The bright red blood reflected the light, and the room was filled with a faint, oppressive atmosphere.

The scene on the ground was laid out before Hu Shiquan, who was speechless with astonishment.

Hu Song held his head in his hands, his body covered in wounds, thick blood slowly seeping out. He was breathing heavily, but so lightly that it was impossible to hear unless you were fully focused.

"Song'er," Hu Shiquan called out tremblingly.

Hu Song turned over, his fair face drained of all color.

"Song'er, Daddy, Daddy will make a call right now." Hu Shiquan picked up the phone, then suddenly put it down, gently picked up Hu Song, and took her back to her room. "Song'er, now is the most crucial time for Daddy's promotion."

Hu Song opened his mouth and made a "uh-uh" sound, like a machine tape being stuck.

"Song'er, I'm sorry you had to go through all this for Daddy." Hu Shiquan rubbed Hu Song's head. He hurriedly rummaged through drawers and cabinets, and only after a flurry of activity did he finally find the first-aid kit.

After taking off his clothes and hastily applying the medicine, Hu Shiquan was exhausted, both physically and mentally, after a busy night. Hu Song was unharmed, and Hu Shiquan went back to his room to sleep.

The next day, Hu Song developed a high fever, and his mind became muddled.

Hu Shiquan didn't want outsiders to know about this, so he took a day off and stayed by Hu Song's side without taking off his clothes, providing him with ice packs, millet porridge, and fever reducers.

"You little rascal, you're sleeping soundly."

Looking at Hu Song, who was completely naked on the bed, Hu Shiquan felt a surge of anger for no reason.

Hu Songcai came to the school two weeks later.

Ji Xiaoxiao rushed over to Class 9 and walked in as if nothing had happened. Hu Song was wearing thick clothes, and his healthy skin had become dark and rough. His sunken eye sockets were filled with lifeless eyes. He stared fixedly ahead, but his eyes reflected nothing.

“Hu Song,” Ji Xiaoxiao said softly.

Hu Song turned his head, “…”.

"What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?" Ji Xiaoxiao asked.

She knelt down and gently stroked Hu Song's cheek with her warm palm.

Hu Songyang forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, opened his mouth, and spoke in a hoarse voice, seemingly a consequence of prolonged, hysterical screaming and yelling.

Ji Xiaoxiao had a bad feeling and pulled Hu Song out of the classroom.

In the school's grove, groups of wild mandarin ducks gathered in secret.

Beneath a slightly tall tree, dappled shadows cast a deep and tranquil atmosphere.

"Hu Song, don't be afraid." Ji Xiaoxiao hugged Hu Song, trying to use her petite body to comfort the numb Hu Song. Although she didn't know what kind of strange things Hu Song had encountered, logically speaking, Hu Song's abnormality must be related to Hu Shiquan.

Hu Song was stunned for a long time before raising his hand to hug Ji Xiaoxiao back.

"Xiao Lan?"

"Yes, I'm here."

"Xiao Lan?"

"Yes, I'm here."

"Xiao Lan, will you leave me?"

"No," Ji Xiaoxiao said firmly.

"What if I no longer..."

Ji Xiaoxiao pushed Hu Song away, and Hu Song's narration came to an abrupt end.

Hu Song's face was ashen, and his lips trembled involuntarily.

“I don’t know what happened to you, but as a man, it’s a huge mistake to beg others for help. Hu Song, you have to pull yourself together.” Ji Xiaoxiao stepped forward, grabbed Hu Song’s hand tightly, leaving no gap. “I won’t leave you, at least not now. Hu Song, I, Yang Xiaolan, love you.”

This was the most serious confession Ji Xiaoxiao ever made.

Hu Song was overjoyed and wept with joy.

"Thank you." Hu Song cried for a while, then raised his head again, his eyes firm. His previous cowardice and sadness had vanished. He straightened his back, his deep gaze seeing through the illusion.

Ji Xiaoxiao could clearly sense that the person in front of him was no longer a young and ignorant brat, but a mature man who had experienced many ups and downs, a pillar who could shelter a family from the wind and rain.

"Can you tell me what happened now?"

It is human nature to seek out secrets and pursue the truth.

Hu Song forced a smile and said he was alright.

Ji Xiaoxiao frowned, but said nothing.

The two stood under the tree for a long time. Ji Xiaoxiao could vaguely smell a scent emanating from Hu Song, a faint scent that seemed to be cologne used by adult men.

"Hu Song, are you using cologne?" Ji Xiaoxiao asked.

Hu Song, as if in a state of extreme shock, quickly covered his clothes with both hands, firmly concealing the view at his neckline. Ji Xiaoxiao followed his gaze and thought she saw a red mark.

"You were hit?" The red marks were long and thin, probably caused by a small whip.

"It was Hu Shiquan who hit you, wasn't it?" Ji Xiaoxiao was furious. Damn it, how dare he touch my people? Does that old bastard have a death wish?

Hu Song shook his head, awkwardly changing the subject. It's not gentlemanly to force someone to do something against their will, and Ji Xiaoxiao, mindful of Hu Song's feelings, didn't press the matter further. Instead, she went along with Hu Song's wishes, rambling on about all sorts of things.

"Hahaha……."

Find joy in hardship!

The two skipped a class and returned to their respective classrooms, where the teachers were waiting for them. After being severely reprimanded and lectured, Ji Xiaoxiao waited patiently for Hu Song at 9:30 p.m.

Nine-thirty, ten o'clock, ten-thirty, the sky grew darker and darker.

Why aren't they out yet?

"If the mountain won't save me, I'll go to the mountain," Ji Xiaoxiao told the gatekeeper and lined up in the third-class classroom.

Classroom of Class 3.

The ceiling lights were all on, and the rustling sound of writing was clearly audible.

Ji Xiaoxiao looked up and saw Hu Song sitting in his seat, writing furiously.

"Hu Song, it's late, you should go home." Ji Xiaoxiao reminded Hu Song to take care of himself. Hu Song put down his pen and smiled gently, "Xiao Lan, I'll do a few more problems. You can go home first, don't wait for me."

Ji Xiaoxiao ignored Hu Song's words and silently sat down in the seat next to him.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!