Against the Light - Chapter 146
Chapter 146: Warm Up the Bed
On the live stream's bullet comments, Gu Xinran's fans, who had been fiercely arguing with Gu Xinyuan's fans, suddenly went silent. For a moment, the screen was empty. The next second, it was flooded with "Ahhhhs."
【Ahhh, Teacher Bai!! Teacher Bai has appeared! She's here to defend Xinran, right? She must be, sob sob sob, I'm crying.】
【Ahhh, sisters, manly tears are flowing. The moment I saw Teacher Bai, I suddenly felt like all the grievances of the past few days were worth it, sob sob sob.】
【Ran Zai, what's wrong with you? Your wife came to stand up for you with a baby bump, and where are you? Where are you? Where are you!!】
【Sob sob, someone has finally shown up. We don't have to stay silent anymore, right? Sob sob.】
【I've been waiting for this moment for so long, ahhh!! Teacher Bai, I love you!!!】
【? Who is this pregnant woman?】
【Bai Yilan, Gu Xinran's wife.】
【? I'm gonna puke. Does this couple have any shame? Causing trouble at someone else's recording. Are they sick?】
【?? Pregnant woman? Do Gu Xinyuan's fans know how to write the word 'class'? A bunch of ill-bred things with no manners. :)】
【While your master was still seething with jealousy in some corner, our couple was winning awards left and right. You little trash, ptooey.】
The argument in the comments was exceptionally fierce. Yilan's appearance was like breaking a seal; a large number of Gu-Bai fans suddenly flooded the live stream, frantically debating with Gu Xinyuan's fans. They crushed their opponents not only in numbers but also in sheer presence.
Bai Yilan knew nothing of this. At that moment, she was sizing up the group of young women before her one by one.
Her elegant brows suddenly arched slightly. She had found her target and immediately walked over gracefully.
Bai Yilan stopped in front of the crowd. The young women seemed to know her purpose. The people around Gu Xinyuan unconsciously shifted to the left and right, leaving Gu Xinyuan exposed.
The moment Gu Xinyuan met her gaze, her confidence deflated by half. She looked toward the director at the side.
The director was dumbfounded. When he saw a woman in professional attire with an outstanding presence following not far behind Bai Yilan, he was completely stunned. Although he had never met her in person, he had seen her in a photograph in the investor's office. That was the assistant who was always by the great Shi Qing's side!
How could a minor director like him dare to speak?
Yilan carefully examined the girl before her. A piece of gauze covered her right eye. Her eyes and brows looked quite similar to Xinran's, but her mouth was different. The corners of her lips turned downward, giving her a perpetually bitter expression, and her eyes were always flickering evasively.
Noticing that she was being watched, the girl widened her eyes and blinked, feigning innocence. It made Bai Yilan feel a wave of nausea. Such beautiful eyes, just like Xinran's, were completely wasted on her.
As Bai Yilan was thinking, she suddenly frowned, feeling the little one in her belly getting a bit restless. She secretly patted her stomach.
Be good, baby. Mommy will get justice for you right now.
"You are Gu Xinyuan?" Bai Yilan's eyes were calm, her tone gentle.
"What do you want?" Gu Xinyuan asked warily.
Bai Yilan smiled and glanced back at the dozen or so doctors in white coats standing behind her.
"I heard that some people believe it was Xinran's fans who shone a laser pointer in your eye at the scene, causing your vision to be damaged and your eye to have problems. Is that correct?"
Gu Xinyuan's expression stiffened, her face changing several times. "It's in the past, I don't want to pursue it anymore. I just want to focus on the competition now. I did not imitate Gu Xinran; this is my own style. I know you two hold a high position in the industry. I hope you can be magnanimous."
"You might have misunderstood." Bai Yilan smiled softly.
"As of now, who did this is no longer important. No matter how we explain, there will always be people who think it was Xinran's fans. I can't be bothered to waste my breath on something that can't be explained clearly. The most important thing right now is your eye. You are still very young. If your vision is truly affected by something like this, wouldn't that be a great pity? So this time, I brought a few ophthalmology experts to help you with an examination. If there are any problems, we can treat them promptly. We must not let it affect your future life. I will cover all the expenses, so you can rest assured."
