Chapter 24

Chapter 24

On the way back, a heavy rain poured down—the last torrential downpour of the summer.

Mo Lingnan had traded his old grey Jeep Wrangler for a silver-gray S-Class Maybach. In the back seat was a newly installed child seat, perfectly sized for Lu Tingchao to strap Doudou into.

Raindrops continuously fell on the car window, like a beaded curtain, ushering in a brand-new future.

Another red light.

Their car merged into the crowded eight-lane flow of traffic, like the most ordinary speck in the vast world.

Mo Lingnan reached out to turn off the soft looping music inside the car and turned up the air conditioning a bit. "Bear with it—Doudou’s asleep. Too cold and he might catch a chill."

Lu Tingchao turned his head and saw Lu Doudou’s fair, tender little face tilted in the car seat, bobbing like a little chick pecking at grain—quite adorable.

Lu Tingchao poked around Mo Lingnan’s new car, searching until he found a bottle of cola from the car fridge. He popped it open cheerfully and took a sip.

Lu Tingchao: "Why did you suddenly change cars? This one is a lot pricier than your previous one."

"That one was almost ten years old; I used it for work back in the day," Mo Lingnan started the car and said, "Didn’t you complain that the seats were too hard?"

"They were seriously super hard," Lu Tingchao licked his lips, sticking out the tip of his tongue to lick the corner of his mouth.

As a thought occurred to him, he pouted: "But not as hard as you."

Mo Lingnan shot a glance at Lu Tingchao.

Lu Tingchao, holding Mo Lingnan’s cola, held out his hand unabashedly: "Five hundred for a look. Pay up."

Mo Lingnan: "…"

After a moment of silence, Mo Lingnan said: "Sometimes I wonder."

Lu Tingchao: "Wonder what?"

Mo Lingnan: "Whether your skill of off-the-cuff flirting is innate or something you practiced."

Lu Tingchao scoffed, full of himself: "You’re underestimating me, Uncle Mo. If you dated hundreds of ex-boyfriends, you’d be the same—it’s practically a conditioned reflex by now."

Taking a swig of cola, Lu Tingchao added: "Come to think of it, these seven years with Zhuang Ji were such a loss. Seven years! I could’ve been doing so much…"

"Do you talk this much in bed too?"

Mo Lingnan interrupted.

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Lu Tingchao: "Huh???"

Lu Tingchao went quiet guiltily.

Mo Lingnan didn’t say anything more either. He reached out, opened the small compartment next to the car fridge, and took out a mint candy.

Then he took Lu Tingchao’s hand and turned it over, placing the mint candy in it.

Mo Lingnan: "Drink less cola. Take care of your voice."

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Lu Tingchao asked: "Uncle Mo, are you being suggestive?"

Mo Lingnan replied coolly and evenly, his tone unhurried: "No."

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Yeah, you definitely were.

Lu Tingchao had a feeling something was off.

This feeling had started sprouting like a seed ever since he and Zhuang Ji left the civil affairs bureau. Then the seed quickly sprouted branches and leaves, blooming in no time.

In the past, Mo Lingnan hardly ever spoke so bluntly.

The only exception was not long after they first met, when Lu Tingchao had started it—but even then, it was mostly spoken in a displeased tone.

Most other times, he would use phrasing that was intensely stimulating yet restrained.

For example, even though he clearly knew there was no actual marriage between Lu Tingchao and Zhuang Ji, he would still use the word "bigamy" to scare him, make him cry, and force him into pleading helplessly.

Like a wolf wandering a barren wilderness for years.

Once the gate was opened, it was impossible to hold back.

Just like the bolder, more direct advances now.

Lu Tingchao shrunk down in his seat, settling obediently into the passenger seat. He quietly finished the last two sips of cola, then dutifully pulled out his phone to play games.

Lost one match.

Lost two matches.

…

Lost ten matches!!!

The more he played, the angrier he got. Finally, he pulled up the in-game purchase screen and went on a fierce spending spree on upgrades—

After gleefully blowing 50,000 in one go,

He realized he had used Zhuang Ji’s card.

And it was through Zhuang Ji’s close-payment service.

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Lu Tingchao dropped his head in the passenger seat, acting even more subdued.

He quietly exited the game, planning to make some small talk with Mo Lingnan. Before he could even decide on a topic, a text popped up on his phone.

"Xiao Lu, are you done with your family matters? You only took two days off from that dating show, and it’s been almost a week now. We’re all pretty worried."

