Just when everyone thought the incident had settled down, something worse than expected happened.

Sunday morning, Wu Naijuan went to the door to get the newspaper. It was already past nine – the daily paper should have been delivered early, but today there was no newspaper inside the door.

Wu Naijuan was a newspaper addict – missing a day of reading left her feeling lost.

She thought, could it be that the delivery boy was lazy and just threw the papers outside the door?

She opened the door and indeed, two newspapers were on the stairs.

Wu Naijuan had already washed and dressed in casual clothes, so she stepped forward a few paces and reached down to pick up the newspapers.

At that moment, she heard a violent shout behind her: “Wu Naijuan!”

Wu Naijuan instinctively turned around. Before she could be startled, a black shadow lunged at her, wielding a weapon and attacking her head. In a split second, Wu Naijuan hurriedly dodged sideways and blocked with both arms in front of her face.

She only heard a crisp crack. She felt no pain but fell down at the sound.

The assailant, seeing his success, glared fiercely at Wu Naijuan on the ground. He cursed her: “You caused my family to scatter and people to die!”

What he held in his hand was a baseball bat, stained with blood. He gritted his teeth, preparing to strike again.

Wu Naijuan only felt dizzy. She remained conscious but her limbs could no longer move.

Her heart was quite calm. She kept her eyes open, watching the assailant lunge at her once more.

Just then, another person rushed up, tightly grappling the assailant with both arms and shouting: “Help, help, call the police!”

Wu Naijuan recognized that voice.

Zhizhong, Li Zhizhong.

The two men struggled and fought, rolling down the stairs.

Neighbors heard the loud commotion and opened their doors to investigate. They saw their neighbor covered in blood, limbs twisted like a broken doll lying on the ground. This shock was extraordinary – they immediately called police and ambulance, and dutifully stood guard beside the injured person.

From the neighbors’ frightened expressions, Wu Naijuan could actually tell how serious her injuries were.

But what she, severely wounded, saw was a different scene.

Wu Naijuan saw her grandmother.

She smiled but couldn’t speak.

Grandmother kindly held her hand and lifted her.

She and her grandmother stood intimately side by side. Wu Naijuan saw herself lying at the doorway, neighbors shouting and running about. Oh, Wu Naijuan shuddered – she saw that the left side of her head was already like half a rotten tomato, completely losing its original shape. She must not be able to survive.

She gripped grandmother’s hand tightly, feeling some regret but not too great a loss.

“Let’s go,” she said to her grandmother.

Grandmother nodded.

Just at that moment, Wu Naijuan saw a large group of police and medical personnel rushing up.

One of them was Li Zhizhong – white shirt, khaki pants, it must be him. He knelt beside Wu Naijuan, tears falling.

Wu Naijuan couldn’t help but release his grandmother’s hand.

She looked at him comfortingly.

“Naijuan, who am I?” he asked urgently.

She moved her lips: “Zhizhong.”

En route to the hospital, Li Zhizhong held her hand throughout, silently weeping.

The nurse called the hospital from the vehicle.

The injured has severe head trauma but has remained conscious. Please summon Dr. Li Jialiang urgently – we’ll arrive in ten minutes.”

Yes, miraculously, Wu Naijuan never lost consciousness. She could hear every word, see every person.

But thick blood covered her left eye, making her vision somewhat blurred.

Perhaps unconsciousness would be better – she simply closed her eyes.

But then she heard Li Zhizhong sobbing loudly.

The nurse gently reproached him: “Sir, please control yourself. This will cause the patient anxiety.”

Wu Naijuan opened her eyes and smiled.

Upon entering the hospital, she saw Li Jialiang’s handsome face.

He was very calm: “Naijuan, you’ve been conscious throughout? Very good. Today Dr. Qi from neurosurgery and I will treat you. Don’t worry – after surgery you’ll be more beautiful.”

The anesthesiologist gave Wu Naijuan an injection.

Only then did Wu Naijuan gradually lose consciousness.

Wu Naijuan’s head X-rays had been sent over.

Li Zhizhong looked and wailed loudly, crouching on the ground with both hands covering his eyes.

