Mo Xiuchen's body stiffened for a moment. The warmth of her soft body pressed against him, her passionate initiative stirred up the heat in his own blood.
But he knew, above all, the most important thing right now was to get her safely back up to the cliff.
"Xiuchen, we'll pull you both up!"
From the top of the cliff, Luo Haofeng shouted loudly. Mo Xiuchen responded with a firm "Got it!" and tightened his hold around Wen Ran's waist, steadying her as she twisted restlessly. With the help of the people above, they slowly ascended.
"It's so hot… I feel awful…"
Before seeing Mo Xiuchen, Wen Ran had still managed to hold on to a sliver of rationality despite her discomfort. But now, the effects of the drug grew stronger, and being held in his arms erased her last shred of control. In her foggy and chaotic mind, there was only one clear thought—he could make her feel better.
"Be good, just a little longer."
Mo Xiuchen's heart surged with fury at those who hurt her, mixed with deep sorrow at seeing her like this. But all those emotions were eclipsed by one overwhelming shock—she would rather jump off a cliff than be violated.
He had met her months ago at a banquet—a kind-hearted, innocent girl unaware of the cruelty of the world. Then came the car crash that took her family and left her brother in a coma. For the sake of the company and her brother, she had given up her own happiness and promised to be a good wife.
Over time, he'd discovered her many layers—she could be the delicate, pampered heiress, but also the girl who secretly learned to cook just to give him a birthday surprise. Though she'd been cherished all her life, she was fiercely independent, strong enough to make anyone's heart ache.
Tonight, she'd rather die than be defiled. The gash on her cheek, several centimeters long, its dried blood glinting under the moonlight, was like a blade stabbing into his own heart.
Unknowingly, Wen Ran had taken over his entire heart. His emotions—his joy, anger, sorrow—were all tied to her now. When they finally reached the top of the cliff and landed safely, only then did he feel the knot in his chest loosen.
Luo Haofeng and the others took in Wen Ran's condition with grave expressions. They all knew what had happened. Luo Haofeng stepped forward and untied the rope from Mo Xiuchen with practiced ease. "Xiuchen, take her back to the car first. That wound on her face needs immediate treatment to prevent infection."
"Mm."
Mo Xiuchen nodded. A trace of coldness flashed through his deep eyes, quickly replaced by tender worry. His grip on Wen Ran never loosened for a moment. Knowing how uncomfortable she must be, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead gently. "Ranran, let's go to the car, okay?"
"Mm…"
She whimpered softly in his arms, unable to say if she even heard him.
Back by the car, Uncle Ming was still waiting. Seeing Mo Xiuchen return with Wen Ran, his eyes filled with relief. He said warmly, "Young Master Mo, I'll take these people away. Let Young Master Luo drive the other car. You and Miss Wen can follow later."
His words were vague, but everyone present understood the meaning behind them—he was giving Mo Xiuchen and Wen Ran space to be alone. She had endured for so long, and once they were back in the city, she might not hold out any longer.
Mo Xiuchen gave him a grateful look. "Uncle Ming, no need for thanks. Let's do it your way."
A moment later, two cars left the mountaintop, heading downhill.
Mo Xiuchen carried Wen Ran to the car and opened the door with one hand, gently placing her inside. But she clung tightly to him, and his tall frame naturally followed her into the backseat.
"I feel awful…"
"Ranran, you won't feel awful for much longer."
His voice hoarse with emotion, Mo Xiuchen stopped holding back and helped ease her pain…
Outside the car, the moonlight draped softly over the mountaintop like a veil. A few birds flew by. It was quiet and serene.
Inside the car, passion bloomed, until the silence was broken by a pained cry:
"…It hurts… oh…"
They were too eager, the space too tight, and Wen Ran's injured arm accidentally knocked against the seat, making her cry out softly in pain…
Back at the hotel, Bai Xiaoxiao was pacing like a cat on hot bricks. Since they returned, she hadn't been able to sit still for even a second. She walked back and forth in the room anxiously. Li Qian, a few years older and somewhat calmer, was praying silently in her heart that Wen Ran was safe.
It felt like an eternity had passed when the phone finally rang. The cheerful ringtone shattered the suffocating silence. Bai Xiaoxiao glanced at the caller ID and immediately hit the answer button.
"Luo Haofeng, did you find Ranran?!"
Li Qian, who had been sitting on the couch, sprang to her feet as soon as the phone rang. She rushed over and stared intently at the phone, wishing she could somehow reach through it.
"We found her. Wen Ran is safe. She's with Xiuchen now."
Tears of joy flooded Bai Xiaoxiao's eyes the moment she heard those words. Her heart, filled with fear and worry, was suddenly overwhelmed with relief. "She's really okay? Where is she now? I want to talk to her!"
The phone was on speaker, so Li Qian had heard everything. Though she didn't cry like Bai Xiaoxiao, her eyes misted over. The tension she'd been holding finally melted away. Ranran's okay. Thank God!
"I'm not in the same car. Xiuchen is with her. They won't be coming back tonight. You two don't need to wait—just rest."
Through the phone, Luo Haofeng couldn't see Bai Xiaoxiao's tears, but he could hear the trembling in her voice. Not wanting them to worry more, he didn't mention that Wen Ran had been drugged or that she and Mo Xiuchen were likely… entangled atop the mountain at this very moment.
"They're not coming back? Why? Is Ranran hurt? Luo Haofeng, you said she was fine—were you lying to me?!"
Bai Xiaoxiao's voice sharpened with suspicion, her brows furrowed.
On the other end of the call, Luo Haofeng was momentarily stunned by her accusation. As he hesitated on how to respond, Bai Xiaoxiao's voice rose in anger:
"Luo Haofeng, you are lying to us, aren't you?! You didn't find Ranran at all! You liar—"