Chapter 9: Belated Affection Is Cheaper Than Grass

The ambulance from the emergency center arrived quickly.

Ji Zhen Tang sat in the ambulance, taking some oxygen. Ji Xinhe helped her settle in, and she looked out the window at the darkening night sky, noticing Zhong Yu Bai’s car following behind.

She looked at his hand resting on the steering wheel, and the loose collar of his casual shirt, revealing the bones beneath. Neon lights illuminated his profile as he focused on driving, his face calm and composed. Until their eyes met, it seemed like a thin layer of frost melted away from his brow.

Zhong Yu Bai raised his eyelashes to look at her, then lifted his hand and gestured towards his heart.

She understood, he was asking how she was feeling, and if she still felt uncomfortable?

Ji Zhen Tang held the oxygen tube with one hand and made an OK gesture with the other—

Much better.

After arriving at the hospital, her heart rate had calmed down a bit, but she still felt a bit dizzy. Since it was after hours at the hospital, she had to go to the emergency room for some tests. Undressing here, removing jewelry there, Zhong Yu Bai knew it wasn’t appropriate to follow along, so he stayed in the lobby, while Ji Xinhe accompanied Ji Zhen Tang for the tests.

With a stack of reports in hand, Ji Xinhe looked them over for a while. “These indicators don’t seem to show any problems.”

Ji Zhen Tang stood at the door of the examination room, waiting for the elderly lady in front of her, glancing at the names of the doctors on the wall. The name of the attending physician in the cardiology department caught her eye: Zhu Qingyun.

“Feeling any better now?” Ji Xinhe asked her.

Ji Zhen Tang nodded and said, “Much better, but my heartbeat still feels a bit heavy.”

After speaking, it was her turn for the consultation.

Ji Zhen Tang entered the room and sat down in front of the doctor.

Face to face, she realized that the doctor named Zhu Qingyun was a very young girl. She wore a mask, tied her hair loosely into a ponytail behind her head, with strands of hair falling on her cheeks. She looked down at the test results, revealing a pair of eyes and brows that lacked warmth.

Although her face was covered by a mask, it was not difficult to see that she was an elegant and delicate beauty with a cold temperament.

The collar of her white coat covered her neck, and a somewhat conspicuous kiss mark was partially hidden.

Ji Zhen Tang looked at the strawberry mark and wondered whether it was a birthmark or a mosquito bite…

As Zhu Qingyun raised her head, about to speak, she was reminded by Ji Zhen Tang’s gaze and awkwardly adjusted her white coat collar.

“…”

After some questions, Ji Zhen Tang answered them thoroughly.

“Your heart doesn’t have any major issues, tricuspid regurgitation is a normal phenomenon. Your thyroid and electrolytes are normal too. Excluding physiological problems, if you tend to have anxiety or depression, I suggest seeing a psychiatrist. Your symptoms are likely panic attacks. Maintain emotional stability and don’t get too nervous. If you experience palpitations or dizziness again, I’ll prescribe you a box of—”

As Zhu Qingyun spoke, she made records on the computer. Suddenly, her phone, which was placed on a nearby file bag, vibrated.

She initially didn’t intend to answer, but as her eyes glanced over, her movement halted.

Caller: Beloved husband.

“…”

“…”

Zhu Qingyun stared at her own phone screen with a bewildered expression, then furrowed her brow, swiftly flipped the phone over, and then casually returned to the topic at hand, “Where were we?”

Ji Zhen Tang hadn’t reacted yet, “We were talking about your beloved— Oh no, I mean, about the medication.”

She awkwardly scratched her eyebrow, “We were talking about the prescription.”

“…”

“This is a medication for elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Take half a tablet at a time, don’t take too high a dosage,” the medical record printed out simultaneously and was handed to her, “The pharmacy is on the left after you turn down the stairs on the first floor.”

“Thank you, Dr. Zhu.”

Taking the prescription, Ji Zhen Tang went to the pharmacy on the first floor.

Ji Xinhe queued for her, while Ji Zhen Tang waited in the lobby, where she saw the man outside through the door.

She turned her head to look.

The boundless night was dimmed by the gloomy rainy season.

