This night was destined to be extremely difficult for everyone in the Ji family.
Ji Xu'an, who was far away in M Country, received a call from Secretary Zhao. It was eight o'clock in the evening domestically, and for Ji Xu'an, this day's schedule had only just begun.
The moment the call connected, Ji Xu'an did not even have time to ask, "What's the matter?" before she heard Secretary Zhao's panic-stricken voice from the other end:
"Something terrible has happened, President Ji! Miss Xie fell from the third floor!"
At that instant, Ji Xu'an's heartbeat paused briefly. What followed was a tremendous roaring sound ringing in her ears. She felt her body turn weightless, as if floating in illusory outer space. Even Secretary Zhao's voice seemed to grow distant.
Without waiting for her reply, Zhao Zitang continued rapidly, "Miss Xie went to her classmate's home to see a cat. Who would have thought that beast would harbor evil intentions? He tied up Miss Xie's hands, and during their struggle, the two of them accidentally fell from the third floor."
"That scum suffered excessive blood loss and multiple fractures all over his body. He's still being rescued in the operating room."
"Miss Xie's condition is better. She's not in life-threatening danger. She just hasn't woken up yet and is waiting for the examination results."
Hearing that Jiang Jiang was temporarily not in life-threatening danger, Ji Xu'an finally felt her feet touch solid ground again. She exhaled heavily and realized that the heart in her chest was still beating at an extremely high frequency.
Ji Xu'an had always thought she could remain calm in the face of any situation. Yet just now, when she heard Secretary Zhao say that Jiang Jiang had fallen from the third floor, she could not control her expression. A strong sense of panic surged in her heart.
For a fleeting moment, Ji Xu'an wanted Secretary Zhao to stop speaking.
From the initial fear to the relief she felt now, Ji Xu'an belatedly realized why she had been so terrified.
She had been afraid—afraid of hearing news of Jiang Jiang's death.
Ji Xu'an had always been emotionally indifferent since childhood. There were not many people in this lifetime whom she cared about. She had already lost two when she was young. The pain and despair from that time still made her heart tremble even now when she recalled it.
She had thought that after her parents passed away, the only people she cared about were Grandmother and little Yuan. It turned out that at some unknown point, she had also included Jiang Jiang within that circle.
When she learned that Jiang Jiang might lose her life, she too became flustered and anxious to the point of helplessness.
Ji Xu'an pressed her hand against her forehead. So, without her even realizing it, Jiang Jiang already held far more weight in her heart than she had imagined.
As long as she thought of that little girl who would obediently lie beside her legs and smile at her sweetly and softly, possibly never opening her eyes to look at her again, Ji Xu'an's heart would ache uncontrollably.
Jiang Jiang had clearly said she would always wait for her to return.
Ji Xu'an closed her eyes. Perhaps she could not sort out her thoughts for the moment, but there was one thing she could be certain of.
She would absolutely not allow anything to happen to Jiang Jiang.
Ji Xu'an took a deep breath. When she spoke again, her usually cold voice was hoarse to an alarming degree. "I will return to the country immediately. Stay at the hospital and guard her. Do not let anyone disturb her."
Her tone sank. "No matter what price must be paid, I only want her safe and sound."
Secretary Zhao sensed a certain frightening emotion in her tone and responded in a low voice, "Yes, President Ji."
After hesitating for two seconds, he added, "Please rest assured. Miss Xie is blessed by fortune. She will definitely be fine."
Secretary Zhao did not dare tell Ji Xu'an more. In truth, he had personally seen Jiang Jiang's unconscious state.
Because they were unsure of Jiang Jiang's injuries, the driver did not dare move her rashly. After calling emergency services and the police, the driver immediately called Secretary Zhao.
After all, Ji Xu'an was far away in M Country. Distant water could not quench immediate thirst. Calling her would not help much.
Secretary Zhao arrived quickly. When he heard from the driver that Jiang Jiang had fallen from the third floor and that her life and death were uncertain, he truly felt as if the sky had collapsed.
