Chapter 10: Ye Wanrou's Cold Poison Attacks

"Shut up!" Ye Feng shouted, his voice echoing in the cold confines of the police station.

"Young Master Ling has helped us a great deal. Without his support, do you think you could still be sitting here?" Ye Wanrou shot back, her anger rising at her son's blatant disrespect. She couldn't believe Ye Feng was so blind to the reality of their situation.

In that moment, Ye Feng felt a surge of resentment. "Mom, I'm your son! Why are you taking the side of an outsider?" His dissatisfaction with Ling Tian boiled over, fueled by a mix of jealousy and frustration. Why did Ling Tian, with his perfect life, get all the admiration, while he felt abandoned?

"Enough! You should reflect on your behavior while you're here," Ye Wanrou replied, her tone cold and stern. Her heart ached at her son's lack of appreciation. If it weren't for Ling Tian's influence, the consequences of Ye Feng's reckless actions against Song Hui would have been catastrophic.

She had initially planned to ask Ling Tian for help in bailing Ye Feng out, hoping her son would show remorse and sincerity. But now, watching him act like an ungrateful brat, she resolved that a few days in jail might serve him well. He needed to learn a lesson about respect and responsibility.

"Mom, don't leave! Go to Ling Tian and bail me out!" Ye Feng pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice as he realized his mother was walking away without looking back. The thought of being stuck in this place gnawed at him.

But Ye Wanrou simply turned and walked out of the station, her heart heavy with disappointment.

~~~

As she returned to the Ling family manor, she crossed paths with Ling Tian. "Aunt Rou, what's wrong? You don't look well," he inquired, genuine concern lacing his voice. He had a keen sense of her distress, knowing she had just dealt with Ye Feng.

"I'm fine, Young Master Ling," Ye Wanrou replied, forcing a smile despite the turmoil within her. The shame of Ye Feng's actions weighed heavily on her, and she couldn't bear to admit the full extent of her son's disgrace.

Ling Tian's expression softened. "Aunt Rou, you can tell me anything. If I can help, I will," he assured her, his smile confident and reassuring.

"Thank you," Ye Wanrou said, her heart warming at his words. She appreciated his kindness, especially in contrast to Ye Feng's behavior. 

Ling Tian's thoughts were strategic. "Did something happen to Brother Feng?" he asked, feigning ignorance but eager to sow discord.

"He got into a fight again and was arrested," Ye Wanrou explained, her eyes filled with disappointment. "But let him stay there for a few days. Maybe it'll teach him a lesson."

"Don't worry about him. He must have his reasons for fighting. Should I speak to someone to get him out today?" Ling Tian offered, knowing that elevating Ye Feng in Ye Wanrou's eyes would further separate their relationship.

"Thank you, Young Master Ling, but I'd prefer he learns from this," she responded, feeling a mix of admiration and growing respect for Ling Tian. He seemed so perfect—handsome, capable, and compassionate, qualities she wished Ye Feng could embody.

~~~

After a brief exchange, Ye Wanrou prepared to leave, fatigue evident in her demeanor. However, just as she turned to go, she let out a soft gasp, clutching her side. "Ugh…" She stumbled, her body betraying her as the cold disease she battled flared up, sending a wave of pain through her.

"Aunt Rou, what's wrong?" Ling Tian's tone shifted to urgency, his eyes sparkling with an odd mix of concern and something darker as he stepped closer.

"I'm just a little cold…" Ye Wanrou replied weakly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she felt a mix of vulnerability and confusion in his presence.

"Let me help you. You can't even stand properly," Ling Tian insisted, stepping forward and gently lifting her into his arms before she could protest. His grip was firm yet reassuring, his warmth contrasting sharply with her own chilled body.

"Thank you, but you really don't have to…" Ye Wanrou's voice trailed off, her heart racing not just from the pain but also from the closeness. She hadn't experienced such intimacy with another man since giving birth to Ye Feng.

"Let me take you back to your room," Ling Tian said gently, carrying her effortlessly. "You need to rest."

Once inside her bedroom, Ling Tian laid her down softly on the bed, his eyes scanning her pale face. "Aunt Rou, let me check your condition. I have some medical knowledge."

Without thinking much, she nodded. The pain was too great for her to refuse his help. As he placed his fingers on her wrist to check her pulse, she felt a strange mix of admiration and apprehension. 

"The cold poison in your body is caused by a vicious cold-attribute true qi," he explained, his voice calm and soothing. "But I can help you."

"Really?" Ye Wanrou's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of hope breaking through her pain. The idea of finding relief from her long-standing suffering felt almost unreal.

Ling Tian smiled confidently, his mind racing with possibilities. He had his own plans, and this moment was just the beginning.