TFSRITA Chapter 124

She slowly backed out of the room.

After that day’s events, nothing particularly changed in how Chu Zhao treated Yan Qing. He remained mostly in his room, just as before.

Occasionally, Yan Qing would go in to chat with him.

When he was in his normal state, Chu Zhao was entirely harmless, resembling a shy, ordinary artist. A simple compliment would make him smile awkwardly.

Yan Qing adapted well to this version of him, and their interactions were amicable.

Still, Chu Zhao didn’t come downstairs often. Only when he was in a particularly good mood or when he accidentally agreed to Yan Qing’s request did he reluctantly leave his room? Even when he joined meals, he ignored everyone else the entire time.

When alone in his room, Chu Zhao spent his time either zoning out or drawing.

Yan Qing was busy with her matters. The tutors that Zhou Huaiya had hired came regularly, rigorously drilling knowledge into her that she had missed since middle school. Thankfully, Yan Qing was clever and managed to catch up quickly.

Life at the Chu family home was comfortable, so much so that Yan Qing nearly forgot her mission—until the day before school began.

At the dining table, Chu Heng casually mentioned, “The Yan family is expected to declare bankruptcy within a month.”

Yan Qing was briefly stunned.

She hadn’t paid any attention to the Yan family’s affairs, knowing the Chu family would take care of it.

Still, hearing the satisfying news, she couldn’t help but smile slightly and say, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Chu Heng chuckled kindly. “I should be thanking you.”

In recent days, his eldest son, who rarely ate, had started eating regular meals, thanks to Yan Qing’s encouragement. The improvement was visible to the naked eye.

Zhou Huaiya was thrilled every time she saw it. If she weren’t worried about upsetting her son, she would’ve brought out a scale to weigh him daily.

As the Yan family’s impending bankruptcy loomed, Yan Qing remained unbothered, even as she prepared to start the grueling senior year of high school.

The house had been lively lately.

Zhou Huaiya, who didn’t need to work, spent most of her time at home, only going out with friends when others were around to keep an eye on Chu Zhao.

Chu Heng, semi-retired, had begun transferring his workload to Chu Yang. He only needed to visit the company every three days for a brief check-in.

Chu Yang, the most diligent member of the family, still made sure to return home on time every evening. Lately, he even came home for lunch, worried he might miss one of the rare occasions when Chu Zhao came downstairs to eat.

Yan Qing admired the Chu family’s unwavering love for Chu Zhao.

They treated her exceptionally well, too, which made her determined to be even kinder to Chu Zhao.

The system task assigned to her seemed straightforward, but there was no time limit. It wouldn’t be considered complete until Chu Zhao was entirely free of suicidal thoughts.

Yan Qing stood in the hallway on the second floor, staring at her packed luggage.

She glanced at the room next to hers—Chu Zhao’s. She suddenly felt a pang of unease. As a senior, she would be living on campus and only coming home once a week. What if something happened to Chu Zhao while she was gone?

After lunch, she had to leave. Her suitcase was already ready to be taken downstairs.

As she was lost in thought, the tightly shut door suddenly opened.

Seated in his wheelchair, Chu Zhao appeared, his gaze meeting hers.

The handsome young man tilted his head slightly, as though confused. “Were you looking for me?”

Beautiful people always had a way of brightening the mood, especially when their gaze was fixed solely on you. His crystalline eyes shimmered, and his lips, now slightly tinged with color, enhanced his refined features.

Yan Qing smiled faintly and said, “I’m heading off to school.”

Chu Zhao frowned slightly, a trace of confusion flickering in his eyes. “You’re leaving? Will I see you tonight?”

“Not for now,” Yan Qing replied with a shake of her head. “I’ll only be back during breaks.”

Chu Zhao’s head lowered slowly.

Looking at him, Yan Qing couldn’t help but feel he resembled an abandoned puppy—pitiful and unsure of what to do.

Zhou Huaiya also noticed and stepped forward, intending to comfort her son.

She had recently come to realize that her eldest son’s emotional maturity was closer to that of an eighteen or nineteen-year-old. Overprotected by the family, he had been shielded from life’s hardships, making it harder for him to cope with losing his legs.

“Zhao Zhao…” Zhou Huaiya began carefully.

“Come here.” A low voice interrupted her.

Yan Qing glanced at Zhou Huaiya, who stepped back to give them space.

She approached, crouching down in front of Chu Zhao. “Chu Zhao, you—”

Before she could finish, the young man, who had been sitting quietly in his wheelchair, suddenly moved with lightning speed. He grabbed her and pulled her close, one hand tightly gripping her neck.

“Ahhh!” Zhou Huaiya screamed in terror, falling to the ground and shouting, “Chu Heng, come quick! Something’s wrong! Chu Heng!!” Her cries turned into sobs.

It was horrifying—her son had suddenly snapped.

She trembled, too scared to move until she remembered Chu Heng was at work today. The only other person home was Yan Qing, and Qin Zhen, their assistant, had been sent away—by Chu Zhao’s orders!

Zhou Huaiya felt her throat go dry, and her limbs weak. Desperately crawling over, she tried to pry her son’s hand away. “Zhao Zhao… please calm down. Don’t do this. This is Yan Qing. You like her, don’t you?”

It was then Yan Qing realized Chu Zhao’s mental state had been unstable all along, only hidden beneath the surface. His trembling frame, distorted expression, and wide, glaring eyes revealed his struggle. He clenched her neck with frightening strength, while his other hand restrained hers.