As Ji Xu'an's trusted secretary, he understood better than anyone how much Ji Xu'an valued Jiang Jiang. Some things Ji Xu'an herself had not yet seen clearly, but Secretary Zhao had already noticed them.
Thinking about how President Ji had specifically instructed him before leaving to take good care of Jiang Jiang, and now the little girl had encountered such an accident, Secretary Zhao felt both distressed and deeply self-reproachful.
Even putting aside President Ji's instructions, merely seeing with his own eyes a young girl in the prime of her youth, with such a promising future, lying powerless in a pool of blood, gave Secretary Zhao a suffocating sense of heartache.
The person who felt the most guilt and regret should have been the driver. He had been the one most likely to save Jiang Jiang, yet in the end, he could only watch helplessly as she fell from the building.
"It's all my fault. If I had been more vigilant and gone upstairs with Miss Xie, perhaps this accident would not have happened."
Outside the examination room, the driver sat dejectedly on the floor, leaning against the wall with his head hanging low.
He had clearly had many opportunities to prevent this tragedy. Even in the car, he had already sensed that Liang Junsheng was not right. Yet out of confidence in his own ability, he did not take it seriously.
Later, when Miss Xie would not let him follow her upstairs, he should have been more forceful, even if he had used President Ji's authority to pressure her. Miss Xie would certainly have listened.
But he had not done so.
Even after Miss Xie followed Liang Junsheng upstairs, though he had already sensed something was wrong, he easily believed the text message Liang Junsheng sent, thinking the reply had truly come from Miss Xie.
In the end, it was his assumptions and self-righteousness that harmed Miss Xie. He had thought that since he was downstairs and there were many residents nearby, Liang Junsheng would not dare to act so boldly and assault Miss Xie in his own home.
But Liang Junsheng had done exactly that.
"What's the point of saying this now?" Zhao Zitang found it difficult not to vent his anger on him.
President Ji had hired him at a high salary precisely to protect Miss Xie, yet he had allowed something to happen to her right under his nose.
"Save those words for Miss Xie and President Ji."
Zhao Zitang paced back and forth outside the examination room. Just as he was waiting anxiously for Jiang Jiang to come out, Ji Heyuan, who had learned of the news, rushed over.
"What exactly happened?!"
Ji Heyuan's eyes were red, tears still clinging to her face. "Miss Xie won't be in danger, right?"
She grabbed Secretary Zhao's wrist.
"It's hard to say right now." Secretary Zhao himself was already extremely anxious, yet he still had to patiently comfort Ji Heyuan. "Second Miss, please don't worry yet. We have to wait for the examination results."
As he spoke, Jiang Jiang was pushed out. She had not yet woken up. Those round, smiling eyes were tightly shut, and her cheeks were pale without a trace of color.
Ji Heyuan's legs went weak, and she nearly knelt to the ground. "Jiang Jiang!"
How could this happen?
Ji Heyuan could not understand. It had only been one day since they last saw each other. How had Jiang Jiang encountered such an accident?
Just yesterday when they parted, Jiang Jiang had still been radiant and captivating. Yet now she lay quietly on the hospital bed, as if she might stop breathing at any moment.
Ji Heyuan subconsciously reached out to check Jiang Jiang's breathing, but a nurse at the side stopped her.
Ji Heyuan could only bite her lip and watch helplessly as Jiang Jiang was pushed away.
She thought, falling from such a height as the third floor, Jiang Jiang must have been so frightened at that time.
Why had she thought it did not matter?
Why had she not asked one more question when Jiang Jiang called her?
If she had gone with Jiang Jiang, that beast might have feared consequences and would not have dared to attack her.
Unfortunately, there are never any "ifs" in this world.
What has already happened cannot be undone by regret.
Ji Heyuan could only pray that Jiang Jiang was not seriously injured. She caught up with Secretary Zhao and asked in a low voice, "Have you told Grandmother?"
Secretary Zhao shook his head. "Not yet. I only called Butler Chen."
Ji Heyuan seemed as though she wanted to say something, but in the end, she did not speak.
