The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 810

Chapter 810: Chapter 810 Rebirth
Zhane, still in his lab coat, immediately pinned the tie clip on with obvious delight. He looked at Hera with a bright smile and eyes that sparkled like a happy child. “Does it look good?” he asked, his emerald gaze full of warmth and excitement.

Hera nodded, her smile matching his. After all, she had designed the tie pin and cufflinks with him in mind. Each set she created carried a unique theme tailored to the person receiving it—and Zhane’s was inspired by nature: fresh, calm, and mature.

The final design featured a delicate willow branch, intricately crafted with flowing leaves, and nestled within them was the imperial jade—lustrous and vividly green, just like his eyes.

The more Zhane admired the design, the deeper his appreciation grew. Unable to resist, he leaned in and placed another kiss on Hera’s cheek, his fingers gently caressing the tie pin as if it were a treasure.

Seeing the genuine joy on Zhane’s face filled Hera’s heart with warmth. There was something deeply fulfilling about watching someone cherish a gift you poured your heart into—so much so that Hera’s eyes began to glisten. At that moment, she silently vowed to gift Zhane even more in the future.

Little did Zhane know, his simple gesture of appreciation had unlocked a chain reaction. Because of that one kiss and heartfelt look, he would soon find himself showered with countless gifts—each more extravagant than the last, worth millions in value. And while he’d be spoiled with luxury, there would be just a hint of loving torment woven into each one.

After sharing that quiet, intimate moment, Hera and Zhane lay down together again, allowing themselves a bit of much-needed rest. They knew they would have to get up soon to check on Leo, but for now, they embraced the rare peace. That brief interlude helped ease the weight on their hearts, if only for a while, and they managed to fall into a deep sleep that lasted four straight hours.

When they woke up, they immediately returned to the ICU to check on Leo. After ensuring everything was stable, Zhane left to make his rounds and join the other doctors for a meeting about the recovery plan. Nurses remained on standby, keeping close watch over Leo and the other patients.

Meanwhile, Hera stood quietly beside the bench just outside the ICU. With her drawing tablet in hand, she stared through the glass at Leo, eyes following the gentle rise and fall of his chest. The steady sound of the machines reminded her he was still fighting. A quiet fire lit in her chest as resolve replaced her worry.

Without another word, she sat down and opened her design app, her fingers starting to move as inspiration surged through her. A new design was born—one shaped by hope, resilience, and the determination burning in her heart.

This time, Hera named her new collection “Rebirth from the Ashes.” She wanted it to symbolize how even death and destruction could give rise to strength and transformation.

Drawing on this theme, she chose the phoenix and the dragon as her base motifs—the phoenix representing rebirth, and the dragon symbolizing power and resilience. It was another two-piece set, each part carrying its own meaning, yet harmonizing as one story.

She sat on the bench for who knew how long, completely absorbed in her work. When Zhane returned, he found Hera so deeply focused she didn’t even glance up as he approached. She was in the zone, sketching with purpose and clarity, her eyes locked on the tablet as her stylus danced across the screen.

When the initial sketch was done, she transitioned smoothly into the 3D rendering, carefully calculating light refraction so the embedded gems would shimmer with lifelike brilliance when tilted or turned.

Each design took hours to perfect, and she still had the second piece to go. Knowing how fleeting inspiration could be, Zhane didn’t interrupt her. He simply stood by quietly, watching her with a soft expression, understanding that a single word might break her rhythm—and with it, the magic of her vision.

Zhane stood silently beside Hera, ensuring that no one disturbed her. When duty called and he had to leave, he discreetly signaled a veteran soldier stationed nearby, instructing him to keep watch and make sure no one approached Hera without permission.

She was working on a new design, and if anyone caught a glimpse of it, there was a risk of plagiarism—something Zhane wouldn’t allow. He knew how important her creative process was, and he intended to protect it.

While he remained free, he stayed by her side, occasionally glancing into the ICU through the glass window to check on Leo. Hera, too, would pause every now and then to look toward the ICU.

Though she couldn’t see Leo—only the sterile white walls and the towering machines—the rhythmic beeping on the monitor was enough. That sound alone reassured her that Leo was still fighting, and it gave her the strength to keep going.

Hera kept working diligently until she completed the draft, then shifted her full focus to crafting the 3D models for each piece in the set.

Throughout the process, Zhane made sure she remembered to eat, gently calling her when it was time so she’d have enough energy to keep going. After every meal, he would escort her back to her usual spot outside the ICU, where she felt most reassured—watching the steady beeping of the heart monitor, a sign that Leo was still holding on.

This routine continued day after day, until finally, her bodyguards arrived carrying her luggage and the folder containing everything she needed for the IGI Expressions Competition Finale.

Now fully prepared, with her designs completed and packed, Hera found herself pausing in front of Leo’s room once more. Her gaze lingered, hesitation filling her eyes—until Zhane quietly stepped beside her.

“Do you want to go in and talk to him for a bit before you leave?” Zhane asked gently, holding her hand. He could feel her hesitation—how deeply worried she was about Leo. She had been guarding the ICU like a loyal pup, never straying far, yet afraid to go inside.

Zhane understood why. She was terrified that seeing Leo up close would make her break down—or worse, that the residual bacteria in her body could risk his already fragile condition.

Squeezing her hand reassuringly, Zhane offered a solution. “You can suit up in full protective gear and do a proper wash-up. That way, there will be no risk of infection. What do you think?”

Hearing this, Hera’s eyes turned red as tears welled up, and she gave a small nod. Zhane gently guided her to the staff showers, where she cleaned up thoroughly. Outside the locker room, a full set of protective gear had already been prepared for her.

After drying off, she tied her hair into a neat low bun and carefully put on the gear. When she stepped out, Zhane was already waiting, and together they walked silently to Leo’s room.

The moment Hera stepped inside and saw Leo lying unconscious, his body covered in tubes and machines, her heart shattered. She couldn’t hold it in—tears streamed down her face as sobs escaped her lips.

She didn’t want to leave him here, not like this. Every part of her ached to stay by his side. But at the same time, she knew she couldn’t ignore the opportunity waiting for her—it was too important. If only Alice weren’t participating too, maybe she could’ve justified skipping the competition. But now, she had no choice.