Chapter 196

Chapter 196: Will a Hug Make It Hurt Less? "Jiang Shixu." Chu Tang's voice was so soft, so faint, that it was instantly swallowed by the sound of the pouring rain. As if by some telepathic connection, the man still heard her. He turned around, gazing at Chu Tang from across the curtain of rain. She stood on the corridor; he stood in the downpour. The rain was too heavy—his face was impossible to make out clearly. Chu Tang opened her umbrella and stepped forward, about to walk into the rain. Jiang Shixu, standing motionless in the rain, seemed to be triggered by some switch, and quickly strode toward Chu Tang. With his long legs and tall frame, he took large, hurried steps. Chu Tang had barely taken two steps before Jiang Shixu was already standing in front of her. "Your wound hasn't healed yet. Don't get caught in the rain." The man's voice was hoarse. Jiang Shixu reached out, took the hand that wasn't holding the umbrella, and led her back onto the corridor. His touch was ice-cold. Chu Tang couldn't help but shiver. Jiang Shixu felt it and immediately let go of her hand. "It's cold at night, and it's raining. Go back inside." Chu Tang's breath caught. They say a cold and love are both impossible to hide. Even as heartbroken as he was, he still instinctively cared about her. For a moment, a mix of emotions churned in Chu Tang's heart. Only a single incandescent light was on in the corridor. The light was dim. Chu Tang closed her umbrella and gently leaned it against the stone pillar. "You..." Chu Tang paused for a moment. "Don't stay out in the rain." "Mm, okay." Jiang Shixu stared at her without blinking, deep sorrow in his eyes laced with tender, lingering affection. The rain continued to pour, pattering loudly. On the corridor, the two stood facing each other, silent for a long moment. Finally, Chu Tang spoke again: "Life, aging, sickness, and death are all part of the natural order. My condolences." Ripples stirred in Jiang Shixu's eyes. He stepped forward, reaching out a hand to pull Chu Tang into his embrace. But seeing himself drenched and dripping wet, the man's outstretched hand froze mid-air. That gesture made Chu Tang's heart tremble once more. He was always like this—every little detail brimming with deep affection. Impossible to ignore. Jiang Shixu withdrew his hand and whispered hoarsely, "I'm fine." Still being stubborn. Just like in his dream. Chu Tang looked up to meet his eyes, glaring at him with a hint of defiance. "If you're fine, then why are you out here in the middle of the night getting soaked in the rain?" It seemed as if the ice in Jiang Shixu's eyes was melting. He was about to say something. Suddenly, his pupils dilated. Chu Tang's hands gently wrapped around his waist, pulling herself into an embrace. The familiar scent enveloped him. Jiang Shixu's entire body froze. Chu Tang buried her head against his chest, her arms tightening slightly, her voice barely a whisper: "Jiang Shixu, will a hug make it hurt less?" Jiang Shixu's eyes deepened, a warm current flowing through his cold heart. The girl's warm body was like a little stove, dispelling the chill of the rain and warming him all over in an instant. Jiang Shixu slowly wrapped his arms around her in return, his movements incredibly gentle, careful. "I'm not very good at comforting people." Chu Tang murmured against his chest. "I know sadness and grief can't be suppressed. I just hope you won't mistreat your own body." Who said she wasn't good at comforting? A single embrace was worth a thousand words. Jiang Shixu's heart melted into a pool of spring water, rippling softly. After holding each other for a while, Chu Tang pulled away from his embrace. "Alright." Chu Tang kept her eyes lowered, not looking at him. "Go back and change your clothes. Don't stay out in the rain anymore." "Okay." Jiang Shixu's gaze was gentle, obedient as could be. "Eat well, sleep well." Chu Tang spoke as if admonishing a child. "Don't make me worry." Hearing her say that, Jiang Shixu's heart softened beyond words. She said she worried about him. This was the first time since their breakup that Chu Tang had so openly revealed her feelings in front of him. Jiang Shixu answered softly, "Okay." "I'll head back now. Go home, drink some ginger soup, and take a hot shower." Chu Tang turned and left. Jiang Shixu stood in place, watching Chu Tang's retreating figure until she was completely out of sight. It was already past two in the morning when he got home. The housekeeper and servants had all gone to bed. Jiang Shixu took a hot shower and made himself a bowl of ginger soup. After drinking it, the man lay down on the bed and quickly fell asleep. He hadn't had a good night's sleep in days.