Before Wen Ran could respond, Xu Shi’an spoke first: “Of course she was happy. We even ran into brother-in-law, though he chased after his secretary before we even finished our meal.”
He recounted the day’s events matter-of-factly. Si’s mother was momentarily stunned, then glanced at Wen Ran’s expression before saying, “It must have been some urgent work matter they needed to handle.”
“I know that secretary working under A’Yan isn’t competent. I’ll have someone replace her tomorrow.” Si’s mother took Wen Ran’s hand and said, “Don’t worry about these things, Ranran. You’re my favorite.”
Her meaning was clear – she would handle this matter, so Wen Ran needn’t concern herself with it.
Thinking about her disappointing son, Si’s mother felt quite angry. She had already spoken to him last time about cutting ties with Ruan Tang completely. She never expected Si Yan would only pay lip service to his promise. Since that was the case, he couldn’t blame her for being ruthless.
Si’s mother glanced at Xu Shi’an. She had heard previously that he didn’t get along well with Wen Ran – he hadn’t even attended their wedding. But now it seemed that wasn’t entirely true. At the very least, anyone with eyes could see he was here today to back Wen Ran up.
Wen Ran nodded obediently. “Thank you, Mom.”
How wonderful. With Si’s mother involved, any problems between Ruan Tang and Si Yan couldn’t be blamed on her. This was what you called transferring conflict.
The original host had always gotten caught in the middle, which somehow made those two feel like they were comrades fighting a common enemy, as if theirs was the true love story. This time, Wen Ran would let them carry on their affair without interference. She wanted to see if their relationship was truly unbreakable.
Hearing this, Xu Shi’an could only think Wen Ran was hopeless. Was she really so easily pacified by Si’s mother’s few words?
“Oh? Brother-in-law still isn’t back?” Xu Shi’an first looked around the living room, then provoked: “I never knew the Si Family Rules were so strict, even regulating what time people should return home. But it seems these rules only apply to women.”
Si’s mother could only force an awkward smile. “A’Yan must be working overtime. He’ll be back later.”
“Is that so?” Xu Shi’an walked over and sat on the sofa. “Perfect timing – there are matters regarding our collaborative project I need to ask him about. I’ll wait here for his return.”
Wen Ran understood that he knew Si Yan wouldn’t be returning tonight, so he was deliberately trying to embarrass Si’s mother.
Si’s mother had no response. Since Xu Shi’an was both Wen Ran’s family member and their company’s business partner, she certainly couldn’t kick him out. She could only make an excuse to leave, then went to call Si Yan.
Once Si’s mother was gone, Wen Ran said to Xu Shi’an: “Alright, that’s enough from you.”
“What?” Xu Shi’an asked. “Are you kicking me out?”
“I never said that. Sit if you want.” Wen Ran added: “The family chef makes excellent late-night snacks. If you’re hungry, you can ask someone to prepare something for you.”
After speaking, she went upstairs to wash up. Wen Ran had no interest in sitting downstairs with him the whole time.
…
Wen Ran thought Xu Shi’an would leave on his own before long. When she came downstairs and saw the man still there, she felt puzzled. Was he really going to wait here until Si Yan returned?
This wasn’t like him at all. Wen Ran saw the man half-lying on the sofa. She called Xu Shi’an’s name several times but got no response, thinking he had fallen asleep.”Why are you sleeping here?” Wen Ran walked over and shook the man’s shoulder, only to hear him groan in pain twice.
Noticing something was wrong, Wen Ran crouched down and asked, “What’s wrong with you?”
The man turned his face sideways and whispered to her, “It hurts.”
Seeing Xu Shi’an’s pale face with one hand pressed against his stomach, Wen Ran recalled he had been drinking during dinner that afternoon.
She immediately asked, “Is your stomach hurting?”
The man nodded slightly, clearly in too much pain to speak.
Serves you right! I warned you not to drink!
But Wen Ran refrained from making sarcastic remarks and quickly went to find Lin Hao to examine him.
It was already late at night, and most of the Si family servants had retired, so Wen Ran had to carry him herself, managing to get him lying on the bed first.
Though Xu Shi’an didn’t look particularly heavy or muscular, he was quite difficult to carry due to his height.
Breathing heavily after settling him down, she waited until Lin Hao arrived. After receiving an injection of some kind, Xu Shi’an’s complexion improved noticeably within moments. He could open his eyes now, his consciousness somewhat clearer.
He heard Wen Ran ask Lin Hao, “Doctor Lin, what’s wrong with my brother?”
“The specific condition requires President Xu to get checked at the hospital,” Lin Hao said. “If he has stomach issues, he should avoid spicy foods and absolutely refrain from alcohol.”
“Alright, I understand. I’ll make sure to take care of him in this regard going forward.” After seeing Lin Hao out, Wen Ran returned to the room.
Noticing Xu Shi’an watching her, she walked over and sat by the bed, asking, “How are you feeling now?”
Xu Shi’an still lacked the strength to speak—the pain had been so intense he could barely stand earlier—so he simply shook his head in response.
Seeing this, the woman angrily poked his forehead lightly with her fingertip and said, “See if you’ll still drink in the future!”
The man continued shaking his head. This time the pain had truly been severe; otherwise, he would never have let Wen Ran see him in such a wretched state.
Xu Shi’an glanced around the room and noticed a photo of Si Yan and Wen Ran by the bedside, realizing this was their marital bedroom.
Seeing him frown, Wen Ran immediately asked with concern, “Is it hurting again?”
Before Xu Shi’an could respond, she placed her hand on his stomach and began gently massaging it.
The slight pressure from her hand and her soft massage technique felt soothing, making the pain less distinct as the woman’s chattering voice drifted into his ears.