Chapter 107: Baby, Are You Still There?
Time passed.
One minute. Two minutes. Three minutes…
Liang Xiaoluo didn't feel any pain. Instead, she felt something wet on her body, accompanied by a strong, metallic scent of blood filling the air.
Was this what death felt like?
She opened her eyes amidst her confusion and saw that someone was holding her—a person she recognized immediately.
"Tianlin?" Liang Xiaoluo gasped, pulling herself out of Ye Tianlin's arms.
His forehead was drenched in sweat, his face as pale as a sheet. Yet, his lips curved into a weak smile as he said, "I was worried about you. I made porridge and waited for you to come back, but you didn't return for so long. That's why I came looking for you—not to follow you. Please believe me."
Even in his weakened state, he was worried she might misunderstand his intentions.
Liang Xiaoluo froze, staring at her blood-covered hands. The blood wasn't hers; it was Ye Tianlin's.
The knife meant for her had pierced his body instead. That was why she felt no pain—because Ye Tianlin had taken the blow for her.
Her hands trembled as her gaze shifted between her blood-stained fingers, the wound on his abdomen, and his pale face. Her mind raced, unable to process what had just happened.
"Don't be mad. I promised to give you your freedom. Next time—next time, I'll control myself better. I swear…" Ye Tianlin's voice trailed off, his strength fading rapidly.
Tears welled up in Liang Xiaoluo's eyes, streaming down her face. Her vision blurred, and all she could hear was Ye Tianlin's incessant murmurs.
"Stop talking. Stop wasting your energy," she pleaded. Her voice cracked with desperation.
His lips moved as if to say more, but he had no strength left.
"Xiaoluo, believe me—I truly love you," he said before his body went limp, his eyes closing as he lost consciousness.
"Tianlin! Tianlin!" Liang Xiaoluo screamed, her voice filled with panic.
Don't sleep. Don't close your eyes.
If you leave this world, what will I do?
Wake up. Please, wake up.
Liang Xiaoluo's mind spiraled into chaos. She didn't know what to do, didn't know how things had come to this point.
If she had believed him… If her attitude hadn't been so cold and unyielding… Could this have been avoided?
But life didn't allow for so many "ifs."
The man who had stabbed Ye Tianlin growled in frustration when he realized he had missed his target.
"Damn it, you lucky woman. But this time, I won't miss," he snarled, raising his knife again.
Bang!
Before the man could strike, a gunshot echoed in the distance. A bullet pierced his chest, and blood sprayed as he collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
Liang Xiaoluo didn't even flinch, her gaze never leaving Ye Tianlin.
Ryan approached swiftly, a gun in hand. "Prince, Young Master Tianlin appears to be seriously injured."
Silo, who had arrived moments later, surveyed the scene grimly.
"Take him to the hospital," Silo ordered.
"But—" Ryan hesitated, considering the risks. Taking Ye Tianlin to the hospital might expose their identities and invite further complications.
"Hurry!" Silo's tone brooked no argument.
"Yes, sir," Ryan replied, immediately arranging transport.
Silo stepped closer, watching as Liang Xiaoluo cried silently over Ye Tianlin's unconscious body. In that moment, he understood. These two, despite their tumultuous relationship, loved each other deeply.
Whatever fleeting hope he might have harbored for himself was extinguished entirely.
About thirty minutes later, a medical team arrived and rushed Ye Tianlin to the hospital.
The Ye family was quickly informed of the situation.
The hospital became a fortress of activity, crowded with people desperate for updates. Ye Tianlin's fame ensured that his condition drew widespread attention.
As doctors prepared for emergency surgery, Liang Xiaoluo and Silo were kept outside the operating room.
Liang Xiaoluo stared blankly at the doors, as if her gaze could pierce through them to see Ye Tianlin lying inside.
The Ye family arrived soon after, led by Elder Ye. When he saw Liang Xiaoluo, his eyes flashed with fury.
"What happened here?!" Elder Ye demanded, his voice thunderous.
Liang Xiaoluo remained silent, her expression vacant.
Elder Ye's face darkened further. "I asked you a question! How did Tianlin get hurt?"
She didn't respond, her lips pressed tightly together.
Elder Ye's anger boiled over. He raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face. "You cursed woman! If anything happens to my grandson, I'll make you pay for it!"
The slap left her cheek burning, and the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. But the physical pain paled in comparison to the ache in her heart.
Silo stepped forward, steadying her. "Are you alright?" he asked gently.
Liang Xiaoluo didn't answer.
Among the Ye family members was Gu Lingzi, who sneered, "Brother Tianlin is lying in there fighting for his life, and you're already throwing yourself into another man's arms? Sister Xiaoluo, do you even have a conscience?"
If the man she loved were injured like this, she wouldn't rest until justice was served.
Silo's piercing glare silenced Gu Lingzi instantly. Her words died in her throat.
"He'll be fine. Don't worry," Silo reassured Liang Xiaoluo softly.
Though she was entirely blameless, everyone seemed intent on scapegoating her. For the first time, Silo truly understood the sorrow that lingered in her eyes.
She was no better off than him.
Silo's intervention drew the attention of Elder Ye and the others.
"Doesn't he look familiar to you?" Elder Ye muttered to Hua Lin, narrowing his eyes at Silo.
Hua Lin nodded. "Yes, I feel like I've seen him before."
But their curiosity was quickly overshadowed by their concern for Ye Tianlin's condition.
Before long, Ye Tianlin's parents, Ye Tianqing and Yan Ruoxi, arrived at the hospital.
Yan Ruoxi immediately recognized Silo. She and Silo had met before and shared a casual friendship. She was about to greet him when he subtly shook his head, signaling her to stay silent.
She swallowed her words and pretended not to know him.
The Ye family gathered outside the operating room, anxiously awaiting news.
Hours later, the doors finally opened.
Liang Xiaoluo couldn't even approach; the Ye family crowded the entrance, blocking her view. All she could do was listen as Elder Ye asked the doctor, "How is my grandson? Will he be alright?"
The doctor sighed in relief. "Thankfully, the blade missed any vital organs. If it had been just a little deeper, even the best surgeons wouldn't have been able to save him."