Chapter Ten: Driving Him Away-Após fingir a própria morte por câncer, o marido canalha e o filho ingrato choram como cães(O imortal busca a imortalidade)

"Are you alright?" Chu Xun crouched by Yao Shan's bedside, his face etched with concern.

He knew that the child was Pei Yi, the son of Yao Shan and Pei Qizhou. He was aware that Yao Shan’s life over the past few years had been far from easy, but he had never imagined that even her own son would treat her this way.

Yao Shan shook her head. Despite the bitterness flooding her heart, she struggled to maintain a calm exterior. "I'm fine," she said, her voice low yet firm.

"Are you okay?" she asked, reaching out to touch Chu Xun’s wound.

He hadn't needed to put himself in harm's way for her. She had seen clearly that when he rushed over earlier, he had done so without a second thought for his own safety.

Chu Xun shook his head slightly to indicate that it was nothing serious. "Just a scratch, it’s nothing." His gaze held a flicker of worry, but it was primarily focused on his concern for Yao Shan. "You are the one who needs care," he said softly, before beginning to carefully inspect her wounds.

"Chu Xun, do me a favor," Yao Shan said quietly.

"Tell me," Chu Xun replied without the slightest hesitation. He would do whatever she asked of him.

"Make them leave."

Yao Shan did not want to see them again; their presence only intensified her suffering.

Chu Xun was taken aback for a moment, but he quickly understood her feelings. He stood up, walked to the hospital room door, and said to Pei Qizhou and Xu Miao, who were standing outside, "Mr. Pei, Ms. Xu, Ms. Yao needs to rest now. Please leave." Though his tone was gentle, it carried an unquestionable firmness.

"Is this Yao Shan’s wish?" Pei Qizhou frowned. Was this woman trying to kick him out? How ridiculous.

Chu Xun nodded, his eyes unwavering as he replied simply, "Yes, Mr. Pei. Ms. Yao requires quiet." His attitude made it clear he would not concede on this matter.

A flicker of complex emotions crossed Pei Qizhou’s face; he clearly had not expected Yao Shan to be so resolute. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, and said to Chu Xun, "Fine. We’ll go."

He turned to look at Xu Miao, whose eyes were still stained with undried tears. She seemed as though she wanted to say something, but in the end, she chose to remain silent. Pei Qizhou picked up Pei Yi, and the three of them walked out of the room.

The door closed slowly, leaving behind a profound silence.

***

Chu Xun returned to the bedside, his eyes filled with care and sympathy.

"Thank you, Chu Xun," Yao Shan said, her voice weak but full of gratitude. She knew he was the only person who could understand her in this moment.

Chu Xun shook his head gently. He sat in the chair by the bed and began to treat her wounds. "Don't thank me, it’s what I should do," he said, his voice soft and steady.

Yao Shan closed her eyes, overcome by an unprecedented sense of exhaustion. Chu Xun’s movements were gentle and skilled, and he tended to every detail with the utmost care. In that moment, Yao Shan felt a sliver of comfort; at least in this world, there was still someone who cared for her.

As Chu Xun tended to her, her pain gradually eased. Within the room, time seemed to stand still, marked only by his gentle movements and her faint breathing. After finishing the treatment, Chu Xun checked everything carefully once more to ensure there was no risk of infection. His professionalism and attentiveness brought Yao Shan great peace of mind.

"Rest now. I’ll stay here until you fall asleep," he said softly, his voice filled with tenderness and resolve.

Yao Shan nodded, her eyes welling up slightly, though she quickly held the tears back. She closed her eyes, struggling to let herself relax. Accompanied by Chu Xun, she finally felt a sense of peace and slowly drifted off into a dream.

Chu Xun sat by the bed, gazing softly at her sleeping face. He knew that Yao Shan harbored many hidden pains and struggles, but he was willing to be her strong support. Whatever help she needed, he would reach out without hesitation.

Outside the room, the night grew deeper. The hospital corridor was quiet, save for the occasional sound of footsteps and the faint hum of medical equipment in the distance. Chu Xun knew that tomorrow would be a new day, and he would continue to guard her side.

Early the next morning, Yao Shan slowly opened her eyes. She hadn't slept this well in a long time. Chu Xun was still keeping watch by her bed, his eyes closed as if he had just fallen asleep. As she looked at him, a warm current surged through her heart.

***

She moved slightly, trying not to disturb him. Chu Xun seemed to sense her movement and slowly opened his eyes.

"You’re awake," he said, his voice laced with fatigue but brimming with concern.

Yao Shan nodded. She wanted to say something, but her throat felt constricted, allowing only a faint sound to escape. Chu Xun immediately understood. He stood up to pour a glass of water and carefully helped her drink.

"Take it easy, no rush," he comforted her gently.

After a few sips, Yao Shan felt much better and was finally able to speak. "Did you sit like this all night?" she asked, looking at him.

Chu Xun smiled faintly and shook his head. "I rested a little. How are you feeling?" His eyes were full of concern.

Yao Shan sighed softly. "Much better, thank you." She tried to sit up, but the weakness in her body forced her to abandon the effort.

Chu Xun stepped forward immediately, gently supporting her shoulders to help her lie back down. "Don't rush, you need more rest," he said softly, before beginning to check her temperature and pulse.

Yao Shan closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his care, a smile touching her lips. She knew that despite the complicated relationship between them, he was the person she trusted most right now.

After finishing the check, Chu Xun nodded with satisfaction. "Everything is normal; you just need to rest well." His words carried a reassuring strength. "What would you like to eat? I’ll go get it for you."

Yao Shan hesitated; she didn't want to cause him too much trouble, but the hunger in her stomach eventually made her speak. "A bowl of plain congee would be enough, if it’s not too much trouble." Her voice was soft, but Chu Xun heard her clearly.

Chu Xun nodded in understanding. "Wait here, I’ll be back soon." With those soft words, he turned and left the room.

The room returned to silence. Yao Shan closed her eyes, trying to calm her thoughts. Not long after, Chu Xun returned with a bowl of steaming congee. He carefully placed it on the bedside table, then helped Yao Shan sit up, propping her against the headboard.