Secretary Zhao knew what she wanted to say. He also knew that the old madam cared deeply about Jiang Jiang. With such an incident, she should be informed. But Secretary Zhao had never intended to tell Old Madam Ji.
Firstly, because the old madam was elderly and could not withstand shock. Secondly, because the examination results were not yet out; telling her now would only cause unnecessary worry.
Secretary Zhao did not explain further. He followed into the ward and remained by Jiang Jiang's side without taking a single step away.
The most severe external injuries on Jiang Jiang's body were likely the ligature marks on her wrists. Because they had been tightly bound with electrical wire, her hands were congested and swollen, unable to recover in a short time. The marks had even turned purplish.
Aside from that, there was also an abrasion on her forearm, likely caused during the struggle.
Otherwise, there were no particularly obvious wounds on her body's surface. She simply had not woken up.
A group of people guarded the hospital for several hours. Even Butler Chen rushed over after hearing the news. Finally, a little after ten o'clock at night, Jiang Jiang's examination report came out.
Secretary Zhao's words about fortune truly were not wrong. Falling from the same third floor, Liang Junsheng had multiple fractures all over his body and was still in the emergency room, while Jiang Jiang had only a mild concussion and a sprained left ankle. Other than that, all other areas were fine, and no internal bleeding was found.
This result made everyone breathe a sigh of relief while also feeling incredulous.
The doctor speculated that when the two fell from upstairs, Liang Junsheng had been underneath, providing some cushioning for Jiang Jiang. That was why she had not been seriously injured.
It was misfortune within fortune. Everyone present could not help but let out a long breath.
Although in the eyes of the police and medical staff every life is equal, from a personal moral standpoint, Liang Junsheng's actions were utterly disgraceful to everyone.
Ji Heyuan wiped her tears, not caring how disheveled she looked. "Doctor, when will my sister-in-law wake up?"
Hearing this, Secretary Zhao could not help but glance at her.
He had never heard Ji Heyuan address Jiang Jiang like that before.
"We have also detected residual ether and aphrodisiac-type drugs in the patient's body. This may also be the reason the patient remains unconscious."
However, Jiang Jiang's vital signs were stable, and the other examination results showed no issues, so for now she could only be hospitalized for observation.
The heavy stone weighing on their hearts finally eased somewhat. Secretary Zhao quickly called Ji Xu'an again to report the examination results.
Through the screen, Secretary Zhao could not see Ji Xu'an's expression, but he could hear the suppressed fury beneath her icy voice. "What about the other person?"
She was referring to Liang Junsheng.
"His condition is not very good. There is severe bleeding. He is still in the emergency room."
Ji Xu'an's voice was light and drifting, yet through the receiver it made Secretary Zhao feel chilled to the bone, a coldness spreading upward from his feet.
"Do not let him die."
Secretary Zhao lowered his voice. "Please rest assured, President Ji."
He understood the implication behind Ji Xu'an's words. Keeping Liang Junsheng alive was not to give him another chance at a good life, but to make him live and atone for his sins.
If he simply died like this, would that not be letting him off too easily?
With Ji Heyuan and Butler Chen guarding the hospital, Secretary Zhao followed the police to the station.
Because one of the two parties involved in the case was in critical condition and the other had not yet awakened, statements could not be taken for the time being. The police could only infer the course of events based on the evidence left at the scene.
In fact, this case was not complicated. From the time of the incident to when both were sent to the hospital, the entire process did not exceed one hour. All evidence remained intact and had not been destroyed.
All the tools Liang Junsheng used to commit the crime were still in the rented apartment. The signs of struggle at the scene were not damaged. Not only that, the police also discovered the phone that had been recording continuously. In the video, Liang Junsheng personally admitted his crimes.
Although the sound during their later argument in the living room was somewhat unclear, it was still possible to roughly hear what they had said.
The evidence was ironclad. If Liang Junsheng were not still being rescued, he would have already been taken into police custody.
However, once he was out of life-threatening danger, he would still not escape legal punishment.
At the police station, Secretary Zhao also watched the video. If the person were present, he might not have been able to restrain himself from doing something.
Even so, he could not stop himself from cursing him as scum and beast countless times.
