Shang Jingchen noticed his sister’s condition immediately. He hurried over and asked with concern, "Nuannuan, you're finally awake. How do you feel?"
The business titan, usually cold, ruthless, and decisive in the outside world, softened in a rare moment of tenderness. His voice became involuntarily gentle as he spoke to her.
Shang Nuannuan had been asleep for a year; her reactions were sluggish upon waking. Fortunately, it didn't take long for her eyes to regain focus.
"Brother, where is this—" Her voice was raspy from long disuse.
"We're home."
"You're finally awake."
"What happened to me?" Shang Nuannuan was still dazed.
"You don't remember anything at all?" Shang Jingchen’s brow furrowed slightly. He instinctively looked toward Ye Zhixing, his eyes filled with silent inquiry.
Ye Zhixing spoke coolly, "Give her some time. Don't rush it."
Only then did Shang Jingchen’s heart settle.
Hearing a woman's voice, Shang Nuannuan followed the sound and saw Ye Zhixing standing on the other side. She was a beautiful, cool-looking girl, appearing to be about the same age as her.
"Who are you?" she asked curiously.
"I am Ye Zhixing."
Shang Jingchen said nothing about their marriage. To him, that marriage held no significance.
"Brother, I remember now. I was out hiking with some classmates, and I think—I accidentally fell off a cliff." Memories from a year ago began to surface in her mind. "Brother, how long was I asleep?"
"A year."
A flash of astonishment crossed Shang Nuannuan’s eyes. So long?
"It's good that you're awake now."
"How do you feel?" Shang Jingchen still had patience for his only sister.
"My whole body aches. I suppose it's from lying down for too long."
Ye Zhixing checked her over and found nothing wrong. Seeing the siblings talking, she didn't want to linger. "You two talk; I'll head out first," she said in her cold, clear voice.
Shang Jingchen hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't ask her to stay. He did indeed have things he needed to discuss with his sister in private.
After watching her leave, Shang Nuannuan immediately asked with curiosity, "Brother, Ye Zhixing is so cool, and really pretty too. How do you know her?"
Even though she had just woken up, it didn't stop her from wanting to gossip. Her brother was usually so cold, fierce, and intimidating; he wouldn't even spare a second glance for any of the women who pursued him. She had once assumed he would end up alone for the rest of his life. But even though Ye Zhixing had only said a few words, she felt that his attitude toward her was different.
"I was schemed against by Yin Xiu and ended up married to her."
"Huh?" Shang Nuannuan felt like her brain was short-circuiting. Having been asleep for a year, her mind wasn't working well yet.
"It's a long story. But she is a very capable person—a master of metaphysics."
Shang Nuannuan stared at him in shock.
Shang Jingchen frowned slightly. "What is that look for?"
"Brother, you actually praised a girl! That is so shocking!" She tried to sit up, but her body was weak. "How long have you known each other? Did you fall for each other over time?"
"What nonsense are you spouting? I only met her last night." Shang Jingchen scolded her while helping her sit up. This girl started giving him a headache the moment she woke up—she dared to say anything.
"Wow, that's even more incredible! I get it now! Love at first sight!" Shang Nuannuan looked as if she had discovered a major secret.
Shang Jingchen’s mouth twitched. "Alright, that’s enough. I’ll pour you some water. What do you want to eat?" He added with a feigned sternness, "Say that nonsense to me if you must, but don't say it in front of her. You'll scare her off."
Shang Nuannuan pouted, but whispered to herself with secret delight, "Brother really cares about her. This is going somewhere!"
"She isn't someone who scares easily." Shang Jingchen knew he couldn't win against her. Shang Nuannuan’s personality was the complete opposite of his; she was lively, cheerful, articulate, and helpful. He changed the subject: "Do you remember how you fell off that cliff?"
Shang Nuannuan thought hard for a moment, then said with disappointment, "I don't remember anything."
"It's alright. It's been a long time; it's normal to forget. Tell me what you want to eat, and I'll have someone bring it over. You'll need to go to the hospital for a check-up in a couple of days."
"Okay."
After a few more words with his sister, he went out.
After leaving her room, he instinctively looked for Ye Zhixing, wanting to ask her a few questions. He walked to her doorway and saw her sitting on the bed, looking at her old-fashioned phone, lost in thought.
Shang Jingchen knocked on the door.
Ye Zhixing looked over and put her phone away. "Something the matter?" she asked faintly.
"I just talked to Nuannuan. She should be fine now that she’s awake, right? Are there still any 'unclean' things clinging to her?" Shang Jingchen asked seriously.
"As long as she carries the protective talisman I gave her, she will be fine. As for her physical condition, you can take her to the hospital for a check-up."
Shang Jingchen nodded. "That's good." After a pause, he asked, "You were looking at your phone—is everything alright?"
"Ye Chuanhai called to ask about my situation," Ye Zhixing replied coldly, her face expressionless.
Ye Chuanhai?
He had been too busy, and Assistant Zheng hadn't sent him her file yet. But hearing the name, he could roughly guess who it was.
"Your father?"
"A father in name only. He abandoned me when I was five," Ye Zhixing said, her voice devoid of emotion.
Shang Jingchen’s brow furrowed imperceptibly. To marry his own daughter off to a "dead man" for his own gain—it was worse than beastly!
After a moment, he asked, "Do you need any help?" This girl had helped him so much; he certainly wanted to do something for her. Even though she always said it was a matter of mutual need, he hadn't seen her express any real needs or make any demands. He had never liked owing favors.
To his surprise, Ye Zhixing replied calmly, "No need. I can handle it."
Refused so decisively? Without a moment's hesitation? President Shang had never been rejected like this before, and it didn't sit well with him. If it were anyone else, he certainly wouldn't bother again. But this girl was clearly different.
"If you ever need my help, just tell me," he promised, something he had never done before.
Ye Zhixing nodded. "Thank you."
Shang Jingchen went to make a call to have food delivered. Assistant Zheng was busy with work matters. Just then, the doorbell rang. Shang Jingchen went downstairs.
Ye Zhixing, as if thinking of something, followed him down.
The door opened to reveal He Yan, one of Shang Jingchen's few close friends.
"Jingchen, are you alright?" He Yan asked, his tone filled with trepidation. He had been terrified when he heard the news of his death. Later, seeing his brief public refutation, he still hadn't felt at ease.
"I'm fine." Shang Jingchen stepped aside to let him in.
Ye Zhixing looked at He Yan, her brows furrowing ever so slightly.
"Clung by Yin Energy, surrounded by malefic energy. It’s an omen of great misfortune," she said coldly.
Both men froze.
"Ye Zhixing, you mean He Yan?"