Chapter 55: Even the Overbearing CEO Can Misread Affection

Meng Qiaoyuan sighed. Since Jiang Zao forbade her from speaking, she could only pretend not to know. “If you feel Miss Jiang isn’t providing good care, you can dismiss her at any time—it’s within your rights. There’s no need for me to persuade you.”

Zhou Lichuan looked slightly awkward. “Miss Jiang doesn’t seem to be in a good mood either…”

Meng Qiaoyuan turned to look at him. “You’re so decisive and ruthless in your corporation, President Zhou. Are you really concerned about a nurse’s mood?”

He arched an eyebrow. “I thought Miss Meng came to visit me every day out of concern. Seems I was mistaken.”

The abruptness of his words left Meng Qiaoyuan momentarily at a loss. “President Zhou, please watch your words. I am only worried about my friend. It has nothing to do with you.”

As she walked out, Meng Qiaoyuan rubbed the goosebumps on her arm.

Had Zhou Lichuan lost his memory, or was something wrong with his mind? How could he possibly think she visited daily because of him? Thank goodness Jiang Zao hadn’t heard that—how hurt she would have been.

Speak of the devil, and here she came: Jiang Zao appeared, eyes and nose red from crying.

Meng Qiaoyuan hurried to her. “Zaozao, are you feeling nauseous again?”

Jiang Zao nodded, holding her nose. “Yes, I suddenly felt unwell just now. Why don’t you come inside and rest a bit before leaving?”

Meng Qiaoyuan recalled Zhou Lichuan’s earlier words and felt a wave of discomfort. “I need to cover a shift at the clinic for a colleague. I’ll come back to keep you company later.”

Her manner didn’t quite ring true, and Jiang Zao seemed to sense something.

“You saw Zhou Lichuan.”

Her tone was certain, as if she already knew what had happened.

Meng Qiaoyuan nodded, and said seriously, “President Zhou still needs time to recover. Don’t be impatient if things don’t go your way.”

Jiang Zao’s body slumped as she leaned against the cold wall. “Last night, Zhou Lichuan asked me if you liked him.”

Meng Qiaoyuan rushed to explain, “No, I really don’t. You two have such a good relationship, how could I ever do something like that?”

Jiang Zao gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I didn’t overthink it. After last night, I’ve made up my mind. When he’s discharged, I’ll tell him who I am and why it’s been me taking care of him. No matter what he says, I’ll be prepared.”

“Zaozao…”

“It’s just… I’m a little sad.”

Meng Qiaoyuan was so pained she didn’t dare look at Jiang Zao any longer, hastily changing the subject. “I bought you some oranges. I’ll ask the nurse to bring them over later. If there’s anything else you want to eat, just tell me and I’ll get it for you.”

After Jiang Zao thanked her, she went into the ward.

Meng Qiaoyuan stared at the closed door for a long time, heaving a deep sigh before turning to leave.

Zhou Lichuan noticed someone entering again—a figure in light-colored clothing with long hair. His vision hadn’t fully recovered, so he couldn’t see her face clearly, but he sensed she must be gentle and beautiful.

“Are you feeling better, Miss Jiang?”

Jiang Zao nodded and sat down. “Much better. I also asked the doctor about your eyes—the recovery is going quickly. In another two or three days, your vision should be back to normal.”

Zhou Lichuan replied politely, “Thank you for being so attentive to my condition. You’re an excellent caregiver. After I’m discharged, I’ll make sure you receive additional payment.”

For a moment, Jiang Zao’s expression cracked, but she quickly composed herself. “Thank you, President Zhou.”

…

Zhou Jiayan was furious—furious that Jiang Zao would simply give up without even fighting for herself, and that she expected everyone to help hide her identity.

But wait—

What identity did Jiang Zao have to hide? She was nothing more than Zhou Lichuan’s…

His lifeblood.

Jiang Zao was Zhou Lichuan’s lifeblood. He had said so himself.

When Du Bin realized someone was following them, he promptly brought Zhou Jiayan to Zhou Lichuan. She had thrown a tantrum and bad-mouthed Jiang Zao, but Zhou Lichuan had said:

“Jiang Zao is more important than anyone. She is my lifeblood. Whether you accept it or not, you have to accept it.”

Now, sitting in a friend’s bar, Zhou Jiayan sipped her drink, grumbling to herself, “Lifeblood? He forgot her after a single surgery! Is that how you treat your lifeblood? Men are all garbage.”

The bartender glanced at her, barely suppressing a laugh.

She’d already been through two rounds of drinks and was clearly tipsy. Under the dim lights, Zhou Jiayan thought she saw the bartender smirk. She grabbed his collar and demanded, “What’s wrong with men these days? Not an ounce of conscience! They forget as soon as they say they do. Always claiming they can’t live without her, and in the end? All talk. Not a single honest word.”

The bartender, caught off balance, quickly rescued his collar from her grip. “Miss, you’ve got the wrong person—I haven’t done anything. Please let go.”

Zhou Jiayan squinted through her drunken haze, trying to focus. “Hm? Wrong person?”

With that, she toppled sideways.

The bartender acted fast, reaching over the bar to catch her and prevent her from falling off the high stool.

“Hey, hey—Miss? Miss, wake up!”

Suddenly, a large hand reached out and supported Zhou Jiayan from behind.

The bartender looked up to see a tall, broad-shouldered man with pronounced features—a striking, almost foreign face.

“Boss, you’re here.”

Li Mingyi gestured for the bartender to let go. “How much did she drink?”

The bartender checked quickly. “She’s on her second round, plus a shot of tequila.”

Li Mingyi frowned and ordered, “The upstairs key.”

The bartender fished out a key from behind the counter and handed it over respectfully, watching as the boss scooped the drunken young lady up and strode upstairs, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

Whew. The boss never shows up except to settle accounts—why did he come today?

…

Jiang Zao had fallen asleep at Zhou Lichuan’s bedside, her arm propped on the nightstand, her head bobbing up and down with drowsiness.

Zhou Lichuan’s vision was growing clearer. He turned to look at Jiang Zao.

She must not have rested well—dark circles shadowed her eyes, her hair was dull and dry, and two pimples marred her delicate face.

She refused to leave, though he had no idea what she was holding out for.

The door opened softly and Shen Mushi entered with a stack of documents. Seeing Jiang Zao asleep, he lowered his voice on the other side of the bed, “Brother Chuan, you can be discharged tomorrow. I’ve brought all the materials about memory disorders. Once home, be sure to rest and don’t strain your eyes.”

Zhou Lichuan nodded. “Got it. Don’t worry.”

Shen Mushi glanced at Jiang Zao, his expression grave, and left.

As soon as he stepped outside, he ran into Meng Qiaoyuan carrying a box of fruit.

“Jiang Zao’s asleep. Come back a little later.”

Meng Qiaoyuan peeked through the crack in the door and witnessed Zhou Lichuan lifting a file to shield Jiang Zao from the sunlight.

Clearly, whether or not the memories remained, fondness in the heart could not be erased.

If that was true, then Jiang Zao’s efforts had not been in vain.