Of course, Ji Nian's words weren’t a miracle cure, and Ji Tingzhou didn’t wake up because of them.
However, he did gain a faint sense of awareness.
Ji Nian refused to leave, stubbornly staying by Ji Tingzhou’s side, who was wrapped up like a mummy.
The System couldn’t help but comment: 【In the original story, there was a similar plot. When Ji Tingzhou became a vegetable, the female lead would sing to him every day without fail.】
Ji Nian narrowed her eyes: 【Ji Tingzhou became a vegetable?】
The System: 【...Ahem.】
【What I mean is, why don’t you sing him a song?】
Clearly, it wasn’t going to explain further.
Ji Nian made a mental note to corner the System later and get a proper explanation.
“Fine, I’ll sing then.”
The entire floor was dedicated to Ji Tingzhou’s care, and the room’s soundproofing was decent enough not to disturb anyone.
Ji Nian didn’t know many songs. The only one she could remember all the lyrics to was a childhood tune her mother used to sing when she was sick, back when her parents’ relationship was still intact.
Her gaze softened with nostalgia as she cleared her throat, and a childish voice accompanied the song that filled the room.
“Chick chick chick, my little chick~”
“Chick chick chick chick, my cute little chick~”
“Your fluffy little body~ will grow into a big hen~”
“Chick chick chick, my little chick~”
“Chick chick chick chick, my cute little chick~”
Ji Tingzhou: “……”
The faint sliver of consciousness Ji Tingzhou had was jolted awake by the absurdly catchy and brainwashing “chick chick chick.”
The song was short, and Ji Nian sang it twice before stopping.
Eventually, she couldn’t stay awake any longer and fell asleep clutching Ji Tingzhou’s sleeve. Zhiliao quietly appeared and carried her off to bed.
Wei Yang, who was also badly injured but had the strength of an ox, was already able to get out of bed. He watched as Zhiliao carried Ji Nian away, humming under his breath:
“Chick chick chick, my little chick~ Chick chick chick chick, my cute little chick~”
Zhiliao: “……”
The contagion had begun.
The next morning, when Ji Nian woke up, Zhiliao told her that Shen Qingtang had found out about Ji Tingzhou’s injury and had rushed over early to see him.
Seeing Ji Tingzhou unconscious, Shen Qingtang was so worried that she couldn’t stop crying. She stayed by his side, refusing to leave no matter who tried to persuade her.
If Ji Tingzhou knew, he’d probably be touched by how much his adoptive daughter cared for him.
【So that’s why his attitude toward me changed that day Shen Qingtang came. He probably didn’t want her to misunderstand.】
Even as a child, Ji Nian understood possessiveness. Who wouldn’t want their loved ones to care only for them?
【As expected of the female lead, to make even a scummy father consider her feelings to this extent.】
Thinking back to how Ji Tingzhou had protected her, she couldn’t help but sigh: 【If he’s like this with a daughter he doesn’t favor, imagine how much he must cherish the one he truly loves.】
Luckily, she wasn’t really a five-year-old, or she might have felt envious.
Not wanting to intrude on the heartwarming moment between father and daughter, Ji Nian went to visit Wei Yang instead.
Although Zhiliao had brushed off her questions with “kids should just be happy and not worry about such things,” Ji Nian could tell from her expression that the people who had attacked them hadn’t fared well.
Those people had been out for Ji Tingzhou’s life. She’d heard that Wei Yang, poor guy, had even been tricked into a coffin, nailed shut, and buried alive.
And yet, he’d managed to claw his way out with his bare hands, going on a rampage like a human meat grinder. Everyone was shocked.
“Ji Nian, want some candy?”
Looking at the big guy with his shaved head and bandages, Ji Nian thought to herself that appearances could be deceiving.
“Too much candy will give me cavities.”
She shook her head.
Wei Yang didn’t seem worried about Ji Tingzhou at all.
Sensing the child’s confusion, he crouched down and explained, “Don’t worry about the boss.”
“We’re used to it… he’ll wake up soon.”
