Chapter 137: Staying Behind (3)

"That's for the best." Nan Zixi smiled, looking as innocent as could be. "Alright, I really have to go meet my friends now. See you at school tomorrow."

"This guy," Duanmu Ningyi said, watching him wave and walk away cheerfully. She frowned slightly. "Sooner or later, someone is going to put you in your place."

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After three days in the hospital, Gu Heng was finally discharged.

Qiao Xi and Gu Heng’s mother had been taking turns looking after him over the last few days. Because his mother had urgent business at the company and couldn't make it, Qiao Xi was the one to bring him home.

Once inside, she set their things down and headed straight for the kitchen.

Gu Heng's mother had simmered some soup before leaving, saying it would be ready to serve as soon as she brought him home.

Qiao Xi filled a bowl, brought it out, and carefully placed it on the table. "It's still very hot. Wait a bit before you drink it."

"Why is there only one bowl?" Gu Heng asked.

"I'll get another once you've finished that one," Qiao Xi replied.

Gu Heng looked at her in silence.

"I'll go get it now." Qiao Xi returned to the kitchen. Gu's mother had insisted that they both should have the soup, though Qiao Xi had originally intended to save it all for Gu Heng.

She soon emerged with a second bowl and set it on the table.

"Once you're done with the soup, go back to your room and rest. I'll come get you when it's time for dinner."

"I'm not tired."

"The doctor said you need to rest more."

"I've already been lying in a hospital bed for three days," Gu Heng countered.

"Then we'll go out to the yard and soak up some sun for a while," Qiao Xi suggested after a moment's thought.

Gu Heng nodded.

They finished their soup, and after she cleared the bowls into the kitchen, she brought two chairs out to the yard. They sat down, leaning back against the wall.

The temperature was just right, and the sunlight felt incredibly pleasant on their skin, making them feel drowsy.

She turned her head to look at Gu Heng, only to find him staring at her.

He had been staring at her like this for the past few days.

"Is there something on my face?" she asked.

"No," Gu Heng replied, but he didn't look away.

Qiao Xi was used to it by now and didn't dwell on it.

"I'll play some music for you," she said, pulling out her phone.

It was hard to tell who had influenced whom, but they both enjoyed listening to soft, melodic tracks.

The gentle music drifted through the quiet yard, sounding particularly beautiful.

They listened in silence, neither speaking, yet the atmosphere felt completely natural. Before long, however, Qiao Xi drifted off to sleep.

She had been taking care of him for days with very little rest, and with such lovely weather, the warmth of the sun, and the soothing music, it was easy to fall asleep.

Gu Heng watched her quietly, not making a sound.

She looked even more serene in her sleep than usual. The sunlight reflected on her fair cheek, adding a touch of softness to her features.

He leaned closer until she was within arm's reach, her delicate features clearly etched in his gaze—charming and warm.

He raised his hand, his fingertips brushing against her cheek...

He moved with the utmost gentleness, not wanting to wake her.

The light touch only seemed to tickle her, and her eyelashes fluttered.

Seeing this, Gu Heng quickly pulled his hand away.

Qiao Xi didn't wake up; she merely shifted instinctively to find a more comfortable position, naturally resting her head on his shoulder.

Gu Heng didn't move, afraid of waking her.

By three in the afternoon, everyone else was either at school or at work, so the surroundings were still and quiet. Accompanied by the lyrical music, which acted almost like a lullaby, Qiao Xi slept even more soundly.

A light breeze drifted by, blowing a few strands of black hair across her cheek. He reached out and carefully brushed them aside.

Then, he simply remained there, watching over her.