Chapter 27

Ji Kailan sent the robber in front of him flying with lightning speed, then whirled around, yanking Su Louzhi back with one hand while stepping forward himself—

But no matter how fast he moved, he couldn't beat a blade already in motion.

Fortunately, Su Louzhi instinctively threw up her arm to block it.

The knife sank deep into her arm. At the same moment, Ji Kailan kicked the robber away, sending the knife flying.

That was it. All nine robbers were finally down, groaning and unable to get up.

Su Louzhi's mind went completely blank.

She had no idea what she'd just done. All she remembered was seeing the blade coming at him and instinctively raising her hand. Then came a searing, gut-wrenching pain, and her other shoulder was yanked backward hard.

By the time she registered what was happening, Ji Kailan's face was right in front of her. His hands gripped her shoulders tightly, and his eyes were rimmed with red.

"Zhizhi!" His voice was more frantic than she'd ever heard it. "Are you okay?"

Su Louzhi opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

The store clerks reacted quickly. Someone called the police, someone ran to fetch mall security, and someone else grabbed the first-aid kit and hurried over to stop the bleeding on Su Louzhi's arm.

Ji Kailan grew impatient at being surrounded. Frowning, he simply took the first-aid kit from the clerk's hands and bandaged Su Louzhi himself. After a hasty wrap, he said in a low voice, "Excuse us."

Once the clerks stepped back, Ji Kailan bent down and scooped Su Louzhi into his arms, carrying her out of the store.

"I'm taking you to the hospital."

Su Louzhi's mind cleared a little. Glancing over his shoulder, she saw the nine robbers still groaning on the floor—and the remaining clerks were all delicate, defenseless young women.

She quickly patted Ji Kailan.

He looked down at her.

Su Louzhi shook her head frantically and pointed at the robbers: they hadn't fully lost consciousness yet. They were dangerous!

Ji Kailan's brow furrowed deeper. He hesitated for a moment, then stopped.

Luckily, the clerk who'd called the police soon rushed back with the property manager and mall security. A swarm of people quickly subdued the nine robbers, confirming they were completely incapacitated.

The mall manager shuffled over to Ji Kailan, bowing and scraping. "I'm so sorry! This is our fault—we let dangerous people in! We'll make sure you're fully compensated!"

Ji Kailan's expression was indifferent. He only hummed in acknowledgment, then looked down at Su Louzhi, his tone instantly softening. "Zhizhi, the situation's under control now. I'm taking you to the hospital, okay?"

Only then did Su Louzhi nod.

Ji Kailan carried her out in long strides. The property manager tried to follow and apologize again, but was cut off with one sentence: "Don't follow. I'll be in touch."

—

Underground parking garage.

Ji Kailan carefully set Su Louzhi into the passenger seat, buckled her seatbelt, then got into the driver's seat without a word and started the engine, heading straight for the hospital.

The car flew down the road. Ji Kailan gripped the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the road ahead, and suddenly spoke: "Call Zhang Ze."

Su Louzhi was still dazed with pain and didn't register who he was talking to.

The next second, a mechanical voice sounded in the car: [Dialing Zhang Ze... Beep-beep-beep—]

"Young Master Ji?" A man's voice came through the speakers, tinged with confusion. "What's the matter this late?"

Ji Kailan spoke rapidly: "I'm bringing someone to your hospital now. Get a wheelchair ready and wait in the parking lot."

There was no idle chatter on the other end. "Got it."

Bo'ai Hospital was close to the mall. The city center had complete amenities—the massive commercial district and the top-tier hospital were in the same area. In under ten minutes, the car pulled into the hospital parking lot.

Su Louzhi saw several people pushing a wheelchair, standing in an open space, clearly waiting for them.

Ji Kailan parked and got out immediately.

Su Louzhi unbuckled her own seatbelt and opened the door. Before she could even swing her legs out, Ji Kailan was already there. He bent down, slipped his arms under her, and lifted her straight out of the car.

Su Louzhi: "...!"

She was carried two steps before being gently set into the wheelchair.

The doctors immediately crowded around.

The one in front was presumably Zhang Ze. He looked down at Su Louzhi's arm. "What happened?"

Ji Kailan stood beside her, brows locked. "Knife wound."

Zhang Ze gently lifted her hastily bandaged arm, examined it carefully, then straightened up. "Let's head upstairs first," he said. "The wound's already been given preliminary treatment. I'll check the specifics once I get the bandage off."