Gu Xinyuan was slightly taken aback. She looked at the people behind her and inadvertently swallowed.
"Thank you for your concern, but it's not necessary."
Bai Yilan stared at her fixedly. Seeing her avert her gaze, her smile deepened.
"I think, even if it's for your fans, for those who care about and defend you, letting the experts examine you is perfectly reasonable, isn't it?"
"I said it's not necessary. We're in the middle of a competition. Could you please leave?" Gu Xinyuan's attitude was exceptionally firm as she glared at Bai Yilan.
Bai Yilan remained unmoved, meeting her gaze.
【Oh my god, oh my god, I'm so worried this Gu Xinyuan is suddenly going to push Teacher Bai!! She's pregnant!!】
【Teacher Bai, be careful! Don't stand so close to her!!!】
【Is Bai Yilan sick? The person doesn't want it, yet she insists on forcing an examination? You just hurt her, and now you show up with doctors. Who knows what you're planning? Who would let you examine them?】
【? Do you know what an ophthalmology expert is? Do you know that doctors have professional ethics? Do you know where the term 'angels in white' comes from? Do you think so many experts would conspire to frame your idol? They'd throw away their careers to do something so conscienceless? You think everyone is like your idol? Judging a gentleman by your own petty standards, ptooey.】
【Are all of Gu Xinyuan's fans paranoid? You believe her when she says she's blind, but you don't trust doctors when they offer to check. I give up. Please don't see a doctor when you get sick in the future. Just light a stick of incense for your idol and be done with it.】
【LMAO, this piece of trash doesn't dare to get checked. Feeling guilty, are we? Still gonna play the victim?】
【Wait, sisters, let's not argue for a moment. The third person from the left, Dr. Zheng, is a real expert in the field. I saw him for my eyes before. He's incredibly hard to book and very famous at the eye hospital! The fact that Teacher Bai could invite him shows she's really sparing no expense.】
【Not just him!! The Dr. Liu next to him is super professional too!!】
"Don't push people too far," Gu Xinyuan said resentfully.
"Hm?" Bai Yilan looked puzzled. "Did you misunderstand something? I just invited some experts to examine you. I have no intention of bullying you. If you're really unwilling, then forget it."
"However, in the future, if there are any more problems with your eye, this debt can't be blamed on Xinran, can it?" Bai Yilan's eyes curved, her smile exceptionally beautiful.
Gu Xinyuan looked at her, a trace of unwillingness flashing in her eyes.
【Is this person sick? She thinks she can clear her name with just one sentence?】
【? If you don't want your eyes, you can donate them to someone in need. Teacher Bai has so many professional doctors standing behind her, waiting to treat your sister. Your sister herself refuses and even speaks ill of them, okay? What, from the sound of it, if your sister goes blind in the future, you're just going to insist on blaming Xinran?】
【What kind of morons are Gu Xinyuan's fans? I'm speechless.】
【Teacher Bai came to solve the problem with a baby bump. You're not grateful, and you even say she's trying to clear her name. I'm seriously going to puke.】
In the comments, the debate grew more intense, while a small, unexpected incident occurred on set.
"Why not get it checked? If you're injured, isn't it good to get an examination?" a contestant nearby asked in a low voice, not understanding.
"Shh, don't talk."
"I find it strange too. They even brought the doctors here. What's the harm in getting it checked? Besides, you might not even be able to get an appointment with these doctors on your own."
"Exactly~"
"Are you people crazy? If you like getting checked so much, go get checked yourselves," Gu Xinyuan said angrily.
【??? What's with this girl's temper?】
【Damn, that bitch Gu Xinyuan actually yelled at my idol? Is my sister someone you can just yell at? Have some shame, okay?】
【My god, this person really doesn't know what's good for her. Someone shows concern, and she yells at them. So self-important. What a piece of work! ptooey.】
【Sorry, sorry, our sister was just anxious. Apologies to the other sisters. We should be united against the outsiders right now. C-position fans can't have internal strife! Everyone, wake up!!】
【Hehehehehe, your sister yells at someone, and you tell that person's fans not to have internal strife. What a double standard.】
Gu Xinran's fans seized the opportunity to fan the flames, instigating infighting among the fans of the various C-position contenders.
