"Young Master, I've always followed your instructions to the letter. If you told me to head east, I wouldn't dare cast a single glance westward."
Xiao Liu remained skeptical of the young master's words, suspecting he was merely toying with him. But after watching that enigmatic smile through the rearview mirror for a few moments, an uneasy feeling crept in. Suddenly, a rare moment of insight dawned on him. "Young Master, don't tell me you want me to deal with that woman Cheng Jia again?"
Mo Xiuchen responded only with a faint, inscrutable smile.
Along the main road to Kangning Hospital, three vehicles glided forward at an even pace.
The herbal medicine merchants sat in a business van, accompanied by Li Qian. Qin Mu rode in Gu Kai's car. Before departing, Luo Haofeng had mentioned needing to speak with Wenran, so she ended up in his car.
"You said earlier you had something to tell me—what is it exactly?"
Sitting in the passenger seat, Wenran looked calmly at Luo Haofeng, who always seemed to be in high spirits—a man who clearly knew how to enjoy life.
He glanced at her and smiled. "It's something amusing. I'm not seeking your opinion—just informing you in advance."
A flicker of surprise passed through Wenran's eyes, but she asked casually, "What kind of amusing matter?"
Whatever it was, it most likely concerned her—or at least someone close to her. Otherwise, Luo Haofeng wouldn't bother sharing it.
His devilishly handsome face curled into a wicked grin. "Do you remember that woman named Linda, whom you and Bai Xiaoxiao encountered at the boutique yesterday?"
Wenran's brows knitted slightly in confusion. "I do. What about her?"
"She's meeting her future in-laws tomorrow—none other than the parents of Xiao Yuting, Bai Xiaoxiao's former fiancé. I've been rather bored lately, so I thought I'd have a little fun—reveal Linda's true colors to them and let her dreams of marrying into wealth shatter spectacularly."
As he spoke, the gleam of mischief in Luo Haofeng's eyes intensified. Just picturing Linda's pallid face when she could no longer justify herself—and the stark contrast with her usual haughty demeanor—delighted him to no end.
Wenran's mouth twitched. This man truly had a peculiar sense of entertainment. Still, she found herself agreeing with him. She had no interest in meddling between Linda and Xiao Yuting, but Linda's cutting words to Xiaoxiao yesterday had truly infuriated her.
Xiao Yuting had broken off his engagement with Xiaoxiao for Linda, likely because he'd been blinded by her charms and never glimpsed her true nature.
A smile bloomed in Wenran's eyes. With evident interest, she said, "Go ahead. I can't stand Linda either. If she really marries into the Xiao family, I can only imagine how condescending she'd be toward Xiaoxiao."
Luo Haofeng laughed heartily, glancing at her with surprise. "I heard from Xiuchen that you're gentle and pure, but it seems you have a rather unkind side too. Since you're interested, I'll send you a complimentary copy of the footage."
"You've got video? You know where they're meeting?"
Clearly, he was well acquainted with G City.
Raising a confident brow, Luo Haofeng said smugly, "Of course I do. Otherwise, how could I orchestrate this? Just wait and enjoy Linda's humiliated expression."
Wenran's gaze sharpened as she looked at him intently. "Why this sudden interest in Linda? Don't tell me—you've fallen for Xiaoxiao?"
"Pfft. Like her? I'm neither blind nor foolish. Why would I fall for that sharp-tongued little vixen? Didn't she say back in F City that she gave me her first kiss? There are girls lined up around the block hoping to do the same. Still, if she thinks she lost out, I'll return the favor—this evens the score."
Wenran's lips twitched again. What kind of logic was that?
And the way he boasted without blinking—claiming girls who wanted to give him their first kiss lined up for miles—was ridiculous. Even if it might be true, hearing it from him made it sound like he was belittling Xiaoxiao. As her best friend, Wenran naturally found it grating.
"Whatever your reasons, if it makes that insufferably arrogant woman suffer some embarrassment, it's a cause for celebration."
She smiled half-heartedly.
Luo Haofeng narrowed his laughing eyes and suddenly asked, "Do you know where Xiuchen went instead of joining us at the hospital?"
Wenran blinked, slightly thrown by the change in topic. After staring at his oddly amused expression for a few seconds, she looked away. "No idea."
"I've got good news to tell you. Now... should I spoil it with a bit of bad news?"
There was no mistaking the mischief in his tone and expression. It made Wenran quietly brace herself.
Outwardly, she remained composed. "As you wish."
Whether he spoke or not—it didn't matter.
Just that afternoon, Mo Xiuchen had made her promise to trust him, and she intended to honor that promise—unless he truly betrayed her.
Seeing her lack of interest, Luo Haofeng clicked his tongue in disappointment. Still, he volunteered the answer: "I heard Cheng Jia invited Xiuchen to dinner at her place. He dined with you earlier, then headed over there."
Wenran's hand in her pocket clenched slightly.
A faint shift of emotion flickered across her pale, delicate features, but it vanished quickly. With a calm expression, she asked, "What's so strange about him visiting Cheng Jia?"
Luo Haofeng was briefly stunned into silence.
Based on his experience with women, revealing that Xiuchen was with Cheng Jia should've triggered jealousy. Yet Wenran, this girl, was different. She even countered him with such an indifferent tone.
"Well, perhaps it's not strange. But Xiuchen is a man, and Cheng Jia has long been infatuated with him. I heard she even drugged herself once, hoping to seduce him. Aren't you worried he won't make it out unscathed?"
Wenran frowned slightly but remained unmoved. "If you can anticipate that, so can he. Luo Haofeng, if you're interested in Cheng Jia, feel free to take Xiuchen's place. No need to stir the pot with me."
