Chen Yutong's warmth transferred to Zhan Yangyi through her hands. Her hands were still trembling; it was clear she was genuinely afraid.
"Yangyi, I have to make things clear with you today," Chen Yutong said, appearing resolute. "I know I've done many things wrong, but even I didn't realize some things had already become different."
As Chen Yutong spoke, she stubbornly wiped away a tear.
"Yes, I admit my initial reasons for approaching you were not pure. As I said before, many years ago, Zhan Mohan saved me when I was in danger. From then on, he occupied my heart."
Hearing this, Zhan Yangyi frowned and clenched his fist. He really didn't want to hear Chen Yutong say this herself; it was too cruel for him. How could he face it?
Seeing Zhan Yangyi fidgeting, Chen Yutong quickly held his hand and continued, "But after I married you, you treated me so well, and I started to feel conflicted. I didn't know if I should continue to hold onto my feelings or obediently be your wife. I... I was really lost at that time."
"But you ultimately chose him," Zhan Yangyi said, his voice noticeably colder.
"Yes, you're right. I thought he treated me well then, and I still had a chance, so I was deluded," Chen Yutong said, forcing back tears and taking a deep breath. "But when the truth of everything I did was revealed that day, I kept asking myself if that was the outcome I truly wanted. Until..."
Chen Yutong paused, then looked at Zhan Yangyi with a sincere expression. "Until Mohan and the others told me to leave the Zhan family, I finally understood what I truly wanted in my heart. I know my actions may not earn your forgiveness, so I was scared. I didn't want to leave you; I wanted you. Although I realized it late, I still want to tell you my true feelings."
"When I plunged the knife into myself, I only thought that if I had to leave you forever, it would be better to die," Chen Yutong curled up, as if recalling the despair that led her to do such a thing.
After speaking, Chen Yutong slowly released Zhan Yangyi's arm. She sat on the hospital bed, deflated, like a prisoner awaiting final execution. She lowered her head. Though she didn't cry aloud, tears fell drop by drop onto the back of her hands, which were tightly gripping the quilt.
Zhan Yangyi looked at Chen Yutong. He had always loved her sincerely, so how could he not be moved by her current state? However, could he still trust her? He didn't know.
The atmosphere in the ward immediately became awkward. Neither of them spoke, facing each other in silence. Finally, Zhan Yangyi broke the silence, "You don't have to leave for now. I will tell Grandpa and Mohan."
"Really?" Chen Yutong's head shot up, looking at Zhan Yangyi. "Does this mean we..."
"I don't know," Zhan Yangyi said calmly. "Give me some time to think clearly about our situation, okay?"
Chen Yutong's face fell again. "Okay, I understand."
After Chen Yutong's injuries healed and at her insistent request, she returned to the Zhan family. Although Grandpa Zhan was not as fond of her as before due to past events, she personally took care of him even though she wasn't fully recovered. She also occasionally helped Wei Yumeng with household chores. Wei Yumeng, for Zhan Yangyi's sake, didn't stop her. In short, Chen Yutong appeared much more subdued during this period, and even the children's attitudes toward her improved slightly. Yet, despite everything seeming to move in a positive direction, their relationship was not easily mended.
After Chen Yutong returned to the Zhan family, Zhan Yangyi had not lived there for a long time. At the same time, Zhan Mohan also used work as an excuse to not return frequently. Thus, Wei Yumeng and Chen Yutong were often the only ones at home.
"Yumeng, let me do it," Chen Yutong said, seeing Wei Yumeng clearing the table, and proactively walked over.
Wei Yumeng nodded. "Then I'll trouble you."
Although Chen Yutong was busy clearing things, Wei Yumeng noticed she was absent-minded. When she almost dropped a wine glass, Wei Yumeng had to intervene.
"Alright, you're clearly distracted. Let me do it," Wei Yumeng said, taking over the task from her. Chen Yutong looked like she had made a mistake, and Wei Yumeng couldn't help but sigh.
"Are you worrying about something? About my elder brother?"
Chen Yutong then said, "He hasn't come back since I returned. Maybe I shouldn't have stayed. Maybe I should have listened to Mohan and left. That way, Yangyi wouldn't have to avoid me like this." As she spoke, Chen Yutong turned and prepared to leave.
Wei Yumeng watched Chen Yutong's retreating back, feeling that the blow they had already dealt Zhan Yangyi was significant, which also proved Zhan Yangyi's sincerity towards Chen Yutong. If Chen Yutong genuinely repented, it would be a good thing for them to reconcile.
Thinking this, Wei Yumeng picked up her phone and called Zhan Mohan. "Mohan, do you know where my elder brother has been these past few days?"
Upon hearing this, Zhan Mohan knew Wei Yumeng had softened her heart and wanted to help Chen Yutong. "He's probably at the bar."
"The bar?" Wei Yumeng was surprised. She had assumed Zhan Yangyi would be burying himself in work at the company.
Zhan Mohan said with some helplessness, "I mentioned to him before that I could temporarily manage the company if needed. He's left it to me recently."
Wei Yumeng now understood why Zhan Mohan had been so busy lately. She had initially thought it was a deliberate attempt to distance himself from Chen Yutong, but now it seemed that was only part of the reason. Zhan Mohan continued, "I was worried about him yesterday, so I went to a bar he frequented. I think he'll be there again today."
With this information, Wei Yumeng went to Chen Yutong's room. As expected, she was already packing.
"Yumeng, you're here just in time. Please give this letter to Yangyi for me. I will leave, but many things are written inside. I still hope he can see them."
Wei Yumeng did not agree. Instead, she pushed the envelope back into Chen Yutong's hand. "I'm afraid I can't help you with this. I think you should go find my elder brother and explain things clearly."
"But how can I find him? I don't know where he is. He doesn't answer my calls. I call the company, and he's not there. What can I do?" Chen Yutong said, starting to cry sadly.