Chapter 174: Can You Really Not See?

After what felt like a long time, Zhang Zhiyin finally let go and leaned back against the tree trunk. She chatted with Fang Zhou about interesting topics, trying to divert their attention.

But as she spoke, she began to feel drowsy herself.

Being swept away by the river and the intense tension after reaching the shore had left Zhang Zhiyin physically and mentally exhausted.

Now, leaning against the tree, fatigue slowly took over.

She closed her eyes lightly and whispered to Fang Zhou, “I’m going to nap for a bit. Call me if you need anything.”

“Alright, you sleep.”

Fang Zhou replied.

In truth, he couldn’t see anything. Even if something unexpected happened, he might not be able to react in time. But he just wanted her to get some rest.

Once Zhang Zhiyin fell truly asleep, Fang Zhou could even hear her shallow breathing. Apart from that, there were only the sounds of birds and flowing water.

To be honest, this was his first time being blind, and he was quite scared.

But he couldn’t show it just now.

Since they hadn’t escaped their predicament, if he showed weakness first, Zhang Zhiyin would also collapse, then neither of them would be able to hold out until rescue arrived.

He should be thankful that the person beside him now was Zhang Zhiyin and not any of his ex-girlfriends.

At least she wouldn’t cause any trouble that would force him to deal with their conflicts while they were in this situation.

As he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard the woman beside him talking in her sleep.

Fang Zhou leaned his body closer, trying to hear what she was saying.

“Fang Zhou… don’t die…”

He could barely make out these few words.

Fang Zhou chuckled to himself, whispering, “Even in your dreams, you’re telling me not to die. I guess your dream was pretty scary.”

As he was mulling over this, he suddenly heard someone calling out from a distance.

“Hey! Who are you people?”

His heart leaped with joy. It must be the rescue team!

***

Hospitals always smelled of disinfectant. Some people got used to it, while others couldn’t stand it and had to cover their noses with tissues.

A pair of velvet-tied high heels clicked into the ward, drawing the attention of the person on the bed.

Fang Zhou tilted his head slightly and asked softly, “Who’s there?”

With the help of the rescue team, he and Zhang Zhiyin had quickly boarded a vehicle to the city and were taken to the hospital.

Due to limited medical facilities in the city hospital, he was transferred to a hospital in the capital without delay.

Today was his second day in the hospital.

Like him, Zhang Zhiyin had undergone a full-body check-up and was allowed to leave after confirming she had no major issues.

As for him, the results of an MRI scan would be available today.

The visitor didn’t respond, but Fang Zhou knew they hadn’t left.

The feeling of being watched was strong, even if he couldn’t see, he could sense it.

The person remained silent, just standing in the ward and watching him, making Fang Zhou feel puzzled.

Suddenly, he felt the bed sink a bit, indicating the person had sat down.

Then, a cold voice spoke.

“Can you really not see?”

It was Han Xi’s voice.

Fang Zhou was taken aback, not expecting her to be the first to visit him.

Han Xi had returned to the capital, and there must have been a lot of work waiting for her, but she had left everything to come to the hospital.

Surely, it wasn’t just to check on a former subordinate.

He paused for a moment before replying, “Yes.”

Han Xi rarely wore high heels. She had dressed up for a luncheon today but rushed to the hospital as soon as she heard Fang Zhou was admitted.

Before returning to the capital, Zhang Zhiyin had contacted the director’s team, who informed the guests they were safe, and everyone returned.

But the director hadn’t mentioned that Fang Zhou couldn’t see.

Otherwise, she would never have left him and waited until today to visit.

“I asked the doctor; it’s likely temporary blindness caused by a head injury. You’ll recover soon, don’t lose hope.”

The usually stern and efficient CEO, even when consoling someone, sounded a bit cold.

But to Fang Zhou, these were the kindest words Han Xi could muster.

Usually, if she didn’t throw a few sarcastic remarks, something would feel off.

“It’s okay, I’m not afraid. The director bought insurance, so if worse comes to worst, I can claim tens of thousands in compensation.”

Fang Zhou said with a cheerful tone, making Han Xi frown slightly.

“Tens of thousands for your eyesight?”

She seemed a bit displeased, her tone reflecting her annoyance.

Fang Zhou scratched his head and said towards the direction where the bed had sunk, “Well, I’m still alive, so that’s something.”

In truth, he had considered various ways to make money, including some unethical but not illegal methods, like claiming insurance money.

But after understanding the risks, he decided to be a law-abiding citizen.

Seeing his nonchalant attitude about his life, Han Xi’s anger slowly rose, and the atmosphere around her grew colder.

She grabbed Fang Zhou’s hospital gown collar, leaning in closer as she spoke, “From your tone, it sounds like you regret not getting a few hundred thousand in compensation for dying?”

The faint scent of her perfume, like gardenias after a rain, grew stronger with her emotions, filling Fang Zhou’s nostrils.

He subtly moved back a bit to let more fresh air in and then responded, “Well, it wouldn’t be too bad.”

“After all, how many ordinary people can earn a few hundred thousand in their lifetime?”

If he could give that money to his sister and let her live well, it wouldn’t be so bad.

Sometimes, Fang Zhou felt immensely tired of this world.

Of course, this fatigue was temporary, not a constant presence in his heart.

It’s better to live miserably than to die easily; if one can live, who would choose to die?

He simply saw things more clearly. Everyone dies eventually; if his death had meaning and value, that wouldn’t be too bad either.

Han Xi’s grip tightened, her voice low and intense, “Fang Zhou, don’t you ever dare talk like that again.”