Lu Tingchao: "…"

He had completely forgotten about the dating show.

The humble director didn't even have Lu Tingchao's WeChat and could only send greetings via old-school text messages.

Lu Tingchao quickly added the director using the phone number: "Director Wang, my apologies! Just wrapped up, I can come back tomorrow—no, the day after tomorrow!"

Lu Tingchao: "But Director Wang, the contract said I only needed to film two episodes. I’ve missed so long—will I still have any screen time?"

Lu Tingchao: "Not that I care about having screen time or not, but does this count as a breach of contract? It's just—you know my financial situation all too well, Director Wang…"

Dating Show - Director Wang: "Understood, understood! Your family is rolling in money! Surely you wouldn’t even glance at our show’s chump change!"

Lu Tingchao: "???"

Lu Tingchao typed meekly: "It’s not that…"

Dating Show - Director Wang: "But your CP with Mr. Fei is blowing up online right now. Could you please do us a solid and come film one last episode? Mr. Fei has been waiting for you on set all this time!"

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Lu Tingchao cautiously: "Would I still get paid for one more episode?"

Dating Show - Director Wang: "No problem! If it’s convenient for you, I’ll send a car to pick you up!"

Lu Tingchao: "Ah… no need, got it. I’ll come on my own the day after tomorrow. I’ll be on time."

Director Wang sent twenty bowing emoji spam, profusely thanking him.

Lu Tingchao closed the chat interface, thought for a moment, and suddenly asked Mo Lingnan: "Hey… last time, Guo Guo said your company deals in jewelry. Is the jewelry business that lucrative these days?"

Mo Lingnan glanced over: "Lu Tingchao, haven’t even gotten into my bed yet, and already eyeing my wallet?"

Lu Tingchao: "…"

It really did seem like he was trying to pick Mo Lingnan’s pockets (T_T).

Lu Tingchao's cheeks pinkened: "Just asking."

Mo Lingnan: "That jewelry brand is just a front. It’s not the main business."

Lu Tingchao: "Ah… then what is?"

Mo Lingnan: "Some cutting-edge tech: lifelike robots, holographic equipment, service-oriented AI, roughly those."

Lu Tingchao looked up at him with eyes lit up: "Is it very profitable?"

Mo Lingnan felt a pang of affection, his throat working. He reached out and gently pinched Lu Tingchao’s fingertips.

Mo Lingnan: "Quite profitable."

Lu Tingchao: "Wow…"

Mo Lingnan gave a low chuckle: "But this industry has nothing to do with someone whose math skills peaked at nine, sweetheart."

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Lu Tingchao glared fiercely at Mo Lingnan and yanked his fingers out of the man’s large hand.

Mo Lingnan’s expression turned unusually amused, a rare display of open emotion: "Upset now? All pouty."

Lu Tingchao ignored him.

Mo Lingnan ran a hand through Lu Tingchao’s hair: "How about I give you that jewelry brand as a birthday present? I created it for you in the first place."

Lu Tingchao snorted: "Liar."

"What did I lie about?"

Mo Lingnan pulled the car over, opened the drawer in front of Lu Tingchao, and took out a folder. "Open it and see."

Lu Tingchao: "?"

It was a stock transfer agreement and a trademark transfer document.

The paper and folder were both pristine, like new.

Only the date signed was from five years ago.

Mo Lingnan: "Haven’t you always liked shiny, glittery things? Back when the Lu family’s assets were being liquidated, I didn’t see you cry over the asset statements—only when you clung to the jewelry cabinet, sobbing your heart out."

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Mo Lingnan: "I bought back all the jewelry from the Lu family’s liquidation, plus some new styles. Overall, it’s been operating pretty well. Take it and enjoy it."

Lu Tingchao reached out and touched the gold-stamped lettering on the first page of the transfer document.

It bore Mo Lingnan’s signature and the full name of the brand.

The brand was well-known—even Lu Tingchao often saw it in shopping malls.

Nan Chao.

The car started up again from the roadside.

Mo Lingnan said: "No need to feel pressured. It’s just a small brand. If it goes under, just come home and wait for me."

Lu Tingchao: "Wait for you to do what?"

Mo Lingnan let out a hearty laugh: "Wait for me to come back and—"

Lu Tingchao: "???"

Mo Lingnan set the parking brake: "You’ll see later, baby. Welcome home."

*

Going home was always an option.

