Chapter Fifty: The Strange Ye Wan’er

The moment Jiang Xiaotian stepped inside, he noticed Ye Wan’er had been crying. He paused, but still greeted her with a smile.

“I forgot something and came back to grab it. I’ll be gone in a second!”

Perhaps Ye Wan’er hadn’t expected him to return. She shuddered and quickly turned her face away, as if unwilling to let him see her like this.

Jiang Xiaotian wanted to comfort her, but not knowing what had happened, he asked, “Do you know what I forgot to take?”

Ye Wan’er shook her head, still with her back to him.

Jiang Xiaotian flashed a bright smile. “I forgot to take my heart that misses you. Ha ha, that was awkward.”

He laughed at his own joke, but Ye Wan’er remained unmoved, as though she hadn’t heard.

Now he truly felt awkward. After a forced cough, he said, “Well… have a good rest, sleep early. Tomorrow I’ll sneak you some meat to eat, don’t worry, the nurse won’t catch me this time.”

Not wanting to overstay his welcome, he quickly made to leave. He regretted coming back on purpose.

But just as he was closing the door, a small, pitiful voice called from inside.

“Don’t go…”

Her voice was always cold, and even though Jiang Xiaotian had saved her, it had only softened slightly. But now, there was even a hint of pleading in her tone.

Jiang Xiaotian stopped immediately, hesitated not a moment, and returned to the room.

Ye Wan’er finally turned around. Her eyes were red, brimming with sorrow.

Usually indifferent to everyone, today she reached out her hand to Jiang Xiaotian. “Can you hold me again?”

She was acting so differently. Jiang Xiaotian sensed it, but didn’t ask. He simply nodded, sat beside the bed, and wrapped her in his arms.

The last time he’d held her like this was just after she woke up. At that time, she was so thin she was almost insubstantial.

But now, she had gained some weight.

Still, for reasons unknown, she looked so terribly sad.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Xiaotian had never known affection himself, so he understood all too well the loneliness Ye Wan’er must feel in her hospital room. That’s why he visited whenever he could; after all, he had nothing better to do.

But Ye Wan’er said nothing, only clung tightly to him as if afraid he’d vanish, her body trembling.

Soon, Jiang Xiaotian’s shoulder was soaked through. Ye Wan’er was shuddering, crying silently, not making a sound.

Jiang Xiaotian raised his hand, hesitated midair, and finally patted her back gently.

“Are you in trouble? Or are you afraid of being alone? How about I come keep you company every night for a while? Once you’re a bit better, I’ll take you out of here, take you home, all right?”

But as he spoke, Ye Wan’er trembled even harder, like she was frightened of something.

Jiang Xiaotian worried he’d said the wrong thing and quickly bit his tongue.

He let her hold him, saying nothing more.

“Jiang Xiaotian… will I never be able to become a martial artist again?” she asked suddenly, her voice full of grievance.

Jiang Xiaotian wanted to deny it, but the words caught in his throat, as if blocked, unable to come out.

How could he not know what kind of stubborn, intelligent girl Ye Wan’er was? If she was asking, she must already know the answer. Besides, a lie might work for a moment, but not forever.

Jiang Xiaotian remained silent, which in itself was an answer.

Ye Wan’er was cool and reserved; she would never make a scene. After a brief pause, she sighed softly, then released him.

“It’s all right. You’ve seen it yourself—the world of martial artists is dangerous and hateful. Honestly, Wan’er, you’re the most outstanding martial artist I’ve ever met, my role model. I’m not ashamed to admit it—I’ve always wanted to be someone like you!”

Jiang Xiaotian spoke from the heart. He wasn’t trying to please or comfort her.

Ye Wan’er gazed at him, her eyes flickering. Perhaps sensing his sincerity, she said softly, “Jiang Xiaotian, perhaps you’ve never experienced what it’s like when your parents always see you as a delicate flower in a greenhouse, never believing you’ll amount to anything. And the one who tramples you underfoot is your own kin. That kind of pain—you don’t know it, do you?”

Jiang Xiaotian nodded. “No. I’m an orphan. My parents died long ago. I’m used to being bullied.”

Ye Wan’er clearly hadn’t expected that. She fell silent.

“Haha, I’m not trying to compare tragedies. I never knew parental love, so I don’t understand these things. I grew up alone—eating, sleeping, even celebrating the new year by myself…” He forced a bitter smile.

“Actually, the time I dreaded most was the new year. Even the loneliest people would go home to be with family, but me… I was always alone. Until I met a girl who changed me, made me realize I wasn’t truly alone. Even on rainy days, the sun would come out again. If you can’t be a martial artist anymore, then I’ll take care of you. Honestly, I really like you!”

That was just Jiang Xiaotian’s way—having never known love, he spoke plainly, not knowing how to love, even blaming himself when he was betrayed.

Ye Wan’er stared at him, stunned.

She blinked her beautiful eyes. “Close your eyes. I have a little surprise for you.”

Jiang Xiaotian didn’t know what she meant, but did as told.

Ye Wan’er brushed her hair back and, wrapping her arms around his neck, kissed him gently on the lips.

Jiang Xiaotian’s eyes flew open in shock. He had never been kissed before! Even after years with Chu Ran, they’d never kissed!

Ling’er didn’t count—he hadn’t even known what was happening!

But now, he was dazed, his mind blank, lips soft and tasting the unique sweetness of a girl’s scent.

His heart pounded wildly, as if it would leap out of his chest. His hands hovered awkwardly in the air, unsure what to do.

“I like you too,” Ye Wan’er said softly, smiling again.

But Jiang Xiaotian’s heart twisted painfully.

She was smiling—so why were there tears in her eyes?

“What’s really wrong? Tell me! If you’re in trouble financially, I have money. If someone’s bullying you, just say the word—I’m the champion of the Linhai Martial Arts Tournament, and I can take on anyone!” Jiang Xiaotian was truly worried, his heart in turmoil, unable to figure out what was wrong with Ye Wan’er tonight.

“It’s all right, go home. I’m happy now,” Ye Wan’er said, lying back down, her face still flushed.

Jiang Xiaotian thought of the kiss and felt shy himself.

But as he was about to speak, Ye Wan’er rolled her eyes. “I’m tired. Go on, I want to sleep!”

Her tone returned to its usual icy indifference.

But that was what Jiang Xiaotian hoped for—it meant she was all right.

“All right. What do you want to eat tomorrow? I’ll get it for you!” It was late, and seeing her return to normal, Jiang Xiaotian was relieved.

“Go, go! I really want to sleep!” Ye Wan’er’s tone was even a little impatient.

Jiang Xiaotian didn’t notice, made a funny face at her, and left for home.

He didn’t tell Ling’er what had happened that night, but Ye Wan’er’s kiss was so sweet it lingered in his heart. She was worth saving.

He resolved not to neglect her anymore. So, early the next morning, he went to the mall and bought several sets of girls’ clothes.

The first step in helping her overcome loneliness was to make Ye Wan’er feel like an ordinary girl. Wearing hospital gowns every day would make anyone miserable.

Of course, food was essential too. Drinks and snacks could be limited, though if the head nurse saw she’d still lose her temper, but since Qin Lulu said it was fine, it had to be all right.

He was already a repeat offender, and Ye Wan’er, being a once-famous patient, was under close watch by the nurses. It took some effort to sneak the snacks in.

Jiang Xiaotian had made up his mind to spend more time with her, convinced that her mood last night was due to loneliness.

Excited, he hurried to the ward, pulling two bags of chips from his coat. “Wan’er! Watch my magic trick! Look, these are—”

He froze.

The hospital room before him was empty, as if no one had ever lived there…