WBSGVS Chapter 176 V2

Thoughtful, gentle, and always knowing just how to tug at his heartstrings, never letting him sink too deep into his own emotions.

Chi Yue almost lost track of what he was saying. He just wanted to hold onto her hand and soak in the moment. He’d been wanting to do that the entire time they were watching the movi,e but hadn’t dared, and by the time the movie ended, he still hadn’t found the right chance.

But the things that needed to be said still had to be said. Chi Yue forced himself to look away, trying to clear his mind enough to get the words out properly.

“You’ve probably heard the rumors—that my parents never planned to find me a wife or keep the Chi family line going. And it’s true… They thought about it. But I didn’t agree. I told them if they dared to do it, I’d jump off the roof. They got scared. That’s the only reason they backed off…”

Qingli looked at him in surprise. She had suspected Chi Yue’s condition might not be as severe as it appeared, but she hadn’t been sure.

What puzzled her was why a powerful family like the Chi’s hadn’t tried to arrange a marriage for him and continue the lineage until now.

So that’s what it was.

She silently scooted closer, listening intently.

“When I was young and reckless, I got into a street racing accident. Ended up with disabled legs. I thought my world had ended. But after barely surviving and making it out of the ER, I found out something even more devastating—my parents barely visited me in the hospital. My legs went through over a dozen surgeries in six months just to avoid amputation. I thought they were just busy earning money for my treatment…”

Chi Yue’s voice caught in his throat, his eyes filling with hatred. He growled, “But they were actually at another hospital trying to have a test tube baby!”

“They gave up on me. Before I even had time to process that my life was ruined, they had already moved on. They wanted a second child!”

His voice rang in her ears, and Qingli felt a sharp ache in her chest. At the lowest point in his life, his parents had chosen to rush into having another child, completely abandoning their firstborn.

Chi Yue’s accident happened nearly a decade ago—back then, he was just a spirited young man freshly graduated from high school.

No wonder he was so withdrawn, so full of thorns.

Turning sideways, Qingli wrapped her arms around him and gently patted his back.

Chi Yue buried his face in the crook of her neck. His eyes blinked once or twice, and the tears that escaped were instantly soaked up by her clothes, leaving no trace. He looked hollow, like a lifeless puppet. After a long pause, he finally spoke again.

“They’re cold-hearted people. They always make whatever decision benefits them most. After the IVF failed, they started thinking about getting me to father a child instead. I refused. We fought about it for two years. They finally gave up and decided to adopt from a relative’s side. The one you saw last time? That was the fifth one. Their judgment is terrible—every one they brought in was either too dumb or too malicious…”

“To be honest, I just wanted to let the Chi Group go under and be done with it. After all this, they’ve pretty much given up too. They can’t rely on me, can’t rely on our relatives, and they’re not capable of much anymore. So now they’re talking about just enjoying the last twenty-some years of their lives and donating everything to the state when they’re gone.”

Chi Yue chuckled dryly at that, then quickly added, “But now that you’ve shown up, they see hope again. No way they’d donate it now. And I… I won’t let them either. If you want it, it’s all yours!”

After he finished speaking, he looked up at her, and suddenly realized just how close they were. He could feel her breath mingling with his own. His whole body grew warm with nerves. He wanted to pull away, but then it hit him: he was being held by Huo Qingli!

Wait… how come she’s the one holding me?!

Chi Yue’s face turned beet red. Still, he thought to himself, I’m the man—I should be the one taking initiative.

He took a deep breath, mustered up his courage, and carefully returned the hug.

His hands met nothing but a soft down jacket.

Chi Yue frowned slightly, visibly disappointed.

Qingli laughed and teased, “Then I’ll accept it gratefully. Maybe we’ll save it for our future kids?”

She deliberately shifted the focus, lightening the heavy atmosphere.

Chi Yue’s face instantly flushed red down to his neck. He gave a firm little nod. “Yeah!”

Kids.

She got what he meant!

Chi Yue’s arms tightened around her, holding her even closer. After years of emotional darkness, he suddenly felt like a rainbow was glowing above his head.

And so, the two of them just stayed like that—neither letting go. It was winter, after all, and the thick clothes made their hug feel cozy and warm. They simply kept holding each other.

By the time the housekeeper came to call them for dinner, she paused at the sight, covering her mouth and giggling quietly before finally calling out, “Dinner’s ready!”

“Coming!” Qingli replied.

The housekeeper walked away.

Qingli started to get up, but the arms around her waist were still holding on. She patted them. “Let go—we’ve got to eat.”

Reluctantly, Chi Yue released her. Afraid she might think he was being too clingy, he quickly straightened up in his wheelchair and gave a light cough. “Mm. Let’s eat.”

Qingli walked around to the back of his wheelchair, placing one hand on the handle, then stretched the other in front of him. “Wanna hold hands?”

Chi Yue blinked, hesitated a moment.

“If not—” Qingli began to withdraw her hand.

But Chi Yue immediately reached out and grabbed it.