Mo Lingnan’s home had Lu Tingchao’s bedroom, Lu Tingchao’s slippers, and meals Lu Tingchao loved.

Mo Lingnan was really good at cooking.

The man had broad shoulders and a narrow waist. He had taken off his shirt, wearing only a black sleeveless shirt that revealed generous stretches of muscle and powerful, toned shoulders and back. His legs were equally impressive, thick and powerful from training.

A light-blue apron was tied around him, and the kitchen was filled with delicious smells.

Lu Tingchao dragged over a small stool and perched by the kitchen doorway, curled up small: "Mo Lingnan, Lu Doudou says he wants another sweet and sour pork ribs."

Lu Doudou, seated at Mo Lingnan’s large desk reading: "…"

"Got it covered."

Mo Lingnan walked out of the kitchen, popped a cherry tomato into his mouth, and planted a casual kiss on his forehead. "Lu Tingchao says he wants another sweet and sour pork ribs."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Fortunately, one of Lu Tingchao's greatest strengths was being thick-skinned. He nodded sincerely and said, "And one more hot and sour tripe soup."

"Got it."

Mo Lingnan returned to the kitchen.

Lu Doudou clambered down from the office chair that was a bit too high for him and walked over to Lu Tingchao, standing at eye level with Lu Tingchao, who was sitting on the small stool.

Lu Doudou said, "He sighed."

Lu Tingchao: "???"

Lu Doudou: "Daddy Mo isn't usually like this."

Lu Tingchao: "...Oh."

Lu Doudou thought for a moment: "Did you bully my birth father like this too?"

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao carefully recalled and said thoughtfully, "I can't remember either... but he was also a good cook."

Lu Doudou: "..."

Lu Doudou's serious expression as he thought for a while: "Well, being able to eat is a blessing."

One big and one small, one standing and one sitting, both pairs of strikingly similar eyes turned toward the kitchen.

After a while.

Lu Tingchao sniffed.

Lu Doudou averted his gaze.

Lu Tingchao knew his kid well enough: "What's wrong?"

Lu Doudou shook his head: "Daddy Mo is so happy today."

Lu Tingchao: "How can you tell?"

Lu Doudou: "When you're not home, he's usually not happy."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Lu Tingchao was about to say something else when the doorbell suddenly rang outside.

Mo Lingnan couldn't free up his hands and glanced outside: "Chao Chao, go answer the door. Check who it is first."

"Okay."

Lu Tingchao obediently stood up and walked to the door—

Outside stood a face that was both familiar and unfamiliar.

A very young man, probably only around twenty years old.

He wore only a very generic short-sleeved shirt, with the collar and cuffs worn from washing, and the original color faded.

After all, he'd spent two hundred thousand on this person.

Lu Tingchao thought for a moment and remembered: "Su Ningyu?"

The man nodded: "Sorry to bother you, but I saw the address you wrote on the emergency contact form..."

Oh.

Lu Tingchao remembered.

When he was sent to the emergency room, since the man had no other relatives or friends present, Lu Tingchao, as the involved party, had to fill out a contact form.

Lu Tingchao didn't want to reveal the address of his old house, and he didn't want to write down the address of the house he shared with Zhuang Ji, so he casually wrote Mo Lingnan's address at the time.

The sound of cooking in the kitchen hadn't stopped.

Lu Doudou showed no interest in the visitor. After just one glance, he went back to his little blanket to continue reading.

Only Lu Tingchao was left, awkwardly looking at the man in front of him: "Um, is there something?"

His time for being charitable was limited.

It usually didn't include follow-up assistance.

Moreover, the man in front of him seemed quite young. In Lu Tingchao's experience, he seldom dealt with men younger than himself.

Su Ningyu was holding a hospital payment card, which Lu Tingchao recognized as the one he had paid for.

Su Ningyu said: "Mr. Xiaolu, you deposited 200,000 yuan on this card. My emergency care and hospitalization cost a total of 39,620 yuan. This is the remaining money."

Lu Tingchao: "...??"

Mo Lingnan's apartment had private elevator access, and each door opened to a private foyer.

The breeze from the window ruffled Su Ningyu's dark hair. Though his clothes and shoes were well-worn, he still looked incredibly youthful, the very image of a typical campus heartthrob.

Su Ningyu took a step back and bowed deeply to Lu Tingchao: "I will also find a way to repay the money spent. Thank you so much."

