“It is nothing, just a superficial wound.” Seeing the frantic worry written all over Zou Beiqi’s face, Heng Shi softened slightly and offered a word of reassurance.
The wound was still bleeding profusely, and Zou Beiqi instinctively grabbed his hand with both of his. “You are bleeding like this and you call it nothing? Hurry.”
The hospital was just a few steps away to the left upon exiting the alley. With people rushing back and forth and traffic snarled to the point where it was impossible to tell which vehicle was which, the assailant had undoubtedly chosen this chaos to strike in broad daylight.
Heng Shi was quickly led by a nurse to see a doctor, and the wound on his palm was soon bound in gauze. The moment the curtain parted, Zou Beiqi hurried over to check on his condition. The doctor assured him there was nothing major, that the wound would heal after some rest, and instructed them to keep it away from water.
“How can you possibly go back to the lab like this?” Zou Beiqi’s eyes remained glued to the thick gauze wrapped around the other man’s left hand.
“I am taking a few days of sick leave.” Finished speaking, Heng Shi pulled out his phone with one hand and began typing away. Lasting less than a minute, he looked up and met Zou Beiqi’s flushed face. “What did they do to you?”
It was clear Heng Shi realized that Zou Beiqi’s flushed complexion wasn’t from heat, but from being struck. “They slapped me, grabbed my collar, and slammed my head against the wall. The baby is fine, and my stomach doesn’t hurt.”
“We are getting checked just to be safe. I am coming with you.” Heng Shi immediately swung his legs off the bed, and Zou Beiqi pointed at his hand. “Are you really okay?”
“Did you not hear what the doctor said?” Refusing to take no for an answer, Heng Shi insisted, “Let’s go get the examination orders first.”
“My parents’ meals…”
“The caregiver will buy them. What, do you want something to happen to the child so you can divorce me?” Heng Shi was uncharacteristically impatient.
Bringing up past arguments? He was still holding onto a petty retort from back then? Zou Beiqi instantly lost any ground to argue and obediently followed Heng Shi to get the orders processed.
After paying the fees, the two of them lined up outside the corresponding examination department. The corridor was practically packed with people, and Heng Shi managed to find a seat for Zou Beiqi only after a grueling search, standing guard by his side.
“Heng Shi.”
“Mhm.”
“Just now, were you actually calm, or did you act on a hot head?” Though Zou Beiqi knew bringing up their previous argument might not be appropriate right now, he simply couldn’t help asking.
Heng Shi didn’t answer.
“Heng Shi?” Zou Beiqi called out to him again.
After a long silence, Heng Shi suddenly spoke up. “I admit, you had a point.”
What was that supposed to mean? Was he admitting that Zou Beiqi had some validity during their fight? Did Heng Shi understand his perspective? Which meant…
Zou Beiqi couldn’t help letting out a soft chuckle. “Turns out you’re capable of this too.”
“There is nothing to be surprised about. Humans are fundamentally emotional creatures, but I do not believe people should act purely on emotion.”
“You have a point.” Zou Beiqi steered the conversation back. “Acting like that means you have someone important to you, too.”
He took Heng Shi’s hand and pressed it gently against his lower abdomen. “When he is born, he and you will be a family.”
Heng Shi froze, staring at him with an expression Zou Beiqi couldn’t quite decipher.
Did he say something weird? Zou Beiqi frowned imperceptibly.
After a long pause, Heng Shi finally spoke in an uncharacteristically gentle tone, squatting down so they were at eye level. “Do not ever say things like getting rid of the child again.”
“I know.” Why did he make it sound as if he were bearing the child for Heng Shi’s sake? He had simply been looking out for his own physical health.
The nurse soon called Zou Beiqi’s name, cutting their conversation short. The test results would be ready the following day, showing everything was completely normal.
Heng Shi’s daily routine was anything but normal.
It was fortunate that he had injured his left hand and wasn’t left-handed; despite the injury, he could still manage many tasks independently, though plenty of inconveniences remained. The first became apparent when he tried to eat without a hand to steady his bowl, causing it to occasionally tremble or even slide across the table.
Without a word, Zou Beiqi moved his chair right next to Heng Shi’s and reached out to hold the rice bowl steady for him. Heng Shi halted his chopsticks at the same time. “There is no need.”
“You don’t have to push yourself.”
“This looks very strange.”
Zou Beiqi glanced down, acknowledging that the scene did indeed look rather inexplicable. “Should I just feed you directly then?”
“Mind the distance between us.”
Right. He had almost forgotten that Zou Beiqi openly admitted he wasn’t straight.
Zou Beiqi instantly fell silent, and Heng Shi brushed Zou Beiqi’s hand away from his bowl. “I can eat just fine like this. Eat your own food and leave me alone.”
“The way you’re looking at me makes me uncomfortable.”
“Heng Shi.”
“Actually, you don’t have to be so sensitive. When I’m joking around, I feed my friends sometimes too.”
“The only person who ever fed me when I was little was my grandfather.” Heng Shi met his gaze. “Are you my grandfather?”
“Zou Beiqi.”
He hadn’t reached that generation yet.
Seeing how things stood, Zou Beiqi didn’t push the issue further, opting instead to watch with quiet discomfort as Heng Shi finished the rice in his bowl. In reality, things weren’t that terrible, provided Heng Shi didn’t accidentally use too much force and send the bowl flying.
When it was almost time for bed, Zou Beiqi couldn’t resist a parting reminder: “Be careful not to get it wet.”
“I know.”
Zou Beiqi’s impression of workaholics was that they were terrible at taking care of themselves, much like his dad. Therefore, still feeling uneasy, he followed Heng Shi into his room. The moment the other man stepped out of the bathroom, Zou Beiqi grabbed his arm and carefully inspected the clump of gauze, confirming there wasn’t a single damp spot before finally letting out a sigh of relief.
