Chapter 34: Since When Has the Boss Been So Concerned About Aunt Xu?

Yet, something still felt off, as if something important was missing. Even as he leafed through those dull, tedious books, his mind refused to settle, and a wave of pain pulsed through his head once more.

All of a sudden, he found himself missing that nagging voice by his ear.

After a long while, he finally raised his hand and closed the book, tossing it onto the nightstand.

As he lay down, his hand brushed against something unfamiliar. He picked it up and saw it was a light blue hair tie—one that Lin Nanxun must have left here absentmindedly when she spent the night two days ago.

He lowered his gaze, regarding the hair tie with a slight furrow in his brow, lost in thought for a moment. Then he opened the drawer of his nightstand, tossed it inside, and closed it again.

...

The next day.

Shen Hanzhi had to attend an event today. Although he usually kept a low profile, occasions like this were inevitable.

By the time it ended, dusk was already settling.

As soon as Shen Hanzhi got into the car, rain began to patter on the windows, the sky overcast and heavy.

Inside, Zhou Bei, who was driving, turned to ask Shen Hanzhi, who sat in the backseat, “Boss, shall we head home or to the hospital?”

Shen Hanzhi was staring out the window, his gaze lingering on a small shop by the roadside not far off.

A newly opened nougat shop had drawn a long line at its entrance, most of the crowd made up of young girls, lively and chattering, the majority barely in their teens.

When Shen Hanzhi didn’t respond, Zhou Bei followed his gaze in confusion, then explained, “That new nougat shop made the news a couple of days ago—they say it’s really popular. I guess the owner spent quite a bit on advertising.”

Shen Hanzhi’s expression grew thoughtful.

“I don’t really know what’s so special about that candy, but it seems girls these days all love it. Aunt Xu said Miss Lin is fond of it, too. Should I buy some to take over?” Zhou Bei suddenly asked.

Shen Hanzhi’s face froze for an instant, as if embarrassed at having his thoughts laid bare.

“No need,” he replied, lips pressed in a thin line, his voice cool and detached.

At the answer, Zhou Bei sighed, unable to keep from remarking, “Really? Miss Lin would probably be happy if you did.”

He remembered how lovely her smile was, warm and bright—he rather liked seeing her smile.

Shen Hanzhi’s brow knit tighter.

Just as Zhou Bei was sighing and stepping on the gas to drive away, Shen Hanzhi’s deep voice came from the back seat.

“Stop up ahead.”

Zhou Bei turned, surprised. “You want to buy some for Miss Lin?”

Shen Hanzhi’s frown deepened at Zhou Bei’s expectant look, annoyance flickering across his face. “Is it not allowed to buy some for Aunt Xu?” he shot back irritably.

Zhou Bei’s expression turned to astonishment, and he hastily replied, “Of course…”

Since when did the boss care so much about Aunt Xu?

...

In the hospital room.

Lin Nanxun felt much better today; even the pain from her injuries had eased. But her mood was still rather low.

Aunt Xu wouldn’t let her watch TV dramas, claiming it was by the villain’s orders, so she’d been forced to watch cartoons all day.

The embarrassing part was, as she watched the little sheep on their adventures, she found herself completely absorbed.