Chapter 10, Blooming

He is in Luohai, delivering food during the day and driving for others at night. There is no need to mention his previous work experience for these two jobs. For the driving service, all that is required is a driver's license and driving experience. With no money to his name, he has no other path to take except to work hard, relying on the income from driving and tips to survive.

Jiang Zhengxuan reported to him. Jiang Zhengnan: "Wait for me there, don't think too much, Nie will be fine. Big brother will be there soon"

After hearing this, Jiang Zhengxuan felt a little relieved: "Thank you, doctor"

Nie Chongzhi replied succinctly, "Just arrived." The scheduling master chuckled, "Thank you for your hard work, Xiao Nie. The Green Shore on Huahu Road just called for two designated drivers. I really can't manage the allocation at the moment, so please help out and hurry over there."

Upon hearing the familiar and comforting voice of her elder brother Jiang Zhengnan, her forced composure immediately vanished without a trace, and she began to choke back tears: "Elder brother, Nie Chongzhi has been injured... he... he is currently undergoing emergency treatment, and the situation is unclear..."

On that day, Nie Chongzhi returned home, opened the door, only to find the room cold and empty. Jiang Zhengxuan had already left, hastily leaving a note: "My mother had a heart attack and is in emergency care at Dan's Hospital. I have returned to Luohai."

The attending physician smiled reassuringly at her, saying, "Rest assured, the patient's condition is good and they may wake up at any moment."

Many things cannot be forced. Even if they are forced, there will not be a good outcome. He from back then is the best evidence of this

Nie Chongzhi's voice was extremely sincere and calm, drifting through the empty, deserted streets, evoking a sense of unreality

Jiang Zhengxuan shook her head: "I have already made my decision, so there is no need to reserve it for me anymore"

Jiang Zhengxuan kept her face lowered, making it difficult to discern her expression. Lu Geqing let out a long sigh: "It is not that mother does not like Zhongzhi. It is precisely because I have watched him grow up since childhood and have grown very fond of him that I hope you will think it through. If you truly love him, then treat him well and cherish him. But if you only feel guilty because of that child from years ago, and pity him for his bankruptcy and downfall, then..." At this point, Lu Geqing stopped speaking and did not continue.

This fool must be jealous! Jiang Zhengxuan explained with a smile: "Today, Brother Ye came to see my mother and conveniently invited me to dinner; it's not what you think..."

A hand full of tears

The heels struck the ground, producing a rapid sound of "de de de de," so clear in the quiet of the night

Nie Chongzhi has actually come to Luohai. He is surprisingly working as a chauffeur. Why has he not been in contact with her? Why is he pretending not to know her?

The light in Jiang Zhengxuan's eyes dimmed as she repeated, "More than two months?" Nie Chongzhi averted his gaze and replied calmly, "Yes."

Thank you, Director Ning, for giving me such an opportunity. I truly enjoy this job; however, due to family reasons, I must resign

Life is quite ordinary, and he has gradually become accustomed to it, except for the fact that he misses one person very much.

The two guests who came out of the restaurant, one after the other, clearly also saw him pushing the door to enter. Their eyes met, and both were taken aback in astonishment.

Many times, such absurd thoughts often arise in Jiang Zhengnan's mind

After Nie Chongzhi and the other person finished their conversation, Fang asked, "May I ask where you would like to be taken?" Ye Yingzhang noticed that Jiang Zhengxuan had a strange expression and thought that she had not yet recovered from the shock, so he said, "Jingyi Road"

Upon hearing the words "hospital, serious injuries, emergency rescue," Jiang Zhengxuan was taken aback, as if everything around her suddenly receded, growing more distant until it vanished completely. The thoughts that repeatedly echoed in her mind were, "Nie Chongzhi's injuries are severe, Nie Chongzhi is in emergency rescue."

But now he lies on the hospital bed, unconscious and unaware. The lead surgeon said that if the knife had penetrated any deeper, he would have been powerless to help.

Nie Chongzhi, you are truly a scoundrel

The short-haired woman said: "Officer, please be sure to catch those bad guys. Please be sure to avenge our benefactor."

