Chapter Twenty-Three: The Kate Grand Hotel

Of course, Ouyang Zhuo was only joking; with such close friends, how could he ever truly do something so unscrupulous?

In the hospital, Shu Miaoyan sat dazed, her gaze vacant and unfocused. When she saw Shu Yiming enter from the hallway, she finally broke into tears with a wail.

That cry pierced Shu Yiming’s heart. He rushed forward in a few steps, wrapping Shu Miaoyan tightly in his arms, gently stroking her head, unable to keep his own eyes from reddening.

“It’s all my fault, all my mistake. From now on, your brother will protect you well, and never let you be hurt again.”

Shu Yiming was consumed with guilt. If only he had been more cautious—just a little more careful—perhaps things would not have turned out this way.

Shu Miaoyan had indeed been frightened; confused and dazed, she’d been bundled into a sack, then wandered outside, equally muddled. The fact she hadn’t suffered worse was already a relief.

As he held the sobbing Shu Miaoyan in his arms, Shu Yiming silently vowed that Shu Zucheng would pay for what he had done, and that all who had wronged them would face consequences.

Ouyang Zhuo, watching from the side, felt deeply moved. Just then, he saw Shu Jinghan come in from outside and quickly stepped forward to comfort her. “Jinghan, are you alright? Don’t worry, everything’s settled now. Your brother and I have taken care of it.”

Shu Jinghan felt awkward. She had known this brother’s friend for quite some time; he always seemed excessively enthusiastic around her. He’d been exceptionally good to her since childhood, and though they’d drifted apart for a few years, she hadn’t expected to meet him again now.

Feeling embarrassed, she called out, “Brother Ouyang,” before helping Shu Miaoyan wash her face, not thinking much of it.

Ouyang Zhuo was easily satisfied; that single “Brother Ouyang” sent a thrill through his heart. He stood there smiling blissfully, as though all the hardships had been worthwhile.

After comforting them in the hospital, Shu Yiming watched Shu Miaoyan fall asleep before leaving with Ouyang Zhuo.

It was already deep into the night, but neither could sleep. Too much had happened during the day, keeping them both tense and unable to relax.

Shu Yiming thought about the bet he’d made. Glancing around and seeing no one else nearby, he felt a surge of joy and laughed, “Hey, Ouyang, about that wager—I’m going to pay up now!”

“Huh?” Ouyang Zhuo had only been joking, and had nearly forgotten about the bet. It took him a moment to react, then he shook his head, saying, “Forget it, man, I was just kidding. How could I make you do that?”

“No way. This is about a man’s dignity—if you say you’ll do something, you’ve got to do it. Sure, my physique isn’t perfect, but there’s no one around, right? Watch me—three laps, just as we said.”

In the past, Shu Yiming might have brushed it off and let the matter slide.

Living life anew had made him see things differently; sometimes, pride is meaningless, and what matters is sticking to one’s principles.

It was much the same now—whether he did it or not hardly mattered, but Shu Yiming wanted to be a different man: someone who faced things head-on, not someone who ran away when trouble arose.

He acted immediately, stripping down to his underwear.

When Ouyang Zhuo saw Shu Yiming was serious, a wave of respect surged within him.

Thinking it over, Ouyang Zhuo took off his own shirt and stood beside Shu Yiming.

“What are you doing?” Shu Yiming asked, surprised.

“A true brother shares both hardship and joy. It wouldn