing her expression, she withdrew her hand.
Gao Keyun saw them too when she got closer, looking rather gleeful. “Hey, wasn’t that breakfast for Xinghe? What, are you having second thoughts?”
Elisa didn’t even spare her a glance, embodying the very definition of aloof coolness.
Later, the police came by for another round of questioning, the usual routine inquiries. Worth noting was that when the officers left, they ran into Zhou Ziheng and ended up taking a statement from him as well.
After the past few days, Zhou Ziheng had composed himself. He put on a convincing act and, for now, had managed to avoid raising any suspicion.
As for why he kept showing up so diligently—Zhou Ziheng’s mission wasn’t complete yet. He needed to stay close to find an opportunity to carry out his plan and finish the job.
After his physical examination, Yue Xinghe was found to be in perfect health, with no brain damage. There was no reason for him to continue occupying medical resources, so he was discharged that same day.
Zhou Ziheng was initially disappointed, but then he suddenly remembered the celebration banquet that Yue Xinghe was going to hold in a couple of days. Immediately, he perked up, this was an opportunity practically handed to him on a silver platter; it would be a waste not to take advantage of it.
He quickly contacted the person behind the scenes.
Unexpectedly, he received no reply no matter what.
Perhaps that person was busy. He figured he would complete the task first and then go claim credit, giving them a big surprise. Maybe then, in their good mood, they would not only let bygones be bygones but might even throw him some reward.
Meanwhile, on the Star Network, the official Earth Alliance account released a video of the official media interview with Yue Xinghe.
Author’s Note:
Xingxing: I won’t be dating for the next ten years.
Lulu: Now I know how to proceed.