My Angel, My Guardian (GL) - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

In Xiao Zetong’s home, Ying Jia’en stood wearing an apron, asking softly, “Lele, what do you want to eat today?”

Zetong sat on the sofa, biting into an apple. “Whatever.”

“How about steamed fish, pork rib soup, a fried egg, and some tofu with scallions?” Jia’en checked the fridge. Zetong stood up and leaned against the kitchen doorframe, watching Jia’en wash the vegetables.

“Ai’ai,” Zetong said seriously, “Do you resent me for not establishing a stable relationship with you after all this time?”

Jia’en’s hands paused. “Lele, I’ve known you since the day I was born. We grew up together, went to school together, and studied abroad together. I know you better than anyone. I know you don’t want to rush from being ‘Miss Xiao’ to ‘Ying Jia’en’s girlfriend.’ So, I’m giving you time to play, to explore. When you’re ready to settle down, I know you’ll accept me.”

Jia’en dried her hands and walked over to her. “Don’t overthink it. I’ll wait. We’re still young, and I’m not in a hurry to change my status either. Now, go wait in the living room.” She gently pushed Zetong out and closed the sliding door, letting out a silent sigh.

An hour later, they shared a quiet dinner. Afterward, Jia’en prepared to leave. “I’m going home to spend time with my moms. Call me if you need anything.”

Zetong helped her straighten her coat. “Call me when you get home. Drive safe.”

“By the way,” Jia’en nagged, “I put some rock sugar pear water in the fridge; drink some before bed for your throat. And dry your hair before sleeping, and—”

Zetong cut her off the most direct way possible—with a kiss. It was meant to be a brief silence-sealer, but as their lips touched, they both held on, deepening the kiss until they were breathless.

“Be careful on the road,” Zetong whispered, her face slightly flushed.

The Ambush

Jia’en took the elevator to the garage. The moment the doors opened, she sensed something was wrong. Feigning ignorance, she walked to her car, using the reflection in the window to scan the area. She spotted a figure behind a pillar.

Once inside the car, her security system alerted her: Brake Failure.

She caught movement in her peripheral vision. Stepping out, she discreetly called Ying Xing’er to report the situation. Before she could finish, a mob of armed thugs emerged from the shadows. Jia’en reached into a hidden compartment in her car, pulled out a handgun, and used the vehicle as cover to return fire.

When her ammunition ran out, she discarded the gun and grabbed a machete. Though trained in self-defense by Ying Yu, she was outnumbered. She took several hits. Ten minutes later, Ying Xing’er arrived with backup.

“How are you?” Xing’er rushed to her side as her men cleared the area.

“I’m fine, Sis…” Jia’en started to say, but then she saw Zetong standing nearby, looking horrified.

“What happened? You were just fine a moment ago!” Zetong ran to her, trembling, afraid to touch her blood-soaked clothes.

Jia’en forced a smile and took Zetong’s hand. “I haven’t won you over yet… I’m not going to die.” Then, she collapsed into Xing’er’s arms.

The Hospital Vigil

“Where is the ambulance?!” Xing’er roared.

The paramedics arrived shortly and rushed Jia’en to the hospital. Xing’er took Zetong in her car, following close behind. In the waiting room, they stared at the monitor showing the live feed of the surgery. Soon, Ying Yu and Yun Han arrived, frantic.

“What happened?” Ying Yu demanded.

“Ai’ai was ambushed in the parking lot,” Xing’er replied, her voice thick with guilt. “I’m investigating who did this. I won’t let them get away with it.”

Yun Han took Zetong’s freezing hands. “Lele, don’t worry. The Ying children are resilient.”

Zetong couldn’t look away from the screen. She hated herself for not leaving with Jia’en. Finally, the monitor turned off and the doctor emerged.

“She’s out of danger,” the doctor announced. “But she lost a lot of blood and will need a long recovery. There will be scarring, though skin grafting is an option.”

The relief was physical; Zetong nearly collapsed into Yun Han’s arms.

Later, in the private room, Zetong insisted on staying. “Auntie Ying Yu, Auntie Yun Han, you go rest. I’ll take care of her.”

After they left, Zetong sat by the bed, looking at Jia’en’s pale face. A wave of helplessness washed over her. She had always thought she could protect her “Ai’ai,” but the reality was a bitter pill to swallow. She sat there in the silence, waiting for the person who was usually the loudest and most annoying to finally wake up.