Chapter 16: The Gift

I instinctively clutched the blanket tightly, my whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Liang Lei seemed startled by Fu Shuhua’s sudden outburst of anger; the fruit basket in her hands slipped to the floor, bright red apples scattering everywhere.

She glanced cautiously at Fu Shuhua, then quickly lowered her eyes, a shadow of gloom settling beneath her eyelids.

“Shuhua... I...” Her voice was soft and faint.

Fu Shuhua strode over to her, looking down from above with an icy, terrifying gaze. “What are you doing here?”

Liang Lei’s face went pale, her lips trembling slightly, yet she could not utter a single word.

“Get out!” Fu Shuhua shouted angrily, causing Liang Lei to shudder.

Her complexion turned deathly pale, her delicate body trembling slightly, tears rapidly welling up in her eyes.

Biting her lower lip, tears glistened on her long eyelashes, refusing to fall, her pitiful, tearful expression resembling a frightened fawn.

“Shuhua, I know you blame me for Teacher Jiang Tian falling into the water, and I feel so guilty... It’s all my fault for wanting a better effect, pushing too hard... It’s all my fault... I just wanted to practice acting with Teacher Jiang Tian, I never expected such an accident to happen...”

Such a perfect display of feigned innocence and manipulation—faced with this performance, I felt ashamed of my own sincerity.

I crossed my arms over my chest and watched Liang Lei with keen interest. Fu Shuhua faced her, shoulders tense, confronting her with a rigid stance.

Would Fu Shuhua believe her? That thought suddenly flashed through my mind.

But I quickly scolded myself.

How could I entertain such a thought? Although he saved me, given my relationship with Fu Shuhua, I shouldn’t harbor even the slightest unrealistic hope for him.

---

Liang Lei took a delicate velvet box from her handbag.

Opening it, a warm and translucent mutton-fat jade bracelet lay quietly inside, intricately carved with a lifelike phoenix. Under the light, it shimmered brilliantly.

Upon seeing the bracelet, Fu Shuhua’s expression noticeably faltered.

I recognized it immediately—it was a precious gift from the Fu family to Liang Lei, his future fiancée.

“Shuhua, I want to give this bracelet to Teacher Jiang Tian. I am truly sorry... Teacher Jiang Tian, this was specially purchased by the Fu family at last year’s charity auction for me. I hope you will accept it and forgive me.”

Tears streamed down Liang Lei’s cheeks in large drops, gathering into a larger bead beneath her chin.

Her acting was far too convincing, and I felt a surge of anger rising within me.

Just as I was about to lash out, Fu Shuhua stepped aside.

Choking on her sobs, Liang Lei extended the jade bracelet toward me.

When I lowered my head, I clearly saw the smile in her eyes.

“Forgive you? Why should I... you...” I couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Jiang Tian, that’s enough.” Fu Shuhua suddenly interrupted, sharply scolding me.

Startled, I clutched my chest, staring at him in disbelief.

“You...” I retorted bitterly.

Indeed, why should I expect Fu Shuhua to stand on my side?

---

Liang Lei is his fiancée, but what am I? Merely a little bird he once kept for a time, something he never allowed to be seen.

“Miss Liang, Mr. Fu, I’m tired and want to rest. You may leave now.”

“Jiang Tian, since you accepted the gift, we will take our leave.”

I took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the turbulent emotions within me.

Tears welled in my eyes; blinking hard, I raised my head and smiled at Fu Shuhua.

“This is a gift from the Fu family to their future daughter-in-law. What right do I, an outsider, have to accept it?” I tilted my head, my voice trembling uncontrollably.

I’m prone to crying easily—not because I truly want to, but because I’m so furious that tears refuse to hold back.

Fu Shuhua was momentarily stunned, frowning as he looked at me.

His gaze seemed filled with confusion, pity, and emotions I could not understand.

After a moment, he lifted his head, grabbed Liang Lei’s arm, and said, “She’s tired; let’s go.”

Then he turned to me and said, “The assistant will bring you a nourishing meal shortly. Be sure to eat it while it’s warm.”

With that, he pulled Liang Lei out of the hospital room.