Chapter 20

Ever since I helped wipe Blake down last night, I noticed something off about him.

The main symptom was the constant reddening of his ears. Not long after I glanced at him, he would blush, and even his neck would turn bright red.

After that discovery, I spoke with even more confidence. I was brimming with self-assurance and became even more enthusiastic and passionate about taking care of him.

Even when I helped Blake with the urinal, I felt more at ease. After all, what could be happier news than the realization that he was just bluffing?

The pleasant discoveries kept popping up, and Blake's appetite also improved. The vomiting had subsided, and he even spent the whole morning reading the documents Jennifer delivered.

These observations helped calm my tense nerves. Now that I had stopped worrying, my mood lifted as well.

From time to time, Blake would look up at me as I wiped the table or mopped the floor in the ward. He would subconsciously curve his lips as well, and his eyes were filled with tenderness.

My good mood affected everyone in the ward as well. After all, the elders always liked hardworking young people who looked polite. I was a teacher, too, so of course, I got along quite well with the people in the ward.

Sadly, my good mood didn't last for long. In the afternoon, Jennifer came with bad news.

According to her, the culprits were mostly underage, and someone pulled lots of strings behind the scenes, so the culprits were bailed out this morning. In the end, the incident would only be treated lightly.

When I heard that, my heart instantly sank. I recalled the scene I saw when I entered Jenna's house back then, and I also remembered what Jenna said before. The culprits would get off scot-free just because they were rich and underage.

If this happened again, would I be the one getting hospitalized then? It might even be worse than this. The more I thought about it, the more chills I felt in my heart. Suddenly, I felt piercing coldness invading my body. Only then did I notice I had goosebumps all over my skin.

"Nate, I'm craving tacos!"

In reality, Blake had already noticed my emotions. This incident mustn't be covered up just like that.

This time, Blake was only late because something else was keeping him, but what if it happened again? He couldn't follow me everywhere. Would he be lucky enough to find and protect me for the second time?

"Okay, I'll buy some for you right now."

"Remember, I want extra hot sauce!"

"No can do. If you want something spicy, I'll just get you a little more salsa."

"Fine, I'll leave it to you. Take care."

"Alright." With that, I got up and exited the ward. I was no fool. I knew that Blake was sending me off on purpose, and I was also aware that Blake definitely had instructions for Jennifer. Since that was the case, I left the ward without worry.

In reality, Blake was overthinking it. I wouldn't protest any of their plans at all. I wasn't a saint, so I didn't want the matter to be blown over either. I couldn't sacrifice myself for the sake of strangers.

After I left, Blake, who was in bed complaining about his headache just moments ago, had already put on his shoes and walked steadily out of the ward.

"Mr. Wagner, you're…" Jennifer was stunned at the sight. She had assumed that Blake sent me away to give her some important instructions, but now…

"Shh. Come with me."

"Do you have a cigarette to spare?" At a bend near the emergency exit, the usually proper and composed man was extending his hand toward his secretary, asking for a cigarette.

At that sight, Jennifer couldn't help but sigh in her heart. Blake looked just like a man who was forced to borrow cigarettes from his colleagues because his wife wouldn't let him smoke.

"Come on, do you have it or not? Don't tell me you don't have any. I know you smoke!"

Why would he ask if he already knew she had cigarettes?

"Do you mind this brand?" Jennifer asked.

"That will do!"