"I don't understand." There were plenty of things she didn't understand. "All I know is how to treat injuries and heal wounds."
"I need you just as you are." Nangong Yehen said in a deep voice.
"Of course you need me."
The hospital doctors weren't as genuinely concerned for his well-being as she was.
Those who treated him well only did so because of his status.
If he weren't Nangong Yehen—the king of two cities, controlling their economies, and handsome to boot—which nurse would treat him like she did?
Nangong Yehen curled his lips into a smug smile. "Looks like keeping you by my side was the right call."
Chu Lingzhi pursed her lips. "Of course. I saved your life this time."
"What reward do you want?" Nangong Yehen asked.
"Transfer five million to my account."
It was a bit of a stretch, but his life was worth it.
"Five billion wouldn't be a problem."
"Lord Nangong is truly generous." Chu Lingzhi beamed brightly.
"You look pale." Nangong Yehen said, looking at her.
Her smile was indeed beautiful, but the weariness in it was heartbreaking.
"You look even paler." Chu Lingzhi picked up the thermos and had him drink two sips of hot water.
"Come to bed and sleep."
"Huh?" Chu Lingzhi froze.
"You want me to keep you company chatting until dawn?" Nangong Yehen raised an eyebrow.
Chu Lingzhi rolled her eyes. "It's clearly me keeping you company."
"Get up here!" His tone was commanding.
"I'm not tired. I'll just sit in the chair."
"Afraid I'll eat you?" Nangong Yehen glared at her, displeased.
Wouldn't she be exhausted sitting in that chair all night?
"I'll just lie down on the couch in the living room for a bit." Chu Lingzhi stood up to leave.
"Lie beside me!" Nangong Yehen's face darkened, his voice cold.
"Being by my side lets me monitor your condition at all times!"
"I'm afraid I'll hurt your wounds if I fall asleep. How about I grab a blanket and sleep on the floor?"
"Sleeping on the floor is bad for your health. Lie down next to me!"
Chu Lingzhi frowned. Wasn't he just making things difficult for her?
"The bed is wide enough. You don't have the skill to hurt me." Nangong Yehen glanced at her, his tone laced with disdain.
"Hurting you doesn't mean it hurts me." Chu Lingzhi muttered discontentedly, then stopped hesitating and carefully lay down beside him.
The bed was indeed wide; there was plenty of space even with both of them on it.
Chu Lingzhi wasn't used to being close to him, and afraid of aggravating his wounds, she lay at the very edge, as far away as possible.
But still, lying on the same bed made her heart race. She didn't dare look at him, so she stared at the ceiling.
Even though the air was thick with the smell of medicine, she could still sense his masculine presence.
Nangong Yehen watched her, lost in thought.
She turned her head, about to suggest turning off the light, when she noticed he was staring at her like that, his expression contemplative.
Curious, she asked, "Lord Nangong, what are you thinking about?"
Nangong Yehen smirked. "Guess."
"About the hanging pearl?" Chu Lingzhi frowned.
"No."
"Then I can't guess." She wasn't a mind reader.
"I'm thinking about what you'll look like when I'm old and toothless."
"..." That's thinking way ahead.
Why did his words make her heart feel sweet, like she'd eaten candy?
Nangong Yehen's eyes sparkled, his mood seemingly good, completely unaffected by his injuries.
"By then, you'll probably be toothless too." His tone was light, like a man whispering sweet nothings to his beloved.
Chu Lingzhi's heart stirred. She looked at him, puzzled. "You want me to grow old with you?"