That drama queen Bai Xiaoxiao really was a born actress—the way she switched roles so fast was almost frightening.
Rolling her eyes, Wen Ran shot her a look and changed the subject. "Where's your luggage? Don't tell me you're traveling empty-handed. I'm not taking you shopping for clothes if you forgot to pack."
Walking side by side toward the airport entrance, Bai Xiaoxiao got serious for a moment. "It's with Sister Li. Everyone else is already here—only you were missing. I came out to check, and guess what I saw? You and Mo Xiuchen, looking all lovey-dovey. Ranran, be honest. Have you fallen for him?"
Wen Ran frowned and instantly denied it. "No."
Bai Xiaoxiao tilted her head, eyes narrowed. "Really? Because the way you two act, it's like you've been married for years."
Wen Ran let out a short laugh. "And what do you expect from a couple without love—acting like strangers? Or enemies? In ancient times, most couples didn't even meet before marriage, and they still lived peacefully together for a lifetime. But modern couples? All over each other before marriage, fighting or divorcing right after."
"Aiyo, I say one sentence and you hit me with an essay," Bai Xiaoxiao pouted. "Fine, I won't ask if you love him. But I know Brother Jin wants you to divorce Mo Xiuchen. What are you thinking?"
Inside the airport, Bai Xiaoxiao turned to Wen Ran with a concerned look.
Wen Ran paused for a beat, then said quietly, "I'm not someone who goes back on my word. I already explained everything to my brother."
By the time Wen Ran and the others arrived in F City, it was noon.
After dropping off their luggage in the hotel, they grabbed lunch downstairs. Bai Xiaoxiao, claiming exhaustion, headed back for a nap, while Wen Ran went with Li Qian to the exhibition center.
Busy as they were, the day flew by. By nightfall, Bai Xiaoxiao dragged Wen Ran out to explore the night market. Exhausted, they finally returned to the hotel and washed up for bed.
After such a long day, sleep should've come easily. But in the middle of the night, Wen Ran found herself trapped in a nightmare—the same one she'd had since childhood. In it, she was desperately yelling at a little boy to run. In the darkness, he turned back and promised to return for her. The next moment, the scene shifted to a blazing car crash. Her parents, trapped inside, were engulfed in flames…
Wen Ran woke with a jolt, sitting up in bed. In the soft glow of the nightlight, she saw Bai Xiaoxiao still sleeping soundly, her back turned. Taking a deep breath, Wen Ran slipped quietly out of bed.
Just then, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was set to vibrate. The caller ID lit up with a single word: Brother.
Surprised, she glanced at Bai Xiaoxiao, still sound asleep, then stepped out to the balcony and answered softly, "Hello, Ge."
"You had the nightmare again?" came the warm, familiar voice of Wen Jin, full of concern. His voice wrapped around her like a soft blanket—her brother always knew.
"You're still awake?" she asked, her voice hushed as she looked up at the unfamiliar night sky. It was nearly 2 a.m.—surely he hadn't stayed up just to check on her?
"I just woke up too. I know you always have that nightmare on Thursday nights. I got worried and couldn't sleep. Ranran, was it the same dream?"
Wen Jin leaned against his bed's headboard, eyes soft with worry. He recalled something Mo Xiuchen had once said—that he suspected Ranran was the girl who had saved him when he was kidnapped as a child. Coincidentally, her recurring dream had always featured a boy.
Gripping his phone tighter, Wen Jin felt a strange tug at his heart.
Still standing on the balcony, Wen Ran whispered into the wind, "Mm. I dreamed of the boy again… and Mom and Dad, too."
"Silly girl," he murmured with affection. "You're just missing them, that's all. Don't overthink. Get back to bed, okay?"
"How did you know I wasn't in bed?" she asked, her brow furrowing at the thought. Her chest ached slightly from the sadness still lingering in her dream.
Ever since Mo Xiuchen had insisted she sleep in his arms, those dreams had stopped. She'd slept soundly through the night. But now, away on a business trip, they were back again.
Wen Jin chuckled gently, "I'm your brother. Of course I know. Now go on—get back under the covers. Keep the call on. I'll stay on the line until you fall asleep."
Wen Ran's heart softened at his words. "Ge…" she called out in a soft, affectionate tone. Then, with a playful scoff, "I don't need you to babysit me. You're still recovering—you should rest."
"I've got plenty of time to sleep during the day. You don't. Tomorrow's the first day of the pharmaceutical expo—you need to be sharp. Come on, be good. I'll wait until you're asleep, then I'll hang up."
"Having a big brother feels so nice," Wen Ran murmured, moved by his warmth. She thought back to the days when he was unconscious—how lost and terrified she had been.
She suddenly realized she needed to cherish this happiness, this bond. One day, her brother would fall in love, get married, and maybe he wouldn't spoil her like this anymore.
Feeling a little silly, she sighed and said, "Alright. But you better not stay up just to wait for me to fall asleep."
"Deal," Wen Jin said, smiling.
Wen Ran climbed back into bed and snuggled under the covers. "Goodnight," she whispered into the phone before closing her eyes. Before long, she drifted into peaceful sleep.
The next few days were incredibly busy. Even Bai Xiaoxiao, who originally came just for fun, got roped in as a free assistant.
Somehow, word had gotten out during the expo that Wen Ran was married to the heir of the MS Group. As a result, they were twice as busy as they'd expected.
On the third morning, Wen Ran and Bai Xiaoxiao were heading into the exhibition hall when a handsome, slightly mischievous-looking man called out to them. Before Wen Ran could react, he was already extending his hand.
"Good morning, beautiful ladies! I'm Luo Haofeng, director of Yiwei Pharmaceuticals in H City. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm here on Mo Xiuchen's orders—to bring you some reinforcements."
Wen Ran blinked, stunned. So this was the "Director Luo" Mo Xiuchen had mentioned last night? She'd imagined a man in his fifties, not... this dangerously charming guy.
She glanced at the four people behind him, all trying to stifle their laughter, then shook Luo Haofeng's hand with a smile. "Wow, I didn't expect Director Luo to be so young and good-looking. For a second, I thought you were some international movie star."
Luo Haofeng winked at her. "Miss Wen, you're quite the charmer. But you better not say that in front of Mo Xiuchen. He's been jealous of my face since college. If he hears you think I'm more handsome, I might not live to see tomorrow."
"Pfft!" one of the women behind him burst into laughter.