The small photo captured her lively spirit; her smile revealed charming little canine teeth, her eyes sparkling with vitality, and delightful dimples graced her cheeks. With her stylishly layered short hair, she looked less like a university student and more like a striking young man…
Oh, what was happening to him?
He remained here because this young lady had risked her life to save his sister. Had it not been for Yan Xiaono's selfless act, it would likely have been Rouyin lying in the hospital; no, it could have been far worse—perhaps he would never see his beloved sister again…
Thus, Yan Xiaono was their family's great benefactor!
All he could feel was gratitude toward her! Beyond that, he shouldn't dwell on anything else! Regardless of how Yan Xiaono looked, it did not diminish his appreciation for her!
So why was he still staring blankly at her student photo?
Duan Shunchen chuckled to himself, bemused by his own absurdity! Clearly, he was too idle, allowing his mind to wander aimlessly.
"Who is Yan Xiaono's family?"
At that moment, the operating room door opened, and a doctor stepped out, his expression serious.
Duan Shunchen stood up without hesitation. "I am!"
"Yan Xiaono has lost a considerable amount of blood and requires a transfusion. Unfortunately, our hospital's supply of type O blood is insufficient for her needs, so we hope her family can..."
"Not a problem; I'm also type O."
"Very well." The doctor's brow relaxed, his serious demeanor easing considerably. "However, I must conduct a blood test first. Please follow me.
"Alright." Duan Shunchen nodded and followed the doctor into the operating room.
She saved his sister; now it was time for him to do something for her...
After two large bags of blood were drawn and with the night growing late, Duan Shunchen felt a sense of fatigue. Upon hearing that Yan Xiaono had emerged from danger, he closed his eyes in relief, and before he knew it, he drifted into slumber.
At dawn, Yan Xiaono awoke in pain, realizing she was in an opulent VIP room, where not far off on the sofa bed lay a man... His sleeping visage was so handsome it resembled that of a prince from a fairy tale!
Instinctively, Yan Xiaono covered her mouth. If she could, she would swallow back the moan she had just uttered; it felt sinful to awaken such a sleeping beauty!
"You're awake?" Duan Shunchen, always alert, stirred at the slightest sound.
"Who... who are you?" As he rolled out of bed and approached her with steady strides, Yan Xiaono gaped in astonishment, momentarily forgetting her pain.
"Duan Shunchen."
"Huh?"
"I am Rouyin's older brother."
"Huh?" Confusion washed over her as she struggled to comprehend. It was a jumble of names she had never heard before, yet one thing was clear—this man was undeniably easy on the eyes! Not stealing a few more glances would be foolish!
"The girl who risked herself to save you in the alley is my sister. I want to thank you for saving her."
"Oh!"
Understanding dawned on Yan Xiaono, and she broke into a silly grin. "It was... nothing really. I would have done the same even if she weren't the sister of such a handsome guy..."
Duan Shunchen smiled at her compliment.
In truth, he was well aware of his good looks, having been praised for them his entire life. He had long since become numb to others' accolades. However, hearing the word "handsome" from Yan Xiaono's lips felt genuine and natural, which he found refreshing and uplifting.
"Thank you." His gentle gaze fell upon her severely injured face; to him, she was more beautiful than the average beauty! Her eyes shone with purity, complemented by an angelic heart.
"N-no... it's nothing..." His intense gaze quickened her heartbeat, leaving her flustered.
Goodness! Never had such a handsome man appeared so close to her, and with his soothing tone and captivating eyes, she felt as though she might faint from his presence…
Oh no, she couldn't allow herself to act like a lovesick fool in front of him! What would he think? How embarrassing! She felt her features scrunch up in frustration.
"Does it hurt a lot?" Duan Shunchen took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead. It seemed the effects of the anesthetic had worn off, and she would undoubtedly feel pain. He wished he could share her suffering or at least do something for her.
"Um..." The evident concern warmed Yan Xiaono's heart, flushing her ears. But then she thought, the handsome man was merely expressing his gratitude—what was she getting carried away with!?
"When... when can I be discharged from the hospital?"
In order to prevent herself from spiraling into uncontrollable fantasies, she thought it best to distance herself from him as quickly as possible.
"Are you in such a hurry to leave?" Duan Shunchen's voice was deep and filled with reluctance. "The doctor mentioned your injuries are quite serious; you have numerous bruises, three broken ribs, twelve stitches in your arm, and most concerning, a deep abdominal stab wound that has affected your stomach. You'll need to rest for some time."
"Wow!" Yan Xiaono's face fell. "Is it really that bad? No wonder I feel utterly drained, as if my bones have been taken apart and poorly reassembled."
"Is that so? Then I shall speak to the doctor; their skills clearly need improvement," he replied, his tone laced with affection.
