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墨書 Inktalez
Lu Xu learned from Sina that Zhou Yao had not returned to Beijing and might have been captured by Yan Lin, realizing that the situation was dire. The land project involved national secrets, and this time, Yan Lin could not be allowed to escape under any circumstances. He urgently contacted the narcotics police and requested heavy military support from his superiors.
Special forces, helicopters, and the Medical Team all rushed to the scene. Lu Xu was also granted permission to shoot at civilians attacking the police during critical moments, so when the villagers caused chaos and obstructed the police, he quickly quelled the riot.
Luo Yi and the assassin were soon taken onto a helicopter by the medical team. The doctors worked tirelessly for two days and nights to save them, barely pulling them back from danger, but they remained unconscious.
The doctors remarked that it was miraculous that they could still maintain respiration; they had never seen a man with such a strong will to survive, repeatedly teetering on the brink of death yet struggling back each time.
This could perhaps only be explained by the protection of the Golden Buddha.
Zhou Yao also remained unconscious.
She suffered from a severe concussion accompanied by bronchial injuries, and even the doctors could not believe she had managed to stay awake for so long before being forcibly taken away by Lu Xu and others.
The treatment was successful, yet Zhou Yao still did not wake up.
After learning about Zhou Yao's experiences in the basement from Lu Xu, the doctors sighed; typically, severe concussions are accompanied by brief retrograde amnesia, so she might forget everything that happened in the basement.
However, when Zhou Yao finally woke up and saw her parents standing by her bedside with bloodshot eyes, she stared blankly at them without any reaction.
It wasn't until her parents were frightened and tearfully held her in their arms, continuously talking to her while stroking her head, that she gradually came back to herself and eventually burst into tears.
She shouted Luo Boss like she had gone mad, calling for him to come back and take her away, ignoring everyone around her, only crying, crying so heartbreakingly.
It wasn't until the doctor discovered something unusual that he immediately told her Luo Yi was not dead. Only then did she stop, staring blankly into the void.
He is still alive.
He is still alive.
...
After his condition stabilized, Luo Yi was transferred to Beijing for treatment. Zhou Yao suddenly seemed to regain her spirit and motivation, staying at the hospital every day to take care of him, helping him with his hygiene, and talking to him.
Days passed one by one, and her life gradually got back on track. She took care of Luo Yi, visited Tao Tao, and kept up with her studies. She went to school as usual but did not stay in the dormitory or at home; instead, she lived in the hospital, accompanying Luo Yi every night.
Jiang Han visited two or three times. Seeing Zhou Yao devoted entirely to Luo Yi and learning about Luo Yi's injuries left him with nothing to say. In the end, he could only offer a few words of comfort to Zhou Yao before leaving.
At first, Xia Mingzhen was genuinely grateful to Luo Yi and feared upsetting Zhou Yao. So when she saw her daughter serving Luo Yi like a caregiver every day, repeatedly wiping the face and body of such a big man, she felt uncomfortable but said nothing.
However, day after day, reality once again presented itself.
Soon a month passed. Zhou Yao's condition improved, yet she showed no signs of frustration or giving up in the face of the still-unconscious Luo Yi. Xia Mingzhen sensed something was wrong and called Zhou Yao home, saying there was something important to discuss.
When Zhou Yao returned home, she was still very excited and asked, "Did you find a new drug abroad?"
Professor Zhou smiled and said, "Your mother has something to talk to you about. Speak nicely and don't make a fuss."
"Oh." Zhou Yao sat up straight.
Xia Mingzhen spoke, "Mom has already hired a caregiver, so you don't need to go to the hospital anymore."
Zhou Yao shook her head, "I don't want the caregiver you hired. Luo Boss doesn't like others touching him."
Xia Mingzhen was provoked by this and frowned, saying, "You're an unmarried young girl spending all day—spending all day dressing and undressing him. What kind of behavior is that!"
Zhou Yao furrowed her brows and paused for half a second before saying, "Mom, I've told you before, I'm his girlfriend. Even though he hasn't invited me, marrying him is also an option. Then I wouldn't be an unmarried young girl anymore."
Xia Mingzhen's expression immediately turned cold: "That's impossible."
"He nearly died for me; can't you see that?"
"So I will compensate," Xia Mingzhen replied. "I can give him as much money as he needs, but I absolutely cannot let you stay with him. Have you ever thought about what would happen if he never wakes up?"
"He will wake up," Zhou Yao insisted. "The doctor said he has a strong will to survive; he will come looking for me."
Just as Xia Mingzhen was about to interrupt, Professor Zhou gently pulled her back.
Zhou Yao said firmly, "Right now, I'm taking care of him. I know how he feels every day; he is happy when I'm with him. He will wake up soon; I'm sure of it."
Xia Mingzhen couldn't hold back: "That's simply nonsense."
"You can never reason with you," Zhou Yao said in frustration as she stood up. "I’ll go to the hospital first." With that, she walked out without looking back.
