He grasped the shard and ruthlessly slashed his palm—

"Dad!" Jian Yufei screamed piercingly.

Xiao Zexin’s palm had a long bloody cut.

Blood flowed freely—

Xiao Zexin looked up, saying coldly, "If you come near me again, I’ll harm myself once more!"

His gaze fell on the few people at the door.

"The same goes for all of you."

Nangong Ruyue’s face turned ashen, and she had to lean against the wall to keep from collapsing.

"Dad..." Jian Yufei’s tears welled up.

She really didn’t expect her father to be so resolute.

Ruan Tianling hurriedly pulled her out and instructed the servants outside, "Hurry and take Madam away!"

Several servants rushed to hold Nangong Ruyue up.

Seeing that her complexion was bad, Jian Yufei also went to support her, "Mom, are you alright?"

Nangong Ruyue shook her head, "I’m fine."

Jian Yufei was very afraid she might induce labor, but fortunately, Nangong Ruyue was okay.

...

After settling her mother down in bed, Jian Yufei covered her with the blanket, comforting her, "Mom, Dad just woke up, that’s why he’s like that. Don’t worry, we’ll find the best doctor to cure him."

Nangong Ruyue nodded, "I’m fine. Go on with your things, I’ll rest a bit."

"Mom, I’ll stay and keep you company."

"No need. I’m really fine, and I’m quite happy that your dad is like this now; at least there’s improvement. I’m not as fragile as you think. Go on, let me have some peace."

Seeing that she wasn’t too upset, Jian Yufei finally left at ease. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

The only one left in the room was Nangong Ruyue.

She raised her hand to cover her eyes, and a tear slipped from the corner.

She wasn’t sad because Xiao Zexin treated them like this.

She was sad about what he’d been through to rather harm himself than let them near.

In this world, she understood him the best.

She knew everything he did was for their good.

But the more he did it for their good, the more she felt heartbroken.

Why couldn’t he be a bit kinder to himself...

When Nangong Ruyue felt sad, Xiao Zexin was also very sad.

He leaned against the headboard while the doctor treated his injury.

That slash of his, he used a lot of force.

The doctor stitched up his wound with needle and thread.

Twelve stitches in total, and he didn’t glance at it from start to finish.

As if it wasn’t even his hand.

"Mr. Xiao, your hand can’t touch water, and you can’t exert force. After the anesthesia wears off, it’ll hurt a lot. Hang in there, it will get better in a few days." The doctor thoughtfully advised him.

Xiao Zexin nodded, his lowered eyes concealing his desolation.

Earlier, when he self-harmed, it wasn’t just to show Jian Yufei but also Ruyue.

He knew his actions were extreme, and he shouldn’t have forced and upset them this way.

But if he didn’t, they would continue to come near him.

To keep them from approaching, this was all he felt he could do.

Only Ruyue, your heart must be aching right now...

...

"Mommy, why did grandpa do that?" When everything was finally settled, Ansel couldn’t help but ask Jian Yufei.

Jian Yufei was sitting on the sofa, lost in thought.

"Grandpa is afraid he might hurt us, right?"

"But isn’t grandpa very clear-headed?"

"Maybe not completely clear-headed."

Ansel nodded, "Oh, once grandpa is completely clear-headed, he won’t reject us anymore."

Jian Yufei smiled, "Yes."

"Mommy, don’t be sad. Grandpa will get better."