Lu Tingchao: "...?????"

The series of actions left Lu Tingchao completely confused.

He opened his mouth, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to get angry at this innocent young man: "Really, no need to bow. Please stand up. I put that money on your card without expecting it back. Haven't you had the surgery yet?"

Su Ningyu said: "The doctor said I need to recover more before surgery. I wanted to use this time to return your money first, and then save money on my own."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

Then it'll take forever to save enough for the surgery!

Although he had been scammed, according to the doctor, this young man hadn't intentionally fallen in front of his car.

As an academically challenged person, Lu Tingchao had a natural tolerance for academic achievers: "Don't worry about it. You don't need to repay me. Take this card, get the surgery, and focus on your recovery."

Su Ningyu: "No!"

Lu Tingchao: "?"

Su Ningyu said firmly: "It was already enough trouble for you to take me to the hospital, and you also helped me at the banquet. I can't take your money without repaying... Even though I'm still a student, I can work to earn money through my own efforts."

Lu Tingchao: "..."

So this is how overachievers are?

No wonder I’m a slacker—they’re really this hardworking and competitive?

The sound from the kitchen stopped.

Footsteps came from inside.

Lu Tingchao waved his hand. "Really, don’t worry about it. There’s nothing here you could help with…"

But Su Ningyu said, "I’m not afraid of hardship, I’m very capable, Mr. Xiaolu. I looked you up—you’re famous, right? Do you need an assistant?"

Lu Tingchao: "Ah…"

Su Ningyu: "I’ve already finished this semester’s courses, and I was top of my class. So I’ll have plenty of free time. I can help you carry your bags, buy fruit, and I can even drive…"

A man stopped walking beside Lu Tingchao.

Mo Lingnan, who had somehow already taken off his apron, slipped an arm around Lu Tingchao’s shoulder, leaning close to his ear. "Chao Chao, who is this?"

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Uh.

Lu Tingchao gestured awkwardly, trying to explain. "A… guy with no mom, no dad, his grandma’s gone… just a broke college student?"

Mo Lingnan: "…"

Su Ningyu held out his hand politely. "Hello, sir. Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m Su Ningyu. Mr. Xiaolu helped me before, and I’m here to express my gratitude."

Mo Lingnan didn’t shake it.

He raised an eyebrow, his tone cool. "Wrong idea? Why would I?"

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Su Ningyu quickly added, "No, no, I worded that poorly. Mr. Xiaolu, please tell this gentleman not to be mad. I didn’t mean anything by it."

Lu Tingchao felt the atmosphere get a little weird.

But he wasn’t sure why.

The student in front of him seemed sincere.

Mo Lingnan’s arm around him felt firm and calm.

He thought for a second, Lu Tingchao said, "It’s okay… but that thing you asked about earlier…"

Mo Lingnan: "What’re you talking about?"

Su Ningyu spoke humbly, "I passed out at the hospital once, and Mr. Xiaolu loaned me money. I came to thank him."

Mo Lingnan: "Oh? Are you done thanking him?"

Mo Lingnan’s tone was polite. "If you haven’t, why not come in and talk over dinner?"

Su Ningyu: "…"

Lu Tingchao finally picked up on the slight hostility in Mo Lingnan’s words.

He glanced subconsciously at Su Ningyu. A flicker of hurt showed on his face before he lowered his head, hiding his embarrassment.

Lu Tingchao: "…"

Jeez, this kid’s so sensitive.

"Alright, alright, don’t take it personally. He’s just a kid."

Lu Tingchao nuzzled against Mo Lingnan and squeezed his hand. "Go get Doudou first. I’ll wrap this up and be right there."

"’Kay."

Mo Lingnan glanced at Su Ningyu, then bent down to kiss Lu Tingchao’s forehead. "Hurry up, the sweet and sour pork’ll get cold."

Lu Tingchao: "’K!"

Mo Lingnan’s gaze swept over Su Ningyu with a quick, dismissive glance before turning away.

Lu Tingchao lowered his voice. "Well, kid, look, I really don’t need an assistant. You have a good education and good looks—you could find a job easy…"

Su Ningyu gave a shy smile. "Mr. Xiaolu, please don’t say that. Will you just hear me out?"

Lu Tingchao blinked. "What?"

"You know my family situation. It’s just me now, and I want to earn some money—not just to repay you, but to save up for myself."

