"..." Chu Lingzhi looked at Chu Junyu with confusion.
Chu Junyu continued, "After you were injured, Dad was really worried. He called in the best doctors from T City and even ordered them to bring your head if they couldn't cure you."
Nangong Yehen turned his head to glance at Chu Junyu. Had he actually said something about taking the doctor's head?
"During the hours you were unconscious, Dad never left your bedside. He sat here watching over you, both worried and devoted." Chu Junyu blinked his clear, bright eyes. Anyone hearing his words would choose to believe him.
"I watched over her, but I wasn't devotedly staring at her!" Nangong Yehen's ears reddened as he smacked Chu Junyu hard on the back of the head. "Kid, don't talk nonsense!"
Chu Junyu winced in pain, clutching his head with both hands. His pitiful expression was both adorable and heart-wrenching.
"Dad, a real man owns up to what he does. You were clearly staring at Mom with devotion, and not only do you deny it, but you also hit me so hard."
Chu Lingzhi looked at Nangong Yehen, noticing his slightly reddened ears, and chose to believe Chu Junyu's words.
If it weren't true, why would his ears be red?
He really was worried and tense about her, never leaving her side—
A strange ripple suddenly stirred in Chu Lingzhi's heart.
"Chu Junyu, I'm thirsty. I want some tea," Chu Lingzhi said softly, as if trying to change the subject.
Chu Junyu was about to fetch her tea when Nangong Yehen stopped him.
Nangong Yehen looked at her reproachfully. "You're a doctor yourself. Drinking tea while injured?"
"I forgot for a moment."
"Hmph." Nangong Yehen snorted through his nose.
"Mom, I'll get you some plain water instead." Chu Junyu said cheerfully, a hint of mischief flashing in his eyes.
"Thanks, my big treasure." Chu Lingzhi grinned at Chu Junyu.
After Chu Junyu left to get water, Chu Lingzhi glared at Nangong Yehen with displeasure. "What's that 'hmph' supposed to mean?"
"It means I look down on you," the man's voice was deep and melodious, very pleasant to hear.
"Why do you look down on me?" Chu Lingzhi's beautiful eyes widened at him.
Nangong Yehen gazed deeply at her face, which was deathly pale.
A trace of tenderness flickered in his eyes, and his voice was as gentle as a spring breeze. "Stop talking, or you might turn a mild concussion into a severe one."
Chu Lingzhi pushed herself up with her hands on the bed. Nangong Yehen quickly moved to support her.
"If you want to sit up, just tell me. Don't strain yourself and hurt the wound."
Chu Lingzhi smiled, her gaze falling on his refined face. "Nangong Yehen, since when did you become so gentle?"
Nangong Yehen's eyes widened. "Whenever I feel like it!"
He helped her sit up and thoughtfully placed a pillow behind her back for comfort.
Deep in her heart, Chu Lingzhi felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey.
Suddenly, something occurred to her, and she pouted. "If you're gentle with me now, what if I become dependent on you later?"
Nangong Yehen smirked. "My shoulders are broad enough. Lean on them whenever you want."
"My head hurts right now. Can I lean on you?" Chu Lingzhi deliberately tested him.
At the same time, thoughts of her grandfather surfaced, replacing the sweetness in her heart with a pang of bitterness.
Nangong Yehen sat down. "Go ahead."
Chu Lingzhi was surprised by his action. She stared at him, hesitating to lean in.
Nangong Yehen frowned, reached out, and pulled her shoulder to rest against his. "Silly girl."
Leaning on his shoulder, Chu Lingzhi's emotions became a tangled mess.