"It's not the doctor's fault!" Honestly, she felt grateful to be alive. "If blame must be assigned, it lies with those two bastards..."
"I will ensure they face justice!"
While taking Yan Xiaono to the hospital, he had called the police, making certain that those scoundrels would be held accountable.
"Ha, you've already dealt with them quite severely," Yan Xiaono chuckled, though the movement caused her pain, and she winced, gasping.
"What's wrong? Is it very painful?" Seeing her expression of distress, he lost his composure. "I'll call the doctor immediately..."
"No, it's... nothing..." She took deep breaths, her face pale as she closed her eyes, waiting for the wave of pain to subside.
Duan Shunchen watched her, his heart clenched as if gripped by an invisible hand.
Why did he feel this way?
He averted his gaze, attempting to divert his attention, unaccustomed to feeling such concern for a stranger.
"Oh, right, I haven't contacted your family yet."
"Ah, I haven't returned all night; the director must be very worried. Please help me call her."
"The director?" Duan Shunchen was taken aback.
"St. Heart Orphanage." Yan Xiaono recited a series of numbers and added a caution, "Don't tell her about my injuries; I don't want her to worry. Uh, just say… say I..."
She paused, her lack of skill in weaving lies leaving her at a loss, a troubled expression crossing her face.
"You live in an orphanage? You… have no family?" His heart swelled with further empathy.
"Is that so strange?" Yan Xiaono scrunched her nose; she didn't need his pity. "There are countless orphans in the world. I consider myself fortunate, growing up in the warm family of St. Heart Orphanage, lacking for nothing, and I even have the chance to attend university..."
She remained proud, unwilling to divulge the hard work she had put into securing scholarships and juggling jobs to get this far.
"Your parents..."
"They passed away when I was an infant. The director said it was due to a traffic accident. I was in the car during the incident; my parents died on the spot, yet I miraculously survived." Yan Xiaono managed a weak smile. "I should be grateful for heaven's mercy, shouldn't I?"
"Oh." He found no humor in her statement.
Yan Xiaono was correct; there were indeed many orphans in the world, and he shouldn't react so dramatically. Yet, for her, his sympathy overflowed, an ache rising within him that he could not suppress...
"Well, I'll just call myself." Yan Xiaono attempted to sit up to reach the phone on the bedside table. "The director doesn't know you; receiving a call from you would only raise her suspicions. She might even think I've been kidnapped! Ha... oh, it hurts!"
Goodness, merely laughing caused such pain! Acts of bravery were truly not meant for the ordinary person!
Yan Xiaono gritted her teeth, tears escaping from the pain.
"Stop moving around; lie down. Use my phone instead..." Duan Shunchen sighed, exasperated that an injured person could still be so lively and reckless. How could he not worry?
"Oh."
"The paper can't cover the fire; you should honestly talk about what happened to you. Tell your dean not to worry too much. Your life was saved, and I'll ensure you get the best medical care." After dialing the number she mentioned, he handed the phone to her.
"Thanks," she said, taking the phone, unable to help but smile. His gentle and considerate nature almost made her feel like she was floating on air.
A handsome and understanding man like him would be hard to find, even with a lantern. Yet here he was, right in front of her!
Any sensible and normal woman would want to hold on to him, to make him hers. Yan Xiaonu was no exception…
But deep down, she knew that was impossible!
After all, he was so outstanding, so exceptional—how could he possibly be interested in someone as ordinary as her?
The reason he was so kind to her was simply out of gratitude for saving his sister; that was all, and there were absolutely no other intentions.
Besides, her face was swollen like a pig's; what man would find her attractive? Unless he had his eyes crossed and his mind scrambled…
Thinking of this, Yan Xiaonu couldn't help but laugh at herself.
"Yanyan, I'm so relieved you're safe! That's wonderful!" Duan Rouyin exclaimed as she rushed to the hospital right after school to visit her lifesaver.
"You..."
"Did you forget? Yanyan, the girl you saved in the alley yesterday is me! I cannot express how grateful I am for your kindness..."
"Please, don't mention it, Rouyin..."
Being regarded as a lifesaver made Yan Xiaonu feel quite embarrassed. After all, the one who truly needed saving was herself!
Had it not been for Rouyin's elder brother arriving just in time to rescue her from the assailant and donating blood to her... she might have lost her life!
The thought of Duan Shunchen's blood flowing through her veins stirred her emotions profoundly...
"Yanyan, you know my name is Rouyin?" Duan Rouyin exclaimed with delight, quickly placing the flowers she brought into a vase and eagerly sitting beside the hospital bed.
"Yes, your brother mentioned you. He cares for you very much!" Yan Xiaonu couldn't hide her envy; how fortunate it was to have such a loving brother!