Zhong Yu Bai stood at the entrance of the emergency building, looking down at his phone screen. The lights of the emergency building were dim, casting a somewhat ethereal shadow over the man, who appeared as refined as bamboo, with a serene demeanor akin to a lone swan in mist.

The word “Emergency” emitted a faint red light, casting onto his straight and sturdy shoulders. The warm hues of the night softened the inherent sense of oppression about him, and in the tranquil night, Zhong Yu Bai’s posture relaxed slightly.

Ji Zhen Tang was about to greet him when, faster than her, Zhu Qingying, who had just finished work and walked out of the hospital, approached.

“Brother?” she called out.

She had taken off her white coat and put on a jacket, still wearing a mask. Ji Zhen Tang paused, noticing a hint of surprise in the woman’s eyes. “What are you doing at the hospital?”

The emphasis on the last two words implied the incredibility of Zhong Yu Bai being at the “hospital.”

Zhong Yu Bai turned his head and looked over, nodding politely. “Handling some matters,” he replied.

Then he asked her, “Just finished your shift?”

She nodded. “Just handed over.”

Zhong Yu Bai asked again, “Heading back by yourself?”

She hesitated for a moment, a hint of shyness crossing her face as she whispered, “He’s coming to pick me up.”

Zhong Yu Bai wasn’t surprised, smiling knowingly as he nodded slowly. “Go on then.”

As they left, Ji Zhen Tang stepped forward, curiosity getting the better of her. “Is Doctor Zhong your sister?”

Zhong Yu Bai looked back at her, catching her curiosity in her eyes, and answered, “Sister-in-law.”

With just a simple and reserved response, he offered no further explanation.

Ji Zhen Tang’s “What a coincidence” was also stuck in her throat. She suppressed her surprise, refrained from further questioning, and smiled, “I was wandering around just now and didn’t see you. I thought you had already left.”

Zhong Yu Bai looked at her and said, “I promised to accompany you. How could I break my word?”

Ji Zhen Tang said, “If you’re busy, you can go first. I don’t have any major issues. It’s just what you mentioned earlier, about the palpitation. The doctor said it was because I was crying too anxiously, nothing serious. I still need to wait for a report. My aunt is here, so it’s fine.”

Zhong Yu Bai thought for a moment, said nothing, and didn’t move. He just lowered his gaze and continued to calmly look at her.

Ji Zhen Tang curiously asked, “Do you have something else to say?”

He paused for a moment, then, in a tone as if speaking to a child, he quietly asked, “I hugged you without permission just now. Are you angry?”

As he said this, he slightly leaned forward, not looking at her directly, his gaze just happened to fall on the side of her neck, where a layer of unnatural crimson appeared.

Ji Zhen Tang recalled the chaotic moment earlier when she was flustered. Her ears felt warm, and she whispered softly, “What if I said I’m angry?”

The man gently said, “Sincerely apologize to you, hope you don’t mind.”

She smiled, “What if I’m not angry?”

He also smiled lightly, “I’ll still apologize to you.”

“Joking, I’m not angry, saving a life is worth more than building seven-tier pagodas,” Ji Zhen Tang clasped her hands together, deeply grateful, “Thank you, boss!”

Zhong Yu Bai looked at her and smiled gently. For a moment, his expression and posture seemed somewhat lazy yet still graceful. Finally, he commented, “You’re young, but you have many worries.”

It didn’t sound like a question but rather a statement, with a hint of teasing.

Ji Zhen Tang scratched her cheek awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.

He didn’t insist on further questioning. “Tell your aunt I’m leaving. I’ll visit another day if needed. Contact me if necessary.”

Ji Zhen Tang nodded quickly, “Mm-hmm!”

Finally, Zhong Yu Bai gave her a sincere blessing. His voice was deep and magnetic, giving a touch of gentle warmth in the silent night, “Wish you happiness, be joyful every day.”

She was genuinely touched from the bottom of her heart, but she didn’t express it in words. She just smiled warmly and said, “Thank you. I hope you’ll be happy every day too.”

Ji Zhen Tang waved to him, her heart calling out to him, and she hurried away.

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t rush to leave. He stood in the corridor for a while, then received a call from Ding Jialing.

He answered the call.