Just as Zhang Ze was about to reach for the wheelchair handles, Ji Kailan had already grabbed them.

He pushed the wheelchair gently, then looked down at Su Louzhi, his voice as soft as if he were coaxing a child: "Zhizhi, don't be scared. We're going to get your arm looked at now."

Su Louzhi met his eyes and obediently nodded.

Zhang Ze watched the scene from the side, marveling inwardly. Was this really the Ji Kailan he knew? Had someone taken over his body?

Originally, Zhang Ze hadn't known the details, so he'd brought down several doctors and nurses to wait. Now that he'd made a preliminary assessment that Su Louzhi's injury didn't require so many people, he waved them away and accompanied Ji Kailan as he pushed Su Louzhi into the examination room.

Once the makeshift bandage was removed, Zhang Ze examined the wound closely and frowned. "It's deep." He looked up at Ji Kailan. "The knife—was it sharp and large, and thrust straight in?"

Ji Kailan nodded, his expression grim.

Zhang Ze's face turned serious. "The wound is deep enough to see the tendon. This isn't something a simple cleaning and stitches can fix." He paused. "I recommend immediate anesthesia and surgical exploration to check for tendon or nerve damage."

Ji Kailan's grip on the wheelchair handles tightened sharply. He was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly walked around to the front of the wheelchair and knelt on one knee, bringing his eyes level with Su Louzhi's.

"Zhizhi," he said softly. "Don't be afraid. Once the anesthesia kicks in, it won't hurt."

Su Louzhi looked at him quietly and nodded.

Ji Kailan immediately stood and turned to Zhang Ze. "Arrange it now. Get your best people on it."

Zhang Ze nodded. "Alright. I'll get things ready immediately."

Half an hour later, everything was prepared. Zhang Ze pushed Su Louzhi toward the operating room, with Ji Kailan beside them the whole way, his hand never leaving the wheelchair handle.

It was only at the operating room door that Zhang Ze stopped helplessly and looked at Ji Kailan. "Young Master Ji, you need to let go now."

Ji Kailan finally released his grip. But he walked around to the front of the wheelchair, crouched down, and gently stroked Su Louzhi's head.

"Zhizhi, don't be scared." His voice was barely a whisper. "I'll be right outside waiting for you."

Su Louzhi looked at him quietly and nodded again.

The operating room doors closed. As Su Louzhi disappeared behind them, Ji Kailan's face darkened instantly. He pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Hey, it's me. Those nine tonight—they need to regret ever being born."

—

Zhang Ze pushed Su Louzhi down the corridor, turned a few corners, and entered a spacious operating preparation room. Several doctors and nurses were already waiting inside.

"Miss Su," Zhang Ze parked the wheelchair beside the operating table. "Can you get onto the bed yourself?"

Su Louzhi nodded, stood up from the wheelchair, and obediently lay down on the bed.

Zhang Ze confirmed everything was ready, then leaned down to her. "Miss Su, we're going to administer the anesthesia now. You'll fall asleep quickly—about ten seconds. Don't be afraid. By the time we call your name, the surgery will be over."

Su Louzhi turned her head and nodded at him.

The anesthesiologist pushed the medication.

Su Louzhi's eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and her consciousness slowly drifted away.

—

After what felt like an eternity, a voice seemed to call her name through a hazy sea.

Su Louzhi slowly opened her eyes. Blinding surgical lights, green scrubs, and several smiling faces.

"Miss Su, you're awake?" Zhang Ze leaned in and asked a few simple questions, having her nod or shake her head to confirm she was alert. Then a nurse helped her sit up and moved her to a wheelchair.

The operating room doors opened again.

Outside, Ji Kailan shot to his feet and strode over, his gaze landing on the figure in the wheelchair.

Su Louzhi's face was still a bit pale, and she looked small and fragile in the wheelchair.

Ji Kailan's heart ached fiercely. He crouched down to meet her eyes, his voice so soft it seemed afraid of startling something: "Zhizhi, how do you feel?"

Su Louzhi looked up at him, opened her mouth, then remembered she couldn't speak. She reached for her phone, but the lingering effects of the anesthesia left her hands too weak to hold it.

Seeing her like this, Ji Kailan grew even more alarmed. He snapped his head up toward Zhang Ze. "What's wrong with her?"

