"Xiuchen did it for your own good. If you keep crying like this every day, your eyes will eventually be ruined."
Nearby, Gu Kai gently explained on behalf of his friend, lightly patting Wen Ran's shoulder with a brotherly air as he softly said, "Hurry back, alright? Your brother is being cared for around the clock by a dedicated nurse—it'll be fine."
Wen Ran nodded, glanced at Mo Xiuchen walking toward the elevator, and said to Gu Kai, "Thank you, Doctor Gu."
Even though Mo Xiuchen had been harsh with her earlier, she could feel his underlying good intentions.
Ever since a week ago—after her parents' accident and her brother falling into a coma—the once "friendly" relatives had all shown their true colors. In contrast, it was strangers like Gu Kai, whom she hadn't known before, who offered her repeated encouragement and comfort.
Seeing her catch up with Mo Xiuchen at the elevator, running to join him as they entered one after the other, Gu Kai's expression turned thoughtful.
On the way back, Mo Xiuchen remained silent, and Wen Ran, feeling low, said little, falling into a long silence.
After several exhausting hours at the hospital, they finally reached home—it was already midnight!
While ascending the stairs together, Wen Ran walked especially slowly. Even though Mo Xiuchen was "incapable" in that aspect, tonight was, after all, their wedding night.
How was a bridal chamber celebration supposed to be?
Wen Ran couldn't stop her wandering thoughts; the more she thought about it, the more nervous she became.
When Mo Xiuchen reached the second floor, he glanced back and saw that she was only halfway up the stairs. With her head bowed and her fists clenched, her whole body tense, his deep eyes narrowed sharply.
After a brief moment, seemingly understanding her inner thoughts, he said in a calm tone, "Hurry up. Uncle Liu has placed your suitcase in the master bedroom. If you'd rather not share a room with me, you can choose another one."
At those words, Wen Ran, who had been walking with her head down, suddenly lifted her gaze. Her clear, shining eyes looked up at the tall figure of the man on the second floor, as if afraid he might change his mind. Hastily, she replied "Alright!" and started jogging up the stairs.
Mo Xiuchen noted the change in her expression, a hint of a soft light glimmering in his eyes as he strode toward the master bedroom.
Following him into the master suite, Wen Ran immediately saw a suitcase placed by the entrance of the walk-in closet. She didn't immediately go to pick it up; instead, she looked up at the halted Mo Xiuchen and softly asked, "Am I really allowed to choose my own room?"
Mo Xiuchen's eyes narrowed slightly as he fixed his gaze on her expectant eyes. Changing his tone from earlier, he said, "You can take the adjacent guest room. It's simply decorated, but it's better than the others."
"...Alright!"
Wen Ran had wanted the room on the third floor, but remembering her previous words, she swallowed her desire.
She carried her suitcase to the door and turned to see Mo Xiuchen's tall silhouette standing in the middle of the luxurious room. The dazzling crystal chandelier light falling on him somehow gave him an air of loneliness and desolation.
For some reason, a soft emotion welled up within her, and she couldn't help but say, "Um, if you ever need anything, feel free to call me!"
Mo Xiuchen slowly turned around from his back, his gaze locking precisely onto hers. His eyes were deep and dark, seemingly bottomless.
A fleeting hint of embarrassment crossed Wen Ran's face as she realized her words might have been inappropriate.
After all, this was his home—what could he possibly need help with?
Mo Xiuchen stared at her steadily, and after an emotion seemed to swell up from deep within his eyes only to recede like a tide, he finally parted his thin lips and said in an emotionless tone, "You can call me Mo Xiuchen, Xiuchen, or even Chen!"