In the video, Jiang Jiang's hands were tied behind her back. She kept crying and struggling. That scum Liang Junsheng even deliberately pulled her hair, making the camera clearly capture Jiang Jiang's tear-streaked face.
Not only that, Liang Junsheng also described in detail his process of abusing cats. His various perverted actions were simply outrageous.
"We found the kitten locked in a cage in the bathroom of the rented apartment. It has now been sent to a veterinarian," one of the police officers said.
Secretary Zhao took a deep breath. "Thank you for your hard work. After the case concludes, can we take the kitten?"
Fortunately, it had been discovered in time, and the kitten had not yet fallen victim to Liang Junsheng.
Secretary Zhao thought that Miss Xie cared very much about this kitten and likely liked it. Such a small kitten, if left uncared for, who knew what its fate would be?
"My boss might want to adopt it," Secretary Zhao said.
"That's fine," the police officer nodded.
Seeing that although Secretary Zhao was furious, all his anger was directed at Liang Junsheng and not vented upon the kitten, he secretly felt relieved.
This tragedy had occurred entirely because of Liang Junsheng's evil thoughts. The cat had merely been a pretext used to lure Jiang Jiang; it too was innocent.
If they had encountered irrational family members of a victim, it was very possible they would vent their hatred for the suspect onto the cat.
Fortunately, the well-dressed man before him did not seem to have such intentions.
With the matter of the kitten temporarily settled, the police then discussed Liang Junsheng's situation with Secretary Zhao.
Although Liang Junsheng had committed assault against Jiang Jiang, in the video he did not state his motive for kidnapping. Moreover, Jiang Jiang's actual physical injuries were not severe; the trauma was more psychological. Physically, it did not yet constitute intentional injury.
"And we are not certain how the two fell from the building."
Did they accidentally fall during the struggle? Or did Liang Junsheng intentionally try to push Jiang Jiang down, only to fall himself by accident?
These two scenarios were fundamentally different.
The police did not dare draw conclusions lightly. Everything would have to wait until Jiang Jiang and Liang Junsheng woke up.
In fact, the main reason was that Jiang Jiang's injuries were not serious. Even if Liang Junsheng were sentenced, it likely would not be for very long.
Upon learning this, Secretary Zhao did not show much anger. This outcome had already been within his expectations.
He believed President Ji did not care much either. More than that, Secretary Zhao had already vaguely guessed his superior's plans.
President Ji would not let Liang Junsheng off so easily. Being imprisoned for a few years would be far too lenient for him.
He believed President Ji would find a way to make Liang Junsheng's life worse than death.
However, such words did not need to be spoken in front of the police.
Secretary Zhao's cooperation made all the officers breathe a sigh of relief. At present, everyone's attention was focused on Jiang Jiang and Liang Junsheng. Compared to Liang Junsheng, who was still in the operating room, everyone placed their hopes on Jiang Jiang.
Under everyone's anxious anticipation, Jiang Jiang finally woke up at one o'clock in the early morning.
At this time, Secretary Zhao and Butler Chen were still at the hospital. Even Ji Heyuan had not left. Everyone's gaze had hardly moved from Jiang Jiang.
Thus, when her eyelashes began to tremble, everyone instinctively gathered around.
The moment Jiang Jiang woke, she heard a familiar crying voice. She tried hard to lift her eyelids and focus her gaze. In her blurred vision appeared Ji Heyuan's face, so emotional that tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks.
"Jiang Jiang, you finally woke up, wuuuu… you scared me to death!"
Ji Heyuan had never felt time drag on so endlessly. Almost every few minutes she would go check whether Jiang Jiang had woken. The phone in her pocket vibrated from time to time with new messages, but Ji Heyuan had no desire to look.
Perhaps among those sending her messages was Zheng Zhouzhou, who was still lying in the hospital. But at this moment, Ji Heyuan did not want to think about that.
It was hard for her not to shift some blame onto Zheng Zhouzhou. Perhaps when Zheng Zhouzhou tried to keep her, she did not know what Jiang Jiang would encounter next. But Ji Heyuan was even blaming herself now, let alone Zheng Zhouzhou.
