Chapter 16

"The patient is out of danger. Family members can go in and see him now," a stranger's voice sounded from above. "When will he wake up?" "The patient is asleep now, but he should wake up soon." Lin Shizhao forced a weak smile at the doctor, dragging her exhausted body toward the hospital room. Gu Helin's pale lips were tightly pressed together, his face devoid of color. Tears welled up in Lin Shizhao's eyes again. She leaned down, her trembling body hovering over him, and gently pressed a kiss onto his cold lips. The warmth of her lips gradually faded, replaced by the bitter taste of tears. Just as she straightened up, a weak but firm hand pulled her back. Her reddened eyes met Gu Helin’s deep, dark gaze. Realizing what had happened, her face immediately flushed. "You’re hurt. Don’t move so recklessly, or your wound will reopen." "It doesn’t matter. My heart already has a hole in it—only you can heal it." That familiar, teasing smile reappeared on his face as he lay in bed, his dark eyes fixed on her. "Now’s really not the time for jokes." "But look at me—I’m fine. You, on the other hand, were disobedient." "I’m sorry… I—" "It’s not your fault. It’s all because of that bastard, Tan Jiang." "Gu Helin, does it hurt?" Lin Shizhao’s voice trembled with sobs. "I’m fine." The corners of the boy’s lips curved up slightly. Gu Helin reached out and gently brushed his fingers across her cheek, wiping away her tears. This time, she didn’t avoid his touch—she simply gazed at him in silence, as if this was what her heart had always longed for. With a sudden "click," the hospital room door swung open. A man stepped inside, dressed in a black suit, crisp white shirt, and a neatly tied blue tie. His posture was straight and imposing. Behind him followed Xia Wen, dressed in an elegant white tweed suit, a designer handbag in hand. Gu Zhiwei and his wife had returned. "Helin, how’s your condition?" Gu Zhiwei was the first to speak, his voice filled with concern. "Not great, but I won’t die." The smile on Gu Helin’s face had already dimmed. "What do you mean 'won’t die'? The moment your mother and I got the call, we rushed back overnight. We were terrified something had happened to you!" "Oh, so now you suddenly care about me? I thought all you ever worried about was your precious company." Having grown up deprived of parental affection, Gu Helin had always had a strained relationship with his father. The two could never have a conversation without it turning into an argument. "You… Is this how you talk to your father?" Gu Zhiwei’s face darkened, his voice trembling with anger. Xia Wen gently held onto his arm, patting it lightly. "Don’t stoop to the level of a child. The important thing is that he’s safe." She then turned to Gu Helin and spoke softly, "Xiao Lin, your father does care about you. He’s been worried the entire way here." "We already know about the police situation. Someone will take care of it. Just stay away from those kinds of people in the future. Try to behave at school. Not that I can control you anyway—just watch yourself." "If not for your own sake, then at least think about your sister." Having said his piece, Gu Zhiwei turned and left the room. Xia Wen took Lin Shizhao’s hand and led her into the hallway, lowering her voice. "They didn’t hurt you, did they?" Lin Shizhao’s tears spilled over instantly, blurring her vision. She shook her head desperately. "As long as you're okay. I can’t always be by your side, so stay away from them at school and take care of yourself." Xia Wen gently patted her daughter’s head and placed a soft kiss on the crown of her hair. In that moment, warmth filled Lin Shizhao’s heart—a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time.