Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Ji Qingyu was stunned after speaking. He and Fu Han exchanged several glances. Only then did Fu Han breathe a sigh of relief, slowly asking, "Do you think it will be a boy or a girl?"

"Either is fine, I'll love them both." Ji Qingyu smiled, turning his head to watch the distant pedestrians. Everyone at the hospital seemed to be in a hurry.

"What should we name them?" Fu Han asked softly, seemingly quite interested in the topic.

"Names, huh?" Ji Qingyu pondered, but nothing came to mind. Fu Han also furrowed his brow, lost in thought, his hand still resting on Ji Qingyu's. Suddenly, he heard Ji Qingyu's voice.

"Let's not talk about that for now. I won't be staying back home recently." Ji Qingyu looked at him calmly, appearing no different from any other day, even with a smile on his lips. "I've recovered now, and I probably won't need to trouble you much anymore."

He sat there, quietly watching Fu Han, uttering such heartless words. Fu Han didn't react immediately, taking a long moment to exhale. "What did you say?"

"I said, I'm not going back to stay." Ji Qingyu blinked and repeated it, his smile fading. His face was devoid of expression, as if he wasn't afraid of hurting Fu Han with these words.

"Not that part," Fu Han said.

"Oh." Ji Qingyu paused, his eyes on Fu Han but seemingly unfocused. "I said I wouldn't trouble you anymore. You've been too tired lately, and I'm already better. Was that it?"

"Why? Don't say you won't trouble me. Please trouble me more!" Fu Han said anxiously. "Why won't you trouble me?"

Ji Qingyu didn't answer. The car arrived, so after a moment's thought, he said, "Alright then, could I trouble you to give me a ride?"

The driver got out and opened the door. It was a spacious minivan, with Ji Qingyu's favorite fruits, a large bouquet of flowers, and a thick cashmere blanket neatly arranged in the back seat.

Fu Han frowned and softly asked, "Can you tell me why?"

"I don't know either. I just don't really feel like going back. Let's give each other some time." Ji Qingyu stood up from the wheelchair, walked over, and slowly settled into the back seat.

A heavy, damp atmosphere enveloped the car, dark and oppressive. Cold air rushed in—winter truly was this cold. Fu Han stood frozen for a few seconds before following him into the car.

"Could you drop me off in the east of the city, near the fish market?" Ji Qingyu buried his face deeper into his scarf.

Fu Han's face cycled through shades of green and purple several times before finally settling into stillness. He opened his mouth to say something but ultimately remained silent, signaling the driver to start the car.

Halfway through the ride, Fu Han handed over a document. "This is the compensation from the Ji family. The shares and funds have been transferred, all to you."

Fu Han had made Ji Deyong utterly miserable, bringing him to the brink of bankruptcy. When ruthless, he showed no mercy, even taking advantage of the Ji family's troubles to dismantle many of their businesses.

"Ji Ran's song royalties from all these years will also be compensated to you," Fu Han's voice was hoarse.

"I've bought a lot of flowers for the house, and all the foods you like. Oh, and the instruments—I completely renovated the music room. Also, you still haven't been to that music studio, remember? The one near the company. I told you about it. If you want, we can go check it out now." Fu Han spoke rapidly, his words tumbling out in a rush.

He received no response. Ji Qingyu kept looking out the window, so Fu Han lowered his head and muttered to himself, "I thought you letting me see the child and your mother meant you had forgiven me."

Ji Qingyu didn't reply. The scenery outside whipped past.

"Also, your voice—there might still be a way to treat it. The doctor talked to me recently. They discovered a new herb, and as luck would have it, it was found in the east of the city. I wanted to surprise you with it after we got home."

Ji Qingyu seemed not to be listening. He gazed at the passing scenery outside. The car drove through a bustling commercial street where pedestrians hurried along, carrying designer bags, men in suits, people holding coffee—all busy.

Then the car continued, passing gleaming glass buildings. Huge billboards featured celebrities perfect down to the last detail. In the city center, where land was prime real estate, a temple stood surrounded by crowds. Smoke curled up from a massive incense burner, and people bowed their heads in devout prayer.

As the car turned a corner, students wearing MP3 players with white wired headphones chatted in small groups near their school. Their uniforms were sharp, their hair straight or curled, falling over their shoulders.

It was Mingde. Ji Qingyu watched the high school students, lost in thought, as the car sped past.

"Are you listening?" Fu Han said. "Living in a place like that, nothing is convenient. Can I come see you? I won't disturb you."

"You coming would disturb me," Ji Qingyu smiled. "Please let me rest."