"If you're really hurt, you should get it checked. The finals are coming up. Don't let this delay the competition."
"It's not fake, is it…?" Someone muttered in a low voice, and the atmosphere instantly became extremely awkward.
【Hahaha, it seems your sister's internal group isn't very united.】
【'It's not fake, is it…' Savor that sentence, really savor it. It means these people have long been suspicious of Gu Xinyuan's shady tactics, they just haven't exposed her.】
【Victim-playing confirmed? Imitation + victim-playing = Gu Xinyuan. Disgusting [Vomit].】
【Hahaha, so satisfying. Teacher Bai is awesome!】
【Sigh, I still hope she gets checked by a doctor. That would be solid proof. After all, Gu Xinyuan's fans are generally young. In the current situation, they won't understand what's happening.】
【Hahahaha, the sister above speaks the truth.】
"Well? Do you want to clear your name?" Bai Yilan looked at Gu Xinyuan.
Gu Xinyuan's hands were clenched into tight fists, her eyes filled with a soaring hatred, no longer bothering to pretend.
Bai Yilan looked directly into her eyes, her expression calm, but inwardly, she could barely restrain the urge to hit her.
"Scram," Gu Xinyuan growled in a low voice.
Her voice was very low, and most people didn't hear it, but those standing next to her heard it clearly. They looked at her in surprise, and some even took two steps to the side, afraid of getting involved in this trouble.
Seeing her flustered and exasperated, Bai Yilan smiled.
Is this all it takes for her to run out of countermeasures? Did I overestimate her?
After a moment's thought, she sighed helplessly. "In that case, I'll take my leave. This matter ends here. If your fans don't learn to behave, just wait to receive a letter from my lawyer. After all, how does that saying go? The idol pays for the fans' actions."
Bai Yilan turned, saw the experts Auntie Ye had invited, and bowed to them with an apologetic look. "I'm so sorry for taking up your precious time."
Bai Yilan had only taken a few steps when she suddenly heard footsteps behind her. A chill ran down her spine. She stopped and turned to look. It was Gu Xinyuan, who had chased after her for two steps before stopping for some unknown reason. Now, she was staring at her with extreme malice, a look that sent a shiver down one's spine.
Everyone nearby was stunned. No one knew what Gu Xinyuan intended to do by chasing after her.
Ye Nan was so frightened that she quickly ran to her side, looking at Gu Xinyuan with a guarded expression.
Bai Yilan and Gu Xinyuan stared at each other from a distance. After a long moment, the corners of Bai Yilan's lips lifted slightly. "You lay a finger on me and see what happens," she said, uttering the first truly threatening words of her life.
Gu Xinyuan's face was full of indignation. Suddenly, her gaze shifted past Bai Yilan, and her face instantly turned pale.
Bai Yilan frowned and turned around, bumping into a warm, soft embrace. She immediately ducked her head, coughed lightly, and took a small step back, offering the newcomer a sweet smile.
Mindful of the people around them, Gu Xinran didn't scowl. She wrapped an arm around Bai Yilan, protecting her, and shot a glance at Gu Xinyuan.
Without saying a word, she turned and walked away with Yilan in her arms.
【Ahhh, Ran Zai is so cool! I love this hug!!】
【??? What was Gu Xinyuan trying to do just now by chasing after her? Start a fight??】
【Damn, I was actually scared by Gu Xinyuan's glare just now. It was terrifying. For a moment, I thought she was going to hurt Teacher Bai. Scared me to death, ahhh!!】
【Quickly take Teacher Bai home and protect her. This woman is too scary!! Thank goodness Xinran arrived in time, ahhh.】
【My god, look at her eyes. She keeps staring at Xinran and Teacher Bai. What kind of expression is that? Can any experts analyze it?】
【Me, me, me! I've been studying micro-expressions recently. That's classic jealousy. Her eyes are practically glowing red.】
【My heart aches for Ran Zai, being targeted by such a weirdo. It's so scary. Can the Heart Entertainment team please protect Ran Zai and Teacher Bai properly!!!】
【Is this her true self revealed? Gu Xinyuan's fans? Is this your pure, kind, and adorable sister? Is it?】
Gu Xinran escorted Yilan back to the car, her face immediately turning dark.
