She lowered her eyes and nodded.
The tears in her eyes had wanted to fall ever since she was treating Nangong Yehen's injuries. She had held them back, enduring until now. She didn't know why she felt such pain for him. This version of him was a world apart from the cold, ruthless City King who made people's hearts chill just by looking at him. Right now, he was fragile like a helpless infant, needing her care and protection. He made her heart ache unbearably...
Chu Junyu lifted his face. "Are you worried about Dad?"
"My heart aches for him," Chu Lingzhi said.
Chu Junyu turned his head and gazed deeply at Nangong Yehen. "Someone like Dad has probably suffered wounds like this countless times."
Chu Lingzhi looked up at Nangong Yehen, her heart tightening again as she recalled the ambush at the racetrack last time. He could have lived as an ordinary person—why did he have to live this life on the edge of a knife?
Chu Junyu raised his head, his expression serious as he looked at her. "Mom, if you stay by Dad's side, you need to be stronger."
"What about you?" Chu Lingzhi thought for a moment, looking at him intently.
"Yichen and I are both strong!" Chu Junyu declared. "Dad may have a lot of money, be a king, and wield immense power, but the only ones who truly love him are us."
"Big treasure, what are you trying to say?"
"I hope Mom won't leave Dad."
"..."
"Gong Liye's men are already conducting strict searches at all hospitals, trying to find the person who broke into K Manor to steal the hanging pearl."
Chu Lingzhi was startled and looked at Chu Junyu in surprise. "Gong Liye didn't realize it was your dad's people?"
"I'm not sure," Chu Junyu said, sharing his speculation with her. "Someone like Gong Liye, even if he suspects Dad, wouldn't dare come directly to the manor to arrest him without solid evidence. He should know that the people who broke into his manor were all seriously injured and would definitely be sent to hospitals, so he's searching for injured individuals with special identities at every hospital."
"..."
Chu Junyu thought for a moment. "I guess Gong Liye will personally visit Nangong Manor today or tomorrow."
"Does this have anything to do with you not wanting me to leave Nangong Yehen?" Chu Lingzhi asked.
"Even the most loyal people to Dad would panic when he's severely injured. You're the woman Dad needs most."
Chu Lingzhi's eyes reddened as she listened to Chu Junyu. Suddenly, she felt that Nangong Yehen was... pitiful. She laughed bitterly inside. How could she be the woman Nangong Yehen needed most? She only knew how to treat illnesses and heal wounds—nothing else. Unlike that seductive woman at the banquet, who had a deep family background, a king for a father, and a cousin who was also a king. If Nangong Yehen chose her, who would dare to hurt him, and who could even harm him?
Chu Junyu approached Nangong Yehen. His originally pale face was gradually turning red, and sweat beads were forming on his forehead.
"Mom, come quick and look!" Chu Junyu turned his head and glanced at Chu Lingzhi.
Chu Lingzhi's heart tightened, and she quickly stepped forward to check. The back of her hand touched his forehead—it was burning hot!
"He's running a high fever," Chu Lingzhi said with a grave expression.
"Is it serious?" Chu Junyu asked urgently.
"The wound is inflamed, causing his temperature to rise..."
"Do we need to buy anti-inflammatory medicine?" Chu Junyu pressed.
Chu Lingzhi looked at him. "Yes!"
As soon as he heard that, Chu Junyu immediately turned and rushed out of the bedroom.
"..." Chu Lingzhi raised an eyebrow. She hadn't even specified which anti-inflammatory medicine. As she administered the anti-inflammatory medicine through an IV drip for Nangong Yehen, she kept applying a cold towel to his forehead and wiping his arms.