The Byoukidere Is Her Sweetie

Chapter 102: 102: Ah Fang’s Thirty-Six Strategies to Coax Jiang Zhi
 

Vice President Sun called for the chief surgeon, Doctor Wu.

Being the leading surgeon for over thirty years, he had never treated such a minor wound, and he was quite frustrated.

However, he dared not complain, since his salary was paid by the Jiang Family. He didn’t even ask the nurse to come, but personally cleaned and dressed the patient’s wound.

“Is it serious?”

Jiang Zhi’s eyes were fixed on Zhou Xufang’s face.

Doctor Wu, feeling nervous under his gaze, replied with a shaky hand, “It’s just a superficial injury.”

Jiang Zhi didn’t lie back on the hospital bed. Instead, he moved a chair next to Zhou Xufang, himself still receiving IV fluids. Ignoring the needle on the back of his hand, he patted the young girl’s back, though it was unclear what he was trying to comfort.

He asked again, “Will it leave a scar?”

“…”

Did Young Master Jiang have some misunderstanding about superficial injuries?

Trying to maintain his patience, Doctor Wu explained, “It won’t leave a scar; it’s just a very tiny cut.” After disinfecting, applying medication, and covering it with gauze, it took just three minutes. “There, done.”

Jiang Zhi diverted some of his intense gaze from the girl’s face to glance at Doctor Wu, “That’s it?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ƝօνǤο.сο

Otherwise?

“Aren’t you going to prescribe any medicine?” Jiang Zhi’s look was sharp, showing his dissatisfaction.

Doctor Wu felt a chill down his spine and fumbled, “No need for medicine. It’s really just a very, very tiny wound…”

Jiang Zhi ignored him, “Vice President Sun, bring me another doctor.”

The chief surgeon: “…”

Vice President Sun: “…” Unsure of what to say, he glanced at the injured young girl.

The girl was easygoing.

She said, “No need, by the time the doctor arrives, the wound would have healed by itself.”

That made perfect sense.

Doctor Wu and Vice President Sun nodded, in agreement.

Only then did Jiang Zhi speak, “You all may leave now.”

“If you need anything, just call me.” Vice President Sun hurried away with his chief surgeon.

“You, too, get out.”

Ah Wan: “Oh.”

Ah Wan also left, closing the door of the ward behind her. After thinking for three seconds, she still pressed her ear against the door. The hospital wasn’t very soundproof, and she heard Miss Zhou’s voice.

“Are you angry?” Zhou Xufang felt he was angry; his expression was very stern.

Jiang Zhi got up from the chair, pushing his IV stand, and went to the bed where he lay down, “Who asked you to take that for me?”

His tone was like a reprimand.

Yes, he was really angry.

But Zhou Xufang didn’t understand why he was angry, “We are good friends,” she said earnestly and with conviction, “For a friend, sparing no effort is what you do.”

That line, she had learned it from one of Jiang Zhi’s movies.

Zhou Xufang felt it was spot-on, truly worthy of something filmed by Jiang Zhi.

Jiang Zhi: “…”

He was even angrier now!

The kind that couldn’t be easily appeased.

Zhou Xufang’s emotional intelligence seemed irredeemably low; he didn’t want to talk to her anymore.

“Jiang Zhi.”

Jiang Zhi did not respond.

Zhou Xufang got a bit anxious and stepped forward quickly, “Jiang Zhi.”

She called his name softly, trying to appease him.

She wasn’t good at appeasing either, like coaxing a child, holding snacks in front of him with both hands, “Would you like some jelly?”

No.

“How about cotton candy?”

No!

Jiang Zhi just looked at her.

The message was clear; he wanted to be coaxed.

Zhou Xufang tilted her head, unsure of what to do. Just then, ice pellets began to fall outside, tapping against the window.

She put down the snacks, “Are you cold, Jiang Zhi?” She fetched a heating pad, crouched and leaned over the hospital bed like a black mushroom, “If you’re cold, I’ll place this heating pad on you.”

