The Secret Realm of Time, His and Her Life Through the Changes

Chapter 177: Turning against guests

As expected, the examination results showed that Shang Yibo had a fracture in his left foot. The X-ray clearly showed a small crack in the bone; although it was not completely broken, it was enough to affect the normal movement and weight-bearing capacity of the foot.

Looking at the enlarged images on the computer, Hua Xiaomei explained, "This kind of bone fracture requires a period of immobilization and rest to ensure proper bone healing and avoid long-term complications. However, judging from the images, it's not too serious. I'll just use bandages and wide adhesive tape to immobilize it, and I won't need a cast. When you get home, be careful not to put your feet on the ground or walk around, and try to keep the affected limb elevated, as this will help reduce swelling."

Faced with this diagnosis, Zhou Yanruo couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Shang Yibo, on the other hand, seemed quite relaxed and said calmly, "I knew it. My bones aren't that delicate. They wouldn't break with just a slight twist. It's best not to wear a cast. I don't want to become 'Iron-Crutch Li' (a character from Journey to the West)."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zihang laughed and said, "You're quite optimistic. Are you saying this on purpose to reassure everyone because you're afraid your manager will worry?"

Soon, with the help of the nurse, Hua Xiaomei quickly immobilized Shang Yibo's injured foot and carefully instructed him: "Go back and rest well, it's not a big problem."

Zhou Yanruo said gratefully to Hua Xiaomei, "Dr. Hua, thank you so much for everything today! I'll have Zihang invite you to dinner another day so we can properly thank you."

Hua Xiaomei responded cheerfully, "You and Brother Zihang are good friends, right? Then Brother Zihang's friends are naturally my friends too, so I won't stand on ceremony. I don't have many friends here, so I'll be waiting for you guys to invite me." As she spoke, she raised an eyebrow meaningfully at Zhou Zihang, then looked at Zhou Yanruo with a smile.

Zhou Zihang and Hua Xiaomei exchanged glances. Zhou Zihang read the meaning he wanted most in her eyes, and a smug look appeared on his face, as if to say, "You saw right through me."

Sitting in his wheelchair, Shang Yibo took in their conversation and expressions, and said with a hint of displeasure, "Hey, how long are you going to keep talking? Didn't you tell me to get some rest? Aren't you going to leave?"

"I'm sorry, Dr. Hua, Shang Yibo has been filming all day, and then this happened, so it's understandable that his mood is affected. Besides, he's always been quite direct." Zhou Yanruo looked embarrassed and quickly said, "We'll go back first. By the way, can we use the wheelchair at the hospital?"

Hua Xiaomei smiled and nodded: "Yes, that's fine. I've already paid the deposit."

Zhou Yanruo thanked Hua Xiaomei again, and then pushed Shang Yibo away from the hospital.

On the way to the parking lot, Zhou Yanruo discussed with Shang Yibo, "Should we take you back to Zimo Garden? President Fang just called. I promised her I would give her a detailed report on your situation after the check-up. Should I call her back now?"

Shang Yibo replied, "Call her back and tell her I'm fine, just a minor scratch."

Zhou Yanruo said with some concern, "I can say that to President Fang, but if you go back to Zi Mo Garden, won't it be easy for the truth to be exposed?"

Shang Yibo shook his head: "I don't plan to go back to Zi Mo Garden. Send me back to Ru Shang Garden."

Zhou Yanruo continued to persuade her: "But you have difficulty moving around, how can you live alone? You need someone to take care of you."

Shang Yibo said half-jokingly, "Anyway, I'm not going back to Zi Mo Garden, so why don't you come and take care of me?"

Zhou Yanruo was surprised and stammered, "Me? Ah, it's not that it's not possible, but my home is far from yours, and I might not be able to take good care of you. I'll have Zhang Xiaoguang take care of you; he's your assistant, and taking care of you is his responsibility."

"No need," Shang Yibo replied domineeringly. After a pause, he added unreasonably, "If you're unwilling to take care of me, I'm unwilling to go back to Zi Mo Garden. You're my manager, so you have to take responsibility for resolving this."

Zhou Yanruo smiled wryly: "Why are you being so childish?"

At this moment, Zhou Zihang interjected, "This is actually easy to solve. I'll take care of you. I'm a man, so it'll be convenient for me to take care of you. You can stay at my place; I have a spare room. Ruoruo can stay upstairs from me, so it'll be convenient for everyone."

Upon hearing this, Shang Yibo reluctantly replied, "This idea isn't great, but it's the only way we can do it."

Looking at Shang Yibo's reluctant appearance, Zhou Yanruo felt both helpless and amused. She could only say to Zhou Zihang, "I'm really sorry, Zihang, I'm going to have to trouble you to help me with this again."

Zhou Zihang waved his hand, "Why are you being so formal with me?"

Shang Yibo looked up and glanced at Zhou Zihang. "Thanks for troubling us with this, Dr. Zhou."

Night had fallen, and the roads were much quieter, the once bustling city finally quieting down. Zhou Yanruo drove and soon arrived at Shangqing Jiayuan A3, located on the North Third Ring Road East.

As soon as they entered the room, before Zhou Zihang could make any arrangements, Shang Yibo had Zhou Yanruo push his wheelchair around the room, looking around as he smiled and said, "I'll familiarize myself with the environment first. I hope the great doctor won't mind?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zihang smiled warmly and accommodatingly, "Of course, feel free to do as you please. I converted the original guest room into a study, but it's also equipped with bedding, so it's perfectly habitable."

Shang Yibo's gaze swept over the various rooms, finally settling on the spacious master bedroom. He looked at Zhou Zihang and said directly, "This master bedroom is nice; I'll stay here." Zhou Yanruo quickly dissuaded him, "Shang Yibo, this is the master bedroom. According to etiquette, guests should follow the host's lead. Let's listen to Zihang's arrangements. Or perhaps we should go and take a look at the study, maybe..."

Shang Yibo pointed to the ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom and said confidently, "I am injured and have difficulty moving around. Having a separate bathroom will make things much more convenient for me and will also reduce the trouble for the people taking care of me. I am thinking of everyone's needs, and it can also be considered as 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do'."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yanruo could only laugh helplessly, "You're clearly taking over the role of the guest." Zhou Zihang, on the other hand, acted like a nice guy and readily agreed, "Alright, it's settled then. I'll sleep in the study; it's quiet there and suitable for reading. You guys go to the dining room to get something to eat first, and I'll go to the bedroom to change into a new set of sheets and duvet covers. We happen to have some at home."

"Thanks, Professor." Shang Yibo turned to Zhou Yanruo and said, "I'm hungry, let's go get something to eat together."

Zhou Yanruo glanced awkwardly at Zhou Zihang, secretly wondering to herself, Shang Yibo seemed completely different from usual today. He was always a person who knew his limits, so why was he so lacking in boundaries today? Was it because he was too tired and his emotions were fluctuating, or was it because of the grievances he felt after the accidental injury that made him inadvertently reveal a deeper sense of dependence?

Zhou Zihang led them to the dining table and said softly, "Please sit down first. I'll go heat up the food. It'll be ready soon."

……

It was late into the night before everything was finally arranged, and Shang Yibo settled down temporarily at Zhou Zihang's house.