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He couldn’t believe Situ Shuyao would stoop so low as to plagiarize the young man's research, claiming it as his own.

In these apocalyptic times, producing an antidote was an immense contribution.

This could ensure eternal admiration and reverence from everyone.

The young man must have compromised with the Situ family to protect Situ Ran.

Thinking about the sacrifices the young man made for him, Situ Ran's heart ached even more.

Everything that was said was true – he had indeed been betrayed by the Situ family.

And the person he once detested had been protecting him all along.

Earlier, when the young man mentioned Situ Shuyao in his presence, was he standing up for Situ Ran?

He hadn't expected the young man to care for him so deeply.

Is this the difference between genuine and feigned concern? What treasure had he missed in the past?

After a short while, Ying Zhao returned to the room.

He waved some vegetables at Situ Ran, smiling, "We can have an extra meal tonight. I’ll cook something delicious to nourish you."

Seeing the young man wholly devoted to his well-being, Situ Ran grew more concerned about his emotions.

He couldn't help but ask, "Who was that just now?"

On hearing that, Ying Zhao lowered his gaze, responding casually, "It was just someone delivering food."

Situ Ran pursed his lips upon hearing Ying Zhao's answer.

He truly hoped the young man would confide in him about the hardships he's faced on his behalf.

Even a slight complaint or a vent of frustration would be better than silently bearing everything alone.

So, he couldn't help but press on, "I've been at the research institute for so long. Hasn't anyone from the Situ family inquired about me? And Situ Shuyao, she..."

"Don't you dare mention that woman!" The young man's demeanor intensified, seemingly triggered by the name 'Situ Shuyao'.

He glared fiercely at Situ Ran, saying, "Never mention her, never think of her! She is utterly shameless."

At that moment, realizing his overreaction, the young man seemed at a loss for words.

Chapter 157: End of Days (13,14)

"No, I didn't mean to snap at you!"

In stark contrast to his previous aggression, the young man now resembled a child who'd done something wrong and didn't know how to amend it.

Sensing Ying Zhao's emotional turmoil, Situ Ran was about to offer words of comfort.

However, the young man took a deep breath, pleadingly saying, "Situ Ran, I'm sorry, I overreacted!"

"In any case, she's the one who harmed you! Stay in this house, stay by my side! Never make contact with that woman, okay?"

Seeing the teary-eyed look on Ying Zhao's face, a pang of pain hit Situ Ran's heart, and he nodded vigorously.

How could he possibly refuse a request from his beloved, and bear to see him distressed?

But, was the young man only emphasizing that he shouldn't contact Situ Shuyao?

The man lowered his eyes, recalling moments before his amnesia, when the young man opposite him had spoken to him with gritted teeth.

Right, he had mentioned knowing about Situ Ran's fondness for Situ Shuyao and said he'd make him forget her.

So, had Ying Zhao misunderstood all along, thinking he was infatuated with Situ Shuyao?

That's why he wanted to prevent any interaction between them.

Observing the evident relief on the young man's face after his assurance.

Situ Ran really wanted to clarify that he never harbored feelings for Situ Shuyao, let alone anyone else.

In his entire life, the first and only person he's ever fallen for is a silly boy named Ying Zhao.

Yet, he couldn't voice that.

Because in the eyes of the young man, he had lost his memory and naturally couldn't recall the past.

Moreover, the young man opposite him was visibly emotionally unstable, prone to extreme reactions when provoked.

If he were to suspect any ulterior motive, a panicked injection could easily be administered.

He wouldn’t want the young man to experience even the slightest bit of sorrow because of him.

Both seemed to tacitly avoid the topic, with Ying Zhao actively steering the conversation elsewhere.

He kept chatting with Situ Ran, even sharing some embarrassingly bad jokes, clearly trying to lift his spirits.

Observing the young man's clumsy attempts to please him, the man felt a growing bitterness in his heart.

He pondered on how he could fully alleviate the young man’s unease.

Even though he had always longed for familial affection, he had long seen through the Situ family.

He had once believed Situ Shuyao to be different, but she had utterly disappointed him earlier.

From now on, he held no expectations for the Situ family.

Therefore, to Situ Ran, the only family he had now was the young man before him.

They spent the subsequent days within the mansion.

Although outwardly calm, Situ Ran noticed that ever since Situ Shuyao’s visit, the young man had become extremely sensitive.

He would often gaze at him, lost in thought.

Even as work progressed and the young man got busier, he always found time to check in on him.

He constantly provided various reasons for his sudden visits.

For instance, to pour a glass of water, tidy the room, or remind him to rest.

As if fearing the oversight would make him uncomfortable.

Situ Ran could tell it was actually the young man's insecurity at play.

It seemed he was afraid of being left alone, needing occasional glimpses of him to feel reassured.

Honestly, he wished to tell the young man that there was no need for any excuse.

Rankings

Book Recommendations

Shuangwen

Sweet Romance Stories

Quick-Transmigration Fiction

Ink Cartridge (Note: This phrase seems out of context here. It might be a placeholder or a mistake)