Knowing she was in the wrong, Bai Yilan sat obediently in the car, not daring to look at her. She tried to pull her hand back, but Xinran held it in a death grip.
"I was wrong," Bai Yilan admitted in a low voice, still not daring to look at Xinran.
Gu Xinran ignored her, but her breathing was extremely heavy. She was truly scared. Recalling the things Gu Xinyuan had done to her when they were children, she knew this woman was bad news. Jealousy could turn her into a demon. If Gu Xinyuan hadn't stopped just now and had instead rushed out and pushed Yilan…
She couldn't dare to imagine the consequences!
Gu Xinran closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm herself, but found she couldn't calm down at all. She was terrified, utterly terrified.
Terrified of losing Yilan, terrified of losing Xiao Ye.
"Have I been spoiling you too much?" Her tone was uncharacteristically icy.
Bai Yilan was startled and quickly looked up at her. In two lifetimes, she had never heard Xinran speak to her in such a tone. She instantly grew flustered and shook her head. "Xinran, I just wanted to get justice for you and Xiao Ye."
Gu Xinran didn't respond.
Ye Nan said her goodbyes to the experts and arranged for someone to send them back. Only then did she get into the car. As soon as she got in, she noticed the extremely low pressure inside. Usually, she only felt this kind of low pressure around President Shi. She never expected Xinran to be like this when she was angry.
"Fasten your seatbelts, we're leaving," Ye Nan said, glancing in the rearview mirror.
Hearing this, Gu Xinran turned to help Yilan fasten her seatbelt first, then fastened her own. But she didn't look at Yilan the entire time. After buckling up, she turned her face to the window on her side and stared outside.
Ye Nan frowned slightly and glanced at Yilan, who was looking at Xinran with pleading eyes, a far cry from the confident and assertive woman who had just stood up for her.
She shook her head helplessly.
"Xinran, don't blame her. She was just worried about you. Seeing so many people slandering you online, how could she not be upset?"
"Or try to see it from her perspective. If those people were insulting Yilan, wouldn't you be upset? Wouldn't you want to stand up for her?"
After Ye Nan finished speaking, she heard no response. The person didn't even lift an eyelid. It was unclear if she had heard anything at all.
Ye Nan was out of ideas and couldn't persuade her further. After all, she had also participated in this matter. When she got home, who knew how that old woman would scold her. The thought made her mood plummet. She drove slowly, as if trying to delay facing Shi Qing for as long as possible.
Throughout the journey, Gu Xinran didn't say a word, lost in her own thoughts.
Bai Yilan was now anxious, extremely anxious. Xinran had never been truly angry with her, ever.
She tried to take Xinran's hand. Xinran didn't resist and let her hold it, but she gave no response. Normally, she would have shamelessly snuggled up and asked for a hug by now.
Bai Yilan didn't dare to do anything else, just quietly held her hand.
What was bound to happen would happen. No matter how much Ye Nan didn't want to face Shi Qing, when she saw the call from her, she didn't have the courage to press the hang-up button.
She answered the call with a trembling hand.
"Get your ass back here!" Shi Qing's roar echoed through the entire car.
Bai Yilan flinched violently, terrified by the shout, all the imposing presence she had when facing Gu Xinyuan gone.
"On… on the way. We'll… we'll be… home… soon." Ye Nan couldn't help but stutter.
As soon as she finished speaking, the call was disconnected.
A bead of sweat trickled down Ye Nan's temple, and her back was instantly soaked. She swallowed nervously. Bai Yilan also unconsciously sat up straighter, clearly tensing up.
Before long, they arrived home. When they got out of the car, Gu Xinran pushed open her door and got out directly. She turned her head and found that the other two hadn't moved, so she walked around to their side, opened their doors, and coldly told them to get out.
The elevator was terrifyingly quiet. Ye Nan could even hear her own heart pounding. For a moment, she felt like her heart was going to leap out of her chest. She was so nervous that her hands and feet were cold, and her scalp was numb.
