Chapter 32: Young Men Should Practice Moderation

Hospital.

"Doctor, how is she? Has the drug worn off?"

Xie Yuhuai’s eyes were filled with anxiety as he looked at Yu Zi, who had already fallen into a deep sleep. Although he was asking the question, his gaze remained fixed intently on her.

"You young people, you’re always so reckless with what you ingest. Fortunately, the dosage she took wasn't very high, and the effects have now been neutralized." The doctor recorded notes in the medical chart, muttering as he spoke. "However, it would be best to have a full check-up tomorrow morning once she wakes up. Be more careful in the future; don't just eat or drink anything you’re given, or you’ll regret it when it’s too late."

"Understood. Thank you, Doctor. I will bring her in for the check-up tomorrow."

Xie Yuhuai listened to the doctor’s instructions with earnest attention. It was clear to anyone how much he cared about Yu Zi. After a few more parting words, the doctor left the room.

Once the door clicked shut, Xie Yuhuai sat down in the chair beside Yu Zi, his eyes devouring her features. Since they had first met, this was the quietest he had ever seen her. He could already imagine the look of disgust she would cast upon him the moment she woke up. At the thought of it, he closed his eyes in agony. He stood up, stepped out of the room, leaned against the wall, and dialed a number.

"Have you found any leads on the matter I asked you to investigate?"

There was a moment of hesitation on the other end before a reply came.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Xie. The leads from back then were too sparse, and given how many years have passed, we still haven't made any progress."

"Very well. Keep looking. If you find something, I will reward you handsomely."

He wasn't particularly disappointed by the detective's answer, as he hadn't been able to uncover anything himself. Still, he wasn't willing to let go of even the slightest chance. Listening to the obsequious tone on the other end, Xie Yuhuai felt a surge of impatience. He offered a few perfunctory words and hung up.

Taking a deep breath, he returned to the room and sat by Yu Zi’s side. He didn't sleep at all that night, watching her face with a trace of obsession. He reached out to gently trace her features, but the moment his fingers brushed her skin, Yu Zi instinctively furrowed her brows. Xie Yuhuai immediately pulled his hand back. Only when her breathing turned steady once more did he let out a soft sigh.

"Yu Zi, oh Yu Zi, what am I to do with you?"

***

The next day.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the window. Yu Zi’s eyelids fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

The next second, she found herself locked in a gaze with Xie Yuhuai, who had been watching her the entire time.

After a sleepless night, Xie Yuhuai’s eyes were bloodshot, a sight that was startling to behold. Yu Zi licked her lips, a complicated feeling rising within her. But as she recalled the events of the past, her wavering heart hardened once again. Some mistakes only need to be made once; she couldn't be foolish enough to fall into the same trap twice.

Her gaze grew cold.

"You stayed here and watched over me all night?"

Xie Yuhuai didn't speak. He only looked at her in silence, which served as his admission.

"Thank you."

It was a long while before Yu Zi finally uttered those words. Then, she took out her phone and, right in front of him, transferred five thousand yuan to his account.

Xie Yuhuai gritted his teeth so hard that Yu Zi could faintly hear the grinding sound. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at her, looking as though he had suffered an unbearable humiliation.

"Yu Zi, what is the meaning of this?"