C9 Her Reward

When Ho Li arrived at the hospital ward, Tang Xin was still at an impasse with the doctor. The knife wound in her back hadn't healed, and her struggles had caused it to bleed anew, staining the area a startling red.

"Miss Tang, you need to rest and recover," the doctor advised.

"I can rest at home," Tang Xin countered firmly. "I can't afford the medical bills."

It was only after a prolonged standoff that Tang Xin disclosed the real reason for her insistence on being discharged. The doctor looked at her, astonished. "Mr. Ho has already taken care of the expenses."

Tang Xin was taken aback. "Mr. Ho?"

"Mr. Ho Li," the doctor clarified.

At the time of the incident, Tang Xin hadn't known whom she was saving. Learning that it was Ho Li only deepened her frown; she wanted nothing to do with him.

"I need to be discharged." The realization that Ho Li had paid her medical bills only intensified her desire to leave the hospital.

Unbeknownst to her, Ho Li had witnessed the entire exchange. He spoke up, his voice icy, "Everyone, leave."

With that, the room emptied, leaving only Tang Xin and Ho Li. He had been watching from the doorway, unnoticed until now.

Ho Li suspected that Tang Xin's distress was an act, a ploy to garner his sympathy. His gaze turned scornful.

She was exploiting her injury to gain pity, he thought. Did she really believe that saving him once would give her free rein to do as she pleased? Such naivety.

Tang Xin's clothes were ruined, bloodied and torn. It was clear she couldn't wear them, so she was left with no choice but to don the hospital gown. It was a more dignified option than her bloodstained attire.

Ignoring Ho Li as if he were invisible, Tang Xin continued her act. Ho Li watched, curious to see how long she would keep up the charade.

Ripping off the alcohol-soaked cotton ball from her hand, Tang Xin headed for the door. Ho Li stood there like a sentinel, silent and unyielding.

With no way to bypass him, Tang Xin had no choice but to speak up. "Excuse me, could you please move aside?"

Ho Li noticed the bloodstains on her hospital gown and his brow furrowed. Unlike before, he didn't cling to her but seemed to be playing a game of hard-to-get—a game he had no patience for.

He tossed a card to Tang Xin.

"What does this mean?" Tang Xin inquired.

"It's your compensation," Ho Li replied, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the day's weather.

"Compensation?" Tang Xin chuckled. "Do you think I'm after something?" Her laughter carried a hint of irony. "I actually feel sorry for you, not having anyone who's truly loyal to you."

Ho Li's expression turned stern as he squinted at Tang Xin. After a moment, he retorted, "That's still better than being penniless."

Tang Xin flung the card to the floor. "I don't want your money. Move aside; I'm leaving."

"Don't play games with me," Ho Li snapped, clearly losing his patience. "Remember who you are."

"I want nothing to do with you, so please step aside. I swear you'll never see me again."

Ho Li, accustomed to Tang Xin's persistent attempts to stay by his side, was taken aback by her sudden desire to leave. He furrowed his brow and seized her arm.

His grip was tight, causing Tang Xin considerable pain, yet she didn't utter a word of complaint.

"Take the money, stay in the hospital, and don't even think about causing trouble," Ho Li growled, as if he could devour her.

"I'll say it once more, I have no desire to..."