As if anticipating Wen Ran's reply, the other end of the line fell silent for a moment. When Xiao Yuting spoke again, his tone was no longer arrogant or insolent—it had softened, now tinged with sincerity.
"Wen Ran, you are Xiaoxiao's dearest friend. Wherever she goes, she will certainly reach out to you. I'm sure you have her new number."
"You can always speak to her parents."
Wen Ran still harbored resentment over what Xiao Yuting had said to Xiaoxiao last time at Yipinxuan. When Li Qian told her about his most recent scandal, she had already guessed his motive for finding Xiaoxiao.
The Xiao and Bai families were both considered prominent houses, and their parents had been friends for decades. Since childhood, Xiao Yuting and Bai Xiaoxiao had been betrothed by family arrangement.
On Xiaoxiao's eighteenth birthday, Yuting's mother had passed on the heirloom emerald bracelet—an accessory reserved for the Xiao family's daughters-in-law for generations.
Though Xiao Yuting had no affection for Bai Xiaoxiao, the Xiao elders recognized only her as the rightful daughter-in-law.
Now that he intended to marry another woman, he first had to break off the engagement with Xiaoxiao and reclaim that bracelet.
"Wen Ran, I know you're standing up for Xiaoxiao, but feelings cannot be forced. Would you really want her to marry me and live an unhappy life?"
Wen Ran's grip on her phone tightened. Just how much did Xiao Yuting care for that model, to be so resolute?
In truth, Wen Ran didn't want Xiaoxiao to marry Xiao Yuting either. Not to mention that he had no romantic feelings for her—his philandering ways alone made him unworthy of someone like Xiaoxiao.
"I can let her contact you—but you must promise, you will not hurt her."
She was referring to his attitude, and Xiao Yuting naturally understood. He agreed at once, "Alright. I will speak to her properly."
"I'll call you back later."
Without waiting for his response, Wen Ran ended the call.
Since going abroad, Bai Xiaoxiao had disconnected her original number and given Wen Ran a new one. That was why Xiao Yuting couldn't reach her.
Wen Ran dialed the number, silently composing what she might say.
After a few rings, the call connected. Bai Xiaoxiao's cheerful voice came through, the sound of waves faintly audible behind her.
"Hello, Ranran! I'm at the beach—why are you calling now? Did you miss me?"
A soft smile curved Wen Ran's lips, a wave of unnamed emotion rising in her heart. "Yes, I did. When are you coming back?"
"Ranran, did Xiao Yuting reach out to you?"
Her words startled Wen Ran. "Xiaoxiao, you already know?"
"Haha, I saw a piece of entertainment news the other day, and I called home last night. My mom told me he's getting engaged to that model. I figured if he couldn't reach me, he'd definitely come to you."
Carried on the sea breeze, Xiaoxiao's voice betrayed no trace of sorrow.
Wen Ran pursed her lips. "How do you feel about it?"
"I've already booked my return ticket—three o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Come pick me up. Even if you didn't call me, I was going to call you."
Xiaoxiao's tone was light and easy.
Suppressing the emotions welling in her chest, Wen Ran replied brightly, "Don't worry. I'll be at the airport before three, no matter what. Whatever you decide, I'll support you unconditionally."
"Ranran, you're the best!"
There was a brief silence on the line. Then Bai Xiaoxiao's voice returned, slightly choked with emotion, tugging at Wen Ran's heart.
Near the end of the workday, Mo Xiuchen called.
After speaking with her cousin and her brother to discuss their countermeasures, Wen Ran's voice had grown a little hoarse from too much talking.
"Ranran, what happened to your voice? Are you feeling unwell?"
She had only just said "hello," yet Mo Xiuchen picked up on the change in her tone immediately, concern lacing his voice.
Wen Ran smiled lightly. "Just spoke too much today—my throat's a bit dry. Are you still at the construction site?"