How could she be so adorable.

She was unaware, speaking seriously, and looking sincerely solemn.

Jiang Zhi’s heart almost melted at her kindergarten-level coaxing tactics, and he couldn’t bring himself to scold her anymore. This unspoiled young girl, this girl who instinctively used her back to shield others from harm, needed to be slowly taught to care more about herself.

Fortunately, he was crafty enough, and his family, too kind at heart.

He turned his back to her, lifting the blankets, exposing his back to her, “Place it on my lower back.”

“Okay.”

With one heating pad, she had managed to soothe Jiang Zhi.

Zhou Xufang believed Jiang Zhi to be the most good-tempered person in the world, Mr. Lin Dazhuang even falsely accused Jiang Zhi of being bad-tempered, which was a bit too much.

At the door, Lin Dazhuang: “…”

Boom!

Late into the night, thunder suddenly roared.

Xiao Linsu had just placed Jiang Wei’er on the bed when she suddenly woke up, her eyes still swollen from crying for so long.

She whispered hoarsely, calling out to him, “Linsu.”

Xiao Linsu tucked her into the covers and responded, “Hmm.”

“I just had a dream.”

“What did you dream about?”

Her eyes were gritty and uncomfortable as she rubbed them, “I dreamed about the first time I met you.”

That day was her birthday.

Xiao Linsu took her hand away, wetted a towel, and gently wiped her eyes. His voice was calm and gentle, “That day was also my sister’s birthday.”

This was the first time Xiao Linsu spoke of his sister.

All the light in his eyes seemed to meld together, casting gentle, fragmented shadows, “She was fifteen years younger than me, looked like our mother, a very beautiful and well-behaved child, loved by the nurses and doctors at the hospital.”

He mentioned the hospital.

His sister was ill.

Jiang Wei’er sat up, “Where is she now?” Xiao Linsu never talked about his family, and whenever she asked, he would only say he had no family.

He didn’t mention it, and she was afraid to probe his wounds, so she didn’t ask.

He put down the towel, soaked it in hot water, and wrung it out to wipe her hands. His tone was unexpectedly calm as he said, “My sister, she passed away.”

Jiang Wei’er was stunned.

“Our second meeting, that day was the day of her funeral.”

His sister died before she even turned eleven. His parents weren’t around, and he had to conduct the funeral alone with no friends or relatives. He had a few drinks before going to work.

He thought that would be his last piece, that he would leave the industry after finishing it, but then she appeared, full of light, bursting into his life.

Jiang Wei’er remembered that day, meeting him at the Taekwondo Hall. She thought then how contradictory a person he was, outwardly kind and gentle to everyone, yet his eyes held such deep sadness, as if he had given up hope on the world.

It turned out, that day was his sister’s funeral.

“Is it because…” She couldn’t finish her question.

Xiao Linsu nodded, knowing what she was about to ask.

“My sister had a heart condition, she needed to be hospitalized.” He chuckled self-mockingly, “She was unlucky to have a useless brother like me. I couldn’t save her.”

There was a long pause.

Bowing his head, he said, “The money from Jin Song was for saving her life.”

He talked on and on, his words flowing gently and flat, as if he was talking about someone else’s life.

At that time, he had just come of age, his parents both met with hazards— one died, one injured— and he spent all the family savings. His mother was actually saved, but his critically ill sister needed care, and their mother herself removed the respirator.

After his parents’ death, all the relatives turned their backs on him. Still young, the most valuable thing he possessed was his youthful body.

Jin Song was cunning, signing a contract with him. The money and resources provided could only save lives, not afford him any opportunities to thrive. He was tethered like this for eight years.

He set the now cold towel aside, pulling her hand into the covers, “My sister did not wait for a suitable heart transplant and passed away. I wanted to break the contract after that.”

Then she appeared.

Ten years enslaved, the first eight for his sister, the last two for his own selfish desires.

“Jin Song has a video, I was afraid you’d find out,” he held her hand tightly, showing great force, “I was being selfish.”

