That night, Wen Ran had another nightmare—different from the ones before.
This time, it was far more terrifying. She dreamed she was kidnapped by a group of strange men who threw her into an abandoned factory. She screamed for help, but no one came. The men forced some kind of drug down her throat. As they closed in on her, she was so desperate to avoid being violated that she resolved to bite her tongue and end it all.
She woke up screaming in fear.
"Ranran, are you okay? Another nightmare?"
The scream startled Bai Xiaoxiao awake. She sat up quickly and looked at Wen Ran's pale face under the dim light.
Wen Ran gasped for breath, a wave of anxiety spreading like a virus through her chest. The dream had felt so real, too real to shake off.
"What did you dream about? You look terrified," Bai Xiaoxiao asked, wrapping her arms around Wen Ran.
After a couple of minutes, Wen Ran's breathing steadied, and she forced a small smile. "I'm fine now, Xiaoxiao. Let's go back to sleep."
"Mm."
Bai Xiaoxiao nodded and lay back down.
The next morning, as the two walked out of the hotel, they saw Luo Haofeng leaning against a white BMW with a smug pose that perfectly showed off his striking good looks—earning him plenty of admiring glances from passersby.
Seeing them, he waved at Wen Ran.
"Ranran, remember when you asked why he doesn't act in movies? That guy really should be on screen," Bai Xiaoxiao whispered beside her.
Wen Ran chuckled. "He could easily make a living off his looks, but he insists on using his skills."
"Haha!"
Bai Xiaoxiao laughed without restraint. Though they spoke quietly, Luo Haofeng noticed their glances and figured they were talking about him. His eyes narrowed playfully, and he gave a smug grin.
"Good morning, Miss Wen, Miss Bai."
He walked over and greeted them politely.
"Good morning, Director Luo," Wen Ran replied. Then she raised a brow curiously. "What brings you here so early?"
Luo Haofeng sobered up, answering seriously, "I'm here under Xiuchen's orders to wait for you. I reviewed the hotel surveillance footage—turns out that van arrived two minutes before your mysterious call and stayed for nearly twenty minutes before leaving. You're sharp, Miss Wen. I'm sure you've already guessed that van was meant for you."
He studied her closely as he spoke. Wen Ran didn't hide it. "Yes, Xiaoxiao and I saw the van and the men who got out."
Luo Haofeng nodded and continued, "Until we figure out what's going on, Xiuchen is concerned for your safety. He asked me to act as your bodyguard for the time being. Please, ladies, get in the car."
"Bodyguard?"
Bai Xiaoxiao raised an eyebrow, looking him up and down. What kind of bodyguard looked like a top model?
Wen Ran, guessing her thoughts, smiled and accepted, "Thank you, Director Luo. Xiaoxiao, let's go."
"Xiuchen must really trust her," Bai Xiaoxiao muttered as she shot a side glance at Luo Haofeng. Isn't he worried she'll fall for her handsome bodyguard?
"What are you mumbling about?" Wen Ran nudged her before getting in the car.
"I didn't say anything!"
"Miss Bai, do you think I'm more handsome than Xiuchen?"
Luo Haofeng smirked, clearly having overheard.
"I never said that!"
As his masculine scent suddenly filled her space, Bai Xiaoxiao turned quickly—only to find their faces so close that her lips brushed against his.
Their lips met.
Startled, Bai Xiaoxiao's face turned scarlet. The accidental kiss stunned even Luo Haofeng. His hand rested on the car door, and as he leaned in, their lips had aligned perfectly. Her lips were soft and sweet—like petals after the rain—and he instinctively moved his own.
"Luo Haofeng, you pervert!"
Bai Xiaoxiao snapped out of it and raised her hand to slap him.
"Miss Bai, you were the one who kissed me. I'm the victim here. Why are you hitting me?"
He easily caught her wrist and calmly defended himself.
"Let go! That was my first kiss! If you hadn't suddenly leaned in, this never would've happened!"
She was furious and humiliated. She had saved her first kiss for someone she loved—and now this jerk had taken it.
Luo Haofeng released her hand and shrugged. "There are girls lined up from here to the convention center hoping to give me their first kiss. Coincidentally, that was my first kiss too. So we're even. No harm done. Miss Bai, please get in the car."
He opened the driver's door and climbed in.
Inside, Wen Ran had witnessed the whole scene. Seeing Bai Xiaoxiao flustered and fuming, she gently pulled her into the car and comforted her. "Xiaoxiao, it was just an accident. Don't be mad. Pretend it didn't happen."
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even be in this car."
"I know. Be good now. Don't be upset."
Wen Ran cooed like coaxing a child. Bai Xiaoxiao couldn't help laughing. "Don't worry—I won't make things difficult for you."
Meanwhile, back in G City, Qin Mu glared at Mo Xiuchen, who was still working during lunch. He reached over and slammed the laptop shut with a loud snap.
"Xiuchen, do you want me to eat or not?"
Mo Xiuchen's eyes darkened slightly. He gave Qin Mu a sidelong glance and reopened the laptop. "You eat. Just don't look this way. I need to get this arranged. I'm heading to F City tonight."
Qin Mu froze mid-bite, stunned. "F City? Because of Wen Ran? Didn't Uncle Ming already start investigating last night's incident? You even assigned Luo Haofeng to be her bodyguard. Why go yourself? If you're still worried, I'll ask Uncle Ming to send more men!"
Things were chaotic with the project launch. Qin Mu already felt like Mo Xiuchen was using him as two people. He'd only just gotten home at midnight from a business dinner, and now he'd been dragged out again at six in the morning.
Now he couldn't even eat lunch in peace?