Volume One, Chapter 18: Feel It—My Heart Is Pounding Against My Chest

Su Mingde was also pondering the matter. His father was easygoing and had never held grudges against anyone. Who had called him out late at night and dealt him a fatal blow?

“I’ll go right away. Take care of Mom’s mood. Have your sister-in-law bring some food over.”

Su Li, worried about her mother’s health, nodded in agreement.

“Mom, Brother, there’s still a lot to handle at the factory. I’ll go over and give some instructions first, then come back immediately.”

Su Mingde knew the new type of harvester was undergoing various tests, awaiting approval for production, so Shao Ting’an was indeed very busy.

“Don’t worry about Dad here. The factory needs you, so focus on your work.”

Su Li remained silent. With her father in trouble, she had no energy to deal with him.

Right now, she couldn’t tell if Shao Ting’an’s gentleness and humility were genuine or just a façade.

But she could never forget the misery of the previous life, and she didn’t want him here.

“Go ahead and handle your work. I’m on vacation and have time, so I’ll stay at the hospital to take care of Dad.”

Shao Ting’an gently rubbed her head. “I’ll finish up quickly and bring you some fresh clothes.”

“Mom, Dad will definitely wake up. Please take care of yourself.”

Liu Guilan nodded. “You focus on your work; don’t worry about your father.”

Shao Ting’an pursed his lips slightly and glanced at Su Li with a complex expression before leaving.

In his eyes, Su Li caught a trace of guilt, but she refused to accept it. She turned to look at her mother and sat beside her.

Once the hospital room was left with only her and her mother, Su Li took out four hundred yuan from her bag.

“Mom, this money was given to me by Dad a few days ago. I was supposed to use it, but luckily I didn’t have to. Keep it safe.”

“What if you need money later?” Liu Guilan worried about her daughter.

“My matters are settled now. I won’t need it,” Su Li said, linking her arm with her mother’s. “You don’t have to worry about money either. Ting’an and I still have some saved. Dad’s medical expenses won’t be a problem with me and my brother.”

Liu Guilan didn’t refuse. At this moment, not accepting it would only upset Su Li. Besides, her husband truly needed money to survive.

…

That evening, Zhao Xinran came to the hospital with Shao Ting’an, carrying food containers.

“Teacher Su, I heard from Brother Ting’an about Uncle Su’s situation and came to check on you. I brought dinner for you and Brother. Please eat some. Uncle Su needs you now more than ever. You can’t afford to falter.”

With children at home and concerned about Liu Guilan’s health, Su Mingde had Wen Yu take her home, leaving the two siblings to watch over Su Danian.

“Thank you for your trouble.”

Su Mingde politely accepted the food box. He had a good impression of the young woman before him—well-behaved, sensible, and diligent.

More importantly, she was grateful and reciprocated kindness. She treated her little sister well, and the two were like a pair of sisters.

“Su Li, these are your clothes and toiletries. If you need anything else, I’ll bring it tomorrow.”

Shao Ting’an placed Su Li’s belongings on a nearby chair.

“I’m on vacation with nothing much to do. These days, I’ll just be responsible for bringing meals to Teacher Su. It’s inconvenient to do laundry here, so I’ll take the dirty clothes home to wash.”

Moved by Zhao Xinran’s thoughtfulness and care, Su Mingde said, “Little Zhao, Teacher Su’s affection for you isn’t misplaced.”

“Teacher Su treats me like a sister; it’s the least I can do. Seeing Uncle Su like this makes me sad,” she said, tears streaming down her face. Shao Ting’an lowered his gaze silently.

He was full of remorse, never expecting things to come to this point.

Su Li, feeling troubled by their expressions, suppressed her emotions and said, “You’re going to start your internship soon; I won’t see you off. Focus on your work and don’t keep running back and forth.”

Shao Ting’an was touched. Su Li’s kindness made him feel even more ashamed. “Brother, this is money Su Li and I saved together. Take it first. If it’s not enough, I’ll find a way.”

Looking at the wad of cash in his hand, Su Mingde felt warmth in his heart. Setting work aside, Shao Ting’an treated his sister well and was filial to their parents.

Perhaps their conflicts were truly only about work disagreements.

Su Mingde’s eyes reddened as he lowered his gaze and nodded. “Thank you.”

“We’re family. It’s only right,” Shao Ting’an replied.

He stepped closer to Su Li and patted her shoulder. “Take good care of yourself. Dad loves seeing you smile; don’t always cry in front of him.”

His voice was gentle, just as before.

Su Li looked at him blankly for a moment, then quickly turned away. If not for what she experienced in the previous life and knowing his cruelty, she might have leaned into his embrace and suffered all over again.

“You two should go back. School’s on break, and Xinran is staying at home with someone to look after you. I’m relieved.”

Zhao Xinran’s expression was solemn, as if entrusted with a heavy responsibility. “Teacher Su, rest assured. I’ll help tidy up the house and take care of Brother Ting’an. Whenever I have time, I’ll come help you take care of Uncle Su.”

Su Li smiled faintly, half amused. “Hurry back then.”

Shao Ting’an noticed Su Li’s irritation and left with Zhao Xinran. Neither spoke on the way.

Back home, Shao Ting’an went straight to shower and then to his room without a word to Zhao Xinran.

He stared at the spot where Su Li had been lying, feeling uneasy.

Suddenly, someone hugged him from behind—soft and delicate, pressing against his back.

“Brother Ting’an, I’m scared!”

Her voice trembled with tears, causing Shao Ting’an to frown and tense up.

“I only like you. I didn’t expect to hurt Uncle Su.”

Shao Ting’an slowly turned around. In the moonlight, the girl’s tear-streaked face softened his heart instantly.

“Never bring this up again,” he said sternly. “No one will know it involves us.”

Zhao Xinran nodded softly. “I know. You’re so smart no one will find out. I just feel guilty—towards Teacher Su and Uncle Su.”

She understood his feelings at this moment. Since he wouldn’t say it, she would—adding herself to the list of people to whom Shao Ting’an owed.

As expected, his gaze softened significantly. “It’s not your fault. We’ll make it right, little by little.”

“Brother Ting’an, I’m yours forever. I don’t need a title, just to be with you.”

Zhao Xinran lifted her chin and kissed Shao Ting’an tenderly.

Though he hadn’t been fulfilled the day before, now he instinctively wanted to refuse, but couldn’t resist her softness and vulnerability.

“Brother Ting’an, I’m scared. I haven’t slept since the accident. Touch my chest—you can feel my heart pounding. I’m afraid I won’t sleep tonight either.”

She placed his hand on her chest confidently. She was certain she was better endowed than Su Li.

This was something Shao Ting’an himself had said—he liked soft and full curves, and could never stop once he touched them.

Sure enough, Shao Ting’an’s initial resistance softened. When his large hand landed on her, he stiffened momentarily. Feeling the warmth and softness through the thin fabric, he pinched lightly.

His mind flashed back to the previous afternoon—Zhao Xinran blushing and standing before him, her clothes open in a captivating way.