Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Wen Jueqian's hospital room was quite lively today.

Qi Yi and the others had barely left when more visitors arrived.

This time, it was Wen Jueqian's family.

Wen Qishan, in a suit and tie, looked less like a hospital visitor and more like he was heading to a business meeting.

Qin Jingqiu followed behind him, carrying an insulated food bag and a fruit basket, her eyes still red-rimmed from crying.

Wen Juelang walked beside his mother, reaching out now and then to steady her. Li Yi trailed behind, in a sharply tailored dress and flawless makeup, carrying a beautifully wrapped bouquet.

"Jueqian!" Qin Jingqiu's voice was choked with tears the moment she walked in.

She hurried to the bedside, looking him up and down, and tears began to fall.

"Oh, sweetie, how did you get hurt again? Last time on Jueying Island, and now this time—my heart nearly stopped when I found out, you know that?"

Wen Jueqian leaned back against the headboard, letting her hold his hand without pulling away.

"Mom, I'm fine. They're just minor injuries. The doctor said I can be discharged in a few days."

"Minor injuries? Then why do you need to stay in the hospital?" Qin Jingqiu didn't believe it, her gaze sweeping over him, as if looking for a hole in his story.

Wen Qishan stood at the foot of the bed, frowning slightly: "Jueqian, what exactly happened? Was it really an attack by Natural Law?"

Wen Jueqian nodded: "You should've seen the official statement."

"It's that terrorist group," Wen Juelang said.

Qin Jingqiu muttered to herself: "They're insane. Why would they attack you guys?"

Wen Qishan sat down in the chair by the bed, his gaze fixed on Wen Jueqian. He paused, as if making sure his son's injuries really weren't serious, before continuing: "After the 7th-Gen Inhibitor launched, sales hit over a hundred million in just three days. It hasn't been affected by Natural Law's backlash at all. They can't just sit there—they're desperate."

Qin Jingqiu still looked worried, her lips trembling slightly.

She clutched Wen Jueqian's hand, squeezing it tight, then loosening her grip.

"Even Jueqian gets dragged into their retaliation," she said softly. "Qishan, I'm so scared."

Li Yi chimed in at just the right moment, her voice soft: "Mom, you don't have to worry about this. Natural Law's target is Aegis—why would they bother with small fry like us? Jueqian only got hurt before because he was traveling with his brother-in-law. He just got caught in the crossfire."

The room went quiet for a beat.

Li Yi's words were loaded—meant to comfort Qin Jingqiu, but also to drive a wedge between Wen Jueqian and Wen Yanxu.

To anyone paying attention, it sounded like Wen Jueqian getting hurt was Wen Yanxu's fault.

Wen Jueqian just said flatly: "Extremists are all crazy. Normal people can't understand how they think."

Wen Qishan cleared his throat and asked: "What about Yanxu? Yesterday, Chairman Wen's secretary told us you two were in an accident and getting treated at the hospital. Is he badly hurt?"

Wen Jueqian dropped his gaze: "He's in the room next door."

Qin Jingqiu hurried to explain: "Jueqian, you don't know how worried I was when I found out. But the Wen family said you both needed rest and couldn't be disturbed, so they told us to come today instead."

Wen Jueqian understood she was explaining why they hadn't come yesterday—not because they didn't care, but because the Wen family had asked them to wait.

"It's okay, Mom."

Qin Jingqiu, as if testing Wen Jueqian's real feelings, quickly opened the insulated container she'd brought: "Mom simmered this chicken soup for you first thing this morning. Want some now? I also made a few of your favorite dishes."

She had Wen Juelang push the small side table over to Wen Jueqian's bed.

Golden chicken soup was poured into a bowl, and the smell of food started to fill the room.

Wen Jueqian didn't want to hurt her feelings, so he took the spoon she handed him.

Only then did Qin Jingqiu calm down.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

There was a knock at the door.

The door was already open, so the knock was just a heads-up that someone was there.

Wen Yanxu stood in the doorway.

He was still in his hospital gown. The bandage on his head was gone, replaced by a medical patch on his left temple, half-hidden by the strands of hair falling over it. His face was cold and aloof, and as he stood there expressionless, everyone in the room felt an invisible pressure radiating off him.

Wen Jueqian's hand on the blanket instinctively gripped the sheets.

He didn't know how long Wen Yanxu had been standing there, or if he'd heard what was said.

Wen Juelang was the first to react, stepping forward with a big smile: "Yanxu, how are you feeling?" He reached out to steady him. "Come, sit down."

Wen Yanxu sidestepped, avoiding his touch.

Wen Juelang's hand froze in mid-air, then he pulled it back smoothly, his smile unchanged as if nothing had happened.

He turned to Wen Jueqian: "Jueqian, how's your brother-in-law doing? Why don't you come help him over."

Wen Jueqian put down the chicken soup and walked over to Wen Yanxu. "Axu, my parents, my brother, and sister-in-law came to see me."

His gaze lingered on Wen Yanxu's face for a moment, then he dropped his eyes and gently placed his hand on Wen Yanxu's arm.

