bookpower Chapter 230
Chapter 230
As expected, Xu Zhengyang brought people to the Second Hospital that evening, heading straight for Xu Guimin's ward. There were indeed several people guarding the door of the ward.
Xu Zhengyang was prepared; he had brought quite a few people with him, confident he could take his father back. However, before they could even get close to the ward door, an alarm went off. Perhaps feeling guilty, Xu Zhengyang lost his nerve and immediately retreated with his men.
That night, the family of three returned to Ziyue Manor. Zhengzheng had slept too much during the day and showed no signs of drowsiness even at nine o'clock. Shen Yin had no choice but to stay and play with Zhengzheng in her room.
Xu Xiuhe was also too preoccupied to sleep. He shut himself in the study, pondering how to handle this thorny issue. For him, this matter was far more challenging than any work-related problem.
Xu Xiuhe felt utterly conflicted. While he harbored a deep hatred for Xu Guimin, he couldn't bear to see him harmed by others. Shen Tianzheng and Fang Yue were right; no matter what, he couldn't change the fact that his surname was Xu.
No matter how much he tried to avoid it, he couldn't escape.
The blood of Xu Guimin flowed through his veins, and he couldn't ignore this situation.
As he was lost in thought, his phone on the desk rang. Xu Xiuhe answered; it was Xue Jingrui making a group voice call.
"Hey, Xiuhe, I saw today's trending news," Xue Jingrui said.
"Yeah, I saw him this afternoon."
"How is he?"
"Not dead yet."
"The old man's got a tough life. People outside are saying he might already be..."
Chang Zhiyuan had joined the call at some point.
"If you need any help, just say the word. We're brothers after all," Xue Jingrui offered.
"Alright, thanks."
"So, what's your plan now? Are you going to respond to the news?"
"I've taken him away from Yang Cui."
"What? Did I hear that right? You got Xu Guimin away from Yang Cui?" Chang Zhiyuan exclaimed in shock.
"You heard correctly."
"Brother, I'm impressed. As soon as my leg heals and I can walk, I'll come to praise you in person."
"Did you catch up with Shu Yi?" Xue Jingrui interjected.
"Has Qi Ji fallen for you?" Chang Zhiyuan retorted, not to be outdone.
"Come on, let's hurt each other's feelings. Who can't do that?" Chang Zhiyuan said thickly. Just from his tone of voice, one could imagine his expression – eyes half-closed, a look of resignation on his face.
"You two are being a bit childish," Xu Xiuhe commented.
"It can't. It's too important," he said firmly.
Seeing Xue Jingrui's serious and determined expression, Ye Rong stopped objecting.
"Qi Ji, put on a coat. Make sure to stay warm," Ye Rong said, handing Qi Ji her coat.
"Thanks, Mom," Qi Ji replied.
Qi Ji followed Xue Jingrui to the adjacent study.
"Jingrui, why did you call me out so late? Is there something urgent?" Qi Ji asked.
"Yes."
"Qi Ji, do you like me?"
"Of course I do."
Xue Jingrui was taken aback for a moment.
"I don't mean the kind of like where you see me as a brother. I mean the kind of like – no, love – between a man and a woman. The kind of love I feel for you."
Qi Ji was stunned by this sudden confession. Was this really happening? He called her out in the middle of the night to confess his love?
"Jingrui, are you... confessing your love to me?" Qi Ji knew that they had a ambiguous relationship before, and she could feel that Jingrui liked her, but she never expected him to say it out loud so soon.
"Yes, I am confessing. I love you, and I want to be with you always."
...
Was this how older men confessed their love? So direct, without any beating around the bush?
Qi Ji's face turned red with embarrassment.
"Oh," was all she could manage.
"You can't just say 'oh.' What do you think? Do you love me?" Xue Jingrui pressed.
"Why are you being so direct? Don't you think I might be shy?" Qi Ji said in a small voice, almost as if she were pouting.
"Then how should I ask? Can you stay with me forever?"
"I want to stay with you forever."
Qi Ji didn't beat around the bush either. This was how adult love should be - ambiguous when it's ambiguous, and straightforward once things are clear.
After getting the answer he wanted, Xue Jingrui wished he could scoop Qi Ji into his arms and spin him around. However, his delicate wife was pregnant, so he could only imagine it.
"Can I kiss you?"