"Yes, I understand." The assistant didn’t say more and immediately went to handle the hospitalization procedures for Ye Mingmei.

In the corridor, only Jin Chenye was left, sitting quietly on a chair, waiting for Ye Mingmei in the examination room.

...

"Miss Ye received a heavy blow to the cheekbone and has a slight concussion. No intracranial bleeding or more serious conditions have been found so far. For safety’s sake, it is recommended to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation."

The doctor quickly completed Ye Mingmei’s examination.

"We’ve transferred the patient to a VIP ward. Mr. Jin can visit now, and I believe that Miss Ye will wake up soon."

"Thank you."

Jin Chenye’s handsome figure stood up from the chair, softly thanked, and then walked towards Ye Mingmei’s ward.

Shortly after entering the ward, Ye Mingmei woke up.

"Senior."

Lying weakly on the hospital bed, she saw Jin Chenye approaching and blinked her pretty eyes, calling softly.

"If you’re not feeling well, just lie down and don’t force yourself. I’m here, I won’t leave."

Upon hearing her voice, Jin Chenye immediately stepped forward and gently pressed her shoulder.

His voice was gentle but carried a hint of heartache.

"Don’t be so foolish next time. This punch almost cost you your life. If something happened to you, how would I explain it to your sister?"

Jin Chenye’s warm eyes flickered slightly. He reached for the chair next to him and sat down.

"It’s precisely because of my sister that I can’t let you get hurt, Senior." Ye Mingmei propped her hands on the edge of the bed, trying to sit up.

"Let me help." Jin Chenye quickly stood up, walked to the end of the bed, and adjusted the head of the bed for her.

He thoughtfully placed two pillows to elevate Ye Mingmei’s head.

"Would you like to have some water?"

Jin Chenye picked up a cup, poured Ye Mingmei a glass of warm water, and placed it by her hand.

"Thank you."

Ye Mingmei picked up the cup, took a gentle sip, and then continued.

"I know you’re good to me because of my sister. You’ve already taken great care of me. If it weren’t for me, Yu Xiuzhun wouldn’t have taken it out on you. This punch was meant for me, there’s no need for you to feel guilty, Senior."

Ye Mingmei tried to smile, but it tugged at the wound on her face.

She sucked in a breath of cool air.

Reaching up to touch her left cheek, she realized it was swollen with a large lump, already covered with a thin layer of gauze.

"Don’t say such silly things. Nothing should be a given, and besides, my caring for you has never been because of Youxuan." Jin Chenye pressed her hand, his broad palm wrapping her small hand tightly.

"Don’t touch the wound on your face. It’s badly swollen and might take some time before it goes away completely." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"..."

Ye Mingmei was stunned, staring blankly at him.

It wasn’t because of Jin Chenye’s concern, nor because he held her hand, but because of what he had just said.

"What did you say? You care about me not because..."

"It’s unrelated to Youxuan." Jin Chenye interrupted her surely, softly letting go of her hand, and leaned his tall frame back on the chair.

His expression turned relaxed and gentle.

"I remember you’re my junior, and we’ve known each other for quite some time. With Mr. Ye’s past appreciation of me, both sentimentally and rationally, I would look after you, never because of Youxuan."

Jin Chenye paused, looking at Ye Mingmei’s surprised little face.

"I admit, because of Youxuan, I agreed to help you deceive Yu Xiuzhun, but even without Youxuan, I wouldn’t stand by and do nothing."