Although Zheng Zhouzhou had made herself sound pitiful, Ji Heyuan knew clearly that Zheng Zhouzhou was not unable to find someone to accompany her. She simply wanted Ji Heyuan to be the one by her side.
At the end of the day, the decisions were all made by herself. Ji Heyuan also understood that she could not blame anyone else, but that did not prevent her from not wanting to see Zheng Zhouzhou's face right now, because it would make her think of Jiang Jiang's little face, pale and bloodless, her eyes tightly shut.
Now that Jiang Jiang had finally woken up, Ji Heyuan at last felt her heart begin beating again.
"I was so afraid something would happen to you." Ji Heyuan said as she wiped her tears.
Jiang Jiang did not speak. Her limbs were still weak. The moment she moved slightly, her head spun badly, and even her chest stirred with a wave of nausea.
"Miss Xie, please lie down and don't move. If there's anything you need, just tell me and I'll do it." Secretary Zhao quickly pressed her shoulder gently. "You need to lie down and rest quietly right now."
"Yes, yes, I can too. Jiang Jiang, whatever you want, just tell me." Ji Heyuan had never been this attentive toward Jiang Jiang before.
Jiang Jiang only shook her head lightly. When Ji Heyuan reached out, wanting to brush aside the stray hair by her cheek, Jiang Jiang turned her head and avoided her hand.
Ji Heyuan's hand froze in midair. But she quickly adjusted herself, because Jiang Jiang's evasive gaze and tightly pressed lips all revealed the tension and unease in her heart.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Ji Heyuan hurriedly apologized. "I won't touch you. Don't be afraid."
Jiang Jiang had just experienced being kidnapped, and by someone she was familiar with. She must be feeling extremely insecure now.
Ji Heyuan was not allowed to approach, and Secretary Zhao was the same. Only Butler Chen could speak a few words to Jiang Jiang.
"Xie Xiao, don't be afraid. Focus on recovering. The eldest young lady will definitely stand up for you." Butler Chen's face was full of heartache, and his elderly eyes were filled with red veins.
He tried to soothe Jiang Jiang. "We are all here. No one can hurt you again."
Hearing this, Jiang Jiang's eyes suddenly reddened. Tears welled up in her gaze. Her lips opened and closed. "Don't…"
Jiang Jiang was still very weak. The next few words were so soft that they were almost impossible to hear. Butler Chen had to lean closer.
"What did you say?"
Jiang Jiang tried hard to part her lips. It took her several breaths to finish one sentence. "Don't… tell… Grandma."
Butler Chen suddenly burst into tears.
"Alright… alright!" He choked, promising, "Don't worry. We won't tell the old madam."
Only then did Jiang Jiang close her mouth in satisfaction. Her head was still dizzy, her consciousness hazy. Being able to persist and finish those few sentences was already not easy.
The doctor came again to conduct another examination. The result was good. Jiang Jiang only needed to rest for a few more days, and there would be no major problem.
This period of wakefulness lasted only a little over half an hour before Jiang Jiang fell into a deep sleep again. When she woke up once more, the sky outside was already bright.
Jiang Jiang did not know what time it was. She blinked at the ceiling and could clearly feel that her dizziness had eased considerably.
"You're awake."
A familiar, cool voice suddenly sounded beside her.
Jiang Jiang slowly turned her head to the side and met Ji Xu'an's deep, calm black eyes. Ji Xu'an was wearing a black trench coat with a white shirt underneath. Her chestnut-colored long hair was casually draped behind her, yet it did not look messy.
Ji Xu'an's appearance was neat and orderly, but Jiang Jiang could still see a trace of fatigue on her face.
Judging by the time, Ji Xu'an had probably rushed back the moment she received the news.
Jiang Jiang quietly gazed at Ji Xu'an. She did not speak, but her bright almond-shaped eyes gradually turned red. Moisture quickly gathered in her eye sockets. On that little face devoid of blood color, grievance and fear slowly surfaced.