“Zhou Yao do you believe—” Xia Mingzhen was furious, wanting to say something, when Professor Zhou held her hand. Xia Mingzhen instantly stopped, turning to look at her husband, blaming him: “It’s all your fault for spoiling her.”
Professor Zhou smiled lightly and sighed: “You are just too stubborn. Now that the Jade Buddha Pagoda has been found and the truth is clear, you still refuse to admit you were wrong.”
Xia Mingzhen frowned: “I think you are the one being stubborn. Just because he is Luo Yu’s brother, you favor him.”
“I don’t favor him; I genuinely think he is a good person. He takes care of his sick brother, is loyal and caring, values family ties; over the years he has endured humiliation with strength and perseverance, and he has principles. He doesn’t follow his ex-girlfriend into wrongdoing; he has morals and isn’t greedy or lustful. He protects the land and has a sense of justice; most importantly, he treats Yao Yao well, risking his life to protect our Yao Yao. How can such a person be bad?”
Xia Mingzhen became increasingly dissatisfied: “I say one thing about him, and you praise him to the heavens. No matter how good he is, it’s his own business. He is much older than Yao Yao, with too much experience and depth; he suppresses her completely. It’s not suitable.”
“I think Yao Yao’s personality needs someone mature who can be understanding. If she were with someone her age, she would have to learn to grow up and tolerate a boy’s immaturity and playfulness; that would be exhausting.” Professor Zhou said, “It’s better for her to be with someone mature who can cherish her, love her, and protect her so she can remain carefree and happy.”
“Ha! I’m just afraid she won’t be able to compete with him and will end up being swallowed up while counting his money.” Xia Mingzhen turned to face her husband seriously, saying, “I don’t care if he’s good or not. I saw him almost lose his life for Yao Yao. I said I would compensate him; any amount is fine, but not for my daughter. No matter how you put it, if it’s not suitable, it’s just not suitable.”
“When we were good together back then, everyone in the family said we weren’t suitable.”
Xia Mingzhen was taken aback for a moment before rolling her eyes at him.
“Family members said you were too strong-willed, cold-hearted, and had sharp methods in dealing with people. They said if I were with you, I wouldn’t have any status at home or outside; what happened then?”
Xia Mingzhen fell silent.
She had always been domineering throughout her life but softened only in front of Professor Zhou. Yet Professor Zhou was gentle and refined; when working, he was unkempt but was definitely not a domineering or aggressive person.
Feeling embarrassed, Xia Mingzhen said: “I just oppose this. Yao Yao is still young; I need to take care of her for a few more years. Maybe when she grows up a bit more and thinks clearly, she will break up with him on her own.”
She still refused to accept it, but Professor Zhou could sense a hint of concession; at least—although they were not allowed to take it further, there would be no rift between mother and daughter because of it.
Professor Zhou gently stroked his wife's hand and said, "That's fine."
...
The sunlight in December streamed through the window, casting a thin layer of light golden hue. Zhou Yao sat by the hospital bed reading about how to rehabilitate someone who had been bedridden for a long time.
Halfway through, Zhou Yao put down the book and stared at Luo Yi, who was sleeping quietly with his eyes closed.
Zhou Yao rested her chin on her hand, tilting her head: "Boss Luo, were you too tired the past couple of years and couldn't sleep well, so now you're catching up on sleep?"
No one answered.
Zhou Yao pouted.
In recent days, he had lost some weight, and his cheeks were slightly sunken. Within just two or three days, stubble had begun to grow on his chin.
Upon seeing this, Zhou Yao immediately broke into a smile.
She set down her notebook, picked up a small basin to fetch water, and returned to carefully wash his face with a towel wrapped around his neck and head. She applied shaving cream and slowly shaved his beard. Halfway through, she inadvertently caught sight of his increasingly prominent collarbone and realized once again that he had indeed lost weight.
Zhou Yao tilted her head and slowly moved the razor while reminding him, "Boss Luo, you need to wake up soon; if you keep sleeping like this, you'll lose your abs."
Just as she was speaking, her hand slipped, leaving a small cut on his face.
Zhou Yao: "..."
Zhou Yao, afraid of being scolded, quickly covered his face and turned to look outside, making sure the nurses and caregivers weren't paying attention.
She had never taken care of anyone before and was not very skilled at it.
Once, while turning Luo Yi, she accidentally bumped his forehead, leaving a bruise. When the nurse asked about it, Zhou Yao was confused: "Huh? I didn't wipe him down yesterday. Is it because of poor blood circulation?"
Another time, while trimming his nails, she accidentally cut too deep. She winced at the sight of the flesh, but fortunately, the nurse didn't notice.
Little did she expect that today would be another incident—
Zhou Yao hurriedly wiped Luo Yi's face clean; blood was seeping slightly from the wound. She pressed a tissue against the small cut several times until it stopped bleeding. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief and finished shaving off the remaining stubble.