It was a hesitant touch.

Luckily, Wen Yanxu didn't pull away.

Wen Jueqian let out a silent sigh of relief. At least within that imagined "contract," they were supposed to act close in front of others.

They walked over to the seating area.

Wen Jueqian sat down right next to Wen Yanxu, his thigh accidentally brushing against Wen Yanxu's.

Then he felt Wen Yanxu tense up.

As if he really wasn't used to being this close to someone.

Wen Jueqian silently scooted a few centimeters away.

Wen Yanxu didn't look at him, but Wen Jueqian could swear the air around him got colder.

The atmosphere was getting awkward.

It was Li Yi who found a tea set in the cabinet and skillfully warmed the cups, added the tea leaves, and poured the water.

She handed the first cup of tea to Wen Yanxu with both hands, giving a slight bow, her posture elegant and composed.

"Please, have some tea."

Wen Yanxu took it but didn't drink, simply placing it on the coffee table in front of him.

Li Yi then poured tea for Wen Qishan and Qin Jingqiu, and finally handed a cup to Wen Jueqian.

As she passed it over, her gaze lingered on Wen Jueqian's face for a brief moment.

With everyone holding a cup of tea, the atmosphere felt less awkward.

Wen Qishan took a sip and asked,

"Yanxu, about that accident you ran into yesterday—what exactly happened? The news says it was Natural Law's doing, but I'd like to hear your side of it."

Wen Yanxu's voice was steady: "The official statement is the truth. Since the 7th-gen inhibitor was a success, Natural Law launched a retaliatory attack on Aegis."

Qin Jingqiu, listening nearby, went pale: "These terrorists are absolutely terrifying." She gripped her teacup so hard her knuckles went white. "Yanxu, Jueqian, you two really need to be careful from now on."

Wen Yanxu gave a slight nod but said nothing.

Just then, there was more movement at the door.

A few alphas noticed first and turned to look.

He Yishui appeared there.

He wore a light gray cashmere coat over a dark turtleneck.

His gaze swept the room, pausing briefly on the Wen family before landing on Wen Yanxu.

"Yanxu, there you are." His voice had a reserved tone.

He didn't step inside, just stood at the doorway, seeming to hesitate about whether to come in.

Wen Juelang spoke up: "Uncle He, are you here to see my brother and brother-in-law too?"

He Yishui's gaze shifted to him, and he gave a slight nod in greeting. Then he looked at Wen Qishan and Qin Jingqiu, offering a polite but distant smile.

"Mr. Wen. Mrs. Wen."

Qin Jingqiu quickly stood up, smiling warmly: "Our in-law's here too? Come in, have a seat."

That form of address made He Yishui's brow furrow slightly, though his expression quickly returned to normal.

"No need." He Yishui declined. "I'm just here to see Yanxu. He wasn't in his room."

"Then come in and sit for a bit." Qin Jingqiu continued her enthusiastic invitation. "My daughter-in-law just made tea—have a cup before you go."

He Yishui stayed at the door, not moving.

"No need." His tone stayed gentle, but his refusal was firm. "I actually need to speak with the doctors about their condition anyway. I just stopped by on the way. You all go ahead—I'll be off now."

He turned to go.

"Uncle He." Li Yi suddenly spoke up, her voice gentle. "Should I come with you? I'd also like to hear more about their injuries."

He Yishui paused. "No need. Hospital policy only allows family members to be informed about a patient's condition. You should all stay and keep Jueqian company."

Qin Jingqiu's smile was still on her face, but it was already starting to slip.

She glanced at Wen Jueqian, as if waiting for him to say something.

Wen Jueqian said nothing.

He Yishui had always been polite and distant toward him; the unusual warmth two days ago was the exception.

So of course he wouldn't greet his family with a smile either.

It was just that, in the past, Wen Yanxu had always stepped in to smooth things over and spare him the awkwardness.

He Yishui didn't linger and left.

The room went quiet again for a moment.

Wen Qishan set his teacup down with a crisp clink. "Yanxu, has Jueqian ever mentioned Wen Yuan Medical's Neural Monitor to you?"

The moment Wen Qishan spoke, Wen Jueqian knew they were unhappy with his slow progress and wanted to go straight to Wen Yanxu.

"Dad." Wen Jueqian cut in, his voice a little dry. "We're still in the hospital—this isn't the right time. Let's talk after Jueqian and I are discharged."

Wen Qishan glanced at him, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. He ignored Wen Jueqian and went on: "Jueqian's also said before that this project has great prospects..."

"Dad." Wen Juelang cut in at the right moment, his tone conciliatory. "Jueqian's right—health comes first. Company stuff can wait; there's no rush. We can talk details once they're better."

Wen Qishan shot him a glare, his voice rising with agitation: "Jueqian's my child too. Do you think I don't care about his health as his father? But Wen Yuan's in a tough spot right now. If we can't get investment, we can't produce new products, and soon we won't even be able to pay our employees. What are we supposed to do then? You tell me—what?"

It was always like this.

Wen Jueqian sat on the sofa, his back ramrod straight, yet feeling a deep sense of helplessness.