Li Jialiang immediately said, “I’ve seen worse cases.”

Dr. Qi said, “Only one blood clot – very fortunate in the misfortune.”

“The patient can recover.”

“The left middle and index fingers are fractured – she probably won’t be able to play piano anymore.”

“That’s a small matter.”

To surgeons, cuts and bruises were never big problems.

“Jialiang, please do your best.”

“No need for you to tell me.”

Wu Naijuan was in the operating room for five hours.

To put it simply: the entire facial skin was peeled back, revealing the skull, debris removed, bone taken from the thigh to repair the hole in the skull.

Then the facial skin was pulled back to its original position, sutured properly, bandaged, and the patient was wheeled out of the operating room.

Dr. Qi asked: “What deep hatred does the assailant have with this young lady?”

“Police are investigating. Preliminary understanding is that he seemed to have mistaken the person. The one who counseled him that day wasn’t Wu Naijuan but someone else who borrowed Wu Naijuan’s office. Somehow, Wu Naijuan’s nameplate left a deep impression on him. Years later, he came seeking revenge.”

“Oh, an undeserved disaster.”

“The assailant has been sent to psychiatry – he may not be fit for trial. By the way, Naijuan’s thinking isn’t affected, is it?”

“We removed a small amount of clotted blood. Perhaps affecting some gray matter. Possibly after awakening, she’ll forget a certain scent, someone’s face, or minute childhood memories. But it won’t hinder normal life.”

“Truly fortunate.”

“The one waiting outside for news is her boyfriend, right? I’ve never seen a grown man cry so sorrowfully.”

“He must love her deeply.”

“Go tell him the good news.”

Li Jialiang walked out of the restroom.

Li Zhizhong didn’t dare lift his head.

“Zhizhong, don’t worry. Naijuan has returned to the human world – she’ll live to old age.”

Zhizhong buried his head between his knees.

“Zhizhong, so you deeply love Naijuan. Does she know? Take this opportunity to express your feelings.”

Li Zhizhong told his friend, “I read the news in the paper, knowing someone was threatening her. I abandoned work and rushed back from Canada, secretly protecting her. But that day was sunny, and it was Sunday. I was a bit late. When I reached the stairway, I saw the assailant swinging the baseball bat – she had already fallen. This was entirely caused by my negligence—”

Li Jialiang looked at him: “You never said you had special feelings for Naijuan.”

Li Zhizhong remained silent.

Li Jialiang said, “I have other patients. When she wakes up, the nurse will notify you.”

At this time, Wu Naijuan’s colleagues also arrived at the hospital successively.

Li Zhizhong washed his face in the restroom and came out to take charge.

The director expressed concern, personally coming to visit, making statements to reporters, firmly expressing support for subordinates, and not fearing powerful forces.

That Fang Manzhen wore a bright red suit, standing beside the director, constantly nodding in agreement, gesticulating and directing the news officer.

Li Zhizhong knew the situation most clearly. He regained composure and answered reporters’ questions.

The TV station female reporter told viewers: “Mr. Li’s eyes are red and swollen, his shirt still stained with blood. He says his girlfriend suffered severe head trauma, skull shattered, hoping after surgery she can live like a normal person…”

The crowd dispersed. Zhizhong organized the flower baskets that had been sent.

Li Jialiang came to check on the patient.

“She’s awake.”

Li Zhizhong’s heart jumped to his throat.

Wu Naijuan was in intensive care, her entire face wrapped in bandages.

Her face was much smaller than usual. She could open her eyes, which had focus. Li Zhizhong felt relieved.

His first words were still: “Naijuan? Who am I?”

Wu Naijuan again found it amusing – this fool, asking the same question over and over. She wanted to joke and say “you’re one of the three star gods of fortune, prosperity and longevity,” but couldn’t bear to, so gently answered: “You’re Li Zhizhong.”

Zhizhong collapsed at the bedside, feeling he could die without regret.

To be saved and return to the mortal world under such circumstances – long live modern medicine.

The nurse said to Wu Naijuan, “Mr. Li cried nonstop – everyone found him annoying.”