Bai Yilan wasn't much better. What made her even more upset was that no matter how she tried to hold Xinran's hand, Xinran wouldn't respond, making her feel extremely uneasy.
With a "ding," the elevator doors opened.
Ye Nan closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and silently told herself that what was coming would come, and there was no escaping it. It was better to face it calmly. Mustering her courage, she walked over and opened the apartment door.
The moment she pushed the door open, she saw a figure on the sofa. Before she could see clearly, she felt Shi Qing's piercing gaze shoot over. She shivered and forced herself to walk over.
"Sister Qing, I was wrong. It's my fault today. I take primary responsibility."
"If something had happened to Yilan, how would you have taken responsibility!" Shi Qing slammed her palm on the table. The crisp, loud slap made Ye Nan flinch and close her eyes.
"Don't you know your own condition? How many more people have to worry sick about you?" Shi Qing then turned to Yilan, her tone just as harsh.
Yilan lowered her head and bit her lip. "Mom, I know I was wrong. Before I give birth, I'll stay at home obediently and won't go anywhere." She quickly made a promise.
"I-I-I, I'll definitely watch her closely and not let her go anywhere," Ye Nan also hurriedly said.
"Mom, please calm down first." Seeing Shi Qing so angry, Gu Xinran could no longer remain silent.
"Ultimately, this matter is my fault. If I had been able to resolve these things sooner, Yilan wouldn't have gone to stand up for me." Gu Xinran walked in front of the two, bowed slightly to Shi Qing, and said apologetically.
Yilan watched her back from behind, the tip of her nose tingling as she bit her lip.
"You two go back to your room first," Shi Qing glanced at them, signaling for them to leave.
Ye Nan was completely panicked, desperately trying to signal them with her eyes to help her. Under Shi Qing's intense gaze, the two had no choice but to obediently return to their room.
In the room, Bai Yilan had just stepped inside when Gu Xinran followed her. As soon as they were in, Bai Yilan turned and hugged Xinran.
"Don't be angry anymore, okay?" She nuzzled against her neck, her voice soft and light, as if trying to please her, or perhaps begging.
"Go change your clothes first." Gu Xinran didn't directly answer her request. Although her tone was no longer as icy as it had been in the car, her flat attitude still made Yilan feel a strong sense of unease. Not daring to hesitate, she obediently ran to change into her loungewear and stood before Xinran, looking anxious.
"Xinran?"
"You haven't slept all day, have you? Go rest for a while."
Bai Yilan glanced at the bed. "Then you…"
Gu Xinran walked to the bed and sat down. "I'll stay with you."
Bai Yilan obediently lay down on the bed, leaning against her embrace. She closed her eyes, but her heart was racing with panic, and she couldn't fall asleep.
At dinner, the table was unusually quiet, even frighteningly so.
Ye Nan put some food on Shi Qing's plate, but Shi Qing didn't eat it. It was returned to the serving dish just as it had been served.
"Sister Qing, you… eat some vegetables, don't just eat rice." Ye Nan tried to strike up a conversation with Shi Qing, but it was a complete failure. She could only turn her attention to the others.
"Yilan, you too, eat more vegetables. You need to supplement your nutrition right now."
"Mm," Yilan responded, but didn't move.
Gu Xinran placed two slices of carrot in her bowl.
Yilan looked troubled. Stir-fried carrots were her least favorite dish, though she quite liked them raw.
"Eat it." Gu Xinran, of course, knew she didn't like it. She just said those two simple words and nothing more. Normally, she would have at least coaxed her a little.
Yilan bit her lip and obediently ate the vegetables.
Seeing this, Gu Xinran gave her two more slices.
Yilan said nothing and continued to eat.
Gu Xinran glanced at her and stopped giving her carrots, instead giving her some bamboo shoots, which she liked.
Guessing that her appetite was about at its limit, Gu Xinran didn't force her to eat anything else.
What should have been a warm dinner ended hastily in such a cold atmosphere.
Bai Yilan came out of the bathroom after her shower, wearing only a bathrobe.
Gu Xinran looked up and saw her round, bulging belly. A soft light flashed in her eyes. She stood up, got a towel, and helped her dry the moisture from her hair.
"Go to sleep."
