Chapter 464: I Really Like You
Lin Chuyue understood the feeling of unrequited love all too well, especially from that period of her life.
Every time she thought of Xiao Ye with that imposter, her heart ached so much she could barely breathe.
Perhaps Lin Chuxing felt the same way. Besides, she wasn't supposed to overthink things. 'If her condition worsens because of this, then I'll be the one to blame!'
'Sister, I'm going back to the safe house of my own free will. I just can't take being in the hospital day after day.'
"I'm sorry, but I have to go…"
After saying this, Lin Chuyue fled. She only notified Jian Qiuyan before having Xiao Ye's men take her back to the safe house.
His subordinate promptly informed Xiao Ye.
Xiao Ye furrowed his brows slightly. 'Why did Lin Chuyue suddenly go back?'
'Was she feeling down from being at the hospital?'
Her state did seem a bit off, though. Perhaps a change of scenery would do her some good. "Have the people at the safe house take good care of Chuyue."
"Don't let her run into any danger. If anything happens, notify me immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
「The next day.」
Xiao Ye received a call and returned to the sanatorium.
This time, the dean came out personally to explain the situation. "I'm afraid Miss Lin only has about five years to live. Mr. Xiao, what are your plans?"
He didn't know that his people had only informed Lin Chuyue and not Xiao Ye. He assumed Xiao Ye had been too busy and had forgotten about it, so he had specifically called him in to discuss it today.
"I already know. In fact, I suspected this might be the case the day the lab results came out."
"This type of toxin affects the brain and can even increase the risk of cancer."
"But I have a way to solve it." Xiao Ye was very confident. "I will use traditional Chinese medicine to treat her. It can extend her life by at least ten years."
"As for whether we can extend it further, that will all depend on how well she's cared for during these first ten years."
Fortunately, Lin Chuxing was now living in the lap of luxury, and her family did not lack for money.
The Lin Family wouldn't even have to lift a finger; Xiao Ye would arrange everything.
Nursing someone back to health is expensive, especially with all the costly traditional Chinese medicines. For some herbs, money alone isn't enough; you also need connections.
And as it happened, the Xiao Family had both.
That's why Xiao Ye was so confident that he could extend Lin Chuxing's life.
Hearing this, the dean let out a small sigh of relief. "In that case, I have no reason to worry."
"Mr. Xiao, let's discuss the subsequent treatment plan."
"Alright." Xiao Ye nodded, and the two began their discussion.
Once their discussion was over, he entered the hospital room.
After thinking it over for a night, Lin Chuxing now understood Lin Chuyue's intentions.
'She's trying to give Xiao Ye to me.'
Although she didn't know why, a part of her was secretly delighted.
Just then, Xiao Ye walked in, and a hint of color returned to her pale face. "You're here."
"Yes. I came to see how you are. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
"Not at the moment." Lin Chuxing smiled faintly. "Oh, right. Chuyue said that staying in the hospital for so long was getting a bit depressing, so she went back."
"You probably know about it already, right? Her spirits didn't seem very high, so maybe it's best to let her have a few days to herself. Besides, Mom and the others are here to take care of me now."
Xiao Ye thought so too. "Alright, let's do that. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."
"Wait!" Lin Chuxing couldn't help but call out to him.
For some reason, she felt as if this fleeting happiness was stolen, and she was terrified it would disappear at any moment.
That's why she craved more time alone with Xiao Ye—the longer, the better.
"I've been feeling a little down lately. Could you… talk with me for a bit?"
Xiao Ye paused and turned around.
He saw the same look of infatuation in Lin Chuxing's eyes that he saw in other women.
He sighed softly, deciding it was time to make some things clear.
If it were anyone else, he might have just pretended not to notice and slowly distanced himself.
But he couldn't do that with Lin Chuxing. She was a member of the Lin Family and, more importantly, Lin Chuyue's sister. They were bound to interact, and they might even end up living under the same roof someday.
Most importantly, Lin Chuxing was someone who couldn't handle excessive worry, so some things needed to be said clearly and early.
"Chuxing, just focus on getting better for now. Whatever it is, we can talk about it this afternoon."
He intended to give her some time to brace herself.
His expression was so cold it frightened her. "If you have something to say, just say it. You don't have to wait until this afternoon."
"Alright. Since you've asked, I'll be direct."
"I know you might have some special feelings for me, but you are inexperienced with romance. Perhaps it's because I saved your life, or perhaps it's because I've been helping you."
"Because of that, you've developed a misconception that you're in love with me, but that's not actually the case. Love is a feeling that develops after two people have spent time together."
"I hope you can face this reality and not overthink it."
Lin Chuxing looked at Xiao Ye and gave a bitter smile. "I didn't expect you to be so… so perceptive, to see my feelings so quickly."
"But I don't think it's a misconception. I really… I really do like you. It's not fake."
"I may not have lived in the outside world, but that doesn't mean I don't understand anything. I… I want to try being with you. Is that okay?"
"I know I'm not as good as Chuyue, but I still want to fight for a chance."
After she spoke, she closed her eyes.
Even though she knew what the outcome would be, she still wanted to make one last effort. What if, by some miracle, she succeeded?
If she failed, at least she wouldn't have any regrets later.
But if she never asked, she knew that when she looked back on her life before she died, it would be filled with regret and misery.
Xiao Ye sighed. "I'm sorry, I can't agree to that. I only love Lin Chuyue."
"What if…" Lin Chuxing opened her eyes, which were now slightly red-rimmed. "What if I hadn't been lost? If I had been the one to appear first? If you had known that I was the one in the marriage contract, would you…"
"Would you have fallen for me then?"
Xiao Ye shook his head. "No."
"Even though the marriage contract was with you, it was Chuyue in the end. That is fate. And she and I were made for each other."
"No matter how many obstacles stood in our way, we would have still ended up together."
Lin Chuxing suddenly felt a painful lump in her throat, and she couldn't say a word.
So, it didn't matter if she had come first. It didn't matter if she was the one in the marriage contract. The result would have been the same.
He would only ever love Lin Chuyue. He even used phrases like "fate" and "made for each other."
"I… I understand."
Lin Chuxing closed her eyes. "I heard from Mom that the marriage contract between you and me was actually an obstacle for you and Lin Chuyue."