Wu Naijuan grinned again.

Li Jialiang peeked over: “Naijuan, rest well. You’ll recover quickly.”

Wu Naijuan looked at this handsome doctor. Who was he? What was his name? He was so caring toward her, truly benevolent in heart and skill.

Fortunately, his white uniform had a name tag reading “Li Jialiang.”

Just then, he asked like Li Zhizhong: “Naijuan, who am I?”

Wu Naijuan was as pleased as a primary school student catching an exam question: “You’re Dr. Li Jialiang.”

Jialiang was satisfied.

Then a nurse came looking for him: “Dr. Li, room 103 is looking for you.”

He excused himself and immediately left.

Li Zhizhong said softly, “Never expected Jialiang to be so busy.”

Wu Naijuan asked: “Are you friends?”

Zhizhong suddenly turned, his face showing a complex expression.

Her asking this meant she had completely forgotten the relationship between Li Zhizhong and Li Jialiang, and also didn’t remember why she had driven him away.

He said, “Jialiang is also your friend.”

Wu Naijuan thought: “Really? I thought this was my first time seeing him in the hospital.”

Li Zhizhong asked: “No impression at all?”

Wu Naijuan shook her head: “He’s a very handsome person – I’d remember seeing him.”

Li Zhizhong said nothing.

“This is a small matter, right?”

Li Zhizhong answered selfishly: “Insignificant.” He gripped her hand tightly.

“Don’t know how long until complete recovery.”

“Don’t rush – a year or so, I’ll accompany you.”

The nurse came in and heard: “That’s not necessary. She’ll be discharged in a few days, just return for follow-ups. With adequate rest, she can work again in two or three months.”

“Did you hear?”

Wu Naijuan nodded.

Li Zhizhong suddenly asked: “Naijuan, how did we meet?”

“You returned from Silicon Valley. Your profession is investigating computer crimes. Your marriage was unhappy – you came to my office twice.”

“I was never married – that woman was just a former girlfriend.”

“Hmm, I should have someone investigate this thoroughly.”

“Are you tired? Should you rest?”

“No, I want to chat with you.”

The nurse interfered again: “Mr. Li, your girlfriend needs a brain scan.”

That night, the same nurse stayed by Wu Naijuan’s bed.

Seeing Wu Naijuan awake, she said: “Miss Wu, so you’re a marriage counselor.”

Wu Naijuan smiled.

“Miss Wu, please give guidance.”

“Having concerns to discuss deeply at night and venting emotions is good.”

“My husband and I work different shifts – one day, one night. We rarely meet, seldom talk. I’m afraid problems will arise sooner or later.”

“Do you have children?”

“A seven-year-old daughter, almost entirely cared for by a nanny.”

“Do you still love them, father and daughter?”

“Yes.” The voice was quite certain – there was hope.

“Then sacrifices must be made.”

“Give up my career? Women are always the ones who lose out.”

“Transfer to the day shift. If difficult, work as a private nurse. If finances allow, simply rest for a period.”

She pondered.

Wu Naijuan closed her eyes.

“Miss Wu, thank you for your advice.”

“This is my last time doing counseling.”

“Why? Is it because of this injury?”

“I’m also planning to change jobs. Think about it – I’m unmarried and lack wisdom and experience. Just studied psychology for a few years, yet spoke authoritatively, taking on the counselor role.”

“Miss Wu is too modest.”

“These years, though I tried my best, speaking too much leads to mistakes. My opinions aren’t necessarily suitable for others – there must be errors. Other colleagues give ambiguous advice, but I speak directly – even more wrong.”

The nurse smiled: “Miss Wu has a forthright personality.”

Wu Naijuan said: “I plan to resign.”

“So Miss Wu is preparing to marry?”

“Unfortunately, marriage isn’t a profession.”

“Oh, right.” The nurse laughed.

“I’ve always wanted to try writing. Perhaps after resigning, I’ll write a book.”

Just then, a machine suddenly made warning sounds.

The nurse went to check and immediately called the doctor.