It was like this seven years ago, and it's still like this seven years later.

They just took it for granted that he should sacrifice for Wen Yuan Medical.

Suddenly, he felt a warmth spread over the back of his hand.

Wen Jueqian looked down and saw that at some point, Wen Yanxu had taken his hand in his.

Wen Jueqian looked up at Wen Yanxu's profile.

But Wen Yanxu wasn't looking at him—his eyes were fixed on Wen Qishan.

His voice was calm: "Uncle, what exactly is this Neural Monitor you're talking about?"

Wen Qishan and Wen Juelang exchanged a knowing look.

Wen Juelang immediately opened his optical device, pulled up materials that had clearly been prepared in advance, and started introducing the project with clear logic—obviously well-rehearsed.

Wen Yanxu listened quietly, his expression unchanged.

"The project's technological foresight and market potential sound promising. Uncle, there's no need to worry too much."

"Here's what I'll do—I'll have Ruijia Capital's investment advisor for the medical tech sector contact you tomorrow to work out the details."

Wen Jueqian hadn't expected him to agree so readily, without asking any questions or requesting a more detailed evaluation report.

Instinctively, he tightened his grip on Wen Yanxu's hand, a little harder than he meant to, making Wen Yanxu turn his head toward him. Wen Jueqian gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head.

Don't invest in them.

Wen Yanxu felt the increased pressure on his hand and caught the slight shake of his head. He glanced at Wen Jueqian, and after a quick glance at each other, he turned back to Wen Qishan and said, "Ruijia is representing the Wen family. The investment amount will be sufficient for you to purchase production equipment until the Neural Monitor can be mass-produced."

Wen Jueqian's hand went still.

Wen Yanxu had clearly gotten the wrong idea.

He thought Wen Jueqian was worried Ruijia's investment advisor might not bring enough money. So Wen Yanxu stressed that Ruijia was speaking for the Wen family.

Wen Jueqian opened his mouth, as if to speak, but no words came out.

Wen Qishan had already stood up, his expression easing from tense to relieved, like a huge weight had finally been lifted off his shoulders.

"Yanxu, thank you very much. Wenyuan has pulled through several crises thanks to you." He extended his hand.

Wen Yanxu stood up and shook it.

"You're too generous, Uncle. From a business standpoint, or considering—" He paused, his gaze drifting over Wen Jueqian, who sat with his head down, before he added in a calm tone, "certain personal considerations, this investment is worth it."

Wen Qishan then looked at Wen Jueqian. "Jueqian, take care of yourself and get better. With Yanxu taking care of you, we can rest easy."

Wen Jueqian stayed silent, not responding.

Qin Jingqiu held Wen Jueqian's hand and added a few more reminders, like "look after yourself" and "get plenty of rest."

The family finally headed out.

The ward door closed, and finally, it was quiet.

"Why were you so quick to invest in Wenyuan?"

Wen Jueqian's voice came from next to Wen Yanxu.

Wen Yanxu turned around and looked at him.

Wen Jueqian sat on the sofa, his back straight, his eyes fixed on Wen Yanxu with a complicated look.

Wen Yanxu glanced at him, a meaningful look.

"Isn't this what our contract says?" he asked in return.

Wen Jueqian's breath hitched for a moment.

"Seven years ago, I helped Wenyuan Medical when it was about to go bankrupt. And you became my boyfriend to help me handle the outside world. Over the years, you've held up your end of the contract well, and I'm very satisfied."

Wen Yanxu's tone was pointed. "Investing in Wenyuan is the payment you've earned for holding up your end of the contract. Or rather, it's the cost of keeping this relationship going."

"I thought we were on the same page about this."

Wen Jueqian had been holding Wen Yanxu's hand the whole time, but now it slipped away limply.

He dropped his head.

He had never imagined that, in Wen Yanxu's post-amnesia mind, this was how their relationship had started and continued.

A warped view built on reality.

Seven years ago, Wenyuan Medical really had been on the verge of bankruptcy.

But that wasn't how the deal began.

"Wen Jueqian, if you can't protect yourself, if you can't decide your own future, then leave it to me."

His voice cut through seven years, still as clear as ever, with a gentleness that could break through every shadow in Wen Jueqian's life.

That was the first time anyone had been willing to be Wen Jueqian's steady support.

But in Wen Yanxu's memory now, those words were gone.

"I'm very satisfied."

Those four words stabbed into Wen Jueqian's heart like needles.

He felt like a commodity being evaluated.

Wen Jueqian bowed his head deeply, not wanting Wen Yanxu to see the expression on his face—the shame and despair of being ruthlessly objectified.

Too pathetic.

Wen Yanxu could only see his lowered lashes and his slightly pale complexion.

"Wen Jueqian."

"Is there anything else?" Wen Yanxu asked.

Wen Jueqian shook his head without lifting his gaze.

Wen Yanxu stood before him, watching him for a few more seconds.

The ward was eerily quiet.

In the end, Wen Yanxu said nothing more, withdrew his gaze, and left without looking back.