Zhang Ze explained helplessly: "She just woke up from anesthesia. It'll take a bit for full recovery. That's normal."

Su Louzhi mustered the strength to lift her hand and gently place it over Ji Kailan's. She wanted to reassure him.

Ji Kailan looked down at the hand resting on his. Slender, slightly cool, still a little weak. He was silent for a moment, then turned his hand over and interlaced their fingers.

"Zhizhi," he said softly. "I'll take you back first."

Zhang Ze stood nearby and spoke up helplessly again: "Young Master Ji."

Ji Kailan looked up at him.

"Miss Su just had surgery," Zhang Ze said in a businesslike tone. "I recommend she stay in the hospital for observation for a day."

Ji Kailan was silent for two seconds, then looked down at Su Louzhi, his gaze softening.

"Zhizhi," he asked gently. "How about we stay in the hospital for one night?"

Su Louzhi smiled faintly and, looking into his eyes, nodded.

With Su Louzhi's consent, Ji Kailan stood and took hold of the wheelchair. Zhang Ze led them to a ward and opened the door.

Su Louzhi was slightly stunned.

This room... was way too big.

Bo'ai Hospital truly lived up to its reputation as the capital's most expensive private hospital. The room was as spacious as the living room of her home back in A City—nothing about it suggested a hospital ward. Warm-toned decor, a plush sofa, and even a floor-to-ceiling window.

Ji Kailan pushed her to the bed.

Su Louzhi was about to get up and sit on the bed herself, but Ji Kailan had already bent down, his long arms reaching out to scoop her up in another princess carry.

Su Louzhi's cheeks flushed, but she didn't resist, letting him set her down gently on the bed.

Ji Kailan pressed a button beside the bed, and the head of the bed slowly rose. Zhang Ze finally stepped forward and began listing the aftercare instructions.

"Miss Su, there's no major issue. The surgical exploration confirmed no nerve or tendon damage. The wound has been cleaned and stitched." He paused, then began ticking off items one by one: "Come back in two weeks to have the stitches removed. Keep the wound dry. If you want to shower, cover it with a waterproof dressing. With this heat, make sure to dry any sweat promptly and keep it dry. Stay for observation for one day; if nothing's wrong by tomorrow, you can be discharged. But if you develop a fever, chills, or the wound becomes red, swollen, more painful or itchy, or if there's any fluid discharge, pus, or an odor, come back to the hospital immediately. Rest well and don't lift anything heavy with that arm. After the stitches come out, apply silicone gel to prevent scarring. Also, avoid direct UV exposure to the arm."

Ji Kailan and Su Louzhi nodded in unison. Once Zhang Ze confirmed they'd both taken it all in, he left the room.

The door closed, leaving just the two of them. Ji Kailan sat down gently at the bedside, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on Su Louzhi.

"Zhizhi," his voice was very soft. "Does it hurt?"

Su Louzhi nodded.

Ji Kailan let out a soft sigh and reached out to stroke her hair.

"Silly Zhizhi." His voice was full of both heartache and helplessness. "How can you be so silly? Why did you jump in front of me?"

At that, the tears Su Louzhi had been holding back spilled over. That moment had been terrifying. In the instant the knife came at her, her mind went blank, followed by searing pain and a blur of blood. Even now, just thinking about it made her shake.

Ji Kailan's heart clenched at the sight of her crying. He reached out, cupping her face and wiping away her tears, but the more he wiped, the more they fell.

Her small face was streaked with tears, eyes red, lashes wet—like a kitten caught in the rain.

Ji Kailan sighed softly. He lifted the blanket, reached out with his long arms, and scooped Su Louzhi up onto his lap. Once she was settled, he wrapped both arms around her, pulling her into his embrace, and rested his chin gently on the top of her head.

"Don't be scared, don't be scared." His voice came from above, low and tender. "I'm right here."

"I'll always protect Zhizhi."

Su Louzhi turned her head and buried her face in the hollow of his shoulder, tears still flowing, dripping one by one onto his collarbone.

Ji Kailan let out a soft sigh. "My silly Zhizhi," his voice came from above, tinged with a helpless smile. "If you keep crying, you're going to grow goldfish in my collarbone."

Su Louzhi froze for a moment, then burst into laughter through her tears.

Even though Su Louzhi couldn't make a sound, Ji Kailan distinctly felt her pause and her shoulders give a small tremble.

