By the time Zhou Mingfu received the news, it was already too late.
While Wen Ran was meeting with a few herbal medicine merchants in Wen Jin's hospital room, Zhou Mingfu tried to call them, but all three calls were cut off.
Though hospitalized, Wen Jin remained well-informed about the pharmaceutical factory's affairs. He spoke with the merchants for nearly half an hour, the conversation flowing pleasantly.
At ten in the evening, Wen Jin asked Li Qian to escort the guests back to their hotel and kept Wen Ran behind for a private talk.
Qin Mu and Gu Kai, discerning as ever, tactfully gave them space. They retreated to Gu Kai's office, asking Wen Ran to call them when the conversation was over.
With visible concern, Wen Jin said gently, "Ranran, you've worked so hard."
If only he were in good health, she wouldn't have had to entertain those merchants. Recalling how Zhou Mingfu's call had just been coldly dismissed, his brows knitted ever so slightly as he warned her with unease, "Be cautious these next few days. Zhou Mingfu is bound to make a move."
"Brother, are you really planning to return to the company tomorrow? I can take care of those things too."
Wen Ran didn't want him to push himself while still unwell.
"I should go," Wen Jin replied with a soft smile. "I can't let you shoulder everything alone."
It wasn't just concern for her well-being; he feared that if Ranran handled everything, Zhou Mingfu's resentment toward her would only grow. Better that the man direct his anger at him instead.
Wen Ran shook her head and said, "I haven't done much. It's really thanks to Mo Xiuchen and Brother Gu. Without their help, those merchants would never have offered us such a good deal — they'd have surely seized the chance to fleece us."
At the mention of Mo Xiuchen, a flicker of something passed through Wen Jin's eyes. As if in passing, he remarked, "Ranran, it seems you're getting along quite well with Mo Xiuchen."
Seeing the joy lighting her features eased some of his worry, yet it also stirred a deeper, unspoken emotion within him.
Wen Ran beamed. "Brother, Mo Xiuchen isn't as cold and heartless as people say. He's truly good to me — you don't have to worry."
Her smile reflected in Wen Jin's dark eyes, leaving him with a bittersweet feeling. A tender curve formed at the corner of his lips, yet his voice held a faint trace of worry. "He may treat you well, but he could also bring you danger. Ranran, Mo Xiuchen's situation isn't much better than ours."
To the outside world, he was the heir of MS Group and soon to be the newly appointed president. But in truth, peril surrounded him. Xiao Wenqing's covetous gaze remained fixed on the Mo family fortune. Although Mo Zixuan seemed indifferent now, there was no guarantee he wouldn't join the fray someday.
More crucially, Xiao Wenqing wasn't acting alone — there were powerful forces behind her, whispering in her ear.
Wen Jin felt torn. He wanted Mo Xiuchen to cherish Ranran with genuine affection — the same way he did. But he feared that very devotion would only place her in harm's way.
The forces behind the scenes might not be limited to Wu Tianyi. During the time he secretly monitored Zhou Mingfu, he overheard disturbing truths. Piecing things together now, it seemed Xiao Wenqing had been among those who once plotted Ranran's demise.
Wen Ran noticed the change in her brother's expression and mistook it for concern that Mo Xiuchen might hurt her. She offered a soft smile and tried to soothe him. "Brother, since I've married Mo Xiuchen, I'm prepared to share both joy and hardship with him. Even if danger comes, I trust he'll protect me."
"You've fallen for him, haven't you?"
A faint shadow passed through Wen Jin's gaze before his warmth returned. His voice, though calm, carried a trace of melancholy.
Wen Ran's eyes flickered as she replied evasively, "My greatest wish now is to uncover who killed our parents and hurt you. Everything else pales in comparison."
"Silly girl," Wen Jin said with affection, holding her hand tightly. "Leave the revenge to me. What I want most is for you to live a joyful, peaceful life. If you're happy, that's all I need."
Touched, Wen Ran clasped his hand in return, her voice filled with emotion. "Then let's both be happy, brother. Once you recover, help me find a sister-in-law."
Wen Jin's expression changed slightly. He lowered his gaze, avoiding the light dancing in her eyes, and gently shifted the topic. "It's getting late. You should head home and rest."
Wen Ran pouted in mock annoyance, releasing his hand. "You always dodge the topic when I bring up finding you a partner! Well, you have no choice now. Mom and Dad aren't here anymore — that means you have to listen to me. Once you're discharged, I'll start scouting!"
Wen Jin couldn't help but smile at her playful indignation. His heart softened, and he relented, "Alright, once I'm out, everything will be up to you."
At the very least, he'd need another two to three months before leaving the hospital. In that time, he had to find solid evidence against Zhou Mingfu. And as for Mo Xiuchen — Xiao Wenqing would surely grow impatient and act soon.
If, when that time came, Mo Xiuchen could eliminate Jin Ji and give Ranran the peaceful future she deserved, then nothing else mattered.
No matter what desires stirred in his heart, he would never act on them. From the moment Wen Ran became part of their family all those years ago, his fate had been sealed — he was destined to be her brother, nothing more.
Wen Ran's face lit up with delight. "You said it! Don't go back on your word. Trust me — I'll find someone perfect, someone you'll like."
Wen Jin nodded with a gentle smile, glanced at the time, and urged, "Go now, or Qin Mu will be getting anxious."
Just as he finished speaking, Wen Ran's phone rang.
She pulled it out and glanced at the screen. For a moment, her expression froze. From the hospital bed, Wen Jin noticed and asked softly, "Who is it?"
Wen Ran smiled lightly. "It's Mo Xiuchen. He had something to deal with after we left the hotel — I didn't expect him to finish so soon."
Wen Jin glanced toward the door. "Then go. He's probably downstairs to pick you up."
Wen Ran nodded and left the room. Only then did she answer the call. "Hello?"
"Ranran, are you still in the hospital room?"
"I just stepped out. You've finished your business?"
As she spoke, she walked down the quiet corridor. Only her footsteps echoed in the silence of the night.
"I just arrived at the hospital. I was coming up to get you."
She heard the car door shut through the phone — Mo Xiuchen must've just gotten out. Wen Ran smiled and declined gently, "No need to come up. Wait for me downstairs — I'm on my way."
"Alright."
Someone nearby greeted Mo Xiuchen, and he paused to respond before ending the call.
Wen Ran took the elevator down. As the doors opened, she pulled out her phone to call Qin Mu — he and Gu Kai were still waiting in the office, and she couldn't leave without letting them know she was heading back with Mo Xiuchen.
Just as she dialed, a hurried voice rang out from the stairwell behind her. "Miss Wen! Mr. Wen sent me to find you — he said there's something urgent he forgot to tell you!"