Chapter 112: Not Worthy
Zhou Fu looked puzzled. “President Huo, I don’t understand.”
In the past, President Huo was a bit of a jerk. But ever since his divorce from Mr. Jiang, he had been gradually changing and was a much better person than before. Although Mr. Jiang still gave him the cold shoulder, they were getting along much more harmoniously now. Zhou Fu felt that in time, Mr. Jiang and President Huo might even reconcile.
But now, President Huo seemed to have given up all of a sudden, as if he was intentionally avoiding Mr. Jiang. That wasn’t like him at all. He wasn’t the kind of person who gave up so easily.
What was wrong with President Huo?
“In this life, you don’t need to understand everything.” Huo Qingyan had no intention of explaining himself.
Zhou Fu’s eyes widened. “Huh?”
Why was he suddenly talking about profound life lessons?
Fine, Zhou Fu thought, if you don’t want to talk, then don’t.
“President Huo, I have other things to attend to.” He was busy and didn’t have time to stand around listening to philosophical talks.
Huo Qingyan chuckled, then turned and walked back toward the hospital room. He gently pushed the door open just halfway, enough to see everything inside.
Jiang Su was talking softly with his mother, a warm smile on his face. Whatever he said made his mother’s eyes crinkle with a smile. He was so endearing.
Huo Qingyan remembered the handful of chance encounters he had with Jiang Su at banquets many years ago. After Jiang Su walked through a room, Huo Qingyan would always hear people talking about him, usually remarks like, “That Jiang family’s seventh child is an interesting character.”
Huo Qingyan’s smile slowly faded. A bitter ache spread through his heart, little by little.
That day, Jiang Ying had come to find him in person. On the surface, she had simply and calmly told him all the things he hadn’t known. Yet, only he knew that her words had turned into a sharp blade plunging down from above, piercing his lungs and guts, and tearing his insides to shreds. The attack was so fast and precise that he had nowhere to turn for help.
The more he realized how wonderful Jiang Su was, the more he felt like a wretched person himself. All these years, he had recklessly taken all of Jiang Su’s devotion, but what had he ever given back to Jiang Su? He used to think that if he took it slow, he might be able to make up for everything.
That was until Jiang Ying came to see him.
It was then that he realized he was no longer worthy.
But when the crew of Crime and Fiend notified him that Jiang Su was going for his costume fitting photos today, he still couldn’t stop himself from going. He had only intended to catch a glimpse from afar, but Jiang Su had still discovered him.
“Qingyan?” Duan Zhixi noticed Huo Qingyan standing by the door.
Huo Qingyan snapped out of his daze, slightly lowered his gaze, and when he looked up again, his eyes were cold and devoid of any extra emotion. He walked in and sat on the other side of Duan Zhixi’s bed. “You two looked like you were having a good chat. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
Duan Zhixi’s smile seemed stuck to her face. She looked at Huo Qingyan with a grin. “You should learn from Jiang Su. Don’t always wear a stony expression. Talk to people more, or you’ll never have any friends.”
Huo Qingyan gave a noncommittal smile. “Yeah.”
Duan Zhixi knew he was just humoring her. She sighed softly and turned to Jiang Su. “Look at his temper! It’s no wonder he doesn’t have any friends.”
Jiang Su couldn’t help but laugh. Auntie Duan seemed so gentle; he had thought she was the kind of person who would be endlessly tolerant of her children no matter what.
“He wasn’t like this when he was a kid, though. He used to be pretty cute,” Duan Zhixi said, then added to Jiang Su, “He was still a far cry from you, of course.”
“Cute?” Jiang Su glanced at Huo Qingyan, finding it impossible to associate the word with him.
Huo Qingyan’s face flushed with discomfort. “Mom…”
“Alright, alright, I won’t say any more…” Duan Zhixi winked at Jiang Su and whispered, “He’s getting embarrassed.”
Jiang Su also caught a hint of annoyance on Huo Qingyan’s face. Noticing that Duan Zhixi looked a bit tired, he stood up to take his leave. “Auntie, it’s getting late. I should head home.”
Duan Zhixi held his hand and patted it gently. “You’re a good boy. Take care of yourself.”
“I will. You take care of yourself, too, Auntie.” Jiang Su could see Duan Zhixi’s reluctance to see him go, so he spoke soothingly. “I’ve been a little busy. I’ll come visit you again at the end of the month.”
Duan Zhixi’s gaze became distant. She nodded. “Okay.”
Just like last time, Huo Qingyan walked Jiang Su out. In the elevator, Jiang Su couldn’t help but speak up. “Your work will never be finished. You should spend more time with your mom, talking and chatting with her.”
To his surprise, Huo Qingyan actually responded, “I will.”
Jiang Su rolled his eyes. “Don’t just say it. You have to act on it.” He knew that jerk Huo Qingyan all too well. He would agree to everything and then probably bury himself in his office again.
This time, Huo Qingyan’s voice was very serious. “I’ll keep my word.”
Jiang Su was taken aback by his overly earnest tone. After that, he didn’t say another word to Huo Qingyan all the way to the parking lot. It was only when he was about to leave that Huo Qingyan took the initiative to say goodbye. Jiang Su replied with a simple farewell.
After watching Jiang Su’s car disappear, Huo Qingyan returned the same way he came. Remembering Jiang Su’s instructions, he went back to his mother’s hospital room. He had thought his mother would be asleep after their long chat, but when he entered, she was still awake, propped up against her pillows and looking at the flowers Jiang Su had brought.
“You’re back.” Duan Zhixi glanced at him, then returned her gaze to the flowers. After a moment, she spoke softly. “The Jiang family’s children even buy the same flowers.”
The fact that Duan Zhixi was in the hospital was a secret, so no one else had come to visit. Only Jiang Ying and Jiang Su had sent her flowers.
Huo Qingyan’s face changed slightly. “Mom, did you tell Jiang Su that his second sister had come to see you?”
“No…” Duan Zhixi studied Huo Qingyan, as if she had figured something out, but in the end, she didn’t say anything.
After a moment of silence, Duan Zhixi reached out her hand to Huo Qingyan. “Qingyan.”
Huo Qingyan took her hand and sat down by the hospital bed.
Duan Zhixi asked him, “Are you worried about something lately?”
Huo Qingyan lowered his eyes without a word.
Duan Zhixi sighed. “I hope you can be happy and live a more relaxed life.”
“I’m fine now, and I’m very relaxed.” With his mother by his side, no longer under the control of Huo Zhenheng, this was a rare moment of peace for him.
Duan Zhixi smiled. “I think things are great now, too. But I hope you can be even better.”
Huo Qingyan finally looked up, staring at Duan Zhixi with a hint of confusion.
Duan Zhixi’s voice was serious as she asked, “When I’m discharged, I’d like to live with you. I want a European-style bed and a sunny balcony. Can you arrange that for your mother?”
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