Her eyes reddened again, and even though he spoke so calmly, she knew the kind of life he had led during those long ten years.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t dare.”

“Why didn’t you dare?”

He was silent for a long time: “I was afraid you’d find me disgusting.”

She suddenly fell silent.

“Wei’er.”

She reached out, starting to unbutton his shirt.

Xiao Linsu held her hand back, “Wei’er.”

“I want to see.”

He shook his head, “The wounds are healed.”

She did not let go, continuing to tug at his buttons, “Let me see.”

“No need to see,” his voice turned hoarse, almost pleading, “Wei’er, I am very dirty.”

All his self-loathing was evident in his eyes, clearly showing helplessness and hatred.

Undeterred, Jiang Wei’er with red eyes shouted at him, “I want to see, I have to see.”

He hesitated for a moment.

“Alright.”

He loosened his grip, allowing her to unbutton his shirt. Below the collarbone, there were many marks; some had healed, some still bore scars, some were burns from cigarette butts, others from whippings.

No wonder, in their two years together, he never touched her.

“What caused this?”

The scar was on his chest, about five centimeters long, and Jiang Wei’er’s fingers gently caressed it.

Xiao Linsu thought for a while, “It’s been too long, I don’t remember.”

“I don’t remember…”

Such an understatement forced tears from her eyes. She leaned in, her lips touching the scar, “Not dirty.”

Looking up into Xiao Linsu’s eyes, Jiang Wei’er said, “You are not dirty at all.”

Each word, felt deeply and sincerely.

He embraced her, finally showing vulnerability, “Wei’er, I am scared…”

The next day, it rained violently.

Imperial City’s winters are always like this, chilling to the bone. This year, the snow and rain were more aggressive than before, seemingly endless.

Four o’clock in the afternoon.

Jin Song had just finished a TV interview when his secretary came over and said, “Vice President, Chairman Jin has gone to meet the Xue Family.”

His brother, really wanting to kill him.

Walking and tidying his suit cuffs, Jin Song asked, “Which member of the Xue Family?”

The secretary replied, “Mr. Xue.”

That traditional Chinese medicine practitioner from the Xue Family?

There had previously been no contact between the Jin and Xue families, and amid the internal strife within Jin Family, it was unlikely that Jin Lei was doing something unnecessary. He wondered what he was plotting.

“Look into that Mr. Xue.”

From the adjacent studio, two people emerged.

“Wei’er,” it was Fang Lixiang, who had just finished recording a variety show and hadn’t removed his makeup yet, “I’m done here. You look unwell; you should head back and rest.”

Jiang Wei’er replied, “No need.”

Looking up, she saw Jin Song approaching.

Jiang Wei’er and Jin Song had met a few times at some upper-class gatherings.

Jin Song, impeccably dressed, approached and said warmly, “Long time no see, Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Wei’er met his gaze coldly.

His eyes were suggestive, they held each other’s gaze for a moment, then brushed past each other.

“Forgot to ask,” he suddenly stopped and sneered, “How’s Linsu’s taste? Even though I’ve worn him out, but—”

Jiang Wei’er couldn’t stand it any longer and lost her temper. She picked up a fire extinguisher from the ground and smashed it hard on his head.

Fang Lixiang was stunned, unable to hold him back in time.

Blood burst forth from the injury.

This was the real Jiang Wei’er, wild and ostentatious.

It was just past five o’clock, and it had already grown dark outside. The lights of thousands of homes and neon lights filled the streets; looking out from a high vantage point, the world was ablaze with the lights of human life.

Jiang Zhi looked out of the window, his mind wandering somewhere. Possibly due to the cold weather, his lung condition wasn’t going to improve in a day or two; he had been coughing severely these last few days and had just coughed up some blood. His complexion was as pale as paper.

Xue Bingxue was performing acupuncture on him, “Your aunt came by yesterday.”

She had come to check on his illness.

Distracted, Jiang Zhi replied, “Hmm.” He asked Ah Wan, “What time is it?”