Wu Naijuan asked: “What’s wrong?”

The nurse gripped her hand: “Signs of fever – don’t worry, the doctor will arrive immediately.”

Wu Naijuan immediately knew the situation was serious. She hadn’t passed the crisis yet.

At dawn, Li Zhizhong also arrived.

Wu Naijuan instead had to comfort him: “Don’t worry. This time I haven’t seen my grandmother yet. Whenever there’s danger, grandmother always appears, as if preparing to receive me.”

Li Zhizhong was caught between laughter and tears, collapsed at the bedside, not saying a word.

When she could truly be discharged, Wang Bihao returned from England to pick her up.

She took off her cashmere coat and draped it over Wu Naijuan.

Wu Naijuan was puzzled: “The weather’s gotten this cold?”

Everyone remained silent – it was already mid-October.

Wu Naijuan asked: “Bihao, have you and Ma reconciled?”

Wang Bihao didn’t answer, staring blankly at her childhood friend.

She saw only skin and bones remained, a face so small it was only palm-sized, newly grown hair like cancer chemotherapy patients, only an inch or two long. Surgical scars were visible – Wu Naijuan was like a broken doll.

Wang Bihao shed tears, saying to cover: “We finished long ago.”

“Such a pity.”

“Yes, always pretending happiness. He was a good man, a good husband, a good father. I was a good woman, a good wife, a good stepmother. We had a good family, so good that everyone envied us. Think how tiring that was – performing a play for who knows whom. Today, removing the mask, I don’t know how pleasant it is.”

Wang Bihao helped Wu Naijuan leave the hospital.

She didn’t have much impression of Li Zhizhong, only feeling he was honest, reliable, and deeply loved Wu Naijuan.

Wang Bihao sighed: “No matter how excellent the conditions, if they don’t love you, it’s useless. All brothers achieve fame and success, but being estranged long-term, no communication – what use? Friends are intelligent and wise, but not loving you, unwilling to help – what use?”

Wu Naijuan was puzzled: “What are you saying?”

Wang Bihao felt heartache. The brain injury and surgery had made her much slower, no longer the clever Wu Naijuan of before.

Wang Bihao said: “Naijuan, I’ll always love you.”

Wu Naijuan smiled: “Crazy.”

From her friend’s expression, Wu Naijuan knew her appearance was much worse than before. But Wang Bihao wasn’t her – Wu Naijuan felt that still being alive, able to enjoy clear wind and bright moon, was extremely fortunate.

She submitted her resignation letter.

The authorities personally replied: “Wu Naijuan was injured on duty and is in a recovery period. Should continue receiving salary and allowances until recovered. Resignation matter postponed for discussion.”

Wu Naijuan was somewhat moved.

Very humane, considering her need for expenses during illness.

Li Zhizhong came to see her every day after work.

Wu Naijuan’s spirits recovered quickly. Her hair grew, sticking to her head like a little boy’s. After surgery, her forehead seemed narrower, affecting her facial shape.

She painted, wrote, slept when tired – accustomed to playing the hermit, lazy to be an official.

Zhizhong tracked hackers stealing online users’ bank account numbers on computers, tense and busy, but he always prioritized Wu Naijuan.

One afternoon, he saw an antique necklace designed by Cartier at an online auction. The pendant was a small Art Nouveau dove with spread wings, exquisite and lovely. He immediately bought it for Wu Naijuan.

This was called a Venus dove, claws grasping a small rose diamond, representing faithful love.

Wu Naijuan received the gift with great joy, wearing it daily.

“Naijuan, do you remember our old bookstore?”

“Of course. When shall we go together?”

How wonderful – she remembered everything, only forgetting she had secretly cherished Li Jialiang.

Wu Naijuan then took a phone call.

“Yes, I’ve finished three chapters. Will transmit them for your review. Please give me honest, valuable opinions.”

Zhizhong asked curiously: “What’s this about?”

“The editorial department of Cosmos Publishing.”

“You’re engaged in literary work?”

“You could say that. A Venus Weekly reporter wanted to interview me, but I politely declined, only saying I planned to write a book about the experience. That reporter immediately introduced me to Cosmos Publishing.”

