Chapter 32: Happiness
A rush of heat surged to her cheeks, her heart pounding uncontrollably in her chest.
Urinary catheter? Do they need to...?
Xia Lingying lightly bit her lip, looking embarrassedly at the nurse, who didn't even glance at her, busying herself with clearing the dishes and walking out.
After a moment of hesitation, Xia Lingying slowly approached the bed, anxiously gazing at Xiao Moyan still sleeping on it, her eyes involuntarily shifting downwards...
The person who had been unconscious on the bed seemed to react, her eyelashes fluttering incessantly. Beneath the half-closed lids, rapid movements of her eyeballs were clearly visible, her brows furrowing tightly, seemingly agitated. Just as Xia Lingying, whose face was slightly flushed, was withdrawing her gaze, noticed this, she hurried a few steps forward, grasping Xiao Moyan's hand and asking,
"What's wrong? Xiao, are you uncomfortable? You—"
"It's here!"
The loud voice of the nurse interrupted Xia Lingying's question. Xia Lingying froze upon hearing it, slowly turning around to awkwardly look at the nurse holding a gel-like tube. A rosy blush spread across her cheeks, making her feel uncomfortable and uneasy. Seizing the moment while Xia Lingying was distracted, the nurse glanced at Xiao Moyan on the bed, still tightly shut eyes, though her expression had turned almost grim. Unconsciously, a smirk appeared at the corner of the nurse's mouth.
Still not awake? Like a dead pig not afraid of boiling water, doesn't even flinch at the urinary catheter?
The nurse then turned back and handed the catheter to Xia Lingying. Seeing her hands trembling as she took it, the nurse smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry, just slowly insert—"
The astonishing crimson almost scorched Xia Lingying from head to toe. Embarrassed and flustered, she quickly pushed the catheter back to the nurse, who took it with a grin.
"I won't—"
The nurse raised an eyebrow, blinking.
"Oh, shall I do it?"
The person on the bed reacted even more strongly upon hearing this, her brow furrowing, breath quickening. Xia Lingying, still shyly avoided eye contact and didn't notice. The nurse raised an eyebrow, took a few steps forward, and approached the bed, smiling as she asked,
"Miss Xiao still isn't waking up? How strange. Dr. Zhou Ying told me she had treated Miss Xiao before and said she used to be very strong—"
"Dr. Zhou?"
Xia Lingying sensed something was amiss and looked up at the nurse.
The nurse pursed her lips, feigning surprise.
"Yes, doesn't Miss Xia know? A few years ago, when Miss Xiao had a stomach perforation from drinking, it was Dr. Zhou who treated her. She was very impressed with Miss Xiao."
Almost instinctively, Xia Lingying asked quietly,
“Male or female?"
"Female."
The nurse didn't even think before answering directly. Finally, the person who had been pretending to sleep on the bed opened her eyes. Her beautiful, angry eyes stare fiercely at the nurse. Unfortunately, the pale face diminished her usual imposing manner, and what made her most furious was that the nurse completely ignored her.
The nurse looked at Xiao Moyan with a broad smile and said cheerfully,
"Miss Xiao is awake!"
Xia Lingying turned around in surprise and quickly rushed to the bedside, looking excitedly at Xiao Moyan. Indeed, the person on the bed was no longer asleep. Although sick, her still bright eyes were filled with deep affection as she looked at Xia Lingying. Endless tenderness erupted in that moment, unable to contain more joy. A single crystal-clear tear silently slid from the corner of Xia Lingying's eye. At this moment, all the words she had wanted to say could not come out. Xia Lingying stared unblinkingly at Xiao Moyan, unwilling to divert her gaze for even a moment, forgetting that her right hand was still holding the urinary catheter.
It wasn't until Xiao Moyan looked at her right hand with a face full of fear, her dry lips moving, and whispered with difficulty,
"Xiaxia... no need... I, I'm awake..."
Xia Lingying was stunned for a moment after hearing this, but then she suddenly understood. Smiling, she put down what was in her hand, still immersed in the joy of Xiao Moyan waking up, and continued to stare at her without blinking. The nurse, having good insight, noticed that the two needed some private space and turned to leave. As she left, she didn't forget to remind,
"Miss Xiao, take care of your health and avoid strenuous activity. Also, Dr. Zhou asked me to say hello to you and mentioned she misses you."