At the same time, his gaze moved away from the girl and looked towards the central part of the parking lot, where a car lay dormant in the darkness with its headlights on. There was someone in the car, but it hadn’t moved for a while after getting in.

It was a large G with a very smooth license plate number.

Ding Jialing asked, “President Zhong, the board of directors has all arrived. Where are you?”

Zhong Yu Bai replied lightly, “I’m at the hospital.”

Through the thin mist, Zhong Heng glanced at the slender figure standing at the entrance of the emergency building. He urgently took out his glasses from his pocket, hurriedly put them on, pushed them up to confirm, and stared at him for a long time.

Ding Jialing was very surprised. “Hospital? Are you okay? What are you doing at the hospital?”

Zhong Yu Bai didn’t avoid the other’s gaze and stared back.

He said to his phone, “Organize things first, I’ll be there shortly.”

About two minutes later, the car finally left his calm and undisturbed gaze. Zhong Yu Bai watched him until the tailpipe fumes completely dissipated in the air before he stepped into the long night.

—

When Ji Zhen Tang returned from the hospital that day, her symptoms had disappeared. In the following days, she felt fine, but she had quit her bad habit of staying up late and was trying to adjust her daily routine. The medication didn’t seem to have any effect, but she kept it close at hand, always feeling uneasy as if the illness was still rooted in her body.

In the wooden box gift left by Zhong Yu Bai, there was a jade bracelet, of excellent quality and craftsmanship.

She spent an entire afternoon searching on auction websites and confirmed its price, which made her heart tremble.

It felt like there were barrage of comments floating above her head for days and nights: “Rich! Rich! Rich!”

If she really accepted this bracelet, she could temporarily live a life of luxury.

She could pay off her debts, stop groveling, and even support her father.

Who wouldn’t think money was a good thing? Just a bracelet like this could instantly change her status.

Overnight riches, nothing but this.

Holding it, there wasn’t even much of a real feeling.

Ji Zhen Tang sat by the second-floor window, observing this translucent bracelet in the dim light. Propped under her hand was a Japanese fashion magazine, with the breeze sweeping in and causing the pages to rustle softly.

In the sparsely populated narrow alley, a splash of color caught her attention.

Zhong Heng held a bunch of roses, vividly red. He looked around, visiting her here for the first time, unfamiliar with the area, checking his phone and the route until he saw the signboard of Luotang Pavilion, confirming he hadn’t made a mistake.

He lifted his head again.

The red bricks and green tiles framed the arched window with soft hues. Behind the window, Ji Zhen Tang’s expression was cool, her chin resting in her hand as she read something.

The door of Luotang Pavilion was tightly shut. Zhong Heng stood below, asking her, “What are you looking at?”

Ji Zhen Tang flipped the pages forcefully, making a rustling sound, her tone indifferent, “A Belated Deep Affection Is Cheaper Than Grass.”

He chuckled, “Is that the title of a book?”

She replied coldly, “Of course, haven’t you seen it before?”

Zhong Heng stepped forward, grasping the door handle, unable to turn it, then looked up to ask her, “What did you go to the hospital for that day?”

She paused for a moment, cautiously glanced at him, a hint of displeasure as if being questioned, “What else can you do at the hospital? See a doctor.”

“Where does it hurt?” Before she could answer, he eagerly asked the next question, “Why are you getting so close to my third uncle?”

Ji Zhen Tang raised an eyebrow, “Is it related to you?”

“He asked you to make clothes for my grandmother’s birthday?”

It seemed like the news had spread quickly.

Ji Zhen Tang raised her voice slightly, “Close the door and release the dogs, auntie.”

Actually, the aunt wasn’t around, and the door wasn’t open.

She glanced downstairs.

The dog was still there.

Zhong Heng said, “Did I not tell you to stay away from him? I wasn’t joking. My third uncle is not a good person, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Have you heard of this phrase? It describes him.”

Ji Zhen Tang chuckled but didn’t speak.

Zhong Heng continued, “Don’t do business with him. The money isn’t easy to earn. I’m really afraid of what he might do to you. Although you’re not much of a threat, after all, you’re considered my girlfriend. What if he—”

Certain words touched her nerve, “Who’s your girlfriend? It’s ridiculous.”

