Chapter 322: Setting Him Free

In the evening, Fang Zhou’s back injury had healed significantly, allowing him to sleep comfortably on his back again. As a result, Han Xi arranged for him to stay in a guest room, which was beautifully and comfortably furnished, quite unlike the sterile atmosphere of a hospital bed. The room was equipped with the best amenities, from aromatic scents to tasteful decorations, making it clear that a lot of thought had been put into his comfort.

Fang Zhou, not one to dwell on such details, couldn’t help but notice Han Xi’s effort and care. It was clear she genuinely cared for him. Standing by the window, he felt a pang of guilt, wondering how he could ever repay her kindness.

His body still weak, Fang Zhou soon felt sleepy and prepared to go to bed. Just as he was about to lie down, there was a knock at the door. He put his shirt back on and opened the door to find Han Xi standing there.

“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” he asked, puzzled. It was already close to 10 PM.

Han Xi shook her head and pointed outside. “It’s thundering.”

A loud crash of thunder followed her words, accompanied by flashes of lightning illuminating the night sky. Fang Zhou realized it was raining heavily outside, something he had missed while engrossed in his phone.

Recalling that Han Xi was afraid of thunderstorms, he offered, “Would you like to stay and chat for a bit?”

Nodding, Han Xi stepped into the guest room, which was furnished simply with a bed and a sofa. Instead of sitting on the sofa, she sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed on Fang Zhou as she inquired about his injury.

“Does it still hurt today?”

Seeing the concern in her eyes, Fang Zhou shook his head and sat next to her. “It’s manageable, not too bad.”

He then shifted the conversation to an update on the upcoming national competition and mentioned that the custom uniforms she had commissioned had arrived at the training base and fit everyone well.

To promote her company, Han Xi had ensured that each member of the team had a custom training uniform to wear during the national competition. She believed this would be a great way to showcase their team and achieve maximum publicity.

Han Xi nodded in satisfaction. “You don’t need to worry about these things. I’ll have someone handle it.”

Fang Zhou shook his head, feeling increasingly drowsy but determined to continue the conversation. “I’m one of the founders of the studio. I already feel bad enough for not being there to train with them. I have to do what I can.”

As they talked, they found common ground on several topics, making the conversation enjoyable for both. But Fang Zhou’s fatigue caught up with him, and he finally asked, “Aren’t you going to bed?”

His hint that he needed rest was clear, but Han Xi raised an eyebrow, gently pushed him onto the bed, and leaned in close, telling him, “Go ahead and sleep. I’ll be here, and I won’t disturb you. I’ll leave later.”

Thinking she was scared of the thunder, Fang Zhou lightly patted her back, reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

This gesture warmed Han Xi’s heart. He remembered her fear. Feeling both bittersweet emotions, she rested her head on his chest, saying, “Alright, I won’t leave tonight.”

Fang Zhou’s mind was muddled with exhaustion and conflicting thoughts. He knew something felt off about this situation, but Han Xi’s calm demeanor convinced him it was okay. Eventually, he drifted into a deep sleep.

Han Xi stayed by his side, watching him sleep. She hadn’t expected him to be so exhausted that he’d let his guard down around her. Knowing he would leave the next day, she felt a deep sense of reluctance. Leaning in, she planted a gentle kiss on his lips.

Thinking back to her earlier conversation with her father, and the complicated relationship between her parents, her mood darkened. She realized she was much like her father—strong-willed and possessing a fierce sense of ownership. Fang Zhou, on the other hand, was like her mother—seemingly fragile but possessing a resilient spirit.

She knew if she forced him to stay, it would only lead to mutual destruction, much like her parents’ tumultuous relationship. Remembering how her mother’s broken leg and her father’s subsequent guilt had nearly led to their family’s ruin, she decided to let Fang Zhou go.

“This time, let’s just consider it a visit to meet the family,” Han Xi whispered, hugging him tightly before deciding to set him free.

She never truly intended to imprison Fang Zhou. If she had, she would have taken him somewhere remote and isolated. But if given the choice, who wouldn’t prefer to walk openly in the sunlight rather than hide away in darkness?

Just like his ex-girlfriends, she too didn’t want to keep him captive.