"You think I'd fall for Cheng Jia? Please, don't insult my character."
Luo Haofeng snorted. "I'm just here to enjoy the show."
Then, suddenly realizing what he'd said, he glared at her in mock indignation. "Wenran, you're too cunning! You tricked me into revealing my plan!"
Wenran chuckled, completely unbothered. "You're giving me too much credit. You slipped up on your own. Now go catch up with Gu Kai's car. I'll get out here—you enjoy your drama."
Luo Haofeng's irritation instantly evaporated. He laughed. "Wenran, you're so considerate. Since you're worried about Xiuchen, I'll check up on him for you."
With that, he stepped on the accelerator and sped off.
Wenran frowned faintly, turning her head away in disinterest.
After overtaking Gu Kai, Luo Haofeng honked twice and pulled over. Gu Kai's car followed suit.
Wenran stepped out, walked to the front of Gu Kai's vehicle, and opened the back door without waiting. "Luo Haofeng wanted to chase some excitement, so I got out."
"He can't sit still for a second," Gu Kai said with a faint smile. "What kind of show is he chasing this time? Didn't Xiuchen ask him and Qin Mu to accompany us to the hospital?"
Mo Xiuchen was supposed to have them escort Wenran home, especially since he'd be officially taking over the company as its new president the next day. With Xiao Wenqing continually stirring up trouble, Xiuchen had dealt with everything so far, but he still feared she might lash out—and target Wenran.
His visit to Cheng Jia was meant not only to teach her a lesson but also to divert Xiao Wenqing's attention for another strategic move.
Wenran smiled indifferently. "Maybe he finds hospitals boring. He'd rather be where the women are."
Qin Mu narrowed his eyes. "Did he go to see Xiuchen?"
Wenran looked at him. Gu Kai's expression darkened slightly, his frown betraying disapproval.
"So, you all knew Xiuchen went to Cheng Jia's?" Wenran asked, voice calm, without a trace of anger.
A flicker of awkwardness crossed Qin Mu's face. "It's not what you think."
"What do I think?" she asked, blinking innocently.
Qin Mu was never good at explaining things—usually cold and quiet like Mo Xiuchen himself.
Gu Kai stepped in gently. "Ranran, Xiuchen went to Cheng Jia's because she upset you this afternoon. He's standing up for you. He brought Xiao Liu along—he wouldn't see her alone. If things go as planned, Cheng Jia might end up with Xiao Liu."
Wenran stared at Gu Kai in surprise. From where she sat, she could only see his handsome profile and the soft curve of his smile.
After digesting his words, she finally said, "Xiao Liu is such an honest guy. Is he really suited for Cheng Jia? Even if something happened between them, she'd never accept someone like him."
After all, Cheng Jia's heart was set on Mo Xiuchen.
"Just because she doesn't want to doesn't mean it won't happen. If she's left with no way out, wanting or not won't matter."
Gu Kai knew Mo Xiuchen too well. For Cheng Jia to end up with Xiao Liu was mercy. If not for her limited usefulness, Xiuchen wouldn't have spared her.
Wenran said nothing more. She didn't know what Xiuchen's full plan was, nor how it would turn out—but hearing that he wouldn't be alone with Cheng Jia put her heart at ease.
Qin Mu, now upright, turned his gaze to the night ahead, knowing Gu Kai's explanation had calmed her.
Late at night, a black business vehicle slowly pulled up in front of an apartment building.
In the driver's seat, Xiao Liu unbuckled and reached for the door. From the back came Mo Xiuchen's calm yet commanding voice:
"I'll wait downstairs. You go up alone. If Cheng Jia asks, tell her I'm entertaining an important client and couldn't get away—didn't want to keep her waiting, so I sent you ahead."
Though his dark complexion masked his expression, Xiao Liu's silence betrayed his reluctance.
Sensing it, Mo Xiuchen smiled faintly and softened his tone. "Xiao Liu, you're still a virgin, aren't you? Don't hold back—do whatever you feel like. If you're not satisfied afterward, I'll clean up the mess."
In other words—just treat Cheng Jia like one of those women.
Xiao Liu flushed—Mo Xiuchen had hit the mark. He'd never been with a woman. And Cheng Jia, aside from being attractive, had little else to offer.
"Go on. Do just as I told you."
Mo Xiuchen waved him off, suppressing a laugh.
Xiao Liu reluctantly nodded and trudged toward the building as if heading to an execution. Soon, his tall figure disappeared up the stairwell.
In the van, Mo Xiuchen lit a cigarette, a cold smile playing on his lips as he dialed a number.
Upstairs—
Cheng Jia sat in growing disappointment when the doorbell suddenly rang.
Her dim eyes lit up. She glanced at the locked security door, took two pills from the drawer, dropped them into two glasses of warm water, drank one, and went to open the door.
At this hour, it could only be Mo Xiuchen—no one else.
"Mo Shao, you…" Her voice trailed off.
The joy on her face was instantly replaced with confusion and frustration. Standing at the door was Xiao Liu.
Cheng Jia frowned, barely restraining her irritation. "Xiao Liu? Where is Mo Shao? Why didn't he come?"
Even Xiao Liu was startled by the sight of her.
Last time, when the drugs kicked in, he had dumped her in a bathtub for a cold soak. But she hadn't looked as provocative as she did now.
His gaze briefly flicked to her chest before quickly averting. He stepped inside coolly. "Mo Shao is with a client and couldn't get away. He sent me to let you know, so you wouldn't worry. By the way, do you have any water? I'm parched—I left in a hurry."
Cheng Jia had wanted to stop him from coming in, but hearing it was Mo Xiuchen's order, she held back. She just wanted him to drink and leave.