Blinded chapter 34
It was still early, and the corridor on the VIP floor was mostly empty, except for the occasional hurried nurse passing by.
Xie Li followed behind Chang Guanshan until they stopped in front of a floor-to-ceiling window. He listened as Chang Guanshan spoke, “After you left, Xiaojia searched everywhere for you. When he couldn’t find you, he became difficult, refusing to eat, drink, or sleep until I brought you back.”
“Mr. Chang, were you planning to kill me all along?” Xie Li asked.
Chang Guanshan chuckled, leaning against the window glass as he looked at him. “Do you really think I would kill you?”
Xie Li remained silent.
Chang Guanshan continued, “I had Uncle Chao test you. Honestly, I didn’t think highly of you at first. I don’t admire any man who relies on selling his face or body. You, however, exceeded my expectations.”
Seeing Chang Guanshan’s sincere expression, Xie Li thought, “I almost believed you.”
Chang Guanshan patted his shoulder. “You might not understand. I genuinely don’t want you and Xiaojia to continue this relationship. Everything I’m doing now is for your own good, but unfortunately, Xiaojia won’t understand.”
After a moment of silence, Xie Li said, “I really like Xiaojia.”
Chang Guanshan just smiled. “A man’s liking sometimes isn’t worth much.”
Xie Li met his gaze, revealing no excess emotions in his eyes.
Chang Guanshan sighed. “These past few days, I’ve been thinking about how to handle Xiaojia’s situation. His willfulness is something I indulged. His mother passed away early, and I couldn’t bear to see him suffer too much. He gets whatever he wants. He never studied properly, not interested in the company of the gang. He does as he pleases, and I let him. As long as I can afford to support him, even if I’m gone, his brother can support him.”
Xie Li listened quietly, but in his mind, he was thinking about when Chang Xin locked Chang Xiaojia in the dark house, where was Chang Guanshan? Did he know about these things or not?
Chang Guanshan continued at a steady pace, “Sometimes, I also wonder when Xiaojia will shoulder his responsibilities like an adult, share some burden for me and his brother. Over time, Xin often advises me to let him be, let him be happy. But then came the matter with that woman; you should know about it. Xiaojia brought her home and couldn’t control his men, making things escalate. He couldn’t escape and ended up in jail at such a young age.”
Taking a deep breath, Xie Li said, “Xiaojia isn’t a bad person.”
Chang Guanshan took off his glasses, rubbed his nose, making him look like a laboring father. “Naturally, he’s not bad, but I fear he’ll make poor decisions because of his naivety.”
Xie Li knew he shouldn’t and couldn’t pursue the matter of Chang Guanshan sending someone to kill him. If he wanted to continue his undercover mission, he had to accept Chang Guanshan’s unconvincing explanation. So, he said, “Mr. Chang, let me stay by Xiaojia’s side and take care of him. Even if he never understands, it’s okay as long as I’m there.”
Chang Guanshan silently looked at him for a while and asked, “For what reason? Don’t tell me it’s because you love him?”
Xie Li realized he couldn’t guess what kind of answer Chang Guanshan wanted to hear.
Chang Guanshan told him, “How about for money?”
Xie Li was slightly taken aback.
Chang Guanshan continued, “I’ll pay you to take care of and protect my son. In the future, if anything happens to him, including something like a hunger strike, you’re the one I’ll ask. But remember, I’m your boss. He’s not. You report everything about him to me. You’re here to look after him.”
Turbulence surged within Xie Li, and he struggled to prevent any emotions from showing on his face.
Chang Guanshan smiled and said, “about marrying Xiaojia abroad? Don’t be naive, kid. If you really want to earn my money, listen to me and don’t mess around with my son. Understand?”
Xie Li hesitated for a moment and then said after a long pause, “I feel sorry for Xiaojia.”
Chang Guanshan found it amusing, “Xiaojia is my son, and I won’t harm him. Take good care of him. He has poor health and a not-so-good mind. He must be watched every step of the way. If it weren’t for him not being able to leave you, I wouldn’t tolerate him behaving recklessly with you.”
Xie Li looked towards the distance outside the window, seemingly in inner turmoil.
Chang Guanshan said, “I’ll only ask you this: Can you follow my orders and take good care of Xiaojia?”
Xie Li turned back and, after a moment, said each word, “I can, Mr. Chang.”
Chang Guanshan placed a hand on his shoulder, smiled gently, and said, “Good. Three days from now, will be Du Shenglian’s seventieth birthday. I’ll host a grand event at the Hongtu Hotel in the name of Hongfang. Xiaojia has to appear properly then, understand?”
Xie Li said, “Understood.”
Chang Guanshan added, “And don’t mess around with him recklessly. Be discreet in public. Remember that for the future.”
Xie Li nodded, “I’ll remember.”
They returned to the hospital room together. Chang Xiaojia sat on the bed, staring blankly at the sheets, not lifting his head when they entered.
Chang Guanshan walked to the bedside, reached out to smoothen his hair, and said, “It’s all good now. Xie Li is back. Be a good boy, eat your meal, and no more starving yourself.”
Chang Xiaojia looked up at him.
Chang Guanshan said, “I’ve done what you asked. I’ll leave for now. I’ll have some time to come and see you tonight. But if you eat well today, the doctor said you can be discharged immediately and go home to rest. It’s up to you.”
Chang Xiaojia didn’t respond, only turned his head to look at Xie Li.
Chang Guanshan wasn’t angry. He walked towards the door of the ward, and Shi Hongqian followed him out.
Xie Li walked to the bedside and asked Chang Xiaojia, “Have you thought about what you want for breakfast?”
Chang Xiaojia only asked, “What did he say to you?”
Sitting down beside the hospital bed, Xie Li said, “Your dad promised to let me stay by your side and take care of you.”
Chang Xiaojia frowned, “Are there any conditions?”
Speaking softly, Xie Li said, “You’ve been on a hunger strike. What more can he do? After all, he’s your dad.”
Chang Xiaojia’s face darkened, “He still wants to kill you.”
Xie Li held his hand, sighed, and said, “Maybe, but he still compromised for your sake, right? Don’t worry, as long as I’m with you, no one can harm you.”
Chang Xiaojia’s expression did not ease.
Xie Li said, “let’s leave that matter for now. I’ll go ask if you can eat something other than congee for breakfast. First, tell me what you want to eat.”
Suddenly, Chang Xiaojia raised his hand and hugged Xie Li, calling out, “Xie Li.”
Xie Li responded softly, “mmh.”
Chang Xiaojia pressed his face against his shoulder, holding him tightly, and said, “You can’t betray me. If one day you betray me, I’ll really kill you.”
At that moment, an image flashed in Xie Li’s mind—the image of his head pierced by a bullet, and the person holding the gun was Chang Xiaojia. Then, he whispered in Chang Xiaojia’s ear, “That day will never come.”