Bai Yilan looked at her with mournful eyes.
"Can you not be so cold to me?"
"I did something wrong. You can scold me or yell at me, but don't give me the cold shoulder."
Gu Xinran was slightly taken aback. Seeing her slightly reddened eyes, her heart trembled.
"If you have something to say, say it. Don't let it linger overnight."
"I was wrong today. I will change. Believe me."
Hearing Yilan speak so sincerely, Gu Xinran was moved. She stroked her hair and gently hugged her.
"I was very angry. Even now, I'm still very angry," Gu Xinran said.
"I…"
"But more than that, I was scared."
"Gu Xinyuan is not a good person. No one knows what crazy things she might do. Imagine if she had rushed out and pushed you today…" Gu Xinran took a deep breath.
"She's the same kind of person as Bai Yiyue. They are consumed by jealousy, dark and ugly. You already suffered at Bai Yiyue's hands once. This time, you really shouldn't have been so impulsive."
"I know you wanted to stand up for me, and I'm grateful for that sentiment. But if something had really happened to you because of this, how could I face you? How could I face Xiao Ye?"
"Don't say any more, Xinran. I was wrong." Recalling the time she was pushed down the stairs, Bai Yilan instantly felt a wave of delayed fear. If something had really happened to Xiao Ye because of this, she… she couldn't imagine!
Seeing Yilan's face turn slightly pale, Gu Xinran realized she was truly scared. She pulled her into her arms and gave her a warm, comforting hug.
The moment she was embraced by Xinran, Bai Yilan let out a soft sigh of relief, finally feeling enveloped by Xinran's love again.
"I was also at fault in this matter," Gu Xinran said.
Bai Yilan shook her head.
"Actually, Qu Qi and I had already discussed a plan to deal with Gu Xinyuan. I just never told you because I wanted you to rest and not worry about these trivial things. If I had told you earlier, you wouldn't have gone to find her."
"What?"
"We actually have a lot of dirt on Gu Xinyuan already, we just didn't want to release it yet. She hasn't climbed high enough to warrant us going to such lengths to deal with her. Qu Qi's original plan was to let her develop for now. When she reaches a high position and has everything, we would then expose her character and her dark history, pulling her down from her pedestal and turning it all into a fleeting dream." Gu Xinran also held a grudge against this person for having hurt Xiao Ye in the past and had silently approved of Qu Qi's insidious plan. Everything had been going well, but she never expected Yilan to make the first move.
Bai Yilan frowned. Hearing this, she instantly felt like she might have messed things up.
"Did I make things worse?"
"No, it's fine. We were going to expose her character sooner or later anyway. Just… don't let there be a next time, okay?"
"Okay, there won't be," Bai Yilan promised with a serious expression.
"Ready for bed?" Gu Xinran asked.
"Mhm."
The two lay on the bed, Gu Xinran placing her arm under Yilan's head as a pillow.
Bai Yilan closed her eyes, secretly glancing up at her from time to time.
"What is it?" Gu Xinran sensed her movement and turned to look at her.
"Nothing, it's nothing." After speaking, she turned away and closed her eyes.
Gu Xinran stared at her profile for a while. Before long, she indeed saw her secretly turn to look at her again.
"What's really going on? Is there a flower on my face?" Gu Xinran turned on her side to hug her, her eyes curving as she asked with a smile.
Seeing her smile, Bai Yilan couldn't help but smile back. "It's nothing now."
"Hm?" Gu Xinran paused for a moment, then it dawned on her. She realized this was the first smile she had shown since picking Yilan up today. So she had been worried that she was still angry with her.
At this thought, Gu Xinran didn't hold back her smile. She leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Good girl, I'm not angry anymore. You don't have to be so cautious."
"I shouldn't have been angry with you today, shouldn't have given you the cold shoulder. It was my fault. I apologize, okay?" Gu Xinran gently rocked her and stroked her belly, her voice as soft as could be. Recalling her own cold expression today, it must have looked awful.
Bai Yilan bit her lip, not opening her eyes. She was so moved by Xinran's gentle words that she couldn't speak, afraid that if she opened her eyes, tears would uncontrollably stream down.