"Your place doesn't even have an elevator. You have to go up and down stairs—it's too inconvenient," Fu Han continued.

"It's fine," Ji Qingyu said softly. "My mother gave birth to me there too."

Fu Han lowered his eyes, his hand still holding Ji Qingyu's tightly. Ji Qingyu let him hold it. He didn't know what was wrong—he just didn't feel like returning to the villa.

"Ji Qingyu, aren't you the most softhearted? Why are you only so cruel to me?" Fu Han pursed his lips, complaining quietly. "I've done so much for you—the surgery, the lawsuit. Are you just going to use me and discard me like this?"

"Mm." Ji Qingyu's expression remained unchanged, even somewhat cold. He said calmly, "I'm just that petty. Fu Han, did you think I was your doll? That if you spent money and effort, you could always win me back?"

"The child just kicked you. Who knows what could happen next? If you're alone at home, what if something happens? At least set me as your emergency contact. Or let me cook for you every day, come check on you." Fu Han quieted down, his breathing heavy. After a long pause, he started rambling again, his tone low, his expression hidden in the dim light, making it hard for Ji Qingyu to see.

"There's also the remaining transfer paperwork. The lawyer needs to contact you too. We're not divorced yet—I need to be involved in these matters," Fu Han said. "If not for yourself, think about the child."

"I..." Ji Qingyu paused. "But I've always lived like this before. You don't need to keep using the child to threaten me."

"How is that a threat? I've spent money and effort. Is that threatening you?" Fu Han's tone grew more urgent, his voice louder. "Why do you always misunderstand me?"

Ji Qingyu moved further away, falling silent. He frowned and looked out the window.

The driver drove smoothly. Before they knew it, they had reached the old neighborhood. The roads were worn, the pavement bricks cracked and uneven, the streets narrow and crowded, building exteriors stained with rust.

Outside the fish market, people pushed bicycles through cramped alleyways, bustling with life. It was dinnertime, the sky half-dark, crowds bustling about.

Ji Qingyu got out of the car and slowly hugged the wall as he walked into the alley.

Fu Han rushed over in a few quick steps, carefully steadying him, frowning as he supported his arm. He told the driver standing nearby to buy dinner from a street vendor, then took it and followed closely behind.

Finally, unable to stand it any longer, he picked Ji Qingyu up and carried him upstairs.

The difference in their sizes and strength was too great. Ji Qingyu couldn't resist, so he just leaned against Fu Han's shoulder and let him do as he pleased.

After carrying him a few steps, Fu Han spoke again, his voice muffled by his chest. Ji Qingyu could feel the vibrations through his own body. "Ji Qingyu, you told me to wait. How long do I have to wait?"

"Don't wait. I don't know." Ji Qingyu was set down. He looked at Fu Han by the door. "You should head back. There's nothing for you to do here. Thanks for all your help lately."

Fu Han's expression stiffened further. He wanted to scowl but forced a smile, afraid Ji Qingyu would shut the door. His hand firmly gripped the doorframe, and he finally said, "Don't thank me."

"Oh." Ji Qingyu nodded. "I still have to. You spent a lot of money and effort. I remember."

Fu Han's face darkened further. His composure finally broke, and he said very quietly, "Then I'll stop by tomorrow."

"You—remember to eat well." He handed over the container of wontons. Seeing Ji Qingyu take it and nod, about to shut the door without hesitation, Fu Han hurriedly added, "I'll bring you breakfast tomorrow."

"Let go. Have you forgotten how your hand got injured last time? How long did it take for the bruise to fade?" Ji Qingyu's voice remained gentle as he added, "I know it's nothing to you, but I'd feel guilty. Don't do that again."

He closed the door, blocking out all noise from outside, but he himself leaned against the door. He heard the person outside scratch softly at the door a few times, then fall silent.

The old residential building had thin walls. If Fu Han left, Ji Qingyu would have heard it. But there was nothing. So he didn't dare move inside, waiting a bit longer. Finally, some noise came from outside. Ji Qingyu thought Fu Han had finally left and was about to relax, but upon listening carefully, it didn't sound right—it seemed like quiet sobbing.

His heart tightened. He stood up, no longer leaning against the door, and walked into the room, closing the bedroom door as well. With a click, the world fell silent.

That night, Ji Qingyu didn't dare go out to check. He was afraid that if he opened the door, Fu Han would still be standing there. What would he do then? Let Fu Han in again? He always found it hard to hold his ground with Fu Han, but every time he gave in, he felt as if he were stepping closer to the edge of a cliff, about to fall.