Bai Xiaoxiao clutched her phone, trying to decipher what he meant by "she's fine." Curiosity getting the better of her, she asked, "Where's Ranran now? I'd like to speak with her."
"She's exhausted—still asleep."
Mo Xiuchen's response was crystal clear, both in explanation and in refusal. If Bai Xiaoxiao still failed to understand, he would no longer bother with civility.
"Oh... then I'll call her once she wakes up."
"Alright."
With that, the line went dead.
Staring at her phone in thought for a long moment, Bai Xiaoxiao decided that if Wen Ran couldn't make it to the exhibition hall today, then as her best friend, she shouldn't show up either.
With that resolve, she applied some light makeup, picked up her bag, and stepped out.
As she opened the door, she immediately spotted Mo Xiuchen ahead. Even though it was just his back, she recognized him at once. Surprise flashed in her eyes, and she called out instinctively, "Mo Xiuchen!"
He stopped and turned. His handsome features were composed and indifferent, unchanged even upon seeing her. "Miss Bai."
"Mo Xiuchen, what are you doing here? Did you and Ranran stay at this hotel last night? Which room is she in?"
She wasn't foolish. Although she hadn't seen which room he emerged from, his presence here at this hour made things obvious—he and Wen Ran had stayed at this hotel last night.
Mo Xiuchen neither confirmed nor denied it. Calmly, he said, "She's tired. If you have nothing else, perhaps you could assist at the exhibition."
Bai Xiaoxiao's expression shifted subtly, displeasure flickering in her eyes. "I'm Ranran's best friend. I won't be at ease until I see her for myself."
Her chin lifted stubbornly, a glint of defiance in her gaze. He wouldn't let her see Ranran? Then she must.
Mo Xiuchen's dark eyes glinted coldly. His lips pressed into a firm line. He said nothing.
"If you're afraid I'll disturb her, I promise I won't wake her. I just want to be sure she's really alright."
The air grew tense.
After a silent standoff, Bai Xiaoxiao grudgingly stepped back.
"Follow me."
Mo Xiuchen uttered those three words before striding off.
"Thank you!"
Joy blossomed across Bai Xiaoxiao's face as she hurried after him. Mo Xiuchen stopped at a door, pulled out the keycard, and unlocked it. He didn't let her in right away, but instead looked toward the bed. His deep gaze softened slightly as it landed on Wen Ran's peacefully sleeping form.
"Go in—but don't wake her."
With a final glance, Mo Xiuchen turned and walked away.
Bai Xiaoxiao shut the door behind her and padded softly to the bedside. She didn't call out. Instead, her eyes landed on Wen Ran's cheek—where a scab marred her porcelain skin—and her arm, which was still wrapped in gauze.
A tightness clenched at Bai Xiaoxiao's chest. Last night, Luo Haofeng had merely said Wen Ran was fine, drugged but unharmed. He hadn't mentioned injuries.
Nor had Mo Xiuchen said a word about her being hurt.
So she was injured.
What on earth had she gone through last night?
Just then, her phone rang shrilly, shattering the silence. Alarmed, she fumbled to silence it, worried it would wake Wen Ran. When she saw the caller ID, her brows lifted in surprise. She answered quickly. "Hello, Jin-ge!"
"Xiaoxiao—where's Ranran?"
Wen Jin's voice was thick with worry and urgency.
"She's still asleep," Bai Xiaoxiao replied softly.
"Wake her."
"Alright, give me a moment."
She dared not refuse him. His tone was utterly unlike the warm gentleness she was used to—it carried a suppressed desperation.
She sensed that he already knew about last night. He was anxious because of it. Perhaps he'd spoken with Mo Xiuchen and learned she was here.
"Ranran, wake up—it's your brother. He says it's urgent."
Wen Ran stirred groggily, her heavy eyelids fluttering open to meet Bai Xiaoxiao's worried gaze. She frowned, pained, then rubbed at her eyes and glanced at the phone in her friend's hand.
"It's Jin-ge. He sounds really anxious."
Bai Xiaoxiao held the phone carefully, voice hushed.
Wen Ran's expression shifted slightly. Sitting up with the blanket around her, she took the phone, bit her lip, and softly said, "Brother…"
"Ranran, I heard what happened last night. How could you be so reckless? What could possibly be more important than your life? Tell me—how badly are you hurt?"
His voice was filled with urgency and heartache. Wen Ran felt a sudden sting at her nose. Last night, Mo Xiuchen had also demanded that she promise never to act so rashly again. Now her brother was saying the same—nothing was more important than her life. Even if she had been violated, their love for her would never falter.
"I panicked at the time. Don't worry, I'm fine. Just a few scrapes—they'll heal in a couple of days."
She tried to sound casual. Though she hadn't wanted him to find out, she knew that once the police were involved, he would.
"Where are you hurt? Come home today. I'll have someone pick you up. Sister Li can handle things in F City."
He couldn't rest easy not having seen her injuries himself.
"It's just my arm, brother. Really, I'm fine. Once the pharmaceutical expo is over in a few days, I'll come back. If you don't believe me, I'll send you a picture later."
Warmth flooded her heart. Her voice, when speaking to him, unconsciously softened. She might be capable and independent at work, but in front of her brother, she would always be the cherished little sister.
But Wen Jin was having none of it.
After learning what she'd endured, all he felt was self-loathing.
To him, everything that happened was his fault.
He hadn't protected her well enough. If anything had truly happened last night, he'd spend the rest of his life drowning in guilt.
"No. Even if your injuries are minor—you must come home. I just spoke with Mo Xiuchen. He promised he'd bring you back today."
"But what about F City?"
She knew he was just worried—but she didn't want to give up halfway.
"Ranran, if I'd known you'd go through something like this in F City, I'd have rather watched the company fall into ruin."
After a pause, his voice returned, heavy with guilt, sorrow, and determination.
In his eyes, nothing—not even his own life—was more important than her. Let alone a pharmaceutical business.
A bitter ache tugged at the warmth swelling in her chest. Wen Ran could no longer bring herself to refuse. She bit her lip and whispered, "We can't predict the future, brother. What happened last night... it was just an accident. I'll come back. Please, don't blame yourself. Promise me that?"