Chapter 049: But I truly, truly miss him.

Shi Runrun had never imagined that Qiao Yu would actually follow her all the way to City B.

In this unfamiliar city, to see someone she knew filled her with an indescribable excitement. She no longer needed to wonder who had paid her hospital bills—it could only have been him.

Especially now, seeing him standing there with a steaming meal in his hands, her heart twisted painfully, and she couldn't help but feel her defenses melt away.

Her eyes reddened, and tears fell uncontrollably once more…

Suddenly, she recalled how, when she was with Xiao Xuezheng, he had also cared for her so tenderly…

He had never allowed her to suffer even the slightest bit, never let her be bullied. He had watched over every meal, ensuring she ate well each day…

At night, he would even have Mrs. Lin prepare extra snacks for her.

Not to mention the daily rides to and from school—he protected her so well she never got the smallest scratch…

But now, the one doing all this was Qiao Yu…

Because of this, she missed Xiao Xuezheng even more…

She missed him so terribly…

But…

But she couldn't…

Shi Runrun, your baby is gone. The last bond between you and him has been severed. You worked so hard to escape from him. You must be strong. You must learn to live here on your own.

…

“Runrun… Are you feeling better? Would you like something to eat?”

Qiao Yu came to her side, set down the food, pulled over a chair, and sat next to her, asking gently.

Shi Runrun stared at him in a daze, then said, “Brother Qiao Yu, thank you…”

The way she addressed him now, as Brother Qiao Yu, showed that she no longer rejected him in her heart.

After all, she had only just arrived in City B and had collapsed at the hospital, nearly dying. It was Qiao Yu who had saved her. That was an undeniable fact: he was her benefactor.

Qiao Yu gave a sheepish smile and waved his hand. “No need to thank me. It was nothing.”

Seeing the bitter smile on his face, Shi Runrun’s heart clenched again. She asked, “Brother Qiao Yu, how did you end up in City B? Did you… follow me here?!”

Hearing her question, Qiao Yu nodded and explained, “This afternoon, I planned to visit you at the hospital. But then I saw you running out and getting into a taxi not far from the entrance. I was worried, so I followed you all the way to the airport. When I saw you buying a ticket to City B at the counter, I just couldn’t let it go, so I followed you here.”

"Is that so..." Shi Runrun felt suddenly overwhelmed by how much she owed him.

If he hadn’t come, she might truly be dead by now…

“Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. Runrun, just focus on recovering here. The doctor said your body is still very weak and your wounds are still healing. Don’t move around or run off anymore. As for money, don’t worry about it—I’ll take care of everything!”

Though she felt deeply indebted, Shi Runrun could only nod and accept his suggestion.

After all, life was precious; even if she didn’t want to owe anyone, she had no choice for now…

…

In the days that followed, Shi Runrun stayed in the hospital, receiving the doctor’s care.

With proper treatment and attentive care, her wounds healed quickly.

Each day, Qiao Yu came to keep her company and brought her three meals. She didn’t resist—she ate every meal he brought. He had given her a new lease on life; she needed to cherish it.

Three days later, after another examination, the doctor confirmed there were no further complications after her procedure. Her wounds were healing, her fever had subsided, and there was no more inflammation. She could be discharged and continue to recover at home.

Overjoyed, Shi Runrun immediately asked to leave the hospital.

After all, every extra day meant more money spent.

That afternoon, with Qiao Yu’s help, she completed the discharge paperwork and left the city’s central hospital with him.

At that very moment, a black Bentley that had been driving for three days and nights finally exited the highway and entered City B.

After leaving the hospital, Qiao Yu helped her find a place to live.

Shi Runrun requested that the apartment be close to City B University.

She hoped that once she recovered, she could audit classes at the university and gradually make up for her missed studies.

At first, Qiao Yu found her a high-end apartment complex near the university, but she rejected it on the very first day.

She told him a one-bedroom would suffice. As long as she had a place to stay, she would be deeply grateful.

The day after she settled in, Shi Runrun went to a nearby service center to get a new phone number.

As soon as she had it, she called Cen Huan.

Her main purpose was to let her friend know she was safe, but as soon as the two spoke, they couldn’t stop crying.

Cen Huan insisted on coming to see her, but Shi Runrun managed to talk her out of it.

She knew Cen Huan still had to finish her studies in the capital. Shi Runrun had already thrown caution to the wind by coming to City B alone—she couldn’t drag Cen Huan down with her.

Though she had Qiao Yu’s care, Shi Runrun resolved to find a job and start earning money herself.

She couldn’t keep relying on him for money; she wanted to repay the medical expenses and rent he had covered through her own hard work.

To balance auditing classes at City B University with a part-time job, Shi Runrun found a sales assistant position at a clothing store near the university.

As her health improved day by day, she gradually regained the energy to work and earn a living.

During the day, she audited finance classes at the university to continue improving her professional knowledge. In the afternoons and evenings, when she didn’t have class, she worked part-time at the clothing store.

At twenty yuan per hour, she usually worked six hours a day—over a hundred yuan daily, enough for her living expenses.

Qiao Yu repeatedly urged her not to work so hard and assured her that he was capable of supporting her for a lifetime.

But every time, Shi Runrun declined his kindness.

He had already paid her medical bills, saved her life, helped her find a place, and paid the rent for the first few months. She was already deeply grateful.

From now on, she wanted to rely on herself and not trouble him further.

Most importantly, Shi Runrun knew that there was no place for him in her heart. Her first love in university had been nothing more than a youthful fancy.

The man she loved now was… Xiao Xuezheng…

But they could not be together… And she couldn’t mislead Qiao Yu, couldn’t deceive him for money or to escape a harsh reality.

Three days later, Qiao Yu had to return to the capital. Shi Runrun continued her routine of auditing classes and working part-time.

Meanwhile, at the most luxurious five-star hotel in City B—

Ji Yunan pushed open the door and found that the police chief, the head of the traffic bureau, and several high-ranking officials were all present.

Sitting at the head of the table, a man looked utterly exhausted, an IV drip hanging from the back of his hand. He raised his eyes and questioned the officials about any progress in the search for her.

Yes, Xiao Xuezheng had fallen ill—and it was serious.

Exhaustion had led to a lung infection, and in the past few days, he had even started coughing up blood.

Ji Yunan had suggested he be hospitalized immediately, but he refused, insisting he had to find her first. Otherwise, even if he went to the hospital, he wouldn’t be able to rest easy.