Chapter 23 The Budding of Love

Chapter 23 Love's First Bloom

Once the words started flowing, the rest came much easier.

Huo Xingye took a deep breath, his expression earnest. "I apologize for disregarding your wishes and restricting your freedom, which caused harm to both your physical and mental well-being. I want to make it up to you—you can name what you want, and I’ll do my best to fulfill it."

Wen Ting was skeptical but intrigued, wondering if this was just another tactic Huo Xingye was using to manipulate her compliance.

Gu Qingyin chuckled and patted her hand reassuringly. "Ask for anything. I’m here—he won’t lay a finger on you."

Hearing this, the doubts Wen Ting had suppressed resurfaced. What exactly was this woman’s relationship with Huo Xingye? How could she be so confident he would listen to her?

Under the expectant gazes of the two, Wen Ting tentatively spoke up, "I want to find a job..." She had been absent from work for too long and was fired by her company, not even receiving her last month’s salary.

"Done," Huo Xingye said decisively. "Once you’re discharged, I’ll have my assistant contact you."

Wen Ting brightened and continued, "I’ve lost a lot of money during this time..."

"I’ll compensate you tenfold," Huo Xingye replied, as if discussing the weather.

Wen Ting bit her lip to hide a smile. "And the place I used to rent—the rent was expensive, it was far from my company, and the landlord was really harsh..."

Huo Xingye nodded. "Name the neighborhood. The apartment’s yours."

Wen Ting’s eyes widened. *Give me an apartment?!*

The housing prices in Yun City were infamously among the highest in the country. On her own, she’d count herself lucky to scrape together a down payment after half a lifetime of hard work. And now she was getting one for free?

Her heart pounded wildly—part of her was uneasy about such an out-of-the-blue fortune, while another part felt she deserved it. She was torn.

Seeing her hesitation, Gu Qingyin advised, "Take it. This is your compensation." She gently stroked Wen Ting’s hair and said softly, "You’ve been through so much lately."

Wen Ting only felt warmth spread from her head, sharpening her thoughts a little. Then a surge of bitterness rushed to her nose, and tears instantly spilled over. Like floodgates bursting, the tears became uncontrollable, flowing harder and harder.

Gu Qingyin sighed. "Cry it out. You’ll feel better afterward."

Wen Ting paused, then threw herself into Gu Qingyin’s arms and broke into heaving sobs.

Gu Qingyin gently patted her back in silent comfort.

Huo Xingye was startled, finally feeling a flicker of alarm.

From the moment he met Wen Ting, he had never seen her cry. Even when imprisoned, starving herself nearly to death, or finally regaining her freedom, not a single tear had welled in her eyes.

Huo Xingye had always assumed she was made of tougher stuff. Only now did he realize she had simply buried all her sorrow and pain deep inside.

Because Wen Ting knew that showing weakness in front of someone who didn’t care for her would leave her more vulnerable and humiliated.

At this moment, Huo Xingye felt true, gut-deep remorse.

Wen Ting cried for a long time, her eyes swollen before her sobs finally subsided. Coming back to her senses, she felt deeply embarrassed, wishing the floor would swallow her whole.

Gu Qingyin handed her a warm towel. "Wipe your face."

Wen Ting silently took the towel and lowered her eyes to clean her face.

As soon as she set the towel down, a glass of water was offered to her. The hand holding the cup was fair, slender, and well-defined, with a small red mole near the thumb—impossibly elegant.

The hand was practically made for her tastes, leaving Wen Ting frozen for a moment.

Only when the owner spoke softly, "Have some water," did she snap out of it. She quickly took the cup, using the water to hide her inner turmoil.

Such a beautiful hand—it actually belonged to Huo Xingye!

After she finished the water, Huo Xingye took the empty cup back, and Wen Ting found herself staring at his hand again, unable to help herself.

Thinking she was still thirsty, Huo Xingye fetched another glass of water for her.

Wen Ting accepted the cup, lost in thought—Huo Xingye could be considerate?

Gu Qingyin observed every shift in her expression, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Feeling better now?"

Wen Ting gasped to herself. What had she been thinking? Liking Huo Xingye’s hand—how terrifying!

"What’s wrong?" Gu Qingyin asked with concern.

Wen Ting shook her head hastily. "Nothing, crying it out made me feel much better." Her voice was hoarse and nasal, sounding pathetic.

Huo Xingye’s gaze darkened as he apologized again, "I’m sorry."

Afraid to look at him—she might get enchanted again—Wen Ting stared at the cup and murmured, "I accept your apology. You’ve already done more than enough. From now on… let’s just pretend we never met."

Huo Xingye’s expression dimmed as he nodded in agreement.

Gu Qingyin sighed and took Wen Ting’s hand, speaking gently, "This was truly Xingye’s fault. No one taught him how to show love growing up, so he got used to just taking what he wanted."

"You’re a good girl, and he genuinely likes you—he just went about it all wrong. If possible, I hope you’ll give him a chance to pursue you properly."

Wen Ting instinctively wanted to refuse.

Gu Qingyin raised a hand to stop her. "Do you really not feel the slightest bit of attraction toward Xingye?"

Wen Ting fell silent.

Before today, she would’ve sworn there was none! Now, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

Looks could be deceiving—those hands really got to her.

But was she really that desperate? After everything she’d endured, was she really going to give him a chance?

In the end, Wen Ting still shook her head. "We’re not suited for each other."

Gu Qingyin’s eyes showed a flash of regret. "Focus on recovering. Don’t worry—Xingye will handle everything."

"Thank you," Wen Ting said sincerely, though she still seemed hesitant. "May I ask… what’s your relationship with Huo Xingye?"

Gu Qingyin looked ashamed. "I’m his mother. I didn’t raise him right." Had she taught him better from childhood, her son would’ve turned out warmer, never would’ve pulled this stunt.

Wen Ting was stunned, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Y-You look about the same age as me."

Gu Qingyin chuckled awkwardly. "Just good genes, I guess."

The two chatted briefly about skincare before Gu Qingyin gave her a beauty charm and finally left the ward.

Once outside, they walked in silence. It wasn’t until they reached the parking lot that Gu Qingyin suddenly asked, "You still like her, don’t you?"

As a twenty-year-old man, Huo Xingye squirmed a little when suddenly questioned about his love life by an elder, but he answered honestly: "I like her."

Gu Qingyin blinked, trying to stay serious. "What do you like about her? How did you two meet? When did you realize you liked her?"

Huo Xingye paused while opening the car door, sensing something was off, but he had no guard up against Gu Qingyin and instinctively began answering, "She’s warm, like sunshine..."

Gu Qingyin's eyes sparkled, her inner gossip-lover itching to know more.

Huo Xingye glanced up inadvertently and immediately shut his mouth, rubbing his temples with a headache. "Let’s go eat first."

Gu Qingyin wasn’t pleased. "We’ve got plenty of time while driving."

Huo Xingye replied expressionlessly, "But I’m not feeling great."

Gu Qingyin instantly felt guilty. "Alright, tell me later when you’re up for it."

Huo Xingye: ...Do you *have* to hear this?