"Mhm, I was just about to head back to the office. I heard your herb supplier suddenly demanded a price hike. Ranran, is there anything I can do to help?"
She had no idea how he got the news, but it was clear he'd called her the moment he did.
Warmth bloomed in her chest. "No need—I've already looked into it. It was Zhou Mingfu pulling strings behind the scenes, inciting several suppliers to raise their prices. My brother and I just discussed sending someone to negotiate in person."
"Rather than going to them, have the suppliers come to G City. Since you already know Zhou Mingfu is behind it, you may as well gather evidence while you're at it."
Mo Xiuchen's calm suggestion wasn't due to doubt in Wen Ran's capability—if she'd already spoken with Wen Jin, things were likely under control.
His reason was simple: he could offer help. And if Gu Kai were involved too, they could fully take control of the situation.
After explaining his plan again in simple terms, Wen Ran was touched and readily agreed. "Alright, we'll do as you say."
After a brief pause, she added softly, "Thank you, Mo Xiuchen."
"Drop the surname and say it again."
On the other end, Mo Xiuchen's brows furrowed slightly. Even in gratitude, she used his full name—it irked him.
Wen Ran was momentarily startled. She mouthed his name in silence. She rarely addressed him so intimately; calling him "Xiuchen" felt far too familiar, even... ambiguous.
"Ranran."
He couldn't see her expression, but Mo Xiuchen could imagine it. His voice dropped low, tender and rich with affection, like velvet brushing against her heart—making it skip a beat.
"Xiuchen, thank you."
Her voice softened, his name on her lips like warm honey—gentle and sweet enough to melt hearts.
"Wait for me—I'm coming to pick you up after work."
Mo Xiuchen's voice was clear and light, carrying a hint of satisfied laughter.
"I thought you had to work late?"
Wen Ran blinked in surprise. Hearing the joy in his voice, her own expression bloomed like spring sunlight. Her heart, too, skipped a beat.
The emotions rising within her were unfamiliar—subtle joy, quiet gratitude, and a strange anticipation... for his arrival.
"Ah Mu's working late tonight. What do you want for dinner? My treat."
Casting a glance at Qin Mu's pitiful expression, Mo Xiuchen walked toward his Aston Martin, the arch of his brow relaxed and full of ease.
So what if you have a wife?
Behind him, Qin Mu rolled his eyes and muttered resentfully at Mo Xiuchen's retreating back, "Just because you have a wife, doesn't mean I have to work overtime every time!"
He mumbled it under his breath. By all rights, Mo Xiuchen—engrossed in his call—shouldn't have heard.
Yet ten steps away, the man abruptly turned his head, gaze sharp as a blade.
Qin Mu stiffened, then quickly feigned nonchalance.
Mo Xiuchen gave him a long look before putting away his phone. From a distance, he said casually, "If you get married soon, you won't have to work late either."
And with that, he turned and left.
Qin Mu's mouth twitched. This guy acted like having a wife was the equivalent of winning a billion-dollar jackpot. As if he envied him. Pfft.
Mo Xiuchen hadn't told Wen Ran—he'd enlisted Gu Kai's help as well, just to ensure their success against Zhou Mingfu.
He also didn't mention it on the way to dinner. But when they arrived at Yipinxuan, the server led them to a private room on the third floor, where Gu Kai was already waiting.
Wen Ran blinked in surprise at the sight of him.
"Ranran, what's with that face? Not happy to see me?"
Gu Kai stood and smiled warmly across the round table.
The surprise faded from Wen Ran's eyes. She smiled. "Of course not. I just didn't know you'd be here too, Brother Gu."
Gu Kai shot Mo Xiuchen a teasing glance. "Xiuchen hardly ever calls me for dinner. No matter how busy I was, I had to come."
Mo Xiuchen rolled his eyes. "Ranran, take a seat."
After helping her to her chair, he sat as well and asked Gu Kai, "Have you ordered?"
Gu Kai shook his head. "I wasn't sure what Ranran liked, so I waited."