Su Ningyu spoke with utmost sincerity. "I’ve looked it up online, and the best way to make money right now is entering the entertainment industry. But I don’t have any connections or experience. The only person I know is you."

Su Ningyu: "I want to work as your assistant while also looking for opportunities in the entertainment industry."

Su Ningyu: "I’m not trying to use you or anything. I’ll do my best as your assistant, no matter what you ask…"

"Stop, stop, stop!"

Lu Tingchao finally understood. "Got it, got it."

A top student is still a top student.

With no connections, building one connection is the most basic stepping stone into the industry.

Even if Lu Tingchao is only a D-list celebrity.

Many actors started as complete outsiders too.

Lu Tingchao nodded. "Alright, since I’ve helped this far, I might as well help you save up for your surgery. Leave me your number…"

Just as Lu Tingchao was about to continue, he noticed his phone, which he hadn’t checked for a while, now had over a dozen unread messages.

All from Lin Cheng.

The last message from Lin Cheng was two months ago.

Back when he and Zhuang Ji were still together.

Lu Tingchao casually opened one to take a look.

Lin Cheng: "Mr. Xiaolu, the boss was rushed directly into the resuscitation room. The doctors said an immediate consultation with specialists needs to be arranged."

Lin Cheng: "Specialists from the main hospital are here too. Brother Ji has been undergoing emergency treatment for over two hours. Would you consider coming to see him?"

Lin Cheng: "The boss's mother and Patriarch Zhuang have both rushed over. Mrs. Zhuang asked about you—I said you were away on business and would arrive by tonight."

Lin Cheng: "Brother Ji is out of the emergency room but still unconscious. The attending physician said he needs to be observed in the ICU tonight. The dosage of medication was too high, and he’s been taking it for a long time—about three years."

Lin Cheng: "Chao Chao, Chao Chao! Brother Ji is awake!"

Lin Cheng: "Mr. Xiaolu, Brother Ji asked if you’ve called... I said yes. If the boss calls you, please don’t give it away."

Lin Cheng: "Brother Ji is asking if you can come see him."

Lin Cheng: "Chao Chao, the boss was in critical care for over four hours. He almost got diagnosed with cardiopulmonary failure. I’m begging you, after all these years together... could you come see him?"

Lin Cheng: "Brother Ji suddenly developed a high fever and was given sedatives and fever reducers. He’s asleep now."

Lin Cheng: "He’s awake now and still receiving IV fluids."

About an hour later.

Lin Cheng sent one last message: "Sorry, Chao Chao. Brother Ji asked me to tell you—sorry to disturb you."

Lu Tingchao stared at his phone screen for a long time.

Until Su Ningyu asked softly, "Mr. Xiaolu?"

Lu Tingchao snapped back to attention: "Alright, leave me your phone number and add me as a friend. I might be recording a variety show tomorrow. If it’s convenient, you can come with me."

Su Ningyu: "No problem."

Lu Tingchao thought for a moment: "...I’ll send you some money. Help me buy a bouquet for the patient—something like scented lilies. I’ll send you the room number and hospital address. Grab a cab there."

Su Ningyu: "Sure. Should I say anything to the patient?"

"Just wish him a speedy recovery... Tell him to move forward. He’ll have a bright future ahead."

Lu Tingchao typed out an address: "This is the place."

Su Ningyu received the message: "Okay, Mr. Xiaolu, no worries. I’ll handle it right away."

Lu Tingchao nodded with satisfaction, closed the door, and turned around.

The room was warmly lit. Mo Lingnan was helping Lu Doudou straighten her small apron: "Finished talking?"

Lu Tingchao: "All done. Young people these days are so motivated."

Mo Lingnan scoffed: "Young people?"

Lu Tingchao grinned and sat down next to him, tugging at Mo Lingnan’s sleeve: "My mistake, my mistake. Unknown guys these days."

Mo Lingnan, somewhat appeased, shook his head: "Let’s eat."

*

Moonlight spilled into the hallway of the inpatient ward.

A tall figure walked into the penthouse suite, stepped onto the soft pink carpet, and paused at the nursing station.

The young man had distinctly handsome features. His faded sneakers and worn short sleeves gave him an unassuming yet dignified air, like a pine tree. Holding a beautifully arranged bouquet, he politely asked, "Hello, I’m here on behalf of Mr. Lu to visit a patient. Could you tell me where the VIP suite is?"

His voice flowed like a clear spring, pleasant and smooth.