“So you’ve gained from misfortune.”

“Have I?” Wu Naijuan sighed. “From your expressions, I can see I’m very different from before.”

Zhizhong quickly answered: “You’ve changed for the better.”

Wu Naijuan gripped his hand tightly.

She asked with a smile: “The matter with your former girlfriend – is it cleared up?”

“Haven’t been in contact for three years – neither knows the other’s whereabouts.”

“No lingering feelings?” Wu Naijuan looked at him.

Zhizhong smiled.

“Have you heard the phrase ‘dead ashes reignite’?”

Zhizhong said, “Besides you, who would notice white shirts and khaki pants?”

Wu Naijuan said softly: “Grandmother said my father often wore white shirts and khaki pants when young, and was so busy with work he was covered in sweat.”

Zhizhong nodded.

After a few days, the police asked Wu Naijuan to help identify someone.

“The suspect was receiving treatment in a mental hospital but suddenly confessed, claiming mental clarity and willingness to accept punishment.”

Zhizhong was nervous: “Naijuan, can you go?”

Wu Naijuan nodded.

“Don’t force yourself.”

“I’m not afraid.”

Zhizhong accompanied her to the mental hospital.

Inspector Pan asked: “Miss Wu, do you recognize this person?”

“Before the incident, I had never seen him.”

“Guo Shouwei, do you recognize Wu Naijuan?”

The assailant shook his head: “I got the wrong person, mistook the identity.”

This Guo person now seemed deflated, quite substantial in appearance, looking no different from ordinary white-collar workers.

Wu Naijuan asked him, “Why did you say someone caused your family to scatter and people to die?”

“My wife and I sought counseling. Someone thought our marriage was beyond saving and we should separate.”

“Who was that person?” Wu Naijuan wanted to know.

“The nameplate on the desk read ‘Wu Naijuan.'”

“What did she look like?”

Mr. Guo thought: “About your age, eloquent.”

Inspector Pan said, “Police want to make a composite, but he can’t describe any features. Checking office records, Miss Wu was indeed on leave that day, not present. Yet no other counselor admits to this matter.”

Wu Naijuan’s heart stirred.

“Was she exceptionally beautiful and young?”

Mr. Guo nodded: “Like you, Miss Wu.”

Wu Naijuan whispered a name in the inspector’s ear. The inspector nodded: “I’ll send someone to find her immediately.”

Wu Naijuan asked Mr. Guo: “What was your problem then?”

“My wife had affairs more than once, completely open about it, dating freely, while asking me for household money. That lady heard the situation and advised us to separate.”

Wu Naijuan thought: “If it were me, I’d give the same advice. The woman no longer respected the marriage vows, insulting her spouse – separation was a wise choice.”

Mr. Guo became excited: “I thought so too, but a year after the divorce, she was cheated out of money. Unable to think clearly, she committed suicide early this year.”

“Ah.”

“If I had stayed by her side—”

Wu Naijuan said gently, “She didn’t need you. The path she took after separation has nothing to do with you – you needn’t take responsibility. Her path, high or low, was her willing choice. Even if she had risen high and achieved fame and success, it would be unrelated to you. Revenge isn’t yours to take.”

These words seemed to untie the knot in Mr. Guo’s heart.

His tangled features suddenly relaxed dramatically.

Police personnel had been recording their conversation throughout.

“Miss Wu, I’m truly sorry.” Mr. Guo lowered his head in shame.

Wu Naijuan felt she deserved this apology and couldn’t help touching the stitches on her scalp.

She asked Mr. Guo, “Did you love her deeply?”

“Yes,” he wept. “I dreamed she cried to me, asking me to avenge her.”

“She was an extremely selfish woman, unworthy of you.”

“But I loved her deeply. When she smiled, her expression was lovely—” Mr. Guo covered his face with his hands and said no more.

He admitted to intentional assault.

Just then, police brought someone in.

“Miss Tan, please come this way.”

It was Wu Naijuan’s former assistant, Tan Xin.