"Well, he does care for us, but sometimes he can be quite strict. My brother and I are a bit afraid of him!" Duan Rouyin stuck out her tongue.
"Really?" Yan Xiaonu chuckled.
Just recalling the scene of those two thugs being beaten up made it easy to imagine the formidable side of the refined and handsome Duan Shunchen.
Duan Rouyin pouted, "Ah, being the youngest in the family is my misfortune! Not only do I have to deal with my parents' rules, but I also have to follow my brother's. Sometimes my elder brother scolds me too..."
"That's only because everyone cares for you; you're truly fortunate!"
"Huh?"
Duan Rouyin widened her watery eyes in surprise at such an unexpected response.
Usually, whenever she complained, classmates and friends would resonate with her, echoing similar grievances. However, Yan Xiaonu's reaction was completely beyond her expectation.
"I envy you, Rouyin. You have a loving family, while I do not. My parents passed away when I was very young; I have no relatives left in this world."
"Yanyan! How tragic your situation is!" Upon learning that Yan Xiaonu was an orphan, Duan Rouyin's eyes immediately welled with tears.
"I'm not seeking your sympathy, Rouyin. I want you to realize how fortunate you are, and that you should cherish your loving family."
"Mm!" Duan Rouyin sniffled, nodding vigorously, "Yanyan, I will listen to you! I'll try not to argue with my brother anymore and won't go missing to worry my elder brother..."
"Yes, that's the spirit! Rouyin is such a thoughtful little sister!" Yan Xiaonu felt a deep fondness for this girl.
"Really?" Duan Rouyin's eyes sparkled, "Can I be your sister?"
"With such an adorable sister, I couldn't ask for more." She was delighted to accept Rouyin's affectionate call of "Yanyan."
"Wow, that's amazing!" Duan Rouyin jumped up, dancing around the hospital room, "I have a wonderful, wonderful big sister! Yay!"
Yan Xiaonu smiled; she was truly a charming girl!
"Ah, why are you still awake at this late hour?" After leaving the office, Duan Shunchen did not return home to rest but went directly to the hospital to see her.
As soon as he stepped into the room, Yan Xiaonu's eyes brightened.
"You... you came!" She had heard from Rouyin that her brother was always busy with work, yet she still hoped he would come to see her.
After waiting and waiting, she thought he would never arrive at such a late hour, but there he was!
"Were you waiting for me?"
"I... I..." Yan Xiaonu felt a surge of embarrassment; oh dear, had she been too obvious? What would he think?
With a slight furrow of his handsome brow, Duan Shunchen said slowly, "My time isn't fixed. If you're staying awake for me, then I won't come again."
"N-no! I just napped too much during the day, so I can't sleep now!" She hurriedly denied it, clumsily making excuses.
"Rouyin must have come to see you," he smiled, knowing well that his sister wouldn't allow Yan Xiaonu much time to rest.
"Yes, not just her..." Yan Xiaonu realized that his smile was utterly enchanting; the elegant curve of his lips brought joy to his eyes, captivating her completely.
"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow, "Don't tell me our whole family came to thank you?"
Yan Xiaonu laughed at his teasing, "Pretty much."
He casually sat on the edge of the bed; for him, it was a mere gesture, yet it sent Yan Xiaonu's heart racing with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.
"My mother must have made bird's nest soup, my grandmother will insist on being involved despite her cane, my younger brother will likely join in the fun, and my father, amusingly enough, will surely bring a check for you."
"You're remarkably perceptive; you've guessed it all."
The situation at that time felt like a battlefield, but hearing him recount it now made Yan Xiaonu feel as if she were listening to an entertaining story.
She cherished the way he casually chatted with her, fostering a warm sense of intimacy.
"When you return the check to my father, he will surely be quite distressed," he said, loosening his tie and leaning back slightly.
Yan Xiaonu licked her lips; oh dear, he was testing her meager composure! Seeing him in such a relaxed and charming state made her worry she might inadvertently drool...
"Return the check? Are you so certain I would give it back to your father? That's a considerable sum!" Yan Xiaonu raised her eyebrows.
"You accepted it?" He looked at her with an expression of disbelief.
"Yes!" She patted her pillow, "You don't believe me? The check is right here."
"I'll only believe it when I see it," Duan Shunchen leaned closer.
Yan Xiaonu's face flushed immediately; he was so close that she could smell his faint cologne.
"Ah, I see! Someone must have tipped you off!" That's why he knew everything! Silly her for thinking he was simply perceptive!
"No," he chuckled.
You're lying!"
"I'm not. I'm telling the truth." He had been so busy at the office all day that he hadn't answered Rouyin's calls, letting his secretary screen them instead.