Ji Xu'an felt her heart grow heavy. Looking at the tears forming in Jiang Jiang's eyes, she felt extremely uncomfortable.
Just as Ji Xu'an was about to speak and comfort her, Jiang Jiang suddenly bit her lower lip. Then she gathered her courage and reached out to gently grasp Ji Xu'an's sleeve.
A tear rolled down from the corner of her eye as she softly called, "Sister."
Her slightly hoarse voice trembled faintly. The broken sob in her tone was heartbreaking.
Ji Xu'an could feel that the hand clutching her sleeve was trembling. As if afraid of being pushed away, Jiang Jiang only pinched a tiny corner of the fabric.
That cautious appearance made Ji Xu'an's emotions even more complicated. She turned her hand over and held Jiang Jiang's fingertips. At first she circled them lightly. Seeing that Jiang Jiang did not pull back, she slowly tightened her grip.
Ji Xu'an's palm was not particularly warm, but her fingers were slender and smooth like jade. Such an obviously well-cared-for hand seemed to give Jiang Jiang endless strength.
The emotions Jiang Jiang had been desperately suppressing immediately collapsed. She gripped Ji Xu'an's fingers tightly in return and used her other free hand to cover her own eyes, her crying hoarse and sorrowful.
"Sister, you finally came back."
Her voice was intermittent, accompanied by gasps between sobs. "I was really so scared."
Before this, Ji Xu'an had only seen Jiang Jiang shed silent tears, delicate and quiet. It was completely different from this breakdown of loud crying. Yet seeing this made Ji Xu'an feel even worse. What surged in her chest was an emotion called heartache.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here." Ji Xu'an said softly.
She did not know how to comfort Jiang Jiang.
Ji Xu'an tentatively reached out to touch Jiang Jiang's head. Seeing that she did not reject it, she gently stroked her long hair with her fingertips.
"I promise, I won't let something like this happen to you again." Ji Xu'an softened her voice and coaxed her patiently. "He won't just die like that. I'll hand him over to you. You can take revenge however you want, alright?"
Fortunately, no police officers were in the room at this moment. If they had heard these words, the atmosphere would have become extremely awkward.
"The kitten you like has already been sent to a veterinarian. Secretary Zhao will arrange for someone to take good care of it." Ji Xu'an paused, then asked, "Do you want to see it?"
Jiang Jiang lowered the hand covering her eyes. Her almond-shaped eyes were swollen from crying, like two soft peaches that would ooze juice if poked.
Her entire face was red. The tip of her nose, the corners of her eyes, even her lips were stained a deep crimson from biting them.
"Is the kitten… still alive?"
She probably thought Liang Junsheng had already killed it.
"It's still alive." Ji Xu'an took out a handkerchief from her coat and wiped away the tears at the corners of Jiang Jiang's eyes. "Do you want to keep it? The apartment is indeed too empty. I'm busy with work. Having a little companion for you would be good."
Jiang Jiang's crying gradually subsided. She sniffed twice and looked at Ji Xu'an uneasily. "Is that really okay?"
Ji Xu'an's fingertip brushed lightly over Jiang Jiang's eyelid as if unintentionally. Her brows were gentle, her tone calm and ordinary. "It's okay."
Jiang Jiang's tears had not even completely stopped, yet a smile had already appeared at the corners of her lips. She said softly, "I want to keep it."
Before Ji Xu'an could respond, Jiang Jiang quickly added, "It's very well-behaved. It definitely won't cause trouble."
It had not even been adopted yet, and she was already protecting it so much.
Ji Xu'an's lips curved almost imperceptibly. "Like owner, like pet. The cat you raise will naturally be as well-behaved as you."
Jiang Jiang froze for a moment, then shyly called out, "Sister."
She gazed at Ji Xu'an eagerly, as if afraid that Ji Xu'an would disappear the next second, reluctant even to blink.
"Is there something on my face?" Ji Xu'an asked her.
Jiang Jiang shook her head, but then quickly nodded slightly.
"There really is?" Ji Xu'an did not believe her.
Jiang Jiang stared fixedly at her brows and eyes, as if she could never look enough. She murmured softly, "It's the first time Sister has been this gentle to me."