When she woke up in the hospital that year, Jiang Zhengxuan discovered something even more terrifying. The doctor said she was pregnant! At that moment, Jiang Zhengxuan was completely stunned, unable to believe what she had just heard. How could she be carrying Nie Chongzhi's child?

Jiang Zhengxuan replied in a daze: "Okay"

Jiang Zhengxuan shook her head and gently said: "No, Brother Ye, you do not need to apologize to me. There is nothing to apologize for regarding those matters from years ago. In the past, you always regarded me as your sister, and you did nothing wrong... You simply did not love me."

What is she crying about, what is there to cry for! Does he really think he is doing well now! Brother Ye, Ning Xi, anyone around her, even those introduced by Aunt Liang, who is not better than him, who is not stronger than him

Ning Xiru smiled thoughtfully and said, "Then, may I keep this resignation letter?"

In recent years, I have often thought of Lian Zhen, wondering how she is doing now. Is she happy? I want to see her once, to say hello and also to say sorry. I want to tell her that many of the things I said and did back then were just impulsive moments; I did not truly blame her. It was not because she jumped into the sea that I felt this way; I was simply overwhelmed at that time... I do not even know what was wrong with me...

The long-haired woman said, "It was that kind-hearted person who saved us; he is our great benefactor." She then recounted the entire sequence of events in great detail, and finally, with immense regret, she said, "That is how it is. If he hadn't gone to look for that thing, he wouldn't have been stabbed by the bad person."

For a moment, she could not find Xu Bo anywhere. Jiang Zhengxuan felt as if she were being roasted over a fierce fire, believing that she would perish if she waited even a few more seconds. She saw the car keys hanging on the wall of the garage, hurriedly took them, opened the car door, started the engine, and drove away in haste

However, it no longer counts now. He actually no longer wants her now

Jiang Zhengnan did not break the silence, and said softly: "It has been a long time since the two of us siblings had a proper conversation. Xuanxuan, I just want you to know: no matter how things turn out with Dad, or what our family becomes... you will always be the treasure of the Jiang family. As long as I am here in this lifetime, no one is allowed to bully you."

However, this gift is one that he will never be able to give away in his lifetime

Ning Xi approached the "legend" and gently spoke, "Mr. Nie, can we talk?"

Ye Yingzhang was taken aback for a second before recalling the identity of Nie Chongzhi's designated driver. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he took out some money from his wallet and handed it to Nie Chongzhi. To his surprise, Nie Chongzhi accepted the money without any hesitation, maintaining his gaze straight ahead and simply saying, "Thank you"

At that moment, Jiang Zhengxuan did not know what she could say. She had never realized that her elder brother loved Xu Lianzhen so deeply!

The person behind her seemed to tremble, incredulously exclaiming: "Xuanxuan?" This voice... This voice belonged to Brother Ye. Jiang Zhengxuan suddenly turned around, and the figure behind her was familiar, with short hair; it was indeed Ye Yingzhang.

Jiang Zhengxuan smiled gently, like a flower bud slowly blooming: "I know, Brother Ye, it has all passed."

Jiang Zhengxuan looked up and smiled gently, sweetly asking, "When did you arrive?" Nie Chongzhi gazed at her with a blank expression, striving to suppress the tumultuous emotions surging within him, "It has been over two months."

Later, in his apartment, whenever he did something bad to her, she would run to take a shower, showering multiple times, each time washing until he was driven to madness, banging on the door: "Xuanxuan, Xuanxuan, come out quickly. If you don't come out soon, I will kick the door in!"

From beginning to end, he did not even glance at her. What on earth is Nie Chongzhi thinking? Is he angry because he saw her with Brother Ye?

Nie Chongzhi's gaze fell into the distance, remaining still for several seconds, before he slowly moved the corners of his mouth, and said: "I understand that you have always felt pity and sympathy for me. Before returning to Luohai, I specifically went to Dr. Lu for a detailed examination. Dr. Lu said that I am now completely well... so... you no longer need to pity me. You can go on to do anything you want in the future. I am very grateful for your company during my lowest point. Dr. Lu said that I am now completely well... so... you no longer need to pity me. You can go on to do anything you want in the future. I am very grateful for your company during my lowest point. You may think this statement is clichéd, but I truly appreciate you, and if there is an opportunity in the future, I will repay you well."

