“President Qin, why did you suddenly come over?” Shen Xi exchanged a glance with Qin Siye and couldn’t help but ask the newcomer curiously.
Qin Xiuyi stood up from his chair, his expression slightly somber. “I heard you and Siye were both here, so I wanted to come and join the fun. I didn’t expect to see Siye lying in the hospital bed as soon as I arrived.”
His words were clearly pregnant with meaning, and the accusation was obvious. Shen Xi’s face flushed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t…”
Before she could finish the words “take good care of him,” Qin Siye interrupted her. “Xi Xi, you don’t need to apologize. No one is at fault here. It’s the best outcome to end it this way. I’ve already explained to my uncle.”
After speaking, he looked at Qin Xiuyi again. “Uncle, it’s getting late, you should go back and rest.”
“Okay.” Qin Xiuyi replied, then looked at Shen Xi. “I’m leaving Siye to you. You can’t let him get hurt again.”
Shen Xi didn’t know what to say, only nodding silently.
After seeing Qin Xiuyi off, Qin Siye half-reclined on the hospital bed and reached out a hand to Shen Xi with a pained expression. “Come here. What’s wrong? Did they give you a hard time when you went to Song Kaicheng’s house to get your luggage?”
“No.” Shen Xi lowered her head, not daring to look at him.
Qin Siye gently lifted her chin. “No? Your eyes are all swollen from crying. Was it Song Kaicheng or Mei Yun?”
“No one really gave me a hard time. Brother Kaicheng has let everything go. It’s just my aunt, she… she refused to speak to me, and I was a bit sad.” Shen Xi forced a smile.
Qin Siye released her hand and pulled her to sit on a stool by the bed. “It’s alright. With time, she’ll come around. Come, since there’s nothing to do now, tell me about how you spent those five years here.”
Shen Xi hadn’t expected him to suddenly be interested in this. So, she briefly recounted her life over those five years. Most of the content was about how Song Kaicheng and Mei Yun helped her overcome one difficulty after another. As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes again.
Song Kaicheng picked up a tissue and gently wiped away the tear stains from the corners of her eyes. “They truly were immensely kind to you and the children. I finally understand why you are so grateful to them. But that kindness cannot be repaid in just one event or over a short period. There will be plenty of time, and I will repay them slowly with you.”
“Mm.” Shen Xi replied with a choked sob, feeling as if the knots in her heart were slowly unraveling.
“It’s getting late. I’ll get some water for you to wash your face and rest,” Shen Xi said, standing up and walking towards the washroom. A few minutes later, she came out with a basin and handed him a wrung-out towel.
“Wipe your face.”
“You do it for me.” Qin Siye tilted his head and looked at her, his face upturned.
Seeing his expression, Shen Xi knew he was doing it on purpose. “Qin Siye, you injured your leg, your hands are fine. Hurry up and wash it yourself.”
“I suffered such a serious injury for you, and you can’t even serve me? What a heartless woman.” Qin Siye looked at her with a mournful expression and a hint of grievance, slowly taking the towel from her hand.
Seeing his expression, Shen Xi’s heart softened. She quickly took the towel back. “Lie down properly.”
Hearing this, Qin Siye’s lips curved upwards, and he leaned back happily. Shen Xi held the towel, her right hand trembling slightly, and slowly approached his handsome face. She wiped it from top to bottom, left to right, several times. When her gaze lingered on his eyebrows and eyes, she couldn’t help but think of Chenchen and Shuoshuo. Looking at him so closely, they were indeed very similar. It was just that the two children were still young, and their eyebrows were not as thick as his.
“What is it? What are you looking at? Do you think I’m handsome? If you’re satisfied, why don’t we get the certificate when we get back?” Qin Siye suddenly grabbed her small hand and stared at her intently.
Hearing this, Shen Xi’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly pulled her hand away. “Qin Siye, you’re dreaming too big! Don’t forget you still owe me four ‘thank yous’.”
“Right, right, right. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten. I helped you so much in Country B these past few days, surely I’ve accumulated four ‘thank yous’ by now.” Qin Siye said, then began to count on his fingers.