Chapter 14: Seeking Help

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Lin Yichen swiftly lifted Xia Rusheng horizontally in his arms and hurried out the door. As soon as he stepped outside, a thought struck him, and he quickly changed the password to Xia Rusheng’s room.

“What’s going on?” Xia Yu had been waiting downstairs to see if Lin Yichen would be kicked out, but instead, he came down carrying Xia Rusheng.

“Xia Xia has a fever. I’m taking her to the hospital now,” Lin Yichen said as he walked straight past Xia Rui and the others, carrying Xia Rusheng to the car. Xia Rui wanted to follow, but was stopped by the elderly Madam Xia.

“Don’t follow. Let that girl see the good side of Young Master Lin. Besides, this is a chance for them to be alone together. Maybe Xia Xia will start to have feelings,” she said.

Xia Rui understood his mother’s good intentions immediately. “Judging by Lin Yichen’s expression, he really is worried about Xia Xia. If Xia Xia can come to understand, that would be even better.”

Tan Li and her daughter exchanged a glance; they didn’t believe that Lin Yichen, who was rumored to be homosexual, truly liked Xia Rusheng.

Meanwhile, in Lin Yichen’s car, Xia Rusheng leaned entirely against him. The intense heat radiating from her skin made it impossible for him to ignore, let alone concentrate on driving. Frustrated, Lin Yichen pulled over to the roadside, adjusted Xia Rusheng’s position carefully, and then resumed driving. After enduring the journey, they finally arrived at the hospital, and he was drenched in sweat.

The doctor examined her and said it was just a fever caused by a chill. A few IV drips to reduce the fever would suffice. Lin Yichen stayed by her side the entire time. Hours later, he realized none of the Xia family had followed them.

“So, you’re like me—an unwelcome person,” he muttered with a wry smile. Just then, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, Lin Yichen frowned deeply and rejected the call. As he was about to switch off his phone, another call came through—it was from the film crew.

“Director Lin, where are you? We’re all at the airport,” said the producer. They were scheduled to promote the film in another city today but were stuck at the airport waiting for the director.

Lin Yichen glanced at his watch. It was already too late to get to the airport in time, but the promotion was at five in the afternoon, and he, as the director, couldn’t miss it.

“I have something urgent right now. You go ahead. I’ll take the next flight this afternoon and won’t delay the promotion,” he replied.

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“All right, Director Lin, just don’t bail on us like Miss Su did!” the producer insisted, leaving Lin Yichen somewhat amused and helpless.

After hanging up, he arranged for a nurse to stay with Xia Rusheng. Before leaving, he thought for a moment, then smiled and asked the nurse, “Do you know who I am?”

The nurse blushed and handed him a pen she had prepared but never used. “Yes, I know. Director Lin, could you sign an autograph for me?”

Without hesitation, Lin Yichen signed, then said, “When she wakes up, tell her it was me who took her to the hospital. Remember, it must be me—Lin Yichen.”

The nurse stared at him with admiration, nodding enthusiastically, which made Lin Yichen feel she might not be very reliable. Rather than relying on others to vouch for him, he decided to leave evidence himself.

Taking the pen, he spun it in his hand, then had a sudden idea. He lifted Xia Rusheng’s unbandaged arm and signed his name on her pale skin.

The nurse was stunned by Lin Yichen’s charismatic gesture, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she watched him leave. Once he was gone, she excitedly ran out of the ward, showing the autograph to the other nurses.

Half an hour after Lin Yichen left, Xia Rusheng slowly woke up. The first thing she saw was the IV drip in her hand. The discomfort throughout her body made her realize she was sick. But how had she ended up in the hospital, and why was no one in the room?

After the IV was finished, no one came to see her. Feeling a chill in her heart, she removed the drip herself and slowly walked out of the hospital.

She had no money or phone, and didn’t even know where she was. Lost in the crowd, Xia Rusheng suddenly felt directionless, as helpless and isolated as her own spirit, tormented by illness yet utterly alone.

After sitting on a bench near the hospital entrance for a long time, she approached a young couple and asked for help, “Could you please help me find the phone number for the guest services at S&Y Resort? And may I use your phone?”

The couple noticed her unhealthy pallor and pajamas, guessing she was a patient, and didn’t refuse. After the call connected, Manager Yang answered. Embarrassed, Xia Rusheng asked if he could come to the hospital. Without hesitation, Yang agreed.

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Forty minutes later, Manager Yang arrived at the hospital in a company car. Seeing Xia Rusheng standing alone outside in thin pajamas, shivering in the cold breeze, he frowned. He took a photo of her solitary figure and sent it off before smiling as he walked over to help her into the car.

“Manager Yang, I’m really sorry. I don’t have any money or phone, and I don’t remember anyone’s number. I’m so sorry to trouble you,” Xia Rusheng apologized.

Yang listened patiently, then smiled kindly. “Miss Xia, you’re a VIP guest at our resort. It’s my duty to help you. You don’t need to feel bad.”

Xia Rusheng knew Yang said this to ease her guilt, but the more he reassured her, the more embarrassed she felt. She was the one being helped, yet everywhere she went, she felt a burden.

Upon arriving at the resort, Yang received a text message. Following its instructions, he didn’t take Xia Rusheng directly back to her room but asked, “Miss Xia, where would you like to stay?”

Xia Rusheng was surprised that he sensed her feelings. Throughout the journey, she had thought about how even her nominal family was less compassionate than a hotel manager. Even the strangers she met had shown her warmth, so subconsciously, she wanted to use her illness as an excuse to escape for a while. Yet she knew she had to keep calm, especially these last few months—more than ever before, she needed to endure quietly.

“Wherever I’m assigned is fine. Thank you for your kindness, Manager Yang.”

After thanking him, Xia Rusheng slowly walked back to her residence. Before she could enter, laughter and chatter came from inside. The Xia and Tan families were gathered together for the New Year’s dinner.

Once again, Xia Rusheng felt utterly out of place amid the joyful sounds. She slowly withdrew her hand from the doorbell and turned to leave. Not even a hundred meters away, she saw Manager Yang waiting at a corner, seemingly for her.

A sudden ache rose in her throat. She fought back tears and, walking behind him, headed toward the villa prepared especially for her.