Sometimes, he would grit his teeth and call her name: "Jiang Zhengxuan!" His expression was so fierce that it made her feel as if he would tear her apart in the next second

A sudden, aching pain fills my heart, both sour and swollen

Qide Road, is it not the route she must take to return home? Jiang Zhengxuan had no choice but to turn the steering wheel and take a detour

He said to bless her. Alright, Nie Chongzhi, you go and bless her

Now, he said: "When are you getting married? Remember to send me an invitation."

She took out her phone, caressing the smooth display screen

The phone that was casually tossed aside rang with a "ding ding" sound. Jiang Zhengxuan wiped away her tears and picked up the phone. The screen displayed a landline number from the city, which she did not recognize. As if recalling something, she paused for a moment before quickly answering the call, and the voice on the other end was a very formal female voice

Upon hearing this, Ning Xi felt a sudden pang in his heart. He had pursued her so obviously; could she really not feel it at all? Could it be that she truly had no feelings for him, and thus had been pretending to be deaf and mute all along

Jiang Zhengnan notified Nie Gengli as soon as he arrived. Noticing the crowd and the noise, he briefly recounted the events of the past few months, mentioning only that Nie Chongzhi had stayed in Ningcheng for a while and had just returned to Luohai, refusing to meet even with their group of friends until now. However, Jiang Zhengnan made no mention of his sister, Jiang Zhengxuan.

You fool

As she just pushed the door open, Ye Yingzhang caught up from behind: "Xuanxuan..." Jiang Zhengxuan stopped, slowly turned around, and a hint of a smile played at the corners of her mouth: "Brother Ye, is there anything else?"

Who is Ye Yingzhang? Jiang Zhengxuan once had a strong affection for him and wished to marry him. How did such a formidable rival suddenly emerge? Ning Xi furrowed her brows in contemplation, realizing that she needed to continue her investigation; only by knowing both herself and her adversary could she achieve victory in every battle

No one ever knew that at the moment when Jiang Zhengnan put the engagement ring on Qian Huishi's finger, he regretted it. Yet, driven by his resentment and unwillingness towards Xu Lianzhen, he indulged himself and continued down that path without looking back.

In recent years, I have constantly missed her, wondering where she is and what kind of life she is living. I even think about whether I will encounter her again one day

During this process, Nie Gengli, accompanied by the hospital leadership, paused his gaze on Jiang Zhengxuan for several seconds before shifting it to Nie Chongzhi on the hospital bed

That night, the lighting was too dim, and coupled with his attire, he appeared to be a different person compared to how he looked on television and in photographs. Ning Xi did not associate him at all with the once-prominent Nie Chongzhi.

The two chatted for a while, during which Ye Yingzhang's phone kept ringing, clearly indicating that he was very busy with work. As Jiang Zhengxuan noticed that night was falling, she thought about delivering some nourishing soup to her mother, and said: "Brother Ye, I have something to attend to, let's talk next time." Ye Yingzhang replied: "Alright then, please send my regards to Aunt Qing and Brother Jiang." Jiang Zhengxuan nodded: "Okay, thank you."

Seeing that Nie Chongzhi's lips were once again dry and cracked, Jiang Zhengxuan took a cotton swab, dipped it in water, and gently moistened his lips. Nie Chongzhi's lips were perfectly shaped, but at this moment, due to excessive blood loss, they appeared a jelly-like translucent white.

Life does not have a second chance, and many times, a mere brush past is a missed opportunity

Hearing this, Ning Xi suddenly lost the desire to listen any further. He turned around and was taken aback. The protagonist mentioned by Jiang Zhengxuan, Nie Chongzhi, was standing at the door behind him, holding a bouquet of blooming flowers in his dejected hands. Judging by his gloomy and pale complexion, it was evident that he had been there for quite some time.

