“It’s over… Will I… never see her again?”
The metallic smell of blood from Tao Anhe, mixed with the biting cold wind, assaulted Miao Zhu’s nose. Jiang Jingjing lunged over, her bloody palm smearing across Miao Zhu’s coat.
Miao Zhu felt sealed shut like with a massive piece of tape—her vision blackened, her chest tightened, and her stomach churned violently.
“How could you not see her? You’re fine!” Jiang Jingjing roared into Tao Anhe’s ear to keep her conscious.
“Tao Anhe, stay strong. It’s just a photo; it doesn’t matter,” Miao Zhu said, fighting suffocation and the physiological nausea rising in her throat. Her rigid, trembling arms tightly encircled Tao Anhe. “I can sign more—lots and lots. When Wu Yueran comes back, bring her to meet me. I’ll treat you both to dinner, an amusement park, movies—anything you want.”
…
In the hospital emergency observation room thick with the smell of disinfectant, that blood-soaked signed photo curled in Miao Zhu’s palm, the writing blurred. She stared down at it. “Is the surgery done? Jingjing, Tao Anhe will be okay, right?”
“She’ll definitely be fine!” Jiang Jingjing stood opposite her, still shaken. Her right hand was wrapped in bandages; she waved her uninjured left hand, cursing the culprit vehemently.
At the same time.
“Your sister was in the audience at the time and didn’t confront the attacker directly. Miss Miao has a minor abrasion on her back, which has been properly treated. Additionally, due to the shock, she’s experiencing some somatic responses like chest tightness, dizziness, and vomiting, so we recommend 24-hour observation. We’ll conduct further checks to rule out any latent stress-related effects and provide targeted psychological counseling.” Even though the receiving nurse had already explained the situation over the phone, the attending doctor meticulously described it again to Mu Shanyi.
Mu Shanyi paused outside the observation room. Through the open door, she caught sight of Miao Zhu’s figure.
Only upon seeing Miao Zhu safe and sound with her own eyes did Mu Shanyi truly relax.
Hospital executives who had rushed over upon hearing the news wanted to push the door open for her, but Mu Shanyi raised a hand to stop them.
“I’d like to know about that student’s treatment plan. I heard my sister requested your best surgeon?” Mu Shanyi’s heart still bore traces of tension; her gaze lingered reluctantly on Miao Zhu.
“Yes, the child has organ rupture—it’s critical. If President Mu wants details, please come to the observation area outside the OR so we can explain fully.”
“Thank you.” Mu Shanyi stood a moment longer before forcing her gaze away. The group escorted her to the emergency surgery area.
The emergency building blazed with lights at night, as medical staff and patient families hurried to and fro. The executives seized the moment to mention their latest wellness center project. Mu Shanyi’s steps slowed; Sheng Xingran was approaching from the other end of the corridor.
Meeting Mu Shanyi here, at this time, Sheng Xingran walked steadily, showing no surprise.
She handed the convenience store bag she was carrying to Xie Dasu, who was with her. It contained toiletries, fresh milk, and snacks. “Take this to the observation room for Longlong first.”
The executives tactfully stepped aside. “President Mu, we’ll wait ahead for you.”
The corridor’s stark white LED lights made it bright as day.
Sheng Xingran hadn’t seen Mu Shanyi in nearly three weeks; their last meeting had been at Jinyuan listening to opera. For the first time, she stared unwaveringly at the person before her.
Her sister.
The long black coat outlined her tall, graceful figure, her exceptionally superior features, and that eternally refined, elegant demeanor.
If Mu Shanyi wanted something, few could compete with her.
Sheng Xingran’s heart twinged as if pricked, a surge of fierce competitiveness and possessiveness flooding her mind:
“Sis, Longlong encountered an incident right after her performance tonight. The attacker was a student who’d been held back, seeking revenge on the school. I was panicked at the time, but thankfully Longlong’s fine. Tao Anhe wasn’t so lucky; she’s still in surgery.”
“Oh, Tao Anhe was the school liaison for Longlong’s music festival and got along well with them.”
“Sis, thanks. Your name carries weight here at the hospital. Did they notify you? Sorry to drag you out so late—we’re both okay.”
“By the way, have you seen Longlong?”
“If Longlong knew she’d troubled you, with her personality, she’d probably be quite flustered.”
Mu Shanyi listened quietly, then said: “Good that you’re all right. I’m going to check on that student.”
“For Tao Anhe, this is a stroke of luck amid misfortune—having your attention means the hospital will do everything to save her.” With a life hanging in the balance, Sheng Xingran naturally showed no smile. “But what’s wrong with your voice? It’s so hoarse. And your face looks pale. Sis, are you unwell?”
Even as she expressed concern, she maintained the same expression as before, making her worry seem more like scrutiny.
“I’m fine.” Nor did she feel like chatting further with Sheng Xingran. Mu Shanyi stepped slightly aside, making way.
“You’re going to look after Longlong. She is my fiancée; she needs me.” The words slipped out of Sheng Xingran’s mouth. “Sis, have you heard this? ‘What you almost lose, you cherish even more.’ After tonight, Longlong and I will treasure each other more.”
Mu Shanyi turned to look straight at her. Sheng Xingran thought she might say something, but she didn’t.
Mu Shanyi nodded, lightly patted Sheng Xingran’s arm, and walked past her.
The footsteps faded away, and Sheng Xingran stood in place until the sounds behind her completely vanished.
The phone clenched in her palm vibrated nonstop; the screen was filled with messages from Li Zi. Seeing no reply from Sheng Xingran, Li Zi followed up with calls one after another.
This time, Sheng Xingran answered.
Li Zi launched straight into the video, her voice shrill with excitement. Sheng Xingran cut her off.
“Did I say I wanted to know?”
“Don’t get so invested in my affairs.”
“And I’m completely uninterested in you. Don’t contact me again.”
Sheng Xingran gave Li Zi no chance to respond. She hung up, swiped right to delete the chat and the video she’d never opened, then blocked all of Li Zi’s contact methods.