Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C321. Yes, I'm Good.

Chapter 321: Yes, I'm Good.

Hua Zhi woke up again the next morning and looked around. She smiled at Gu Yanxi, "Did you chase Shao Yao away again?"

Gu Yanxi didn’t even flinch, lying through his teeth like it was second nature. “She left on her own.” His tone was smooth, unreadable as ever, as he leaned in to prop her up with practiced ease, slipping a blanket behind her back. “How’s the pain?”

“Excruciating,” she shot back, wincing as she shifted. Beads of sweat glistened on her brow, but there was a stubborn spark in her eyes, her lips a little less bloodless than the day before.

Before Gu Yanxi could speak, Shao Yao opened the door and walked in. She didn’t bother sparing Gu Yanxi a glance; her focus locked onto Hua Zhi as she moved in with quick, no-nonsense steps.

“You’re recovering,” Shao Yao announced after a brief inspection, her voice cool but firm. “But don’t get too comfortable. The pain’s going to stick around for a while. I avoided using certain painkillers—they’ll mess with your body in the long run.”

“Don’t worry about me. I can take it,” Hua Zhi replied, her tone sharp, almost challenging.

“Good,” Shao Yao said. “I’ll bring your medicinal soup.” And just like that, she was gone, her exit as abrupt as her entrance.

Gu Yanxi didn’t rise to the bait. No anger, no irritation. Instead, he calmly picked up a glass of water, holding it to Hua Zhi’s lips with deliberate care. Once she’d had her fill, he set up a small table over the bed, the setup meticulously prepared in advance. No words, no theatrics. Just quiet, unwavering attention.

Shao Yao stormed back in record time, but no matter how fast she moved, she was no match for Gu Yanxi’s precision. By the time she arrived, Gu Yanxi was already feeding Hua Zhi while casually eating himself, like he owned the damn place.

The Hua family wasn’t blind. They’d pieced it together—Hua Zhi’s sudden improvement wasn’t random; it was Shao Yao’s doing. Hua Yizheng, sharp-eyed and always on edge, hurried inside. But the scene froze him mid-stride. For a split second, the worry etched into his face eased.

The Gu family wasn’t exactly known for their saintly lineage, but Gu Yanxi? Different breed entirely. The man was dangerous, sure, but in the way that made you trust him—whether you wanted to or not.

“Grandfather,” Hua Zhi piped up, swallowing her food quickly, shooting Gu Yanxi a look that screamed, Slow the hell down.

Gu Yanxi, utterly unbothered, quirked a brow and shot Hua Yizheng a glance that practically dripped annoyance.

Seriously?

I saved your precious family, and now you’re hovering like I’m doing it wrong?

Hua Yizheng coughed, trying to mask the fact that he was blatantly unwanted in the room. “How are you feeling? Wound healing alright?”

Hua Zhi chuckled, the sound light and carefree, though her words carried a playful edge. “With this feast? How could I not feel better? It still stings, though. Shao Yao says no painkillers—something about letting my body do the work.” Her grin widened, her eyes sparkling like a kid caught sneaking dessert. Her happiness was simple: as long as her family was safe, she could handle anything.

Hua Yizheng’s throat tightened, but he swallowed the lump. She didn’t need him worrying all over her. She wanted peace, and he’d give her that.

“Pain’s part of the process. Tough it out. Shao Yao knows her craft—do as she says,” he said, his voice softer now, almost fatherly. “Finish your meal. I’ll check in later.”