The nurse’s eyes lit up for a moment before she hesitated: "Please wait a moment. I need to call and confirm if the patient’s room is allowing visitors... There was some unpleasantness there earlier."

A moment later.

The nurse hung up: "You were sent by Mr. Lu, right? Let me take you there personally. This way, please."

Su Ningyu smiled slightly: "Thank you."

This was the best room in the entire hospital.

Spacious, quiet, with 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of much of Beicheng’s lively nighttime skyline.

The nurse pushed the door open: "Mr. Zhuang Ji, Mr. Jiang Rong, this is the visitor who called earlier—"

The nurse’s voice faltered.

She saw the light in Zhuang Ji’s eyes, which had been bright moments before, suddenly dim.

Like a lone lamp burning fiercely, then abruptly extinguished.

The nurse paused: "Mr. Zhuang Ji...?"

Zhuang Ji had just had his oxygen mask removed. An IV was still in his arm, but his expression was cold and grim, as if he’d crawled back from hell.

Zhuang Ji asked, "Who are you?"

Su Ningyu smiled gently: "Mr. Zhuang Ji may not remember me, but Mr. Jiang Rong beside you likely does."

Jiang Rong’s gaze settled on Su Ningyu’s face. After a moment, his pupils contracted slightly: "It’s you. You’ve gotten involved with Lu Tingchao?"

Zhuang Ji: "Jiang Rong!"

Jiang Rong took a deep breath and fell silent.

Zhuang Ji’s voice was still weak. He could only lean back against the bed and wave to the nurse: "You can leave now."

The nurse hesitated: "But..."

"It’s alright."

Su Ningyu’s smile was gentle, his words polite and soft, "Don’t worry, ma’am. I’m here for a standard visit. I won’t disturb the patient."

The nurse had no choice but to close the door and leave.

Zhuang Ji could no longer maintain his forced calm. His phoenix eyes, usually praised by many, were filled with uncontrollable accusations: "What’s your relationship with Lu Tingchao? Why would he send you?!"

"Exactly the relationship you’re imagining."

Su Ningyu’s worn sneakers stepped steadily across the pricey flooring of the high-end hospital room.

He stretched out his hand and carefully, deliberately placed the bouquet he’d brought into the vase by Zhuang Ji’s bedside, saying leisurely, "Actor Zhuang, see how well it suits you."

It wasn’t the scented lilies Lu Tingchao had mentioned.

But an equally elegantly arranged, vibrantly blooming—

"I took my time choosing it."

Su Ningyu turned around with a smile, "Let me introduce these to Actor Zhuang and Jiang Rong. These six are pansies, representing betrayal in love, and these two are carolina jasmine, symbolizing separation."

Su Ningyu adjusted the bouquet gently and said softly, "This last one is quite expensive—only available at a flower shop in the suburbs of North City. It's called a zinnia."

"Does Actor Zhuang know the meaning of the zinnia?"

Su Ningyu continued, "It means—'forever losing my beloved.'"

Zhuang Ji's already pale face instantly turned even more ghostly pale.

It was as if an invisible, lethally sharp weapon had pierced his heart and lungs; he even trembled slightly.

The movement dislodged the IV needle in his hand—

In an instant, blood gushed from the thick needle.

It splashed across the once-pristine hospital bedsheets.

"Brother Ji—!"

Jiang Rong hurriedly reached out to support him.

But Zhuang Ji shoved him away abruptly: "Stay away from me!!"

The IV needle was brutally and chaotically ripped out.

Blood streamed profusely.

"Wow, impressive."

Su Ningyu's expression remained composed as he took a step back, speaking in a gentle tone, "Actor Zhuang, indeed, it's only when facing you that Jiang Rong shows even a glimmer of humanity. No wonder you left Lu Tingchao for someone like him."

Abandoned Lu Tingchao...

Lu Tingchao.

Zhuang Ji's chest heaved violently, his voice hoarse: "You shut up!"

"Why not?"

Su Ningyu tilted his head, "I think you two are a perfect match—one blind, the other heartless. That's why I was willing to make a special trip to bring you these flowers."

"Pansies are also known as the cursed flower."

Su Ningyu arranged the last flower and stood up, "Chao Chao asked me to bring you his blessings, wishing you well in your future."

"But I don't think that blessing fits you two."

Su Ningyu paused at the door of the ward and said with a light laugh, "Actor Zhuang, I wish you and Jiang Rong a very long life together—making each other miserable until you're old and gray."