Ignoring her, Zhong Heng said, “Do you know he’s killed someone?”

“I only know murderers get the death penalty.”

“True masters kill without leaving a trace. He’s a slippery one.”

She remained unchanged, “Then why don’t you quickly call 110? What’s the point of revealing earth-shattering secrets to me here?”

He continued to incite, “My second uncle was killed by him. I’m telling you the truth, don’t doubt it.”

Ji Zhen Tang shrugged, as if indifferent to life or death, “I believe you, but I’m too far away from him, with no vested interests entangled, so he probably won’t come after me for now.”

Zhong Heng said, “I just want you to be more cautious.”

She remained silent.

“Why didn’t I inherit the family business? Because only by doing so, I clearly express that I won’t touch any of the Zhong family’s interests, my uncle will let me go. Power and status are indeed tempting, but with the mountain still green, there’s no need to worry about firewood. Survival is more important. With so many people in our family, either they’re his opponents or his pawns. This man calculates everything meticulously, and no one dares to provoke him. I didn’t tell you these things because I was afraid of scaring you.”

Finally, Ji Zhen Tang looked up and met his eyes squarely, asking seriously, “But you’re his nephew, will he harm you?”

“Otherwise, how could Zhong Yu Bai would prove to have a cold heart? Do you know how Emperor Li Shimin rose to power?”

She replied, “I’ve read books.”

“The Xuanwu Gate Incident, read it several times, and you’ll understand how bitter my life is.”

“You feel bitter too? When the poor rise up, it’ll be a revolution.”

Zhong Heng sighed, “I can never have a decent conversation with you.”

Ji Zhen Tang retorted, “It’s your superiority complex. Comparing yourself to Li Shimin’s brother, when in reality, you’re nothing. People probably can’t be bothered to deal with you.”

Always at a disadvantage when arguing with her, he felt speechless.

Seeing his arrogant demeanor, Ji Zhen Tang frowned, “Everything decays from within, then pests breed. You never mention how the Zhong family tower was about to collapse. If it wasn’t for Zhong Yu Bai’s timely intervention, saving Boyang’s life, how many abilities does your father have to ensure his stability, even if it’s just a nominal chairman position?”

Zhong Heng’s expression turned extremely ugly.

A gust of wind blew, scattering a few petals from the flowers in his arms.

She continued, “Once prestigious, now subject to endless gossip. Isn’t it embarrassing? There’s no choice, this is the fate of an abandoned prince. Accept it, Master Zhong—”

Finishing, she added, “Oh yes, you’re now a fake Master.”

Seeing Zhong Heng’s exasperation, as if he had been holding back a lot of anger, and not knowing where she heard these things from, he moved his lips, but ultimately steered the conversation back to himself, “Do you have some deep-seated grudge against me? Why do you always twist things around?”

Ji Zhen Tang wagged her index finger, “You’re mistaken. History is written by the victors. This is just me assessing the situation.”

Zhong Heng sneered, “I knew it, you women are all superficial.”

“I don’t know if I’m superficial, but I know you’re a loser.”

“Even if I’m a loser, the door to the prince’s mansion isn’t something any woman can just walk into, right?”

“…”

Well, he had her there.

“Zhong Heng, can you just drop dead in the next second? Let me have some peace.”

At the same time, a glass of water came pouring down from above. A soft weapon, utterly harmless.

He didn’t dodge it but shielded the roses in his arms.

“What a cruel heart!”

Half of his shoulder got wet, but he preserved the flowers’ beauty. At a critical moment, he knew to feign deep affection.

Listening to the sound of the window closing, Zhong Heng shamelessly smiled, “Alright, we’ve fought, we’ve cursed. Can you open the door for me?”

If there was one admirable aspect of Zhong Heng’s personality, it was his resilience.

He can be indifferent, looking down on others with disdain, or he can be indifferent in a way of accepting others looking down on him. All troubles are not worth worrying about, forgotten after the argument.

A young master without temper and lacking courage, indeed destined to wait in line for exile.

It’s a pity that she doesn’t need it. The situation has already changed invisibly on the chessboard, but some only see one kind of vulgar path.

Who would want to accompany him to the cold palace?

Ji Zhen Tang coldly replied in his pleading voice, “Dream on.”

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