Because I Cannot Hurt You

The raging storm inside Zhiyuan still refused to calm down. The moment he learned that Siying's disappearance was fake, he got an inkling that Xinyi getting sick couldn't be a coincidence either.

But when Xiaosi actually hinted at his involvement, Zhiyuan snapped and punched him before he knew it. A strange sense of irritation triggered inside his chest as he thought of Xinyi in danger, and he felt even more guilty thinking that she had to unnecessarily suffer just because Xiaosi wanted to target him.

The frustration grew stronger in him that twisted inside of him. "I cannot calm down, Xinyi. You were in danger because of him. If something serious had happened then…"

Suddenly, fear gripped his heart that merged with the fury boiling inside him, making him even more anxious. It felt different than the concern he had for her before the presentation.

Shuang said, "Well, I guess Mr. Zhu hasn't still degraded himself to that point to kill Xinyi."

Zhiyuan turned and was taken aback to see Shuang.

"You? You are here?"

"Yup. Apologies for the late reunion," she smiled. She looked at Caihong and waved her hand. "Yo, Caihong."

Caihong nodded back at her.

Xiaosi felt bored.

Xinyi said, "En. It was Shuang who told me about your situation and if not for her, then everybody would have continued to misunderstand you."

Shuang scratched her chin. "Well, I feel bad for banging her room's door when she was so sick and resting, but I had to do it for many reasons," her eyes glinted in happiness.

Xinyi sighed as she remembered how Shuang didn't give her any choice but to accept her partnership.

"But hey. We all got what we wanted. Oops except for Mr. Zhu. Ooohhh I can see Zhiyuan's rage plastered on your face. Cool."

Xiaosi calmly shrugged. "This much is nothing."

Zhiyuan clenched his fist. "Shuang. I know Xinyi helped me but still, you shouldn't have brought her here in this condition. I don't care what people say about me."

"But I do," Xinyi instinctively said.

Zhiyuan's gaze felt a little different to her as he seemed to stare at her in a stupor. She flustered as she realized it. "I-I mean how can I see others accusing you like that when they were all lies?"

Her heart sped faster as she thought if she accidentally exposed her feelings for him.

But even if Zhiyuan might have not realized it, Caihong did. She carefully observed her expressions and faintly smiled which was laced with a tinge of sadness.

So you love him after all…

At first, Han Guang's words resonated in her ears that Xinyi always liked Zhiyuan from the beginning.

Since college?

She wasn't sure if it was true.

But then again, they had been married for seven years. It wasn't impossible for Xinyi not to fall for Zhiyuan at that time, especially a man like Zhiyuan.

Caihong gave a wry smile.

There is no point in knowing whether Xinyi loves Zhiyuan or not. What can I do anyway? I guess my love for him has really faded away.

Suddenly, Xiaosi said in a sharp tone. "Caihong."

She jolted from her daze.

"It's time for Chyou to come back. Go and get her."

Caihong furiously glared at him.

Why should I get that girl!?

Xiaosi squinted his gaze as if warning her not to disagree.

She didn't want to raise anymore scene here after all that had happened. She forced herself to smile and went away.

Xiaosi sneered. "You three are blocking the way to my room so get out."

Shuang raised her brow. "Talk to me in that tone again and I will crush your balls, Mr. Zhu. Remember? Me and my slipping tongue?"

Xiaosi threateningly smiled. "I will keep that in mind."

"You better do."

Xinyi frowned as she didn't understand the context at all. Zhiyuan held her hand and said, "Let's meet the doctor first and get your check-up done."

"Okay."

Zhiyuan said as he coldly stared at Xiaosi. "Never ever do this again otherwise I will show you what happens when you challenge my limits."

---

The check-up was quickly done and to Zhiyuan's relief, Xinyi's condition wasn't serious.

As they silently walked back to their room, Zhiyuan frequently glanced at her. He didn't understand why he was confused. He wanted to say something to her but he didn't know what.

Without thinking much, he suddenly held her wrist. Xinyi was surprised. "What is it?"

Zhiyuan felt a loss at words.

"You...I...I mean…"

Xinyi blinked her eyes.

"You came for me even in that condition... Thank you so much. And I-I am sorry for what Xiaosi did. It's because of me that he hurt you."

Xinyi quickly shook her head. "Zhiyuan, what are you saying? Please don't blame yourself. It's Xiaosi who should be feeling guilty, not you."

"But-"

"No means no," Xinyi sternly said as she mimicked Zhiyuan.

Zhiyuan's eyes slightly widened and he burst into a chuckle. "So now you are mimicking me huh?"

Xinyi grinned. "Hehe~~"

"By the way…" he curiously smiled. "You handled it really well. I didn't know you were so good at making things up at the last moment. It was such a seamless performance. I am impressed."

Xinyi's cheeks flushed red. "That I just said whatever came to my mind. F-forget about it."

Zhiyuan chuckled. "Nope. I saw such a different side of yours. I will never forget today."

She felt wronged. "You…"

Zhiyuan stared at her for a few moments. He stepped near her and closed the distance between them. As if in a trance, he gently placed his palm on her cheek.

Zhiyuan saw her eyelashes tremble, and he realized how long they were now that they stood so close.

"Z-Zhiyuan…"

Her heart skipped several beats.

"Thank you, Xinyi. I know you don't like to be in a crowd and more so confrontations like these, yet you still stood up for me in that sickly state. I am really grateful for that. I mean it. I feel lucky to have you in my life."

Xinyi froze and a moment later, even Zhiyuan felt shocked. Those last words came out of his mouth as if they were meant to before he realized it.