He actually knew her preferences well, just as Mo Xiuchen did—but one warning from Xiuchen was enough to keep him from provoking his possessiveness.
Mo Xiuchen didn't call him out. Instead, he summoned the server to place their orders.
Once the dishes were chosen, he explained, "After hearing the news this afternoon, I called Gu Kai. Those suppliers are major players in the region. They won't play nice without a little incentive."
Wen Ran quickly understood his implication. Gratitude warmed her gaze. "Brother Gu…"
Gu Kai smiled, cutting her off. "No need to thank me. I'm not doing this entirely out of goodwill. Our hospital uses a large quantity of herbal medicine each year. I've looked into those suppliers—they're up to standard."
Wen Ran had to smile. "In that case, tonight's meal is on me. I was planning to make the trip myself anyway. Consider this the travel expense."
Gu Kai chuckled. "Fine by me."
Beside him, Mo Xiuchen frowned slightly. Ignoring Gu Kai's look, he leaned back gracefully, retrieved his wallet, and handed her a card. "From now on, use this whenever you need anything."
Wen Ran hesitated under his intense gaze, uncertain whether rejecting him would upset him in front of his friend.
Eventually, she took the card with a smile. "Alright. Then I'll never have to worry about being short on cash again."
The shadows in Mo Xiuchen's eyes lifted instantly, replaced with a gentle smile. The atmosphere around him softened.
Dinner passed in an easy, pleasant mood.
Afterward, Gu Kai returned to the hospital, taking a packed meal for Wen Ran's brother, and left the evening to her and Mo Xiuchen.
On the way back, Wen Ran received a call confirming the suppliers would arrive the day after tomorrow.
At home, Mo Xiuchen's phone rang. He told her to shower first while he took the call in the living room. The moment Wen Ran disappeared up the stairs, the warmth in his expression faded into a sharp, icy focus.
"As long as we can shut down his factory, a little loss is nothing."
"Don't worry. Wu Tianyi won't recover from this. Once his pharmaceutical plant collapses, his construction business will go under too."
On the phone, a confident voice echoed. It wasn't just Zhou Mingfu behind the herbal medicine crisis—Wu Tianyi had also played a key role.
Wen Ran only knew Zhou had made a deal with the suppliers. She didn't yet know the true mastermind.
Mo Xiuchen had discovered Wu Tianyi's involvement in the MS Group's pharmaceutical scandal—a ploy orchestrated by Xiao Wenqing. That could only mean Wu Tianyi and Xiao Wenqing were closely tied.
There were even deeper secrets still to uncover.
But for now, this much was enough to make Wu Tianyi pay dearly.
Mo Xiuchen hadn't told Wen Ran about Wu Tianyi. He didn't want her to worry. If he spoke of it, it would be to Wen Jin.
"Keep a close eye on Wu Tianyi. See if he meets with Xiao Wenqing."
A glint of cold determination flashed in his eyes. Digging into old secrets wasn't a task to be completed in a day or two—he knew this well. And he would not let go of even the faintest lead.
"Understood."
Just as he ended the call, another came in—this one from Wen Jin.
Seeing the name flash across the screen, Mo Xiuchen's eyes darkened. He hadn't contacted Wen Jin yet, which meant Wen Jin had likely learned something on his own.
He pressed "accept" and answered coolly, "Hello?"
"Mo Xiuchen, I need information on someone."
Wen Jin didn't waste words.
"Who?"
Mo Xiuchen narrowed his eyes. A name flickered through his mind—Wu Tianyi.
Sure enough, Wen Jin's voice came through, cool as an autumn breeze.
"Wu Tianyi. Do you know him?"
"Yes," Mo Xiuchen replied, sinking into the leather sofa, one leg casually crossed over the other. His tone was calm, but inside, his thoughts whirled.
Why was Wen Jin asking about Wu Tianyi?
Had he uncovered something too?