Chapter 151: It's Impossible for Me to Be With Xu Yihuan

Xu Yihuan didn't know what had happened; she just felt like she had slept in a daze.

When I woke up again, all I saw was a snow-white hospital room and the smell of disinfectant.

She opened her eyes in a daze and immediately saw Tan Zhixu sitting next to her.

"You're awake? Are you thirsty? Would you like some water?"

"Never mind, the doctor said you can't drink water. I'll use a cotton swab to moisten your lips."

Tan Zhixu was quick to act; he even managed to spare a hand to help Xu Yihuan up when he noticed out of the corner of his eye that she wanted to sit down.

Why are you here?

"Your brain would have fried if I hadn't come."

What's the date today?

"I'll stay here with you for a few days on the 26th of the twelfth lunar month, and I have to go back on the 28th."

His family doesn't know he's in Yuncheng yet. The New Year is coming soon, and he can't not go back.

Xu Yihuan nodded to indicate that she understood.

How did I get to the hospital?

Xu Yihuan clearly remembered falling asleep on the sofa.

Tan Zhixu pursed his lips: "No one's home, so I had Zhou Yanzhe come."

"But I was the one who called the ambulance!!"

Tan Zhixu argued forcefully, fearing that others would take credit for his work.

Xu Yihuan smiled weakly and pinched Tan Zhixu's cheek: "I know, you deserve the most credit, okay?"

Tan Zhixu hummed softly twice: "Of course."

"Where's my dad? Hasn't he come back yet?"

"Uncle went to buy you food. The doctor said you'll most likely wake up today, and Uncle was worried you'd be hungry, so he went to buy you food in advance."

Xu Yihuan nodded knowingly, relieved to know that her father had returned.

However, at that moment, in the hospital corridor just a wall away, Xu Rongyu was walking over carrying a boxed lunch, which contained millet porridge that he had carefully packed.

As soon as I reached the door of the ward, I saw a person standing in front of me, looking through the window at my daughter's ward.

"Aze? What are you doing standing outside?"

Xu Rongyu couldn't muster a smile. She hadn't expected that her daughter would fall ill again just a few days after she left. She realized that she really couldn't leave Xu Yihuan alone at home anymore.

"Oh, I..."

Xu Rongyu seemed to suddenly realize: "Is it because those two young lovers are inside?"

"Then I'll sit outside for a while. Come on, come and chat with your uncle."

Zhou Yanzhe was a little at a loss, but he still complied with Xu Rongyu's wishes and sat down next to him.

"You've known Huanhuan for over ten years, haven't you?"

“Fifteen years, Uncle.” Zhou Yanzhe said this with a hint of pride.

They moved here when they were children, and have been neighbors for a full fifteen years now.

"Yes, it's been fifteen years. I didn't expect you two to still be so close. I heard before that my Huanhuan likes you, but I know that's just a rumor. Otherwise, if my Huanhuan were so great, wouldn't you two have been together long ago? What would be the point of Ah Xu now?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yanzhe immediately tried to explain, "No, Uncle..."

Xu Rongyu waved her hand: "Alright, don't be in such a hurry. I know you and Huanhuan are close, but Huanhuan already has a boyfriend. It's a bit disrespectful for her to hang out with male friends now, don't you think?"

Xu Rong's words were full of hints.

How could Zhou Yanzhe not understand? His bandaged hands hung limply at his sides.

With a slightly downcast expression, he said, "Yes, Uncle, Yihuan and I are friends."

Xu Rongyu stood up with satisfaction and patted Zhou Yanzhe on the shoulder.

"Good child, I will ask the best doctor to treat your hand. I will make sure you don't have any aftereffects. If you have any other requests, just tell your uncle. I will do everything I can to fulfill them."

Zhou Yanzhe understood the implication in the words, his eyes immediately reddened, and he stood up to try to explain: "No, Uncle!"

"Whether you believe it or not, I saved Huanhuan not to ask you for anything..."

Zhou Yanzhe wanted to say that it was because he simply liked her, but his personality didn't allow him to say such things directly.

His face flushed red, and he looked somewhat flustered.

Xu Rongyu didn't argue further; he didn't have much time and needed to go inside to see his daughter.

So I just went along with what he said: "Yes, I know, you're a good kid."

After saying that, Xu Rongyu patted Zhou Yanzhe on the shoulder, composed himself, and pushed open the ward door with a smile.

Zhou Yanzhe glanced at the scene inside through the window again, gritted his teeth, and turned to leave.

He knew Xu Rongyu didn't believe him, but as long as Zhou Yanzhe was still alive, he would prove it to him!

As soon as she got home, Shen Yanxin came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of food.

"You're back, Aze? Come and eat!"

"I rarely cook, so come and taste it and see if my skills have deteriorated."

As Shen Yanxin spoke, she took the apron off her body.

The table was already laden with dishes, a rich variety and vibrant color, with an elaborate presentation no less than that of a holiday.

Zhou Yanzhe was taken aback for a moment, then looked at his mother and forced a smile, saying, "Mom, why did you make so many dishes today?"

"Hey, your dad's coming home today, right? Our family landed that project in the eastern suburbs! Soon the company will be able to take another step forward!"

Shen Yanxin was also very happy.

"The eastern suburbs? Wasn't that the Xu family's property?"

"Right? I don't know what your Uncle Xu has been busy with lately. He has withdrawn from many projects in Yuncheng, and this project that was originally prepared has also been abandoned. Instead, he has invested in quite a few projects in Beijing."

"This project was originally scheduled to be auctioned this Friday, but for some reason, yesterday, I think, your Uncle Xu invited your dad to dinner and then gave the project to your dad."

"Oh dear, I don't know either. Hurry up and wash your hands and eat."

As Shen Yanxin finished speaking, Zhou Yanzhe trembled all over.

"So he just accepted it?!" Zhou Yanzhe's eyes were bloodshot, and he trembled in disbelief.

Why wouldn't you want something given away for free? It's a good thing!

These words struck Zhou Yanzhe like a thunderbolt, making him weak and unable to stand.

"What right do you have to take this?!"

"Do you know that because of this, Xu Yihuan and I can never be together again?!"

Why didn't you ask for my opinion before signing the contract?!

Zhou Yanzhe roared with all his might, and when he recalled the words he had confidently sworn to Xu Rongyu, his face felt as if he had been slapped, burning with pain.

A sense of embarrassment and awkwardness filled my heart, and of course, even more so, a feeling of sorrow.

He can no longer pursue Xu Yihuan...

He had no reason to approach Xu Yihuan anymore, because her family had accepted "kickbacks" from him.

Seeing Zhou Yanzhe's crazed state, Shen Yanxin's original joy vanished without a trace. She glanced at the door, took two steps forward, and slapped Zhou Yanzhe hard across the face.

"Don't spoil my fun! I'm telling you, it's a good thing that things are going well at home. Don't play dead!"

Zhou Yanzhe's head was turned to the side by the slap.

She looked at Shen Yanxin in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes and sliding down her cheeks as she turned her head.