Chapter 15: Sweet Tenderness

In the haze of consciousness, I felt someone whispering by my ear, like a feather gently brushing against my cheek, tickling me.

I struggled to open my eyes, and the white ceiling came into view, the scent of disinfectant filling my nostrils.

Only then did I realize I was lying on a hospital bed.

Turning my head, I saw Fu Shuhua sitting by the bedside, propping his chin with one hand.

He had fallen asleep, his brows tightly furrowed, thick lashes casting a shadow beneath his eyelids, his handsome face looking slightly pale.

A faint blue stubble had begun to sprout on his chin, his usually immaculate shirt was now creased, and he appeared utterly exhausted.

Unexpectedly, my heart softened inexplicably, and I instinctively reached out to smooth the furrowed brow.

But just as my fingertips were about to touch his skin, I withdrew my hand as if shocked.

My God! What am I doing?! I’m actually feeling sorry for Fu Shuhua...

Immediately, memories of his past cruel behavior flooded my mind, my reason returning as I glanced apprehensively at my still hovering hand.

Fu Shuhua was awakened by this subtle movement.

“Tian Tian, you’re finally awake! How do you feel? Any discomfort anywhere?”

He grasped my hand abruptly, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

His motion was swift; my half-withdrawn hand was tightly enveloped by his large palm.

My heart twitched again, but I knew this was no time for tenderness. I jerked my hand back sharply and turned my head coldly.

“Let go.”

Fu Shuhua’s hand froze mid-air, his expression instantly hardening.

After a long pause, he sneered, “Looks like your brain’s not fried.”

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and fought to suppress the turbulent emotions within.

He stood up, and I instinctively dodged backward.

But instead of advancing, he pressed the call button beside the bed.

Soon, doctors and nurses filed in one after another, methodically conducting a series of thorough examinations.

I scanned the room and recognized from the signage that this was a prestigious private hospital in the city, with a hefty price tag.

For a moment, I glanced at Fu Shuhua, who was watching me intently. Our eyes met briefly before I quickly looked away.

“Miss Jiang, how are you feeling? Any discomfort anywhere?” the doctor asked gently.

I shook my head, “Just a little cold.”

The doctor nodded, asked a few more questions, then turned to Fu Shuhua.

“The patient isn’t seriously ill — just caught a chill and was frightened into a temporary coma. After the IV drip and some rest, she’ll be fine.”

“Understood.”

Fu Shuhua had been standing silently nearby, watching me without moving, like a wooden figure.

Only now did he seem to react, his brow furrowed as he began to speak.

“Thank you, Doctor,” he said quietly, his voice hoarse.

The doctor nodded, gave some instructions, and then left the room.

Only Fu Shuhua and I remained in the ward.

Silence stretched through the air, the atmosphere thick with awkwardness.

“You should rest. If you need anything, just call me,” the man said as he got up and sat back down at the bedside to smoke.

Confirming he wasn’t looking at me, the tightness in my chest eased somewhat.

I sent a message to Brother Ji to let him know I was safe, replied to Xiaoya’s concern, and then stared absentmindedly around the large room.

Just then, the ward door opened, and Liang Lei entered carrying a basket of fruit.

“Why are you here?” I looked at the woman in the red dress with utter aversion, unable to hide my disgust.

Liang Lei wore a concerned smile as she approached my bed, her face radiating false warmth. “Teacher Jiang Tian, how are you feeling? You really scared me. I’m so relieved you’re okay.”

I looked at her hypocritical expression with cold contempt, a wave of nausea rising in me.

At that moment, Fu Shuhua suddenly stood up beside me, clenching his teeth as he uttered that name.

“Liang... Lei.”