The doctor came over and conducted a thorough examination, declaring that Zhan Jingchen was out of danger. However, he was still weak and it was not advisable for family members to visit.
No one was willing to leave. They all stayed outside the intensive care unit, waiting through the night.
The next morning, the doctor checked on Zhan Jingchen again. He had recovered considerably, and family members were allowed in.
Everyone rushed in.
Zhan Jingchen leaned against the headboard, his bright eyes fixed not on his family, but on Pei Kexin.
Seeing that she was fine and holding hands with Jiang Nanfang, a sense of happiness surged within him, and he couldn't help but smile.
Seeing him smile, everyone else couldn't help but join in.
Tiantiang walked up and hit him, chiding, "You still have the nerve to smile? You made us all worry sick. How old are you, and you're still so reckless?"
Zhan Jingchen retorted, "How am I reckless? If my brother-in-law fell, you'd jump in too. Does this have anything to do with age?"
"Oh, Kexin isn't even your girlfriend yet, and you're comparing her to your brother-in-law?"
This remark made Pei Kexin blush deeply.
Indeed, they weren't even boyfriend and girlfriend, yet he was willing to risk his life for her.
Since the topic had been brought up and the atmosphere was right, Jiang Nanfang quickly played the role of a helpful matchmaker.
"Who says they aren't boyfriend and girlfriend? Xiao Wu has liked Kexin for a long time. He's even brought her to meet me and your dad. We've long considered her a part of the Zhan family, so why can't she be compared to Dongyang?"
"I think Xiao Wu did a great job. Protecting his woman, even at the cost of his life, is truly a good son to Mommy."
Pei Kexin's face turned even redder.
Jiang Nanfang had spoken of her and Zhan Jingchen like that, and with the Zhan family looking at her with smiles, she didn't know where to put her face.
Seeing her so shy, and with everyone looking like they were waiting for gossip, Zhan Jingchen couldn't maintain his composure any longer.
"Exactly, second sister. You're supposed to be young, but your awareness isn't as high as Mommy's. I've already brought her home to meet the parents, so why isn't she my girlfriend? Pei Kexin, you tell me, do you like me?"
Pei Kexin was taken aback.
"Anyway, between us... I don't mind developing things further with you. Just tell me if you want to be with me."
He was actually asking her if she wanted to be with him in front of so many people. This was too embarrassing!
Not to mention that Pei Kexin hadn't thought about it carefully, but even if she had, she wouldn't have dared to say it!
Seeing Pei Kexin's awkwardness, Ge'er hit her brother again.
"Look at what you're saying! What do you mean, 'whether she wants to be with you'? You're a man, can't you be more proactive? Just because your surname is Zhan doesn't mean she has to accommodate you in everything without you even pursuing her. Kexin, we all support you, don't mind him. If you don't like him, just say so. You can't morally blackmail someone into this."
Zhan Jingchen was being hit and scolded by his two sisters, and he looked at Pei Kexin pitifully.
Pei Kexin felt a pang of sympathy for no reason. "No, how is this moral blackmail? It's not that serious. I..."
Jiang Nanfang then stated, "Anyway, your Uncle Zhan and I are eagerly looking forward to becoming your future in-laws. Kexin, please consider it carefully."
"Xiao Wu is like his dad, his emotional intelligence is low and he doesn't know how to speak. You're a sensible child, don't mind him too much. I'm here. If you're willing to be with him, I'll scold him more often and make sure you never get wronged."
Jiang Nanfang, of all people, was lowering herself to speak to her like this, begging her to join the Zhan family?
Besides Zhan Jingchen, who else was standing in front of her wasn't a prominent figure in Nancheng?
Everyone was so good to her. Pei Kexin felt like she must have accumulated immense good karma in her past life.
She didn't truly dislike Zhan Jingchen, and they had already been intimate. At this point...
"President Jiang, please don't say that..."
"You're still calling me President Jiang? It seems you're unwilling."
"No, no... Auntie, it would be my honor to join the Zhan family, as long as you don't mind."
As soon as she finished speaking, everyone looked at Zhan Jingchen and applauded with smiles.
"Oh, congratulations to Xiao Wu for finally getting out of the single life, and finding such a good girlfriend. Kexin, a warm welcome to the Zhan family!"
After a period of laughter and teasing, everyone was tired and went back to catch up on sleep.
Pei Kexin still needed to stay in the hospital for observation, and everyone wanted to give them some private time, so they left her alone.
As the crowd dispersed, only the two of them remained in the ward. Their relationship had been confirmed so quickly. As their eyes met, Pei Kexin still felt a bit unaccustomed.
Although she was usually carefree when they were together, now she didn't know where to put her hands.
She watched as Pei Kexin put her hands behind her back, then in front of her, then let them hang by her legs, her eyes darting around. Zhan Jingchen found her both amusing and pitiable.
She truly had no experience in love.
"Why are you just standing there blankly? Aren't you tired? Sit down."
Pei Kexin then remembered to sit down.
Seeing her sitting so far away from him, Zhan Jingchen glared at her.
"I'm not going to eat you, why are you hiding so far away? Come closer, let me see you."
Pei Kexin, blushing, pulled her stool closer to his bed.
Zhan Jingchen still felt it was too far. "Come a bit closer."
Until she sat by the edge of the bed, Zhan Jingchen opened his large palm towards her.
"Give me your hand."
Looking at his well-defined, young, and delicate large hand, Pei Kexin hesitated, then placed her small hand into his.
His large hand clasped her small hand, and a warmth spread through them, making both of them tremble slightly.
Zhan Jingchen held her small hand and caressed it for a long time. Still not satisfied, he wanted to bring it to his lips, but he couldn't quite reach.
The distance was too great. He spoke to Pei Kexin in a voice so gentle it was terrifying.
"Can you sit on the bed, and come a little closer?"
"Why?"
"Your hands are so cold, I want to warm them up for you."
To be honest, after staying up all night without moving, she was indeed a bit cold.
Pei Kexin, blushing again, sat closer to the edge of the hospital bed.
Unexpectedly, Zhan Jingchen grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips.
He kissed the back of her hand several times, as if he were cherishing a rare treasure.
"From now on, you are mine. No regrets."
Pei Kexin's head was spinning from his kisses, feeling dizzy and disoriented, as if her feet were on clouds, floating blissfully and without direction.
"Why would I regret it?"
Zhan Jingchen sighed. "My work ability is not as good as yours, my experience is not as good as yours. Although I am a man, my status and position are given by my parents..."
Pei Kexin disliked his self-deprecation.
"Don't say that. Being born to such parents is also your capability. As long as you are willing to work hard, you will definitely..."
"So you're saying you don't dislike me and won't regret it?"
Pei Kexin finally realized he was playing the innocent act.
He wasn't insecure at all; he was clearly setting a trap for her to say those words.
Realizing this, she couldn't help but grab his hand and bite it.
"I don't regret it. And you're not allowed to regret it. If you dare to regret it, I'll bite you to death."