Ah Wan checked the time and answered, “Five forty-three.”

He had been asking for the time repeatedly since three in the afternoon.

Oh, at three o’clock, Miss Zhou who applied the medical patches had left, saying she would return at six after freshening up at home. Once Miss Zhou left, his spirit seemed to leave as well.

Ah Wan felt this symptom was a bit over the top; he thought it might be an illness. He had watched a Korean drama where the male lead was so in love with the female lead that he fell ill, acting like a madman. He locked the female lead up, insisting on being with her day and night. Ah Wan thought his employer might also be exhibiting symptoms of this illness.

Xue Bingxue was still discussing serious matters, with a stern expression, “Qin Shiyu has also looked over your medical records.”

Still distracted, Jiang Zhi responded, “Hmm.”

“It should be fine; the hospital staff are all your people.”

Jiang Zhi hummed in response.

Completely absent-minded.

Xue Bingxue lifted his shirt, put on gloves, and pressed on his chest, “Does it hurt?”

Jiang Zhi: “No.”

“That’s good.” After listening with a stethoscope for a while, Xue Bingxue said, “You should be able to be discharged in a few days.”

“Let’s stay for now.”

He didn’t want to be discharged yet; getting discharged meant his young lady might not come to report every day so obediently.

Jiang Zhi looked at Ah Wan again, “What time is it?”

Unable to bear it! Ah Wan was getting annoyed, “You just asked!”

Jiang Zhi kept a straight face, his eyes icy as they settled with frost, “What time is it?”

Ah Wan, succumbing to the tyranny of his employer, replied, “Five forty-five.”

Jiang Zhi’s mood soured as he stared at the pair of pink rabbit slippers on the floor. Why hasn’t she arrived yet!

He didn’t know when he had developed this irritating habit, but whenever he couldn’t see her, he felt uneasy and panicky. He couldn’t wait any longer and dialed her number, but—

She! Didn’t! Pick up!

“Miss Zhou isn’t picking up?” Ah Wan saw the frost accumulating on his handsome face and suggested, “Maybe she’s busy and can’t answer the phone. You should try sending a WeChat message.”

Jiang Zhi tossed his phone aside, grabbed a handful of azure blue hair, tore off a heat patch, and threw it into the trash, “Why should I send one?” His tone grew increasingly harsh, “Can’t I live without her?”

Ah Wan: “…” Did he say anything?

Besides, isn’t that the case?

Jiang Zhi scoffed and tore off another heat patch, which Zhou Xufang had applied for him, and threw them all into the trash can.

Then, ten seconds later—

He picked up his phone and sent a WeChat message to Zhou Xufang, blasting five audio messages.

“Zhou Xufang.” A bit fierce.

“It’s almost six!” Very fierce!

“You said you’d be back by six.” His tone softened.

“Where are you?” His tone became gentle.

“Where?” Finally, he sounded plaintive.

Ah Wan: “…”

He was certain, their employer was just as insane as the male lead in those Korean dramas!

Jiang Zhi had sent five voice messages in a row and waited for over ten seconds without a response. Initially annoyed with Zhou Xufang, he couldn’t afford to be annoyed anymore; he started to worry about her.

He sent another one, “Why haven’t you returned to the hospital?”

After waiting about four or five seconds, there was still no response.

His tone became urgent, “Reply to me.”

At last, Zhou Xufang responded, “I’m outside.”

Jiang Zhi asked, “What are you doing outside?”

He asked again, “Are you working again?”

Zhou Xufang typed, slowly, showing ‘typing…’ for a long time, before she finally sent the simple two words: “Something urgent.”

So simple that Jiang Zhi felt she was brushing him off.

Jiang Zhi: “What urgent matter?”

Zhou Xufang: “.”

Jiang Zhi: “Zhou Xufang.”

Zhou Xufang: “.”

Jiang Zhi: …

He couldn’t continue the conversation!

She was being so disobedient; he wanted to drag her back here and bite her!