After all, Heng Shi was injured because of him, making it hard not to care a little extra.
“I am not a child. I can take care of myself,” Heng Shi said, wiping the droplets of water from his face with one hand.
Zou Beiqi nodded at the injured hand. “Right, good as long as you’re fine.”
“Are you finished looking?”
“Finished.” Only then did Zou Beiqi remember to let go, his gaze unintentionally drifting upward to catch water droplets clinging to Heng Shi’s long eyelashes. He had to admit those eyes were strikingly attractive, resembling a lake reflecting the moonlight.
“What are you looking at again?”
“You.” Zou Beiqi didn’t look away. “Your eyes are exceptionally expressive.”
Heng Shi averted his gaze. “This is my room. You should head back now that there is nothing else.”
“Fine.” Quite the strong sense of territoriality; he couldn’t even stay a moment longer.
Opening WeChat, Zou Beiqi found a message from Sheng Wanzhong checking in on him.
Sheng Wanzhong: How did you find out so fast? Naturally, my sources span the entire Livan City. Are you really alright? Is the baby okay?
Zou Beiqi: I’m fine, Heng Shi is here.
That finally set Sheng Wanzhong’s mind completely at ease. After a brief casual chat, a notification banner popped up with a message from Lin Huixi. Unsurprisingly, it was about the incident where she had dragged him into danger on the street.
Lin Huixi: I am so sorry. If it weren’t for helping me, you wouldn’t have gotten mixed up in this.
Zou Beiqi: It’s nothing. Helping you was my own choice, the ones who need reflection are the criminals themselves.
Lin Huixi: Let me treat you to a meal.
Zou Beiqi: No need, just focus on taking care of your daughter.
Lin Huixi: Consider it old classmates catching up, otherwise I’ll feel terrible about it.
Unable to refuse further, Zou Beiqi gave in. Fine. Thank you.
The location was set at an ordinary small eatery where Lin Huixi said she used to eat frequently back in the day, noting that the food was quite decent. “Given my current situation, I can only invite you to a place like this. I hope you won’t mind.”
“Of course not.”
“Wanzhong told me your husband turned out to be Heng Shi. I didn’t recognize him that day,” Lin Huixi said awkwardly. “I’ve seen that name in news reports, I just never imagined what he actually looked like.”
She probably assumed that since he was with Heng Shi, he ate lavish delicacies every day. “It’s fine, I actually like this place.”
“That’s good. Order a few more dishes if you like them,” Lin Huixi curved her lips into a smile.
Naturally, Zou Beiqi didn’t take her up on the offer to order extra, instead opting for the cheapest stir-fried bean sprouts and plain tofu. Handing the menu back, Lin Huixi mentioned her stomach wasn’t feeling well and ordered nothing at all, sticking to a single bowl of white porridge.
Once the food arrived, Lin Huixi asked, “Why are you only eating this little? You really don’t have to hold back.”
“I have a small appetite.”
“Oh, right.” Lin Huixi quietly spooned some plain porridge into her mouth. “I have to head back to the hospital soon. I’ve already paid the bill, so take your time.”
Zou Beiqi’s gaze lingered on that bowl of porridge for a long time before he finally blurted out, “What kind of illness does your daughter actually have?”
He knew he shouldn’t pry into other people’s business, but thinking of his own father lying in a hospital bed, that helpless sense of empathy transferred over to Lin Huixi.
Silence stretched for a long time before Lin Huixi spoke again.
“It is a rare disease. The specialty medicine she needs is terribly expensive and not covered by health insurance. Not a single cent can be reimbursed.” Lin Huixi’s voice trembled uncontrollably. “It has only been a few days and we’ve already burned through tens of thousands. The hospital is slapping on random charges left and right, and my ex-husband is hounding me for debts. I have nothing left.”
Zou Beiqi could only offer a comforting pat on her shoulder. Before leaving, he quietly ordered a few extra light dishes, packed them in a takeout container, and practically forced them into Lin Huixi’s hands. “For you and your daughter. Don’t ruin your health over this.”
“Thank you, thank you so much.” Lin Huixi accepted the food, and after a moment’s thought, Zou Beiqi decided to accompany her back to the central hospital.
Despite Lin Huixi’s repeated refusals, Zou Beiqi insisted on following along, figuring he could at least offer a few words of comfort while she was feeling vulnerable.
Entering the ward with her, he saw the little girl sitting quietly on the hospital bed, watching a program on television, only looking away when she noticed her mother approaching. “Did Mom bring something yummy back?”
“Mhm, the older brother bought this for you. Hurry up and thank him.”
The little girl smiled and thanked Zou Beiqi, who reached out to pat her hair. “Good girl.”
With a bright smile, Lin Huixi fed her daughter while chatting about summer beaches. A look of yearning filled the little girl’s eyes. “I want to go play in a place that pretty next time!”
Zou Beiqi’s heart was a tangled mess of complex emotions. Despite bearing immense pressure, this mother still forced herself to put on an optimistic facade, reminding him of his own parents in the hospital.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be going to a very, very pretty place soon,” Lin Huixi said.
“Really, Mom?”
“Really. You’ll be very happy there, and everyone there is happy.”
“Beiqi,” Lin Huixi suddenly turned her gaze toward him. “You should head back first. I’m going to take her out to catch some sun.”
“Alright, see you next time.”
A persistent unease gnawed at Zou Beiqi’s heart. Stepping out of the hospital building, he felt a sudden chill on his skin and looked up to see an overcast sky spitting a light drizzle.
Overcast skies, light drizzle.
A sudden wave of panic washed over Zou Beiqi as he broke into a frantic sprint back toward the ward.