A flicker of surprise passed through Wen Ran's eyes.
Her family owned a pharmaceutical company. Though she had never shown much interest in the family business, she had grown up familiar with medicinal herbs. As a child, she especially enjoyed recognizing them by their scent.
On the way here, she had taken a whiff as well—just as Gu Kai had concluded, she could confidently identify musk. The rest, however, remained a mystery to her.
"Brother Gu, I could only distinguish musk in the soup, but I'm certain that's not the only ingredient. That's why I'd like to ask for your help."
Wen Ran spoke with open honesty. She was determined to uncover every element hidden in that bowl of shark fin soup.
Astute as always, Gu Kai had already pieced together the underlying story from her few words. A trace of emotion flickered in his eyes as he asked with concern, "Ranran, did someone invite you to Yi Pin Xuan for dinner tonight?"
Wen Ran sought Gu Kai out because she trusted him—not just because he was Mo Xiuchen's close friend, but also because, over the days she'd come to know him, she felt an inexplicable sense of warmth and trust.
And he had helped her more than once.
Now that he had asked, she saw no reason to hide the truth. In a soft voice, she explained, "After I left the hospital this afternoon, Mo Zixuan's mother called me. She said she needed my help with something and asked me to meet her at Yi Pin Xuan over dinner. I tried to decline, saying I had other commitments, but she insisted she'd wait until I was free."
Gu Kai's handsome features tensed slightly, a glint of coldness flashing through his dark eyes. His voice deepened. "Xiao Wenqing invited you to dinner? Then the herbs in that soup—she's the one who put them in?"
That would explain the presence of musk.
Even without testing, Gu Kai could hazard a guess as to the rest. Years ago, Xiao Wenqing had failed to eliminate Mo Xiuchen. Now that he had returned, a shell of his former self, she had spread word throughout G City that he was no longer a threat.
Yet just a few days ago, she had suddenly learned that Wen Ran and Mo Xiuchen had consummated their marriage. How could she not be filled with resentment and malice?
"I can't be sure it was her," Wen Ran replied, "but fortunately, Brother Chen called and warned me not to drink it. Still, when the soup was brought out, Xiao Wenqing urged me to try it. Even when I stood to leave, she insisted I take a sip before going."
Gu Kai's lips curved into a faint smile. "So you played along and packed the soup to take with you?"
Wen Ran nodded. "Yes. I don't want my brother or Mo Xiuchen to know about this just yet, so I could only turn to you."
Just days ago, her brother had been tormented with guilt over her abduction in F City. She didn't want to burden him again. As for Mo Xiuchen—Cheng Jia had been injured, and she didn't wish to trouble him either.
Gu Kai understood and agreed readily. "Don't worry. I'll thoroughly analyze every ingredient in that soup. But since this happened at Yi Pin Xuan, we'll need to pay them a visit."
As the waiter brought over their coffee, Gu Kai took a sip, then asked once the waiter had walked away, "And this Brother Chen you mentioned—who is he?"
Wen Ran smiled. "He's Sister Li's husband—also Qin Mu's brother-in-law. I've already asked him to keep this quiet, and he agreed."
Gu Kai nodded with a smile. "Wait here a moment while I bring this back to the hospital. Then I'll go with you to Yi Pin Xuan."
"All right."
Wen Ran answered softly. As she saw him reaching for his wallet, she quickly said, "Brother Gu, let me pay for this."
Gu Kai chuckled and stood up, waving to the waiter. He pulled a hundred-yuan note from his wallet. "This coffee hardly counts. You can treat me to dinner instead."
Since he had made it sound so casual, Wen Ran no longer insisted and replied cheerfully, "Deal."
Wen Ran hadn't expected that Gu Kai would be on such friendly terms with the owner of Yi Pin Xuan. With just a few words, the owner personally stepped in and quickly identified the kitchen assistant who had tampered with the soup.
However, just like in the F City kidnapping, the assistant claimed not to know who had given the order. He had accepted the job out of desperation for money.
By the time they tried to call, the number was already disconnected.
The owner of Yi Pin Xuan apologized profusely to Wen Ran and insisted they stay for dinner. Gu Kai declined politely. "We'll take a rain check."
After leaving the restaurant, Gu Kai mentioned a craving for barbecue, and Wen Ran readily agreed.
"Let your driver go home. I'll take you back later."
His clear voice drifted into the night as he glanced toward the parking lot.
"Okay."
Wen Ran didn't particularly like having a driver follow her around all day. If not for her arm injury—and the fact that her brother and Mo Xiuchen wouldn't allow her to drive—she would've dismissed the driver already.
As the car glided onto the main road, Gu Kai stole a glance at Wen Ran in the passenger seat. For reasons he couldn't quite name, a lightness crept into his heart. The corners of his mouth lifted in a smile. "What do you like to eat? I'll treat you next time."
Wen Ran looked over at him and smiled. "I really like barbecue. When my parents were still around, they wouldn't let me have it—they said it was unhealthy. So my brother used to sneak me out to eat it. Afterward, we wouldn't go home right away—we'd stroll around, waiting for the smell to fade before going back."
Gu Kai burst into laughter. "Is that so? Then I've finally found a companion. Xiuchen doesn't like barbecue at all. From now on, whenever you're craving it, just call me. I know every barbecue joint in G City."
"Sounds great! My brother took me for barbecue, but he never took me to the night markets…"
Once the topic turned to food, the two kindred spirits couldn't stop chatting. In the end, Gu Kai took Wen Ran to one of his favorite stalls at a bustling night market.
"Xiuchen never dares eat here. Says it's unsanitary. But honestly, the flavor is incredible."
Gu Kai munched happily on a skewer while chatting away, and Wen Ran joined in with equal enthusiasm. Though the open-air stall lacked the polish of a high-end restaurant, it had its own charm.
Mouth full, Wen Ran no longer cared for ladylike decorum. She mumbled around her food, "Mm, it's so good. Absolutely delicious."
Gu Kai pulled a napkin from the dispenser and handed it to her, his tone gentle. "Ranran, wipe your face."
Wen Ran blinked, confused, and reached for the napkin. "Where?"
"Here."
The table was small, and Gu Kai had long arms. Without hesitation, he leaned over and gently wiped the grease from the corner of her lips.
His brows held a soft smile, and his movements were natural—like that of an older brother. Yet the moment his fingers brushed her skin, it was Wen Ran who stiffened slightly, an unexpected awkwardness rising in her chest.