He spoke with absolute certainty.
You had to hand it to Ji Tingzhou—his greatest strength was his sheer resilience.
Every time Wei Yang thought he wouldn’t make it, Ji Tingzhou would pull through.
Medical miracles had become the norm for him.
And sure enough, it happened again.
Despite Ji Nian’s constant vigil, Ji Tingzhou had shown no signs of waking up. But as soon as Shen Qingtang arrived, it didn’t take long for his eyes to open.
When Ji Tingzhou first regained consciousness, he felt a small, delicate hand resting on his own.
You little fool…
Why aren’t you singing about chicks anymore?
Thanks to Ji Nian, Ji Tingzhou’s dreams had shifted from visions of the vengeful spirits of the Ji family to a parade of little yellow chicks with Ji Nian’s face, swaying their heads and shaking their tails as they sang.
“Hmm…”
His voice was hoarse as he spoke.
Seeing him open his eyes, Shen Qingtang cried even harder, her tears falling onto Ji Tingzhou’s hand.
Feeling the wetness, Ji Tingzhou lifted his eyelids slightly, his voice unusually soft and tinged with helplessness.
“Why are you crying?”
Shen Qingtang had never heard Ji Tingzhou speak to her so gently before. Overwhelmed, she blurted out, “Uncle Ji… I was so worried about you.”
Hearing her voice, Ji Tingzhou’s expression shifted.
He turned his head slightly and saw the child by his bedside.
Her eyes were red and swollen, the double eyelids gone from crying so much.
The warmth in Ji Tingzhou’s eyes vanished instantly.
Just then, the doctor arrived, and Shen Qingtang stepped aside to make room.
She felt happy inside.
She had always known Uncle Ji was a kind person—why else would he have adopted her?
After examining Ji Tingzhou, the doctor was relieved and explained his condition. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Shen Qingtang.
For some reason, he felt an instant fondness for the little girl. Despite her obvious distress, she was trying to smile at him.
He couldn’t help but say, “Boss, while you were unconscious, Miss Shen stayed by your side the whole time. She cried so much her eyes swelled up.”
The nanny, who had been subdued by a slap from Zhiliao, stepped forward and chimed in, “That’s right, boss. Miss Shen didn’t even eat breakfast. She rushed over as soon as she heard you were hurt.”
Shen Qingtang didn’t think this was anything special, but remembering the gentle tone Uncle Ji had used with her earlier, she couldn’t help hoping for some praise.
Once, she’d seen a neighbor’s father praising his son for peeing really far, and she’d been so envious.
She wanted someone to praise her too.
Ji Tingzhou closed his eyes.
“Everyone, out.”
Though his voice was weak, the anger in those three words was unmistakable.
The cheerful atmosphere was instantly shattered.
The doctor, who had spoken first, suddenly came to his senses.
It was strange—he wasn’t usually so talkative. Why had he felt compelled to speak up this time?
Wiping the sweat from his brow, he quickly ushered everyone out.
Shen Qingtang was confused.
Though young, she was perceptive.
She just couldn’t understand why Uncle Ji, who had been so gentle with her moments ago, had suddenly changed his attitude.
As the nanny led her out, Shen Qingtang ran into Ji Nian, who was heading their way.
The little girl was wearing a hospital gown, a bandage on her forehead, and her hands wrapped in gauze. Despite her injuries, she looked lively and even waved at Shen Qingtang.
(She also threw a sneaky glare at the nanny behind her.)
Seeing her, Shen Qingtang instinctively said, “Uncle Ji told everyone to leave.”
Meaning, Ji Tingzhou wasn’t allowing anyone inside.
Ji Nian understood.
So the scummy dad woke up in a bad mood. Best not to provoke him then.
She couldn’t help but admire the female lead’s kindness for warning her.
“Alright, I’ll head out then.”
She turned to leave without a second thought.
But before she could take a step, there was a loud *thud* as something hit the door.
Followed by a hoarse, commanding voice.
“Ji Nian, get in here.”