Tan Xin’s face was deathly pale, hands were trembling.

“Guo Shouwei, do you recognize this lady?”

Mr. Guo looked up, staring at Tan Xin. Tan Xin suddenly retched and was supported away by the police.

But Guo Shouwei was confused – he couldn’t recognize Tan Xin. He didn’t recognize Wu Naijuan either. He only wanted to severely injure someone to vent his anger, unfortunately, choosing Wu Naijuan.

Inspector Pan came in saying: “Miss Tan has admitted she was playfully impersonating a counselor. She’s done this before – just this time something went wrong.”

Wu Naijuan breathed a heavy sigh.

“How mischievous of Tan Xin, not knowing the serious consequences.”

When the master’s away, the apprentice rebels, nearly causing a death.

Wu Naijuan stood up, finding her legs weak.

Zhizhong supported her firmly.

In the restroom, Inspector Pan praised Wu Naijuan: “Miss Wu, you’re truly an excellent counselor. A few words convinced him completely.”

Wu Naijuan smiled.

“Miss Wu,” Inspector Pan suddenly stammered, “I also have something to ask.”

Wu Naijuan looked at him.

Inspector Pan sighed: “My wife is addicted to mahjong. The stakes are limited, never excessive, but from morning to night, seven or eight hours a day at the mahjong table. No achievement, year after year, like this. She won’t listen to advice – it troubles me.”

“Do you have domestic help?”

“Two servants. I recently got promoted with a salary increase.”

“How are the children’s academic results?”

“Above average.”

“Your life isn’t affected?”

“When I come home, the mahjong table has been put away.”

Wu Naijuan laughed: “A middle-aged woman having a hobby is understandable.”

“But—”

“You want her to obey you, not having a single flaw, is that it?”

“Using that time to study English, she could have earned a degree.”

“Inspector Pan, people have different aspirations.”

Inspector Pan scratched his head: “When you put it that way, it doesn’t seem like a bad thing.”

“Apart from this, is she a good wife?”

“Ninety points, especially filial to my mother. My mother is also one of the mahjong partners.”

Wu Naijuan smiled: “If I were you, I’d give her an ivory mahjong set as a reward.”

Inspector Pan laughed in shock.

Wu Naijuan said, “Think about it when you go home and you’ll understand.”

In the corridor, they met Tan Xin.

Upon seeing Wu Naijuan, she burst into tears.

Wu Naijuan embraced her, and Tan Xin simply leaned on her shoulder, wailing.

“I nearly killed you, I nearly killed you.”

Wu Naijuan sighed: “I didn’t die, and you didn’t mean to harm me.”

“I found it amusing – these adult couples have problems they won’t solve at home, actually coming to government offices to complain to strangers. Nothing more absurd, so I spoke carelessly, saying a few words to them…”

Tan Xin sobbed uncontrollably.

“The matter is concluded.”

Li Zhizhong was angry and disapproving: “The injuries haven’t completely healed yet.”

Tan Xin said, “My conscience will be troubled for life. Miss Wu, I’ll be your slave, whatever you command.”

Zhizhong said coldly from the side: “Is that legally allowed?”

Wu Naijuan thought: “You’ll do 500 hours of volunteer work for me.”

“Good, good.”

“Ten hours a week for five full years, specially caring for patients at the children’s cancer hospital. Go immediately.”

“Yes, yes.”

“Everyone’s tired – let’s go home.”

In the car, Zhizhong said happily, “Naijuan, you performed well.”

“You mean I’m completely normal, haven’t become an idiot?”

Zhizhong was honest: “I was naturally worried you couldn’t recover one hundred percent.”

“It’s truly miraculous. Looking at the scan results, the left side of the skull was basically like a broken glass bottle.”

Zhizhong nodded.

Wu Naijuan rested her head on his shoulder, feeling safe and secure. His shoulder was especially round and solid.

Zhizhong coughed and made an “mm-hmm” sound.

“You have something to say?” Wu Naijuan was surprised.

“Please come to my home for a detailed discussion.”

“Are you going back to Silicon Valley again?”

“We’ll talk when we get home.”