Ji Xu'an had never treated her with such warmth before. Jiang Jiang had rarely even seen Ji Xu'an smile. Aside from being more relaxed in front of Old Madam Ji, Ji Xu'an was always tense at other times, her expression forever cold and distant, like ice that could never be melted.
But now, Ji Xu'an not only smiled at her, she gently stroked her head to comfort her and even used her own handkerchief to wipe her tears.
Jiang Jiang felt as though she were dreaming.
"Am I really not still asleep?" Her tone was dreamy, filled with a strong sense of unreality.
Ji Xu'an let out a soft laugh and then did something she had long wanted to do—she reached out and pinched Jiang Jiang's plump cheek.
Jiang Jiang instantly snapped back to reality. Covering her cheek, she looked at Ji Xu'an in shock.
The person who just pinched her face… was really Ji Xu'an?!
Ji Xu'an raised an eyebrow. "Do you still think you're dreaming?"
Jiang Jiang nodded vigorously. She must be dreaming! Otherwise how could she see Ji Xu'an teasing her?
Ji Xu'an's lips curved slightly. "Daytime, and you're already daydreaming?"
Only then did Jiang Jiang glance out the window. The sun had already risen. She belatedly felt hunger.
Ji Xu'an noticed her subtle gesture of rubbing her stomach. "Secretary Zhao has already bought breakfast. You can only eat something light for now."
The breakfast was placed on the coffee table. If Ji Xu'an wanted to get it, she had to release Jiang Jiang's hand.
Their fingers had been intertwined for so long that they had already absorbed each other's warmth. The sudden emptiness in her palm, the disappearance of that warmth, stirred a sense of panic in Jiang Jiang's heart. She instinctively grabbed Ji Xu'an's fingertips.
"Don't go…" she pleaded.
From the moment Jiang Jiang woke up, Ji Xu'an had noticed that Jiang Jiang was very dependent on her. This dependence had even reached a somewhat pathological level.
Last night, she had heard from Secretary Zhao that Jiang Jiang rejected the approach of others, that only Butler Chen could speak a few words to her. Yet now she was holding Ji Xu'an's hand, unwilling to let her leave.
All of this indicated that in Jiang Jiang's heart, Ji Xu'an was the person she trusted most. So after being harmed, she instinctively sought Ji Xu'an's protection.
To Jiang Jiang at this moment, Ji Xu'an was her emotional pillar.
Facing such a fragile girl seeking reliance from her, probably no one could bear to reject her. Even someone as naturally indifferent as Ji Xu'an could not bring herself to show even the slightest coldness toward Jiang Jiang at this time.
Thus, from beginning to end, her attitude was unusually gentle. This was also something the doctor had specifically instructed. At this time, Jiang Jiang was extremely sensitive and easily stimulated. When dealing with her, one must have enough patience.
Ji Xu'an explained, "I'm not leaving. Aren't you hungry? I'm going to get the breakfast."
Only then did Jiang Jiang hesitantly release her fingertips, though her expression remained tense. Not until Ji Xu'an returned to the bedside with the breakfast did a smile reappear on Jiang Jiang's face.
Ji Xu'an set the insulated container aside and first helped Jiang Jiang sit up.
Jiang Jiang's arm still did not seem able to exert much strength. The hand she used to support herself trembled. Just as she was about to fall to the side, Ji Xu'an swiftly held her shoulder.
In the rush, Jiang Jiang lost control and fell into Ji Xu'an's arms. She could feel the soft, warm female body holding her, carrying a faint fragrance—the scent of the perfume Ji Xu'an often used.
Ji Xu'an's figure was slender, yet the arm wrapped around Jiang Jiang's shoulder was long and strong, steadily supporting her limp body.
They were too close. Heat flushed across Jiang Jiang's small face. She felt uncomfortable all over and did not know where to place her gaze.
Fortunately, this position did not last long. Soon Ji Xu'an released her and let Jiang Jiang lean against the head of the bed.
Jiang Jiang secretly glanced at Ji Xu'an. Her expression remained calm and natural, as if the accident just now had not stirred any improper thoughts.