From the moment she returned today, she had been on edge. In both her past and present lives, Xinran had never given her the cold shoulder like this. Even when she was angry with her, it would pass in an instant. More often than not, she was just pretending to be angry.
Never before had she been so terrified and uneasy as she was today.
It wasn't until this moment, with Xinran whispering softly in her ear, that her anxious heart finally felt like it had landed back on solid ground.
Gu Xinran propped herself up and kissed her belly. "I'm sorry, Xiao Ye. Did Mama scare you today? Be good, Mama isn't angry with you two anymore. Mama was just too worried about you today. You haven't even seen how beautiful this world is yet. Mama was really so afraid of losing you. I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
"If you accept Mama's apology, then be good and don't move around, okay?" After speaking, Gu Xinran tilted her ear, held her breath, and listened carefully.
Bai Yilan let out a soft laugh. "You timed that perfectly, knowing she's asleep right now, didn't you?" She opened her eyes and looked at Xinran.
Xinran's face broke into a smile.
"Ouch, she kicked me," Bai Yilan suddenly said, clutching her stomach.
"Stop it, you're lying." Gu Xinran tapped her nose, her eyes filled with doting affection.
"Hurry up and sleep. You can't stay up late." Gu Xinran looked up at the wall clock. It was already eleven-thirty. She quickly urged Yilan to sleep.
Yilan nodded. Just as she closed her eyes, she opened them again. "Mom seemed really angry today."
"Yeah, I could tell. She even slammed the table." Thinking of Shi Qing slamming the table, Gu Xinran also felt a little scared.
"Then Auntie Ye…"
Gu Xinran also frowned and shook her head. "You can barely take care of yourself, so don't worry about her. It should be fine by tomorrow, right?"
At this moment, Ye Nan, the object of Yilan's concern, was still pacing anxiously in the living room.
Seeing that the light in Shi Qing's room was still on, she wanted to go in several times to urge her boss to take care of her health and rest early. But every time she reached the door, she chickened out. It wasn't that she was a coward; she was just scared, purely scared.
Now, she had crept to the door again, her hand raised to knock. But her raised hand felt as if it were being held by an invisible force, unable to fall.
Ye Nan lowered her head and sighed heavily. Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly heard a cough from inside. Instantly, she forgot everything else and, almost as a reflex, pushed the door open.
"Sister Qing, are you okay?" The words of concern slipped out subconsciously.
Shi Qing coughed a few more times before feeling slightly better. She looked at her with confusion.
Seeing that Shi Qing's face was red from coughing, Ye Nan was extremely worried. Just as she was about to walk over, she saw water stains on the table and a water glass next to it with droplets running down its side. Shi Qing also had a drop of water at the corner of her mouth. Ye Nan paused her steps and deduced that this person had probably choked while drinking water.
"Who let you in?" Shi Qing said with a cold face.
"I… I heard you coughing and thought you… I was worried about you!" Ye Nan said anxiously.
Hearing this, Shi Qing glanced at her, then turned to face the desk and continued working.
"It's almost twelve. Why don't you rest early? Can I handle this work for you?" Ye Nan asked.
Shi Qing didn't respond, continuing to browse through emails and reports.
Ye Nan sighed inwardly and tiptoed to the desk, helping her clean up the water stains. Her peripheral vision caught sight of her left hand, and she paused slightly.
After cleaning up, Ye Nan didn't disturb her and quietly left.
Shi Qing's finger, which was scrolling the mouse, paused. She turned to look toward the doorway, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
As she was looking, she suddenly saw a figure and immediately retracted her gaze, looking back at the computer.
Ye Nan tiptoed back in and squatted down beside Shi Qing.
Shi Qing ignored her.
Ye Nan carefully reached out and tugged on the sleeve of Shi Qing's left hand.
Shi Qing noticed and glanced at her. "What is it?"
"Uh, nothing. You go on with your work. Could I borrow this hand for a moment?" Ye Nan flashed a beautiful smile.
"?" Shi Qing was slightly taken aback and followed her finger to look at her own left hand.
"It won't delay your work, just for a second!"
Seeing that Shi Qing didn't resist, Ye Nan directly took her left hand, opened her palm, and saw that it was bright red and clearly still swollen.
