When they entered Lý Phượng Ni’s hospital room, the doctor was in the middle of checking her injuries and changing her bandages.
“Doctor, is my sister okay?”
“She’s fine. Thankfully, we transferred her in time—especially thanks to the elderly man in the sterile ward. If we had delayed any longer, the consequences could have been unimaginable.”
“Doctor, will there be a scar on her arm?”
“It’s hard to say for sure. If her recovery goes well, it might not leave a scar. But for now, make sure she avoids hot and spicy food—it could affect the healing process and skin regeneration.”
“Thank you, doctor.”
“Just rest well. Be patient and keep your spirits up. A positive mindset helps with recovery,” the doctor added before leaving.
Đinh Trường Sinh stood up to walk the doctor out, then turned back to Lý Phượng Ni, who looked a bit better.
“Sis, did you hear that? You have to keep your spirits up. Uncle Lý is also fine now, so don’t worry. Look, I brought you some clothes!”
He dumped the shopping bag onto the bed.
“You bought so much random stuff. I already have everything I need.”
She began sorting through the pile with one hand—only to suddenly spot… bras and panties. Her face instantly turned crimson. Back in her hometown, she never dared wear such flashy colors—black, red, blue. Some of the panties even had lace and see-through designs she had never seen before. She was so embarrassed she wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.
“You’re going to be here for a while, and I can’t stay with you the whole time, so I bought a few sets for you to change into. Also, I’ve asked someone to help find a nurse aide who can assist with cleaning and bathing. They should arrive in a few days.”
“Trường Sinh, I can manage on my own. Don’t waste your money. I asked the nurse—this room costs 150 yuan a day. It’s too expensive. I’ll move to a shared room; it’s cheaper.”
“But shared rooms are noisy and less hygienic. Just stay here and rest properly. Don’t worry about the money.”
“Even if I wanted to pay you back, I couldn’t…” she mumbled softly.
“Then spend your whole life paying me back.”
Đinh Trường Sinh leaned in, looking straight at her. They were so close they could feel each other’s breath. Her cheeks flushed as she understood the meaning behind his words.
She sighed, slowly closing her eyes, as if waiting for him to take her.
“Phượng Ni, I like you.” Đinh Trường Sinh sat down in front of her.
“Silly boy, I’m a divorced woman. How could I possibly be with you? The person I hate most in this world is Vương Lão Hổ. He ruined my life. I heard him with my own ears saying he’d burn down my house. The same day we got divorced, that night he came and set it on fire. Who else could it be?”
“I didn’t know that... The police are still investigating. Vương Lão Hổ has fled, but they’ll find him eventually.”
“It’s all my fault for dragging my father into this. None of this would’ve happened otherwise,” she said sadly.
“Phượng Ni, I told you—no matter what happens, I’ll share the burden with you. Believe me, I’ll take care of you for the rest of my life.”
“Foolish boy, I’m almost thirty, and you’re only eighteen. You’ll get married someday. I’m not worthy.”
“Don’t say that, Phượng Ni. I mean it.” He held her hand tightly, refusing to let go.
She was touched. Whether he meant it or not, just that sincerity alone was something she could never repay. He said she could spend her whole life repaying him. Maybe no one else would ever want her again—everyone already knew she couldn’t have children. Who would marry her?
“I believe you. I agree—I’ll spend the rest of my life repaying you,” she blurted out emotionally.
“Really? You mean it?” He lit up with joy, the moment he had long hoped for arriving even sooner than expected.
“I’ll treat you well for the rest of your life. I’ve already registered for the self-study college exams in Jiangdu. You should enroll in an accounting course. When we have money, you can help manage it. I want to start a company, become an entrepreneur, and earn a fortune—all of it will be yours to manage. How about that?”
“What are you saying? Your wife should be the one managing your money. I’m not doing that,” she said shyly.
“You are my wife. You just agreed earlier.” He gently caressed her cheek as he spoke.
“When did I ever agree?” she thought. So childish, she told herself. How could someone say something like that so casually? Her face blushed again, but deep inside, sweetness bloomed. To be honest, ever since becoming a woman, she had never experienced a true, sweet romance. The way Đinh Trường Sinh pursued her had already quietly captured her heart. Even without the fire, without his care, she probably couldn’t have resisted for long. Once that sweet little devil escaped the cage, there was no locking it away again.
“Still not admitting it? Then let me try again.” And with that, Đinh Trường Sinh leaned down and kissed her gently.
Lý Phượng Ni wanted to resist, but she didn’t have the strength. Her body softened. The warmth of his lips made her sink into the kiss. She closed her eyes, surrendering to its tenderness.
“You don’t have to worry anymore. I’m here—I’ll protect you,” he whispered, hugging her gently as if to pass on his warmth and comfort.
She sighed softly, tears slipping down her cheeks. She knew she shouldn’t fall in love with a younger man like him. But once the heart was given away, how could she take it back? She didn’t want to think anymore—she just wanted to enjoy this brief moment of warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Trường Sinh... I just worry that one day you’ll regret this…”
“I won’t. Never. I’ve made up my mind—please believe me.” His voice was full of conviction and sincerity.
She nodded lightly, but unease still lingered. She knew this love wouldn’t be easy, but his gentleness and determination were things she couldn’t push away.
“All right, stop talking now. Get some rest. I need some quiet too,” she murmured, gently pushing him away and turning to lie down.
He said nothing more, just quietly sat beside her, watching her frail figure, his heart full of affection and pain.
After a while, he carefully pulled the blanket up over her and, seeing she was asleep, let out a soft sigh and left the room.
In the hallway, Đinh Trường Sinh called Giang Hàm Thiến, telling her everything was arranged and asked her to help find a caregiver soon. She agreed without hesitation and even teased him a bit, saying he was surprisingly thoughtful.
Hanging up, he leaned against the railing, lost in thought. Things had taken a turn he hadn’t expected—but he didn’t regret a thing. In his heart, Lý Phượng Ni deserved love and protection.
After a moment, he decided to go to the hospital canteen to get some food and drinks, thinking she might need something to eat when she woke up.
When he returned to the room, he quietly opened the door and saw that she was still lying there with her eyes closed. He sat down beside her again, full of tenderness.
Soon after, she stirred slightly and opened her eyes.
“You haven’t left yet?” she asked softly.
“I just went to buy some food. Are you hungry?” he asked, holding up the bag.
She shook her head.
“Not really… just a bit tired.”
“Then rest more. I’m here with you,” he said, taking her hand again.
The warmth of his hand reassured her. She closed her eyes, basking in a rare moment of peace.
She didn’t know when she drifted off, but when she woke, the light outside had softened. He was still sitting there, as if he had never left.
“Trường Sinh, how long have you been sitting here?”
“Not long. Just relax. The doctor said staying calm will help you heal faster.”
“Mm… But you need rest too. Don’t stay here all day.”
“I’m fine. I can handle it. Besides, you need someone by your side.”
She sighed, moved by his words. She had never imagined that someone—especially someone so young—would be willing to stay by her side like this.