The nurse closed the door, clenched her fists, and hummed a little tune excitedly. She still remembered how miserable Ying had been when Xiao Moyan dumped her. Xiao Moyan had stayed in the hospital for only a few days but had enchanted her completely, stealing her first kiss. After being discharged, she treated her like a stranger, not wanting any further entanglements.
Such a person deserved to be dragged out and whipped! Now, here she is again in our hospital. I don't care if you're Miss Xiao or not! I must avenge Ying!
The door closed, and the room fell into a silent stillness.
The excitement on Xia Lingying's face had long faded. She stepped back slightly, arms crossed over her chest, staring expressionlessly at Xiao Moyan. Meanwhile, lying on the hospital bed, Xiao Moyan clearly felt like a tiger trapped in a cage. Unable to express her love through actions as before, she could only use her big, pitiful eyes to gaze at Xia Lingying, pretending innocence.
Xia Lingying looked at her coldly, not buying into it.
"When did you wake up?" she asked icily.
She couldn't resist adding, "Lie to me again and you'll be punished."
Xiao Moyan pursed her lips, slowly and reluctantly answering truthfully, "I woke up this morning."
Upon hearing this, Xia Lingying's face flushed red, and then anger surged, her eyes blazing. Since Xiao Moyan had fallen unconscious, she had been tormented by guilt, self-blame, and worry, unable to sleep at night. And now, this person woke up and didn't even bother to tell her? Did she want to see Xia Lingying in distress and helpless?!
"You woke up and didn't tell me? Do you know how worried I've been? Do you know how sad I felt seeing you lying in bed..."
Her voice choked with emotion, Xia Lingying took a deep breath, forcing back the tears in her eyes.
"Xiao Moyan, what were you thinking?"
Seeing Xia Lingying's teary eyes, Xiao Moyan felt a surge of pent-up grievances, somewhat heartbroken. She lowered her head as if conceding, but couldn't help muttering to herself.
Damn woman, of course, I know you're upset. Do you think I'm enjoying lying here all day, unable to move? If you hadn't been so cold to me, maybe I couldn't have faked being sick and made you... made you feed me?
After a moment, Xia Lingying suppressed her anger, staring straight at Xiao Moyan with red eyes. Xiao Moyan stole a glance at her, feeling guilty under her gaze, and awkwardly averted her eyes.
"Do you know how many women came to see you while you were unconscious?"
Xia Lingying's voice was cold and resolute, echoing in Xiao Moyan's ears. Xiao Moyan was taken aback and looked at Xia Lingying, pursing her lips.
So you're settling scores now? If I'd known, I wouldn't have woken up!
Xia Lingying pressed her lips together, staring expressionlessly at Xiao Moyan, determined to get answers.
Xiao Moyan cautiously met Xia Lingying's gaze and tentatively asked,
"Was it more than ten?"
"..."
Xia Lingying was infuriated as soon as she heard it. She had casually asked, and Xiao Moyan—she actually dared to answer! More than ten? Why didn't she say hundreds?
"Uh... Xiaxia, I have a headache..."
"No, I mean..."
Xiao Moyan tried to explain but hesitated and stumbled over her words in embarrassment. Seeing Xia Lingying's reaction, she quickly furrowed her brow to feign discomfort. Indeed, Xia Lingying's anger gradually subsided after hearing this, nervously staring at Xiao Moyan. After a while, unable to discern what was really going on, she sighed, fell silent, and sat down in the chair. Her exhausted body relaxed at that moment, her expression gloomy, no longer willing to say another word.
Seeing Xia Lingying like this, Xiao Moyan felt a twinge of pity but also guilt, so she dared not say another word, silently gritting her teeth.
Okay, Zhou Ying, you actually sent someone to retaliate. How dare a mere nurse bully me like this?! If my woman wasn't here, hmph~
Gradually, the steady sound of breathing sprayed into her ears. Xiao Moyan cautiously lowered her head and looked. Xia Lingying was sleeping peacefully by the bedside, her right hand tugging at the blanket, her forehead adorned with a few strands of black hair, looking particularly fragile. Xiao Moyan gazed at her lovingly, wanting to reach out and smooth her hair, but with any movement, intense pain shot through her body. She clenched her teeth, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead. Xiao Moyan hated her mummy-like body and felt helpless. Accompanied by Xia Lingying's breathing, she drifted back to sleep deeply, even smiling sweetly in her dreams.
For this sense of happiness, I, Xiao Moyan, will surely protect it with my life.
