During this time, Junxi could only hear about Zhou Xuanyu through others.
Among all the rumors, what impressed her the most was that during Zhou Xuanyu's efforts to revitalize Hengfu Group, Jia Man had become an equally important presence by his side.
After their parents were released from prison, her brother Jun Xuan's surgery was also scheduled. The lead surgeon was Jason's senior, a seasoned expert in treating Uremia. Jason had traveled a long distance to bring his senior back to Qingcheng specifically for Jun Xuan's operation. This deeply moved Junxi.
Before the surgery, Jason would come to the hospital room every day, sometimes chatting with Jun Xuan and other times keeping her parents company. Jason was well-informed and talkative; despite being new acquaintances, he had a good grasp of the family's preferences. Even their mother, Yang Tingfang, couldn't help but praise him: "This young man is quite thoughtful. Does he have feelings for you?"
At that moment, Junxi was peeling an orange when she accidentally squeezed it too hard, causing juice to splatter out.
"Oh no." A few drops landed on Jun Xuan's face, prompting him to exclaim.
Junxi quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe his face.
"Mom, stop playing matchmaker! I don’t want a foreign brother-in-law," Jun Xuan said irritably.
"I’m just asking. Is it wrong to ask?" their mother Yang Tingfang replied as she walked over and tapped Jun Xuan on the nose.
"It’s not okay. I don’t agree with it anyway."
"Do you think I need your approval for what kind of husband I find?" Junxi asked.
"Right, I only accept one person as my brother-in-law," Jun Xuan suddenly declared.
Yang Tingfang glanced at Junxi, and the atmosphere in the hospital room suddenly felt tense. Junxi stuffed a piece of orange pulp into her mouth, the sour taste stimulating her taste buds. She quickly stood up and changed the subject, saying, "I'll go ask the nurse when the IV can start."
Without waiting for a response, she rushed out, barely putting down most of the orange in her hand. As she reached the door, she bumped into someone.
"Sorry," Junxi quickly apologized, looking up to see Jason. Instinctively, she asked, "Jason, why are you here again?"
"I just agreed with Jun Xuan to lend him my handheld game console, so I brought it over," Jason said, shaking the small device in his hand that was about the size of a phone.
Junxi snatched it from him. "He's just a kid; you really spoil him."
Jason shrugged. "A gentleman's word is his bond; that's an old Chinese saying, right?"
"It is an old Chinese saying, but not used like this. In any case, you can't give him this game console," Junxi said with a stern expression.
With no other option, Jason had to agree.
"Then let me go in and tell Jun Xuan. I’m afraid he’s waiting," Jason said as he reached for the door. Junxi quickly stopped him.
At this moment, what was he going in for? That would only complicate things!
"Jason!" Junxi shook her head.
"What’s wrong?" Jason asked suspiciously.
"Nothing much. I just mean that if you're busy, you don’t have to come every day to see my brother and my parents. I really appreciate your care, but I don’t want to trouble you too much."
"Oh come on, we're familiar enough; there's no need to be polite," Jason waved his hand dismissively.
"Are you familiar with him?"
Before Jun Xuan was hospitalized, they had hardly met a few times; it was more of a nodding acquaintance than anything else. However, it was clear that Jason and Zhou Xuanyu were quite familiar with each other.
Junxi thought for a moment and decided to be honest.
"Actually, I'm worried my parents might misunderstand," Junxi said shyly.
"Misunderstand what?" Jason asked, then suddenly realized, "They wouldn't think I'm pursuing you, would they?"
Seeing the look of horror on his face, Junxi couldn't help but laugh. "You're quite clever!"
"Really!" Jason's smile widened. "I'm so curious about what Ken would think if he found out about this."
When Jason mentioned Zhou Xuanyu, Junxi felt a pang in her heart. Noticing the change in her expression, Jason quickly toned down his smile.
"Junxi, I think you should know that the reason I'm looking after your brother is because Ken asked me to. His brother just passed away, and your parents have only recently been released from prison. This period is quite awkward for you all. He really cares about Jun Xuan, but he's afraid that his presence might stir up trouble, so he sent me to keep an eye on things. After all, I'm a doctor, and that gives me certain advantages."
Jason spoke at length, and Junxi simply nodded.
She had guessed that Jason must have been assigned to this task; she didn't confront him about it. As Jason said, every event has its timing, and mending past grievances requires patience.