He pulled back slightly, gently tipping her chin up to raise her head.

"Let me see," he said, his eyes smiling. "Did my silly Zhizhi just smile?"

Su Louzhi looked at him, eyes glistening, tears still clinging to her lashes, faint tear tracks on her cheeks. Her nose was red, her eyes red—utterly pitiful.

But she just looked at him, her eyes curving into a smile.

Ji Kailan's heart clenched, and a surge of heat rose in his gut.

At the same time, something violent stirred deep inside him, roaring to break free of its cage.

He closed his eyes.

No.

Not the time.

He couldn't scare her.

When he opened his eyes again, Ji Kailan's gaze had cleared.

"Zhizhi," he said softly. "We definitely can't go back tonight. You need to stay for observation, and besides, the dormitory gates are long closed."

He paused, then suggested, "Should we let your roommates know? Otherwise they'll worry."

Su Louzhi startled, instantly forgetting to cry.

Right! Her roommates!

She quickly pulled out her phone, opened the dorm group chat, and typed hurriedly: [Silent Little Tail: I've got something going on today, so I won't be back to sleep. You guys rest well~]

Unexpectedly, Jiang Yi replied instantly.

[Yiyi baby: Zhizhi isn't coming back either? Fine, fine, then it's just me and Mengting holding down the fort tonight.]

Su Louzhi paused.

Either?

She scrolled up through the chat history and saw that before her message, Qin Qingyan had also posted that she wouldn't be back tonight.

Qin Qingyan often went home on weekends, so that wasn't unusual. But Su Louzhi's heart stirred slightly.

Today was the mission deadline...

Could it be that Qingyan and Shen Boyang had made some progress?

Still, this wasn't the time to think about that. Ji Kailan was still holding her.

After confirming her roommates had no further questions, Su Louzhi put her phone down.

Ji Kailan glanced at her, then spoke: "Zhizhi, how about we take half a month off?"

Su Louzhi's eyes widened. She quickly grabbed her phone again: [No need to go that far, Senior Ji!?!]

Ji Kailan frowned slightly. "But it's so hot out," he reasoned seriously. "If Zhizhi wears long sleeves, she'll sweat. Sweat is bad for wound healing. But if she wears short sleeves and the sun hits her on the way to class, that's bad for the wound too."

Su Louzhi thought for a moment, then typed: [I can keep wearing short sleeves. It's just a bandage on my arm, no big deal. It's not like it's something to be ashamed of.]

She raised her eyes, smiling: [When I go to class, I'll just use an umbrella to block the sun~]

Ji Kailan let out a soft sigh and didn't push further.

"Alright, Zhizhi, whatever you say." His voice was warm. "It's already very late. Are you sleepy? If you want to sleep, I can lull you to sleep."

Su Louzhi looked at him in slight surprise, then typed: [Senior Ji isn't going home?]

Ji Kailan smiled and tapped her nose. "My silly Zhizhi got hurt because of me—how could I go home? Tonight, of course, I'm staying with Zhizhi."

Su Louzhi felt a bit shy: [But this is a hospital room. Shouldn't a lot of things be unprepared?]

Ji Kailan shook his head. "Not at all. There are new toiletries and pajamas, and a companion bed. Nothing's inconvenient."

He paused, a smile in his eyes as he looked at her. "Besides, if I didn't stay, who were you planning to ask to keep you company?"

Su Louzhi was silent for a moment. Ji Kailan... had a point.

So she let it be.

The anesthesia hadn't fully worn off, and Su Louzhi was still drowsy. She glanced at the time—past midnight already. She was usually fast asleep by now.

She typed: [Then, Senior, let's wash up and go to sleep.]

Ji Kailan nodded. "Wait for me a moment, Zhizhi."

He got up and went into the bathroom, then came out a moment later and bent down to scoop her up again.

Su Louzhi's cheeks flushed. She instinctively wanted to say she could walk, but without her phone in hand, she couldn't speak, so she let him carry her into the bathroom.

Ji Kailan set her down gently in front of the vanity. "Zhizhi, brush your teeth," he said softly. "When you're done, I'll carry you back."

Su Louzhi pointed at her legs, signaling she could walk.

Ji Kailan tilted his head and smiled. "But I just got scared." His voice was very soft. "I was so afraid something would happen to Zhizhi. Right now, I want to stay close to you for a bit longer, to give my heart a little more security."