Ye Nan frowned, took out a spray from her pocket, sprayed some on her palm, and then gently rubbed it for her. "You know, if you're angry, you can just scold me a bit more. Why did you have to slam the table? It looks painful."
As Ye Nan spoke, she blew on her hand. "Does it hurt?"
Shi Qing was completely stunned. Feeling the warmth of her little assistant's palm moving on her own, a string in her heart seemed to suddenly loosen.
"This slap was originally meant for you," Shi Qing huffed.
"…?" Ye Nan's expression froze. She looked at her hand and silently swallowed. "Then next time, you should probably just hit the table. I'm not as durable as a table." She decisively admitted defeat.
"There's a next time?" Shi Qing's eyes widened.
"No, no, no, I was just saying. There won't be a next time, really, really. You can trust me, I swear on my four fingers!" Ye Nan raised her right hand, making a gesture for the number four.
Shi Qing let out a soft laugh, amused by her.
Ye Nan looked up at her. Seeing her smile, she couldn't help but grin foolishly along with her. "Boss, you look so beautiful when you smile. You should smile more when you have time, don't always be so fierce."
The moment she said this, she saw her boss raise an eyebrow. Her expression visibly cooled, the smile vanished, and her eyes began to radiate a murderous aura again.
"Okay, okay, you look beautiful no matter what. When you smile, you're very gentle. When you have a straight face, your presence is amazing, so cool and regal!" Ye Nan frantically dished out compliments.
Shi Qing glanced at her, wanting to pull her hand back.
"Hey, hey, don't move. Let me rub it a bit more so the medicine can be absorbed. It should be fine by tomorrow morning." Ye Nan carefully rubbed it for her again. Only when the medicine was completely dry did she let go.
"Rub it a bit more. It feels quite comfortable," Shi Qing said, not retracting her hand.
"But the medicine is already dry."
"Then spray some more," Shi Qing glanced at her disapprovingly.
"…Okay." Ye Nan was completely bewildered by this big boss's shifting expressions, from gentle to stern, and could only obediently follow orders.
She sprayed some more medicine for Shi Qing and rubbed it for a while. Just as she was about to pull her hand away, Shi Qing suddenly made a fist, trapping her fingers.
The little assistant was startled and blinked at her.
"Do you know why I was angry today?" Shi Qing looked at her with a burning gaze.
"Be-because… I indulged Yilan in running out and causing trouble, and she almost got into an accident." After speaking, Ye Nan swallowed nervously.
"No."
"???" The little assistant was baffled. She thought about it again. Could it be because she didn't give her routine dose of flattery today? But hadn't she just praised her…
"You need to be on the same page as me," Shi Qing said earnestly, clutching her hand.
Ye Nan looked into her eyes and pondered her words. She had specifically emphasized the word 'me.' Did she mean that because she took Yilan out today without telling her, she wasn't on the same page, that she was keeping secrets from her, and that's why she was so angry?
"Understand?" Shi Qing asked.
Ye Nan nodded numbly. "I understand. Don't worry, from now on, if Yilan makes any move, I will report it to you immediately. I will never hide anything!" The little assistant patted her chest and guaranteed it, absolutely certain that she had gotten her boss's meaning this time!
Shi Qing rubbed her forehead. It seemed she had only understood the surface meaning. Was I not clear enough? Should I be more direct?
"Boss, it's really late. Please rest. Can we talk about whatever it is tomorrow?" Ye Nan glanced at the time again and urged her.
Shi Qing stood up and walked toward the bathroom. "I'm going to take a shower now. I'll be out in twenty minutes."
Hearing this, Ye Nan breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, then you go ahead. I'll go back first. Goodnight, Sister Qing."
"You."
Ye Nan paused and turned to look at her. "Huh?"
"Go warm up the bed for me." After saying this, Shi Qing turned and entered the bathroom, not giving her another glance.
"Oh." Ye Nan dazedly walked to the bed. She had one knee on the bed when she suddenly froze. The next second, she practically flew off the bed!
"???" Her face was a giant, bolded question mark!
"B-B-B-Boss, our… our employment contract… doesn't… doesn't have this clause, does it???"
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