Bo Jixi said, “This patient is someone I know. He was in a severe car accident years ago, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. It’s been three years now, and his family has never given up hope for his recovery, but the results over these years have been far from ideal. When I visited him a few days ago, I noticed his condition had worsened, and that’s when I thought of you—I wanted to ask for your help.”
The person Bo Jixi was referring to was a young talent from Yuzhou, a member of the Lian family named Lian Huijie, the only son of the current Lian family head. The Lian family was an anomaly among Yuzhou’s elite—unusually low-key, with little known about them beyond their status as a top-tier family in the region. Their true influence remained a mystery, especially after Lian Huijie’s accident, which drove them further into seclusion. In recent years, few had even glimpsed members of the Lian family’s main household.
Lian Huijie’s story was one of regret. Before Bo Jixi became the head of the Bo family, Lian Huijie had been his equal in reputation—charismatic, ambitious, and blessed with captivating peach-blossom eyes that had stolen the hearts of countless young women. His gentlemanly demeanor made him even more sought-after compared to the aloof and unapproachable Bo Jixi.
His abilities were exceptional, too. He had entered the family business early and achieved remarkable success, solidifying his position as the next head of the Lian family. Countless noblewomen had once dreamed of marrying him—before the accident, that is. Now, everyone in Yuzhou’s upper echelons knew of his paralysis. The same women who had once adored him now avoided him like the plague, as if swearing to the heavens they’d never known him. After all, who would willingly marry a disabled man, even if he was the sole heir of the Lian family? His former advantages only held value when he was whole; now, his condition had become his greatest weakness. Those born into elite families understood all too well how cold and calculating such circles could be. Without utility, a person’s fate was bleak. No shrewd socialite would tie herself to a futureless, disabled husband—unless she was a fool.
As for why Bo Jixi wanted to help him, it was partly due to the close relationship between their parents. The two young men had formed a bond of their own, both proud and ambitious, finding a rare kinship in each other. Bo Jixi understood Lian Huijie’s plight and lamented the waste of such a brilliant man’s potential. Within his means, he was more than willing to lend a hand.
Qin Chaoyu frowned slightly. “No, your description is too vague. For instance, where exactly was he injured to cause the paralysis—his brain or his spine? How severe is it? After three years, even with massage therapy, there must be muscle atrophy, but to what extent? Without knowing these details, I can’t give you a definitive answer.”
Bo Jixi listened quietly as she spoke, nodding when she finished. “You’re right—I can’t provide those specifics. I only visited him recently and thought of you then, so my knowledge of his condition is limited.”
Qin Chaoyu spread her hands helplessly. “Then I can’t determine whether I should take on this patient.”
Bo Jixi had anticipated this. If she lacked information, seeing the patient in person would surely resolve the issue. “In that case,” he said, “since I’m free today, I’ll take you to see him. You can examine him yourself and then decide.”
“No problem. Let’s make it quick—we can go now.” Qin Chaoyu gripped the arms of her chair, about to stand, when a thought struck her. She joked, “I just hope you’ve cleared this with the Lian family. I’d rather not repeat what happened with the Xiongs the other day. I am a woman, after all—being rejected repeatedly does hurt my pride.”
At the mention of that incident, Bo Jixi scoffed. “That was entirely Xiong Bochang’s incompetence. Given his current capabilities, if he doesn’t improve, the Xiong family is doomed. Hmph! The only one worth noting in that family is Xiong Lunbing. Before her illness, Madam Xiong was sharp, but now she’s just another mediocrity.”
Qin Chaoyu shot him a surprised glance, hardly believing such cutting words had come from him. In her mind, he’d always been the reserved, taciturn type. This sudden display of sarcasm shattered that image. Of course, given his status, the Xiongs couldn’t retaliate—hence his boldness. Anyone else would’ve bitten their tongue.
Ignoring her reaction, Bo Jixi stood, his tall frame casting a shadow over the seated Qin Chaoyu. His straight back exuded an undercurrent of strength.
Qin Chaoyu tilted her head up to look at him. The warm sunlight illuminated his profile, highlighting even the finest details—his sharp jawline, striking eyebrows, and deep-set eyes. In that moment, he seemed almost divine, and for a heartbeat, she felt her pulse stutter. But she knew it wasn’t attraction—just the sheer beauty of the scene before her.
“Let’s go.” His cool voice snapped her out of her reverie. Blushing, she stood and followed, grateful he hadn’t lingered to notice her flustered state. Had he seen, his perceptiveness would’ve laid her embarrassment bare.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she hurried after him.
“Um, excuse me—can I ask you something?” A timid voice stopped Qin Chaoyu as they passed the table of girls who’d been eyeing Bo Jixi earlier. The speaker, clearly nervous, glanced at her friends for encouragement before continuing, “I know this is forward, but I really liked the man you were talking to. From what I saw, you two aren’t a couple, so… could I have his contact info?”
It wasn’t surprising the girl had dared to ask. Qin Chaoyu’s striking looks would’ve intimidated most, but this girl—with her Bambi-like eyes that radiated trust and admiration, dressed in a soft yellow dress that emphasized her delicate, innocent charm—held her own.
Qin Chaoyu blinked, amused. “Why not ask him yourself? He was right here.”
The girl ducked her head, her fair neck flushing pink. “He seemed too intimidating. I was afraid he’d say no.”
Qin Chaoyu nodded sympathetically—she understood shyness. Still, she couldn’t comply. Handing out his details felt like pimping him out, and she doubted Bo Jixi would appreciate the intrusion. Offending an acquaintance for a stranger’s sake? Only a fool would do that.
“I can’t give out his information without his consent. That’s basic courtesy. If you really want it, he’s still outside—you can ask him directly.”
The girl’s face fell, her eyes welling up instantly. She stood frozen, tears threatening to spill.
“Hey!” Her friend, a bold, tomboyish girl, marched over, scowling. “What’s the big deal? It’s just a phone number!”
She wrapped a protective arm around the crying girl, shooting Qin Chaoyu a glare. “Yiyi, don’t cry. If she won’t help, I’ll get it for you.” Yiyi rewarded her with a teary smile, fueling the friend’s resolve. She squared her shoulders, ready for battle.
Qin Chaoyu sighed inwardly. What kind of nonsense was this? Refusing was the norm—since when was it okay to demand a stranger’s contacts? Before she could respond, the friend snapped, “Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty?”
Just then, the café door swung open. “What’s taking so long?” Bo Jixi strode in, his gaze flicking between the trio.
Qin Chaoyu rolled her eyes. “Your admirer here wants your number but didn’t dare ask you directly. Care to handle this?”
Bo Jixi’s indifferent glance swept over Yiyi, who mustered a hopeful smile. His response was icy. “I don’t waste time on irrelevant people. Let’s go.” He turned on his heel.
Shrugging, Qin Chaoyu followed.
Yiyi burst into proper tears now, her friend bristling. “Hey, you!” she shouted after Bo Jixi. “Is that any way to treat someone?!”
He didn’t even glance back. The friend, emboldened by fury, darted forward to block his path. “A little basic decency wouldn’t kill you!”
Bo Jixi’s patience vanished. His glacial stare made her recoil, arm dropping like she’d been burned. Only after he and Qin Chaoyu had left did she exhale shakily. For a second there, she’d genuinely feared for her life.
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