After cleaning him up, she took the basin to pour out the water. Just as she exited the restroom, she saw Tang Shangri-La Duo and others hesitating outside the ward.
Zhou Yao set down the basin and walked out.
A few of them had come to see Luo Yi.
Lin Jinyan had already been apprehended; he was the one who called Yan Lin's private number back in Yading. With evidence in front of him, there was no way to deny it. Other clues also surfaced one by one, revealing the truth behind Luo Yu's death.
Lin Jinyan was detained and awaiting trial. Unless something unexpected happened, he would face the death penalty. He expressed a desire to meet Tang Shangri-La Duo but was refused.
This time, Tang Shangri-La Duo came to see Luo Yi and felt very guilty. Zhou Yao said, "What Lin Jinyan did has nothing to do with you. You are also a victim."
A few people quickly decided to never mention Lin Jinyan again.
Tang Shangri-La Duo asked, "Are you going to wait for Boss Luo forever?"
Zhou Yao shrugged, "Not forever. He'll wake up soon."
"Did the doctor say that?" Summer Melody asked.
Zhou Yao shook her head, "I just feel it."
Tang Shangri-La Duo: "..."
Summer Melody: "..."
Sulianlin whispered, "That doesn't count."
Zhou Yao shot her a glance, "Sulianlin, stop bothering me."
Lu Xu had also come several times. Every time she saw Zhou Yao, she was either holding a basin of water, a towel, or a change of clothes, bustling in and out.
She wasn't at all discouraged or anxious; she was very natural, as if everything was casual and in its own time.
Seeing this, Lu Xu felt relieved.
One day in late December, the weather unexpectedly turned cold.
Zhou Yao finished her class and rushed to the hospital. As she exited the subway station, the cold wind chilled her to the bone. The temperature had dropped below freezing, but there was no snow; instead, puddles on the road had frozen into patches of ice.
Zhou Yao was late getting out of class today, later than usual. She hurriedly ran and slipped on some broken ice while stepping off the curb, falling hard onto her backside and scraping her hand. The pain made her grimace, and tears welled up in her eyes.
She pouted, blowing on her hands to warm them, then got up and hurried toward the hospital.
Just as she came out of the elevator, she saw nurses rushing in and out of Luo Yi's room with serious expressions.
Zhou Yao was startled; could her earlier fall have been a bad omen?
She tossed aside her scarf and hurried to the ward. Doctors and nurses surrounded the bed, their faces grave, as if something serious had happened.
Zhou Yao burst in, pushing people aside, and froze in shock.
Luo Yi was sitting up in bed, quietly watching her. A deep crease formed on his eyelid, and his gaze was direct yet gentle.
Zhou Yao stood there, wide-eyed and breathing heavily.
She opened her mouth to say something but couldn't find the words. After a few seconds of silence, she tried again but still couldn't speak.
He continued to look at her for a long time before finally saying, "It's good to see you again."
Zhou Yao's eyes instantly filled with tears.
The doctors and nurses were still by the bedside. Zhou Yao wiped her eyes and whispered, "Could you step outside for a moment?"
A group of people in white coats rushed out of the ward. Zhou Yao closed the door, gripping the doorknob, her back to Luo Yi, and remained still for a long time.
The fluorescent lights illuminated the ward in a stark white. The ice on her snow boots melted into water, silently pooling on the floor.
Luo Yi looked at her silhouette and called out to her in a low voice, "Zhou Yao."
Zhou Yao turned around, her eyes red as she slowly walked to the bedside and looked at him, "Hmm?"
Luo Yi reached out his hand. Zhou Yao took his hand, finally feeling the strength in his palm again—an unfamiliar yet familiar strength.
He gently pulled her, and Zhou Yao fell onto the bed, wrapping her arms around him.
Zhou Yao held him tightly, trying not to show too much excitement so as not to disturb his emotions, but tears flowed uncontrollably, soaking his hospital gown.
He lowered his head and rubbed his chin against her forehead, saying, "I missed you, Zhou Yao."
Zhou Yao's tears burst forth even more: "You said to wait for you; I didn’t run off."
"I know." He kissed her eyes. She sobbed a few times before slowly stopping her tears.
"Boss Luo, you’ve been asleep for a long time."
"Yeah, a long time."
"Are you feeling unwell?"
He weakly shook his head, "I just had a very long dream."
She tilted her head to look at him, "What dream?"
"Luo Yu, and you."
"Were you sad in the dream?"
He lowered his eyes and slowly shook his head again, "Not sad." He said, "When the dream ends, a person wakes up."
"Oh." She rubbed her moist eyes and murmured, "I thought you would see me first when you woke up. Otherwise, you might think I didn't listen to you and that I ran away, that I was never here."
He pressed his lips together for a moment and said, "I know you're here."
Otherwise, how could I have woken up?
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