****
In the next few days, because of Xia Lingying's care, Xiao Moyan's body recovered quickly. Every day, she wore a smile, except for staring foolishly at Xia Lingying, she does nothing else. As soon as she could move a little, she would occasionally steal kisses and hold Xia Lingying's hand. Whenever Xia Lingying resisted, Xiao Moyan would loudly complain of pain, leaving Xia Lingying both angry and helpless, allowing her to indulge her whims.
After finishing work in the evening, Xia Lingying would hurry back to the hospital. She would tirelessly hold a laptop and gradually update Xiao Moyan on the company's recent progress. Although she felt sorry for Xiao Moyan, some important matters still required her decisions. At work, Xiao Moyan was serious and listened carefully; any shortcomings were noted by Xia Lingying for her to handle. In response, Xia Lingying also understood Xiao Moyan's specific situation to some extent, but without the previous complexity. Now her heart was entirely focused on Xiao Moyan.
Happiness accumulates bit by bit. When tired, Xia Lingying would close her notebook, approach gently, and according to the doctor's instructions, massage Xiao Moyan's head carefully. Her cautious fingers treated her like fragile glass. Watching Xiao Moyan relax, closing her eyes like a contented cat, the sweet sensation spread slowly in her heart, like the melting of chocolate that symbolizes love, washing over her whole body gently and warmly, making her almost want to take a bite.
She really wished they could live like this forever.
Every day, Mrs. Xu would bring a pot of chicken soup to visit Xiao Moyan. Each time she witnessed this cheesy scene, goosebumps would crawl up her arms, yet an unconsciously relieved smile would grace her face. As Xiao Moyan gradually improved, she would demand meat, prompting Mrs. Xu to cook a braised chicken leg and soy-braised pig's trotter every day, dubbing it as indispensable fare. This routine persisted unchanged week after week, leaving Xiao Moyan uncomfortable and protesting loudly. Yet each time, with the relentless collaboration of Mrs. Xu and Xia Lingying, Xiao Moyan's protests were effortlessly subdued. A'Sen, who typically showed little emotion, would just shrug and laugh beside them.
Xiao Moyan sighed contentedly, gazing deeply at Xia Lingying.
So this long-lost happiness was right in our hands, Xia Xia. With you, I no longer seek anything else in this life.
At such moments, Xia Lingying would instinctively raise her head to meet Xiao Moyan's gaze, exchanging glances filled with tender affection, their hearts resonating like the strings of a harp.
After half a month, the doctor finally allowed Xiao Moyan to return home for recuperation, issuing numerous prohibitions and instructions. Xiao Moyan grew impatient listening, while Xia Lingying patiently absorbed every detail. When the doctor awkwardly mentioned that intimate relations were inadvisable post-injury, she glanced helplessly at the suddenly blushing woman before her and at Xiao Moyan opposite, whose eyes seemed poised to devour her. Shaking her head, she dismissed them with a wave of her hand.
Back home, Xiao Moyan flopped onto the sofa, legs spread wide without a care, eyes slightly narrowed as they ambiguously fixated on Xia Lingying. Blushing, Xia Lingying pretended not to notice, lowered her head, and went inside to unpack.
A mischievous smile played at the corner of Xiao Moyan's mouth as she gestured with her left hand, issuing instructions:
"Surely the company has accumulated plenty of matters lately. Mrs. Xu, A'Sen, why don't you go check on things at the office?"
A'Sen didn't think much about it, nodding as he left to drive. Meanwhile, Mrs. Xu looked on in shock at Xiao Moyan on the sofa, grinning mischievously like a catfish, noticing the thick bandage still wrapped around her right hand. She quietly asked,
"Miss, about your injury—"
"Oh, don't worry about it. I know my limits. Just go already."
Xiao Moyan impatiently waved her away urgently. Mrs. Xu glanced at her once, rubbed her nose, and walked out, reassuring herself.
Hmm, no worries. There's Xiaxia. Xiaxia's willpower is strong! She won't let Miss go wild!
But as Mrs. Xu thought of Xia Lingying's completely flushed face every time Xiao Moyan flirted with her, her heart trembled. As she walked out the door, she couldn't help but look back anxiously at Xiao Moyan's playful expression, shaking her head.
I hope... at least Miss won't risk her life for her desires... she won't...
Author's Note:
Hehehe~ With four evil laughs, floating away~