She has merely been giving him charity

The attending physician stated: "I have conducted a thorough examination of the patient, and his hand is fine. He must have grasped something, but we have tried many times and have been unable to make him loosen his fist. Rest assured, there will be no major issues. Once he wakes up, he will naturally relax his grip."

Jiang Zhengxuan's heart felt tight, and when she heard his last few words, it began to beat with an unprecedented urgency: "What do you mean? What do you want to say?"

Indeed, it was back then that she saw the high praise online and insisted on bringing Lian Zhen here to taste it. Looking around, everything evokes a sense of nostalgia. She had spent quite a bit of time here with Brother Ye, Lian Zhen, and her elder brother. Now, recalling those moments feels almost surreal, as if it were a dream.

Jiang Zhengxuan's tears fell like rain, both crying and laughing, only murmuring: "Nie Chongzhi, you fool! Fool!"

If it were not for his love for her back then, with his conditions, why would he humiliate himself so much and subject himself to such indignity by revolving around her

Without her, the house is empty, leaving only the four walls! And he is alone in that desolation. Nie Chongzhi made a decision: wherever she is, he will be there too. She stayed in Luohai to accompany her mother, so he would also stay in Luohai. As long as she is willing, he will be by her side, never leaving her side.

After a moment, she said again: "I was just kidding you, how could I possibly marry Brother Ye? Please wake up quickly, alright?"

With such a simple action and a few simple words from Jiang Zhengnan, Jiang Zhengxuan inexplicably felt like crying. She held her breath and tried to smile: "Elder brother, what do you want to talk to me about? I am doing well. Just you, take care of your health and don't overwork yourself."

She said softly, "Isn't it tiring to hold it like this? You're gripping it so tightly that it might hurt your palm. Can you loosen your grip, please?"

Due to the mutual agreement of both parties involved in the collision to settle privately, the traffic police came over to conduct a routine simple record.

Xu Lianzhen! This person, who has not been mentioned for a long time yet remains unforgettable!

One after another, they fell with a "thud" into Nie Chongzhi's outstretched palm

Thinking of the colleagues working together, Jiang Zhengxuan smiled and nodded

The two guests turned out to be Ye Yingzhang and Jiang Zhengxuan. After not seeing her for many days, she was wearing a casual dress and a pair of mid-heeled long boots. She seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight, and the dress was noticeably loose, subtly accentuating her slender waist. Nie Chongzhi found himself unable to look away.

However, the four individuals from the past have truly become strangers in a changed world

Time is too thin, and the gaps between my fingers are too wide; the days slip by like flowing sand. Even the shops have been renovated, no longer resembling their former selves, let alone the people!

However, large tears uncontrollably rolled down from her eyes, causing a tugging pain in her heart, as if the air she inhaled had frozen into ice blocks in her lungs, leaving her in agony.

Ning Xi could not help but stop at the door, listening intently.

Jiang Zhengxuan was naturally overjoyed and inquired about Nie Chongzhi's right hand: "Doctor, is his hand injured? He has been holding it like this and hasn't let go all night."

Large tears immediately welled up and overflowed from the eyes

Zhongzhi. ! Could it be Nie Zhongzhi? ! Ning Xi was taken aback. The name "Nie Zhongzhi" was like thunder in her ears. Nie Zhongzhi was a legend in Luohai City, having risen from nothing to bankruptcy.

Jiang Zhengxuan had always thought that after having the farewell meal, there would not be much chance of intersecting with Ning Xi again. Therefore, when she encountered Ning Xi holding flowers at the hospital elevator door, she couldn't help but be astonished: "What are you doing here?"

Lu Geqing said softly: "Xuanxuan, you are no longer young, it is time for you to have a serious relationship, then get married and have children, and live a stable and happy life"

That night, he had just taken a job, transporting a half-drunk guest from a hotel in the city back home. The car had not yet been turned off when the dispatcher called: "Xiao Nie, have you delivered the guest in your car?"

