Chapter 331: Chapter 331

Xiang Weilai took Bai Xue back to the ward, leaving Liu Zhiyuan and Sun Mingjie to chat with her, and then went out again. Liu Zhiyuan looked at Xiang Weilai, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes, while Sun Mingjie looked down on Xiang Weilai’s actions, almost openly declaring his liking for Ye Ling. Anyone with eyes could see his feelings for Ye Ling when he wiped her tears in front of everyone.

Dong Haoyu wasn’t one to interfere much, and when it came to his friends, he chose to just watch from the sidelines. It was only Liu Zhiyuan who felt uncomfortable, knowing he envied Xiang Weilai for being able to wear his heart on his sleeve, whereas he, despite wanting to act like Xiang Weilai, found himself unable to do anything whenever he saw Ye Ling.

Previously, Liu Zhiyuan wasn’t sure who he liked or what it felt like to like someone, but after entering university, he found his gaze often lingering on Ye Ling without realizing when it started. Over time, he became aware of his feelings but feared being discovered, so he kept this secret hidden, quietly observing that figure from a distance.

At the observation area, as Xiang Weilai walked over, he glanced at Zhao Guodong, "Did the advice I gave you work?"

Zhao Guodong turned his head away, choosing not to respond.

Ye Ling glanced at the two of them and finally understood why she had initially found Zhao Guodong’s words uncharacteristic. It turned out they were taught by Xiang Weilai, which explained why a single sentence had put her mother in an indefensible position.

Zhang Linong smiled at Xiang Weilai before tugging at Zhao Guodong, "Dongzi, let’s head back with Wang Ping and return tomorrow. It’s almost time for Shen Bin to arrive, so let Xiang Weilai stay and keep Ye Ling company."

"I want to stay too." Zhao Guodong objected, questioning why Xiang Weilai should get to stay.

Zhang Linong gave a bitter smile, still insisting on pulling Zhao Guodong along and addressed Ye Ling, "Ye Ling, we’ll come back tomorrow. Don’t overthink it; Uncle Ye wants you to take care of yourself too."

Ye Ling wasn’t inclined to manage anything else and stood up to see the group off, "Thank you for today."

"Stay here," Zhang Linong said, pulling Zhao Guodong away, casting a last, lingering glance at Xiang Weilai as he left. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel⦿fire.net

Xiang Weilai lowered his eyes in thought, and when he looked up again, he had regained his usual demeanor. Gently holding Ye Ling’s hand, he guided her to a chair. Ye Ling let Xiang Weilai lead her, knowing perhaps it wasn’t right, yet after everything, she really wanted someone to rely on, even if just for a moment. Xiang Weilai seemed like that safe harbor, where her heart could find peace.

After the two sat down, Xiang Weilai softly said, "Everything will pass, and Uncle Ye will be alright too."

Ye Ling nodded, a gentle warmth spreading from their clasped hands. Although it was summer, it didn’t feel stifling. Ye Ling could even catch the faint, clean scent of soap from Xiang Weilai’s clothes.

The two of them continued to sit silently, holding hands. As Shen Bin approached from afar, he saw this heartwarming scene, and his steps halted as he observed them, hand in hand, akin to couples often seen in the park, and he did not wish to disturb them.

Thinking this, Shen Bin turned around and headed back the way he came. Outside the hospital, he pulled out a cigarette, lit it and slowly smoked, letting his emotions settle as he gazed at the flowing crowds on the street, his eyes unfocused until he finished his third cigarette. Only then did Shen Bin re-enter the hospital. This time, the two holding hands had already separated but still sat conversing, their gentle gazes towards each other unmistakable.

Shen Bin’s steady footsteps broke the conversation between the two. Ye Ling looked up to see Shen Bin approaching and stood up with a small smile, "Uncle Shen."

Ye Ling wanted to directly call him by name but felt it would be impolite, so she ended up calling him uncle in a pause. She had anticipated awkwardness, but seeing Shen Bin nod with an unchanged expression put her at ease. Indeed, Shen Bin was always so unyielding and unchanged, even when genuinely angry, making it hard for people to discern, and Ye Ling was grateful at this moment that he was .

Xiang Weilai stood up to greet him too, and Shen Bin nodded in response before looking into the observation room, "What did the doctors say?"

"They said he can return to the ward tonight." After eight hours, if it weren’t for the incident during the day, he’d have been out by now.

Ye Ling hadn’t dared tell Shen Bin about these matters. Shen Bin nodded, "Go have some food, I’ll stay here. Once he’s out of the observation room and your dad wakes, visit for a while, then head home. Come back in the morning."

After returning to his unit, Shen Bin had quickly arranged his affairs, sought approval for leave, and rushed back, having not eaten the whole day, his stomach faintly bothering him and his brow furrowing slightly.

Xiang Weilai glanced over, gentle as he looked at Ye Ling, who wanted to object, "Let’s go eat, and bring back a meal for Uncle Shen."

Ye Ling paused, only remembering this after Xiang Weilai’s reminder. After informing Shen Bin, she and Xiang Weilai left together.

Only after their distant footsteps faded did Shen Bin turn his head. The end of the corridor no longer showed either of their figures. The thought of Xiang Weilai’s "Uncle" caused a slight movement in Shen Bin’s eyes, though his expression remained inscrutable.

Xiang Weilai and Ye Ling first returned to the ward, asking everyone whether they wanted to eat here or at home, ready to go to the cafeteria for a meal. Knowing Liu Zhiyuan wasn’t tactless, he directly said he’d go back to the compound, leaving Xiang Weilai and Ye Ling with her mother. After seeing Liu Zhiyuan and the other two off, Ye Ling and Xiang Weilai went to the cafeteria.

On the way, Xiang Weilai again took Ye Ling’s hand. She tried to pull it away, but Xiang Weilai wouldn’t let her, laughing, "I’ll take care of you for a lifetime."

He added, "There’s no one around here."

Ye Ling’s face reddened as she met his gentle gaze, her mind blanking, unsure what to do. She didn’t dislike Xiang Weilai, and at times she found herself immersed in his tenderness, yet she was afraid, often thinking of Fu Lei’s gentleness.

"Ye Ling, be my girlfriend." Xiang Weilai stopped, looking extremely earnest. Ye Ling stopped too, naturally because he was holding her hand. Xiang Weilai looked at her bowed head, helplessly smiled, "You know you’re scared. Fu Lei’s matter made you hide again, but after today, I don’t want to wait anymore. Be my girlfriend, let me take care of you for a lifetime." (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)