Jiang Jiang let out a quiet breath of relief. Her gaze drifted toward the insulated container beside them, her face full of anticipation.
So hungry!
After Jiang Jiang looked away, Ji Xu'an quietly rubbed her own fingertips.
She was so thin, yet her body was soft, boneless in her arms, soft and pliant.
Ji Xu'an had not missed Jiang Jiang's gesture of relief. Seeing that, the vague and indescribable restlessness in her heart suddenly calmed.
Ji Xu'an pressed her lips together and reached for the insulated container.
Inside was lean meat porridge and two light, refreshing side dishes. Smelling the aroma, Jiang Jiang's stomach nearly growled, after all she had not eaten a single grain of rice since last night.
"Do you want me to feed you?" Ji Xu'an lightly shook the spoon in her hand.
Jiang Jiang's face immediately flushed red. Her skin was already thin, and the person teasing her was Ji Xu'an.
"I can do it myself."
She took the spoon from Ji Xu'an and scooped up a spoonful of porridge, about to feed it into her mouth. After thinking for a moment, she paused.
Jiang Jiang lifted her eyes to look at Ji Xu'an. "Sister, have you eaten?"
Ji Xu'an crossed her legs, her gaze focused on her. "Mm. Just eat."
Ji Xu'an had arrived in S City at eight thirty in the morning, but when Jiang Jiang woke up it was already nearly eleven.
Hungry as she was, Jiang Jiang did not control her eating speed much. She finished a large container of porridge in far less time than usual.
After eating, she felt her stomach slightly bulge.
Fortunately, it was covered by the blanket. Ji Xu'an could not see.
Jiang Jiang licked her lips. Suddenly she really wanted milk tea.
Opportunities to be personally taken care of by Ji Xu'an were rare. She had to cherish them.
"Are you full?" Ji Xu'an handed her a tissue.
Jiang Jiang nodded reservedly. This kind of life—eating her fill and then lying down—was too blissful. If she were not still pretending to be pitiful, she might even have posted on social media to show off.
In Ji Xu'an's eyes, Jiang Jiang's distraction meant her emotions were still unstable. Although she was no longer crying as she had at first, her spirit was clearly still listless.
"Your injuries haven't healed yet. You need to stay in the hospital for two more days." Ji Xu'an paused for two seconds. When she spoke again, her voice was softer. "The police want to come take your statement. Do you want to see them now?"
Jiang Jiang had just woken up. Ji Xu'an did not really want to disturb her with these matters. But since Jiang Jiang was the one who had suffered injustice, perhaps she was also hoping the police would give her a fair judgment.
Taking a statement meant revisiting that terrifying experience. Jiang Jiang's face turned pale instantly. "Sister, I…"
Before she could finish, Ji Xu'an naturally held Jiang Jiang's hand and soothed her, "It's alright if you don't want to see them. You don't have to force yourself."
"This morning I already asked them to leave. You can refuse. No one will say anything."
At most, the police might press harder. But they could not disregard Jiang Jiang's mental state and force her to recall the details of the incident.
In Ji Xu'an's heart, nothing was more important than Jiang Jiang's body. Her reason for bringing up this matter was not to force Jiang Jiang to compromise.
Ji Xu'an only felt that Jiang Jiang should know that Liang Junsheng would definitely pay the price for his actions. Even if the police could not do it, she would avenge this for Jiang Jiang.
Jiang Jiang bit her lip tightly. After quite a while, she finally relaxed.
"It's okay. Let them come." Her eyes were red as she looked at Ji Xu'an. "Sister will stay with me the whole time, right?"
Ji Xu'an met her gaze and gave a firm response. "I will stay by your side the whole time."
Jiang Jiang's tense body suddenly relaxed. She curved her lips into a faint smile on her pale face.
"Then let the police come."
"As long as Sister Xu'an is here, I'm not afraid of anything."
—
Author's Note:
President Ji: She let out a sigh of relief. It seems she really wants to draw a clear line with me. So, she really only sees me as her sister QAQ
—
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