Lu Geqing paused for a moment, speaking with utmost seriousness: "I understand this child better than anyone else. He has always been very proud; if he finds out that you are pitying him, it would be worse than killing him. Think it over carefully. He cannot endure another major blow now!"

For a moment, neither party spoke. After a few seconds, Nie Chongzhi forced himself to look away, lowered his eyes, and calmly said: "May I ask if you called for a designated driver?" Seeing that Nie Chongzhi was deliberately pretending not to recognize them, Ye Yingzhang also found it inappropriate to expose him, so he nodded and replied: "Yes"

When he clearly heard her say, "I don't know, Mom, I really don't know. I do feel sorry for him, and I do feel guilty towards him..." his face felt hot, as if it had been struck hard by an invisible slap.

The car drove for a while and came to a steady stop in front of the Jiang family's gate. Nie Chongzhi turned off the engine, got out, and opened the car door for them: "Greetings to both of you, your destination has been reached"

Bag after bag of intravenous fluid flowed through the thin tube, dripping steadily into Nie Chongzhi's body. Jiang Zhengxuan watched as the last drop was exhausted, pressed the call button, and signaled for the nurse to come in and replace the intravenous fluid.

Nie Chongzhi's figure was hidden in the dark shadows of the trees, in a place where the streetlights could not reach. His voice was flat, devoid of any fluctuations, as if recounting someone else's story: "There was a time when I truly hated you. You know... because of that child...

She seemed as if she were drowning, struggling more and more to avoid thinking, yet only sinking deeper and deeper.

Ye Yingzhang carefully assisted Jiang Zhengxuan in getting out of the car. Noticing Nie Chongzhi standing nearby with his eyes lowered, he understood that he would not acknowledge them, so he did not intend to speak. He said to Jiang Zhengxuan: "Xuanxuan, let's go, be careful of the steps"

Jiang Zhengnan let out a barely audible sigh and gently retreated from the ward. Upon turning around, he saw Uncle Nie standing in the corridor, while the others stood at a distance, keeping a space between them.

Nie Chongzhi worked diligently, moving his feet little by little, advancing forward, and then moving forward again

Due to the matter concerning her father, she and her mother have not stepped into the social circle of Luohai again. Therefore, apart from her family, almost no one knows that she has returned

It is still just a few simple and concise words, not even mentioning the specific location of Loping Street. Does he not want to talk to her? The joy of their reunion is gradually fading away, much like the warmth at their fingertips. Even Jiang Zhengxuan, no matter how dull, has noticed his deliberate indifference.

In the midst of conversation, an ambulance came to a screeching halt at the entrance of the emergency room. Several medical staff hurriedly exchanged information: "Quickly, there has been an accident on Bihui Road..."

After hearing this, Nie Gengli sighed in melancholy, "So he has gone to Ningcheng, I should have thought of that earlier, I should have thought of that earlier."

Nie Chongzhi, that scoundrel, actually does not want her

Jiang Zhengnan's tall figure blocked the morning light, and he gently stroked his sister's hair, saying softly: "No, big brother is not going out. Big brother just wants to talk to you."

A long, long time ago, at that time, he truly loved himself as he claimed he did!

Jiang Zhengxuan was taken aback upon hearing this. So that is the case! No wonder he had told her so much about his mother at that time, no wonder he was so familiar with the streets and alleys of Ningcheng. She should have noticed the clues much earlier.

Jiang Zhengxuan raised her head and smiled, showing no trace of the tears she had shed moments ago: "Elder brother, I am really doing well." She gazed at him quietly and asked in return, "Elder brother, how about you? Have you been well all this time?"

In this world, he has always been all alone. Even now, he is still a solitary person

Nie Chongzhi only regained his senses when the hot cigarette butt burned his finger. He extinguished the cigarette butt and casually tossed it into the nearby trash can

Now I understand, it is simply that I have no fate with that child. In fact, everything that happened back then was my fault. That child should never have existed

Indeed, it is merely his own foolishness

He wishes her and Brother Ye well, very well indeed

Nie Chongzhi spoke in one breath. In the end, the entire roof fell silent, and Nie Chongzhi said very slowly: "Ning Xi, I hope this is helpful to you. If you succeed, please treat her well, and hold her in the palm of your hand for a lifetime. She deserves the best treatment in the world." Each word from Nie Chongzhi was so light, yet it struck the ground like a hammer, resonating with a clear sound. She deserves the best treatment in the world. Each word from Nie Chongzhi was so light, yet it struck the ground like a hammer, resonating with a clear sound.

