Chapter 34: Returning Home with a Guilty Conscience

Late at night, moonlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting mottled shadows across the living room of Wen Wan'er's home.

Wan'er pushed the door open gently, trying her best not to make a sound. She tiptoed inside, her hand groping along the wall for the light switch. However, at that very moment, the living room lights suddenly flickered on, casting her silhouette clearly against the floor.

"Hiss," she drew in a sharp breath.

"Hmm."

A voice came from the second floor. Wen Yun'an, dressed in pajamas, stood by the railing with a stern expression, watching Wan'er below. He shook the remote control in his hand with a look of resignation, then turned and headed back to his room.

Wan'er put her hands on her hips, just about to speak, when her peripheral vision caught a man and a woman sitting on the sofa directly opposite her.

The man wore a light gray pinstriped suit, his forehead slightly balding, his hair slicked back. With gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, he looked refined and dignified. Beside him, the woman wore a cream-colored dress, her hair pinned up with a claw clip, revealing a petite face. She wore a look of slight anger, staring fixedly at Wan'er.

Wan'er’s heart skipped a beat as she instantly recognized them as her parents, Wen Kai and Wu Xi.

Sensing trouble, she immediately put on a sunny smile, hoping to diffuse their scrutiny. "Dearest Mother and Father, why aren't you resting so late? Why are you sitting here on the sofa?" She walked over to them, her voice sweet yet tinged with panic.

Wu Xi frowned at her words, a note of reproach in her tone: "Wan'er, how can you be so unreliable? We bought tickets to come back today precisely so the family could have a meal together. But you? We waited until late at night, and what’s more, your phone was turned off! You just vanished!"

Wen Kai chimed in, "Exactly. You’re being very disrespectful, child. If you weren't coming back for dinner, you should have just told us, instead of letting your parents wait for hours." Though his tone was stern, his eyes betrayed a hint of indulgence.

Wan'er shook her head immediately, looking innocent. "I really got busy this afternoon and lost track of time. Look, I’m back now, aren't I?" As she spoke, she rummaged through her bag for her phone. After pulling it out and pressing the buttons frantically, she realized the screen remained black and wouldn't turn on.

She looked up with an awkward smile. "Oh, it's out of battery. Hehe, you see, I really didn't do it on purpose."

Watching her innocent act, the anger in Wu Xi’s heart dissipated slightly, but she remained serious. "Wen Wan'er, you aren't a child anymore. It's a good thing your brother was keeping an eye on you, or who knows what kind of trouble you’d have caused."

Wen Kai added, "That's right, Wan'er. We know you’re busy with work..."

Wan'er nodded repeatedly, then scurried toward the stairs as if fleeing for her life. "Goodnight, Mother and Father! I'm exhausted, I’ll make it up to you tomorrow—I'll treat you to a big meal!"

Watching her hurried retreat, Wen Kai and Wu Xi exchanged a helpless smile.

Back in her room, Wan'er quickly locked the door, as if afraid her parents might follow, and shut herself in. She pricked up her ears, listening intently to the movements outside; every tiny sound made her nervous. Only when the footsteps outside faded into the furthest room and silence reclaimed the house did her heart finally settle.

She walked to the bed and pressed the power button on her phone. The screen lit up, reflecting her slightly weary but beautiful face. She quickly sent a text to Wen Yun'an: "Why didn't you tell me Mom and Dad were still awake? If I’d known, I wouldn't have come back. Hmph, mean brother."

After sending it, she sighed softly and set the phone aside. She then grabbed a silk nightgown from the closet and walked lightly toward the bathroom. She turned on the faucet, the warm water washing away the day's exhaustion. Steam filled the room, beads of water rolled down the glass door, and the warm yellow light of the bedroom illuminated her graceful silhouette.

After her shower, Wan'er emerged with a towel wrapped around her hair. She picked up her phone to check for a reply, but there was none. "What a jerk, not even replying. See how I deal with you tomorrow!" She pouted, muttering a curse at her brother, then sent a message to Wanru: "Is everything normal at the hospital?"

The reply came back quickly: "Things are not looking good. I haven't had a chance to message you yet, but that beast He Lingfeng used inhumane methods on Miss Yun. She has lost consciousness. However, it shouldn't be life-threatening. I am guarding her here and will report any changes immediately."

Seeing the reply, Wan'er's heart tightened. She dropped her phone and rushed to the closet to change into a coat. Then, she went to Wen Yun'an’s door and knocked softly.

The sound of slippers shuffling came from inside, and the door opened to reveal a sleepy-eyed Wen Yun'an. He had clearly just fallen asleep and been startled awake by the knocking. He rubbed his eyes and asked, "What are you doing so late? Don't tell me you're here to interrogate me in person?"

Wan'er looked at him pleadingly, her voice anxious. "Brother, Ya is in danger. The nurse called to say her condition has taken a turn for the worse. I have to go to the hospital. Please explain things to Mom and Dad tomorrow, okay? If they find me gone in the morning, they’ll be furious!"

Wen Yun'an crossed his arms, looking impatient. "Doesn't the Yun family handle Yun Qiuya's affairs? Besides, she's been in a coma for three months; her condition isn't exactly optimistic. You’re running to the hospital every day—what kind of deep bond do you two even have?"

Wan'er looked anxious, glancing repeatedly at the time on her phone, unable to explain in detail. "Brother, Ya is worth it. She is my friend, and I can't just stand by while she is in danger. Please believe me, and please understand."

Watching her anxious face, her damp hair draped over her shoulders, Wen Yun'an felt a slight stir of empathy. He sighed helplessly. "Fine, go. I'll explain to Mom and Dad. But remember, you must stay safe."

Wan'er nodded gratefully. "Thank you, brother. I will be careful." With that, she turned and hurried down the stairs, disappearing into the stairwell.

Wan'er rushed to the hospital and pushed open the door to the intensive care unit, where Wanru was anxiously keeping watch by Yun Qiuya's bedside. Qiuya lay motionless on the hospital bed, her face pale, completely unconscious.

"What exactly happened?" Wan'er walked over to Wanru, asking softly about Qiuya's condition.

Wanru replied, "Although Miss Yun has lost consciousness, her vitals are relatively stable. I have performed initial treatment and arranged for further tests; results will be out tomorrow."

Hearing this, the heavy stone in Wan'er's heart lifted slightly.