Su Louzhi was taken aback. So that was it. She supposed that made sense—after such a close call, Ji Kailan must have been terrified too. She nodded, silently agreeing to his slightly clingy behavior.

After brushing her teeth and washing her face, Su Louzhi turned around and obediently opened her arms.

Ji Kailan watched Su Louzhi standing there, arms open, asking to be held, and the depth of meaning in his eyes was almost overflowing.

The casual excuse he'd made up had actually worked, and now she was opening her arms for him to hold her.

Too bad Su Louzhi, this blank slate, couldn't read what was in his eyes.

Ji Kailan's lips curved in a hidden smile.

He bent down and scooped her up again, carried her back to the bed, set her down gently, tucked the blanket around her, then turned off the main light, leaving only a small bedside lamp.

"Alright, Zhizhi, rest now." He stood by the bed. "I still need to shower, so I won't be quick."

The warm glow of the bedside lamp fell softly on Su Louzhi's face, making her eyes shine brightly. She looked up at him, her gaze glittering, and gave a small nod.

Ji Kailan turned and walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Soon, the sound of water came from inside.

Listening to it, Su Louzhi's eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and she slowly drifted to sleep.

—

A long time later, the sound of water finally stopped.

The door opened quietly, and Ji Kailan stepped out in a hospital-provided bathrobe. Cool, misty air rushed out from behind him, spreading through the warm room.

He walked slowly to Su Louzhi's bedside and stopped, his gaze heavy as it rested on her face.

That scene from tonight kept replaying in his mind—Su Louzhi throwing herself in front of him without a second thought. In that instant, his heart had nearly stopped.

He'd actually been confident he could handle those two robbers. But Su Louzhi didn't know that. She was so foolish—seeing the knife aimed at him, she forgot herself, forgot fear, forgot her survival instincts entirely.

In that moment, only one thought filled his mind—

She thought he was more important than her own life.

When that realization detonated in his head, Ji Kailan felt a pleasure beyond words.

More intense, more staggering, and more... thrilling than any physical union.

From that moment on, every second, every minute, he wanted to crush her into his arms.

He wanted to kiss her fiercely, to claim her, to enter her, to melt her into his bones.

Especially just now—when he'd made up a few casual lines, and she'd obediently opened her arms and waited for him to hold her.

So easy to fool.

Looking at her so defenseless in that moment, countless thoughts had crossed his mind. Any one of them could make her willingly give herself to him completely.

Just like now.

The violent impulse in his heart could no longer be suppressed.

That long cold shower had only numbed his nerves temporarily. Now, standing before her bed, looking at her peaceful sleeping face, everything the cold water had suppressed surged back—stronger than before.

She was willing to take a knife for you.

Even if she wasn't willing now, you could coax her with a few words and she'd agree.

She was that easy to fool, anyway.

[Please note: the male and female leads only kissed.]

With that thought, Ji Kailan slowly bent down.

Gently, he pressed his lips to Su Louzhi's.

First a soft, shallow kiss.

Then he couldn't help but slide his tongue out, tracing the shape of her lips.

Unbelievably soft.

So sweet it could drive a man mad.

Ji Kailan pressed a little harder, his tongue parting Su Louzhi's lips, touching her teeth.

His whole body trembled with a shiver.

He was intoxicated by the kiss, unable to resist pressing harder, trying to pry open her teeth.

Perhaps the lingering anesthesia kept her deeply asleep; Su Louzhi remained still, allowing his advances.

He tried several times, but couldn't succeed.

So he grew bolder.

One hand gently cupped her chin, applying a little pressure—

[Really, it's just a kiss.]

This time, he finally breached the depths of her mouth.

He could no longer hold back.

His tongue rolled, explored, invaded her mouth, while the hand gripping her chin unconsciously tightened.

He greedily seized her breath, her warmth, her sweetness.

Until—

"Mm..."

Su Louzhi let out a muffled whimper.

Her eyelids trembled slightly, as if she were on the verge of waking.

———

Author's note:

I hesitated for a long time while writing the ending. Maybe it's because I've read too much smut, but if the protagonist didn't make some kind of 'mm,' 'eh,' 'uh' sound in a situation like this, it felt weird. So I looked it up online—can mute people make sounds? Turns out they can! So I didn't hesitate to add that 'mm.'