In the distance, a few faint sounds of "pop" echoed, as several fireworks surged into the endless darkness, their brilliant splendor both vibrant and fragile

At the intersection, a sudden blinding light from the oncoming vehicle left Jiang Zhengxuan momentarily disoriented ... Two long, piercing screeches of brakes echoed sharply ...

Jiang Zhengxuan raised her head after a long time, her gaze vacant: "I don't know, Mom, I really don't know. I do feel sorry for him, and I do feel guilty towards him..." She herself could not distinguish what her true feelings for him were. There was affection, there was heartache, and indeed, there was also a component of guilt.

He once said: "Xuanxuan, I love you."

She never knew that one day she would miss Nie Chongzhi so much. But what about him? Why has he never called her?

The police officer concluded the record in a formal manner: "We will do our utmost to apprehend these criminals. Here, this is the statement you just made, please review it carefully. If there are no issues, please sign here."

It has been over four years since we last met, and although dressed in simple casual attire, she still exudes elegance and grace

In fact, I owe you and your brother Ye an apology. If it weren't for my unwarranted interference during those years, which stood between you, you would have already had children by now. It was I who caused you to take so many unnecessary detours and wasted so much time. I am truly sorry, and I sincerely apologize to you both here today.

If possible, at one time, Jiang Zhengnan truly wished to use everything to forget the person named Xu Lianzhen

She waited outside for a long time, as if all her consciousness had been drained away, leaving her mechanical and sluggish. Everything in the hospital—the sounds, the people coming and going—appeared to her as an illusion

Jiang Zhengxuan spoke softly, as if conversing and discussing with him: "Can you show me what is inside, please?"

Officer, look. Her clothes were torn at that time. Both of us were terrified and shouted for help... When those four people tried to drag us into the woods, this kind-hearted person rushed over and told them to let us go... Later... Later, they got into a scuffle. This kind-hearted person was very skilled, as if he had practiced martial arts. He threw punches and kicks, quickly knocking down those several people. However, while he was bending down to pick something up, one person secretly pulled out a knife and, taking advantage of his inattention, stabbed him in the back... Later, they got into a scuffle. This kind-hearted person was very skilled, as if he had practiced martial arts. He threw punches and kicks, quickly knocking down those several people. However, while he was bending down to pick something up, one person secretly pulled out a knife and, taking advantage of his inattention, stabbed him in the back... We wanted to shout but it was too late.

Everything he originally intended to give her, he gave entirely to others. He simply wanted her to know that even if she does not want him, he can still be happy

What he found at that time was this ring! This is the true culprit that caused his injury

Jiang Zhengnan sighed and patted the girl's shoulder, saying, "Then you stay and take good care of Nie. I'll have Xu Bo come to pick you up early tomorrow morning." Jiang Zhengxuan's gaze fell on Nie Chongzhi, seemingly oblivious to what he had just said.

Jingyi Road is the residence of the Jiang family, and both parties are well aware of it. Nie Chongzhi did not ask further, started the car, and drove steadily towards Jingyi Road

Two people who almost got married now politely behave like acquaintances. Time, indeed, is a strange thing, transforming everything into its current state without a sound.

Jiang Zhengxuan asked again: "Elder brother, was it truly because of love that you got engaged to Sister Hui Shi back then? Or was it for some other reason? And..." She finally brought up the name that was never touched upon between her and her elder brother, "If it weren't for me at that time, would you and Lian Zhen have..."

Jiang Zhengxuan could no longer hold on, collapsing onto the table, tears streaming down her face alone

Jiang Zhengxuan closed the menu: "One cup of mocha, and one serving of durian cheese and one serving of blueberry cheese. Thank you"