"You have no idea; he checks in every day. He calls from time to time to ask if I've visited you. It's like I've been given an extra burden without reason—if I don't go, he'll be unhappy. Do you think I'm really that clever? Just chatting with your father for a bit to figure out he likes watching anti-Japanese dramas? Or talking briefly with your mother to know she loves classical music? It’s all Zhou Xuanyu who told me."
Junxi understood this too. These details were ones even Zhou Ziyan might not know; they were surely shared by Zhou Xuanyu, who was always attentive, especially towards elders.
"Ken truly cares about you and your family. I know you might still harbor some resentment towards him, but Junxi, you have to believe that he really loves you."
Zhou Xuanyu really loves her?
Junxi truly doesn't believe it.
At least, after dating for so long, he has never once said whether he loves her or not.
Jun Xuan's surgery went even smoother than expected. After the operation, he stayed in the hospital for over a month to recover. During this time, Shen Yunchong brought Minya to visit Jun Xuan once.
Since Junxi had personally told Jun Xuan that she would not marry Shen Yunchong, her brother's attitude towards Minya and Shen Yunchong was no longer as cold as before.
When Minya played around him, he would also tease this adorable little sister in return.
Junxi knew that Jun Xuan was also a child who understood gratitude. He was well aware that it was Shen Yunchong who had helped him at a critical moment, allowing him to focus on his recovery without worries. However, like all teenagers, he could easily express dissatisfaction but struggled to convey his guilt.
Fortunately, Shen Yunchong, like her, could understand such awkwardness.
In addition to visiting Jun Xuan, Shen Yunchong brought some good news.
"I'm getting married."
"What?" Junxi was taken aback.
"There were rumors about my marriage before. Since it's already common knowledge, I naturally have to fulfill my promise. Otherwise, wouldn't that just give the media a free joke?" Shen Yunchong said lightly.
"Is it just because of that?"
Shen Yunchong nodded.
The more indifferent he appeared, the more suspicious Junxi felt.
"Mr. Shen, I will feel very guilty if you keep this up," Junxi said as she looked at him.
Just because she called off the engagement, he casually found someone to take her place. How could she bear that? Was she supposed to carry the burden of ruining his life?
Seeing her serious expression, Shen Yunchong laughed.
"You don't need to worry; I was just joking."
Junxi feigned anger and glared at him. "Is this kind of thing something to joke about?"
It was the first time Shen Yunchong had seen Junxi give him such a look. Previously, he had only thought of her as an unattainable beauty, but now their relationship was subtly becoming closer and more relaxed.
This feeling was quite nice.
"Then can you tell me why you're in such a hurry to get married?" Junxi still looked unconvinced.
Shen Yunchong thought for a moment. "Probably because I'm afraid she might run away again."
"She? Who is she?"
"She is my biological mother!" Minya suddenly ran out of the hospital room. Dressed in a princess dress, she bounced over and hugged Junxi's waist. "Sister Junxi, Daddy said I have a real mommy now."
A real mommy... Why did it sound so strange and bittersweet?
Junxi crouched down and patted Minya's head.
"It seems Minya is very happy."
"Mm." Minya replied without hesitation.
Junxi felt a stir in her heart. Minya was truly an angel. If it were someone else, being abandoned by their own mother for so long would surely leave some resentment or hatred. But Minya, she looked at others with nothing but love. Perhaps she couldn't bear to harbor any hatred for her mother.
"Family reunion, everyone is happy. Congratulations, Mr. Shen." Junxi looked up at Shen Yunchong before shifting her gaze back to Minya. "And congratulations to you, Minya."
"Thank you." Minya leaned against Junxi's shoulder. "Sister Junxi, even though my mom has come back, you are still just as important to me."
Junxi's eyes welled up, nearly laughing through her tears.
"You and Mr. Zhou..." Shen Yunchong asked softly.
Junxi released Minya, stood up, and shook her head at Shen Yunchong.
"Since everything has passed, it's time to let go of what needs to be let go. Don't be like I was back then, waiting until you've lost something before regretting it." Shen Yunchong paused before continuing, "I think if Mr. Zhou hears that my wedding plans haven't changed, he will soon be unable to hold himself back."
--- Side note --- Can you smell the scent of the ending? Hehe.
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