Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C318. Brother and Sister Vying for Favor.

Chapter 318: Sibling Rivalry for Attention

Outside, the city buzzed with life, a sharp contrast to the eerie hush cloaking the Hua family home. Inside, everyone moved on eggshells, as if the slightest sound might rouse the sleeping beast within.

Hua Zhi stirred, her mind foggy, convinced she’d slept till dusk. But the glaring daylight streaming into the room crushed that notion. Groaning, she shifted and immediately felt it—a warm, possessive weight wrapped around her like a needy octopus. She didn’t need to look; only one person dared to cling this shamelessly. Shao Yao. Gu Yanxi might fantasize, but he kept his distance.

Shao Yao? She latched on unapologetically.

Every inch of Hua Zhi’s body ached, but it was a good ache. It wasn’t the searing pain of devastation; it was the dull reminder that her body was still alive, still capable of feeling. Pain meant she wasn’t broken beyond repair. And if she wasn’t broken, she’d heal.

But first things first—she had to pee.

She shifted, nudging Shao Yao, who suddenly bolted upright like a soldier caught napping. Their eyes met, and Shao Yao’s tense posture melted into a relaxed sprawl. “Thought something was wrong with your breathing,” she muttered.

“Help me to the screen,” Hua Zhi demanded, her voice steady despite her fragile state.

Shao Yao blinked, her expression incredulous. “Are you out of your mind? You’re not moving from this bed for at least twenty days! Do you realize your internal organs are injured?!"

"I can't just pee in bed." Hua Zhi shot back, her tone laced with steel.

Shao Yao groaned, rolling her eyes. "What does it matter if you do? Who dares to say anything!" Although Shao Yao said that, she got out of bed, fetched a brand new basin, and tucked it into the bed for Hua Zhi to use.

Hua Zhi had lived for two lifetimes, and this was the first time she had been taken care of as if she were disabled. But with injuries to her internal organs, she didn't dare to be careless and had to endure the embarrassment to resolve one of life's urgent needs.

Shao Yao, on the other hand, served her naturally, and despite being careless at times, she was attentive this time, even bringing water for her to wash her face and hands.

Pain made sweat bead down Hua Zhi's temples, but she refused to lose her cool. She calmly instructed Shao Yao to grab a blanket, propping herself up for some much-needed support.

As Shao Yao complied, she muttered, "You should continue sleeping. The medicine needs to be fully absorbed, we can't waste it."

Hua Zhi’s tone was firm, a little teasing. “When I want to sleep, trust me, I’ll sleep. Don’t nag.” She reached out and clasped Shao Yao’s hand, her grip deliberate but light. “You’re scared, aren’t you?”

Shao Yao bit her lip, her thoughts flickering to the chaos they’d barely survived. She shrank beside Hua Zhi like a chastened cat. “Terrified,” she admitted. “For a second, I thought we were going to become ghost sisters."

Hua Zhi snorted softly, equal parts amused and moved by her bluntness. The fear they’d both felt was still palpable, hanging thick in the air.

“Sorry,” Hua Zhi said eventually, her voice carrying a rare hint of guilt. “In that moment, I couldn’t come up with anything better.”

Shao Yao shook her head, her voice quieter but unyielding. “You don’t need to apologize. For family, I’d have done the same. I mean, I’ve already given up my life for less, haven’t I?”