With a bang, he threw his phone on the table, tore off all the warming patches Zhou Xufang had applied to him, and got up from the sickbed, “I need to go out.”

Xue Bingxue removed her gloves and scoffed at him, “You just said you were going to stay a few more days.”

“I’m going to catch someone.”

Jiang Zhi had just removed the IV needle when his phone, which was on the cabinet, rang. Thinking it was Zhou Xufang, his eyes brightened as he picked it up immediately. Upon seeing the caller, his face darkened again.

“What’s the matter?”

The caller spoke for a while.

Jiang Zhi asked, “What’s Old Madam’s stance on this?”

The call was from the Jiang Mansion.

“Keep an eye on it,” Jiang Zhi hung up and told Xue Bingxue, “My aunt is in the police station.”

Xue Bingxue became anxious at once, “What happened to Wei’er?”

“She hit Jin Song, and that beast is now suing her,” Jiang Zhi took the coat Ah Wan handed to him, “And the Old Madam has spoken; no one is allowed to bail her out.”

Old Lady Jiang was waiting, waiting for Linsu to lower his pride.

In the evening, the rain had stopped.

Outside the police station, under the streetlight, shadows elongated. The air was heavy with moisture from the recent rain, foggy and the light passing through it hazy, reminiscent of a misty Jiangnan landscape.

“How will you agree to drop the charges?”

Under the light, Linsu’s eyes were covered with frost.

Jin Song’s head was wrapped in a bandage, he smiled at Linsu, looking decent but his gaze was a mix of light taunting and deep malignance, “You really like her, huh?”

“It’s none of your business.”

Jin Song’s smile grew wider, slight wrinkles crinkling at the corners of his eyes, “Didn’t you say that you just liked her identity as the Jiang Family’s fifth son?”

Linsu remained silent, his gaze icy cold.

Jin Song then lost his smile, pulled out a cigar from his pocket, and lit it, “You’ve followed me for so many years, there’s no sentiment but there’s face. Listen to me, save yourself, the Old Madam Jiang is too formidable; you’re no match for her.”

“Are you targeting the Jiang Family?”

He had sent someone to jail, not just to vent anger but also with ulterior motives.

Jin Song didn’t deny it, nor did he try to conceal the contempt and disdain in his gaze: “You see, this is the difference between you and Jiang Wei’er. Let’s not even talk about the Imperial City’s Jiang Family; you don’t even have the capital to negotiate with me.”

Linsu glared with eyes full of fury.

The eighteen-year-old youth, whose wings had already hardened, Jin Song flicked off some cigar ash, “Linsu, remember, if one does not seek his own interest, he courts his own destruction.”

Snuffing out his cigar, Jin Song left.

Linsu stood under the streetlight for a long time before taking out his phone: “Old Madam Jiang, it’s me, Linsu.”

Jin Song’s secretary was waiting on the opposite side of the road, the car parked by the curb. Seeing someone approach, he got out of the car.

“Vice President,” the secretary opened the car door for him, “Heading back to the company?”

Jin Song got in the car: “Help me set up a meeting with Mr. Xue.”

The secretary had started the car and just responded when suddenly, a shadow lurched onto the road, startling him, and he immediately slammed on the brakes.

The car jerked to a halt, Jin Song lurching forward.

“What kind of driving is this?”

“Vice President, there’s someone.”

Following that—

The sound of metal scraping on the ground grew closer and louder. As night fell and all else was silent, this sound was especially chilling.

Jin Song looked out the car window and saw a vague outline of a person dressed all in black, the hat almost completely covering the face, leaving only two eyes shining.

He couldn’t tell if it was a man or a woman, but they were dragging an iron rod, emerging from the darkness.

Jin Song’s nerves were on edge, his voice trembling involuntarily, “Who are you?”

“Come down.”

The voice was crisp and cold—female.

“You—”

She interrupted, “I am Black Impermanence,” her voice chillingly emotionless, “I’ve come for your life.”