Thrown Away by my Family, Cherished by my Enemy-Chapter 25: You’re staying?

Li Xiyan sat quietly on the bed, fingers lightly toying with the edge of her blanket as she watched the three Shens interact.

Nurse Lin opened the lid of the soup bowl and carefully ladled a portion into a smaller bowl.

The rich aroma filled the room, but Li Xiyan's attention wasn't on the food.

Shen Rui tugged at Old Madam Shen's sleeve and looked up at her, eyes shining with hope.

Though she still wore a mask, the brightness in her gaze was enough to melt anyone's heart.

"Grandma... can I stay here instead?" she asked, voice soft and sweet.

Old Madam Shen's expression softened instantly.

She cupped her granddaughter's cheek lovingly but let out a resigned sigh. "Rui'er, you know that's not up to me."

Shen Yuze, already anticipating the move, didn't miss a beat.

"No," he said, his tone calm but firm. "You've already missed a few days of class."

Shen Rui's shoulders slumped, the disappointment written all over her.

But she tried again, glancing at her father with wide eyes. "Then... can Teacher Xi and I have our lesson here?"

Shen Yuze raised a brow, clearly amused despite himself.

"You can't have your classes here," he said, glancing briefly at Li Xiyan. "Miss Li is still recovering. You don't want to tire her out, do you?"

That stopped her.

Shen Rui looked down and slowly nodded. "No... I don't."

Watching the exchange, Li Xiyan opened her mouth as if to say it was alright—but stopped herself.

As much as she adored Shen Rui's company, having lessons here might make it harder for the girl to focus.

And Li Xiyan... she still needed rest.

Nurse Lin gently handed her the soup. "Here. Have some while it's still hot."

Li Xiyan nodded, offering a quiet, "Thank you," before taking the bowl in both hands.

She glanced at the three Shens again.

They looked like a scene from a life she couldn't quite reach.

And yet, somehow... she was sitting in the middle of it.

"Oh, right—Shen Yuze—" Li Xiyan started, then paused, catching herself.

She had called his name so casually, the way she always had when she was Yan Xiuran.

She cleared her throat, adjusting her tone. "Mr. Shen, can I borrow a phone? I need to call my friend... let her know I won't be going back for a while."

Shen Yuze looked at her, then said calmly, "There's no need. I've already contacted your friend and your physician. But if you still want a phone, I'll have one brought to you."

Li Xiyan blinked in surprise. "Oh... then it's fine. No need to trouble yourself."

Before the conversation could continue, a small voice chimed in from the side.

"Does that mean... you're staying?" Shen Rui asked softly.

Li Xiyan turned to the little girl.

Shen Rui had looked away the moment their eyes met, but after a moment, she glanced back up again, uncertain but hopeful.

Li Xiyan noticed that Shen Rui always seemed to avoid her gaze at first—like she wasn't sure she was allowed to look, or maybe afraid of what she'd see.

With a gentle smile, Li Xiyan nodded. "Yeah... I've decided to stay and recover here. I hope you don't mind."

Shen Rui's eyes lit up, forming that unmistakable crescent shape Li Xiyan was starting to recognize as a smile, even behind the mask.

It made her heart feel oddly light.

The little girl merely nodded but it can be seen that she was more cheerful than before.

Old Madam Shen, watching the exchange with amusement, clapped her hands lightly. "Well then, enough talk. Eat while the soup's still hot, child."

"Oh," Li Xiyan nodded and picked up the spoon.

As she took her first sip, Shen Yuze straightened up. "We'll leave you to rest."

"Okay," Li Xiyan replied softly.

Shen Rui gave her a little wave before leaving with her father. "I'll come visit again later, Sister Xiyan."

Li Xiyan nodded with a faint smile. "I'll be here."

After they left, the room grew quieter.

Old Madam Shen stayed behind a little longer.

She sat nearby, occasionally chatting with Li Xiyan in a tone that was unexpectedly gentle.

Not once did she make a biting remark, and for nearly an hour, the conversation stayed calm, even... pleasant.

Eventually, Old Madam Shen rose, patting Li Xiyan's hand lightly. "Rest well, Ms. Li. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you," Li Xiyan replied with a soft nod.

Once she was gone, Li Xiyan was left with Nurse Lin and the quiet hum of the morning sun spilling into the room.

It was only then that she remembered something.

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She turned to Nurse Lin. "Um... do you think I could change into something more comfortable? This hospital gown's starting to feel a bit too... medical."

Nurse Lin smiled gently. "Of course. I'll check in with Master Shen first. I'm sure he'll arrange something."

Li Xiyan blinked. "Oh... right. Thanks."

True to her word, Nurse Lin stepped out briefly.

And by the time afternoon sunlight began pouring softly through the windows, a staff member came in carrying several large paper bags, each from different high-end boutiques.

"They really didn't hold back..." Li Xiyan muttered under her breath, eyeing the elegant logos and neat packaging.

Nurse Lin chuckled as she began pulling out a few options—soft loungewear sets, loose-fitting dresses, and light outerwear, all chosen carefully to avoid aggravating her injuries.

"Looks like someone was very thorough," she said as she held up a loose cream-colored top and a matching pair of drawstring pants made from soft cotton.

With Nurse Lin's help, Li Xiyan slowly changed.

She winced slightly with every careful movement—the pain in her back from the gunshot wound still sharp, and the bandages across her arm and abdomen tugging against her skin.

Her back was sore too, the kind of deep ache that didn't let her forget what had happened even for a second.

But somehow, even just getting out of the sterile gown and into real clothes made her feel more... like herself.

Like she wasn't just a patient lying in bed anymore.