Torn Wound

Butler Wang’s face flushed with embarrassment. "I’m just an old man now, too frail to endure any more mischief. I thought I’d try to please you so you’d go easier on me in the future."

Here he was, a man in his fifties or sixties, trying to curry favor with someone barely in his twenties. It was downright humiliating to admit.

Lin Xuan rubbed his nose.

During those two years he’d been confined to Night Garden, he had indeed been quite the troublemaker. The servants there had suffered terribly under his antics, treating him like a cat to their mice.

Butler Wang had been relatively kind to him, so Lin Xuan had gone easier on him.

But then, one day, he discovered Butler Wang had been praising him in front of Su Hua!

That wouldn’t do at all!

His whole plan was to make Su Hua despise him so she’d let him leave. How could she be left with a good impression?

So, he doubled down on tormenting Butler Wang.

Perhaps those days of relentless mischief had left the old man traumatized.

Looking back, he really had been a heartless monster…

"Butler Wang," Lin Xuan said guiltily, "don’t worry. I won’t torment you like before ever again."

"It’s all in the past," Butler Wang shook his head.

"Master Lin, hurry up and cook. I’m still waiting to learn," Butler Wang urged.

"Alright."

Lin Xuan nodded and focused on preparing Su Hua’s favorite dishes.

Butler Wang held a small notebook, meticulously jotting down every step of Lin Xuan’s cooking process—each action, frying time, exact measurements of seasonings, and even the heat control.

His notes were incredibly detailed, allowing him to replicate the dishes later.

Though they’d never match Lin Xuan’s skill, the results would still rival a five-star hotel chef’s.

As Lin Xuan finished the last dish, Butler Wang closed his notebook with satisfaction.

Tonight, he’d cook these very dishes for his sweetheart!

"Thank you, Master Lin," Butler Wang repeated his gratitude before clutching the notebook to his chest like a treasure and hurrying off.

Lin Xuan plated the food, carrying three dishes, a soup, and several bowls of rice upstairs.

Every dish was tailored to Su Hua’s tastes, packed with nourishing ingredients.

The door to Su Hua and Lin Xuan’s bedroom wasn’t fully closed.

As Lin Xuan approached, a sudden thud echoed from inside, followed by a pained cry.

Lin Xuan froze, his brow furrowing.

That sounded like it came from their room.

His heart lurched.

A nearby servant frowned. "Was that… the young mistress?"

It was Su Hua!

Lin Xuan shoved the tray of food into the servant’s hands. "Take these to the dining room."

Then he sprinted into the bedroom.

Pushing the door open, he saw Su Hua collapsed on the floor, her face pale as she clutched her chest—her clothes already soaked with blood.

She looked utterly agonized.

Lin Xuan’s heart clenched.

"Su Hua!" He rushed to her side in panic.

In his arms, Su Hua weakly lifted her head, her lips trembling.

"Xuan…" Her voice was faint. "I’m sorry… I just wanted to use the bathroom. You were cooking downstairs, and I didn’t want to bother you. You said I was recovering well, so… I thought I could manage alone."

"But then I tripped over the table leg… and the corner hit my wound."

Lin Xuan’s gaze snapped to the table—sure enough, a smear of blood stained the edge.

"Xuan, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to. Really." Her lashes fluttered weakly.

Lin Xuan gripped her hand tightly. "Su Hua, it’s okay. I’ll fix this."

"Hmm…" She forced a faint smile before going limp in his arms, seemingly unconscious.

Lin Xuan scooped her up and laid her gently on the bed.

After tucking her in, he bolted from the room.

The door clicked shut, and his footsteps faded.

The moment he was gone, Su Hua’s eyes fluttered open—no trace of unconsciousness remained.

During her days as an assassin, she’d endured countless injuries.

A torn wound? A mere scratch. She’d never faint from something so trivial.

A glint of triumph flashed in her eyes.

This was exactly what she wanted—Xuan’s worry, his undivided attention.

When Lin Xuan returned, he brought medical equipment and a doctor in tow—the Su family’s physician.

Secretary Jiang had informed the doctor that Lin Xuan was exceptionally skilled in medicine and that he should follow Lin Xuan’s lead regarding Su Hua’s condition.

The doctor eyed Lin Xuan skeptically.

Hadn’t Master Lin studied computer science in college?

And he’d never shown any interest in medicine before.

Could he really be as capable as Secretary Jiang claimed?

Lin Xuan examined Su Hua’s wound and got to work.

The doctor’s jaw nearly dropped at the sight of Lin Xuan’s precise, practiced movements.

He had to admit—Master Lin was shockingly skilled.

The way he stitched the wound was smoother than anything the doctor could manage.

"Master Lin," the doctor couldn’t help asking, "where did you learn all this?"

Lin Xuan replied dismissively, "Self-taught."

The doctor: "…"

Yeah, right.

Behind closed lids, Su Hua’s lips curled slightly.

Her Xuan was truly amazing.

Seeing Lin Xuan wouldn’t elaborate, the doctor packed up and left Night Garden.

Two hours later, Su Hua "woke up."

"Su Hua, you’re awake. Here, drink some water." Lin Xuan’s voice was tender.

She sipped obediently, her parched lips regaining their rosy hue.

"Xuan…" She bit her lip. "I’m sorry for causing trouble. I really didn’t think I’d fall. If I’d known, I would’ve waited for you to carry me."

Lin Xuan’s heart ached at her apologetic expression.

Su Hua was too considerate—injured yet still afraid of inconveniencing him.

He stroked her hair gently. "Su Hua, I’m your boyfriend. Taking care of you isn’t a burden."

"Don’t overthink it. Just focus on resting, okay?"

"Hmm." Her eyes sparkled.

As expected—getting hurt really worked wonders.

Once again, Su Hua had ensured Lin Xuan would stay by her side, doting on her.

The next day, she lounged in his arms while sipping congee.

"Su Hua," Lin Xuan asked curiously, "how did you realize the person in Night Garden wasn’t me?"

Su Hua smiled. "Because I love you. I know your every mannerism. An imposter could never fool me."

Lin Xuan fell silent.

It was true—Su Hua could always recognize him. Even when he’d been bloated beyond recognition, she’d known.

"Su Hua, don’t blame Cheng Da or Secretary Jiang. I was the one who asked them to do it," he said.

"I know." She nodded. "Don’t worry, Xuan. I didn’t punish them."

Lin Xuan relaxed.

Su Hua really was reasonable.